So I tried Fender Elite jazz basses today...

[joebar]

They are expensive- until you look at the fender boutique clones...
Then, they look like a bargain.

 

[toowrongfoo]

There is nothing wrong with you (OP) they are not worth the coin imo.

 

[toowrongfoo]

Here's what people want:

-Playability. Pick up an old Fender and it plays great. Pick up a MIM, it plays good. Pick up an Elite and it's like "wth?"
-Sound. I should sound like an old friend in tone sense.
-Price. I'm tired of really run-of-the-mill basses with huge price tags.
-Listen to you customers, and not the CEO :lol:

Or, keep doing what you are doing and hope for the best.

 

[Vic]

Here's what people want:

-Playability. Pick up an old Fender and it plays great. Pick up a MIM, it plays good. Pick up an Elite and it's like "wth?"
-Sound. I should sound like an old friend in tone sense.
-Price. I'm tired of really run-of-the-mill basses with huge price tags.
-Listen to you customers, and not the CEO :lol:

Or, keep doing what you are doing and hope for the best.

FWIW, i've picked all those variations up and been very pleased with the Elite, would never consider it run of the mill (at least IMHO/IME), and i evaluate each instrument based on how it feels/sounds when i play it. what people tell me or what i read is only supplementary input. my fingers/ears are the final judge.

 

[bdplaid]

They are expensive- until you look at the fender boutique clones...
Then, they look like a bargain.

Pardon me for saying it again, but not so with G&L.

 

[pigpen1]

I just wish fender would make a jazz with 14 inch or greater neck radius, and make their neck joints better. They sound cool, but I've never been really confortable playing any of my jazzes, or any others.

 

[Bill Bohlen]

I did a little play-testing at GC too - the Elite Jazz bass had far better fretwork and a smoother neck than the Pro or the Standard. It seemed like very slightly better tone possibly due to upgraded pickups and electronics. But $1000 better? Not to these old ears.

 

[bdplaid]

I just wish fender would make a jazz with 14 inch or greater neck radius, and make their neck joints better. They sound cool, but I've never been really confortable playing any of my jazzes, or any others.

I agree, and it's one of the reasons I went with G&L - one can order a 12" radius.

However, for guys that already have an Elite, one can buy a replacement neck with up to a 16" radius that's lightweight, has true graphite rods, with their choice of wood, through USACG. I no longer recommend Warmoth because their necks are heavy, expensive, the radius is not selectable, and every time I have an issue with their work I get the runaround: "Sorry, that's within our spec."

 

[pigpen1]

I agree, and it's one of the reasons I went with G&L - one can order a 12" radius.

However, for guys that already have an Elite, one can buy a replacement neck with up to a 16" radius that's lightweight, has true graphite rods, with their choice of wood, through USACG. I no longer recommend Warmoth because their necks are heavy, expensive, the radius is not selectable, and every time I have an issue with their work I get the runaround: "Sorry, that's within our spec."

Agreed. Currently looking for a flatter neck for my jazz basses. Found the same thing with warmoth as far as radius options. Will check out USACG
I wish Fender (and other makes of "affordable" MIA basses) would embrace "moden spec, vintage look."

 

[bdplaid]

Agreed. Currently looking for a flatter neck for my jazz basses. Found the same thing with warmoth as far as radius options. Will check out USACG
I wish Fender (and other makes of "affordable" MIA basses) would embrace "moden spec, vintage look."

G&L went so far as to design the MJ, meaning "Modern Jazz". It addresses a lot of issues that guys have with the old vintage-style Jazz basses.

 

[Lesfunk]

I've never played and active Fender that I've really liked

 

[pigpen1]

G&L went so far as to design the MJ, meaning "Modern Jazz". It addresses a lot of issues that guys have with the old vintage-style Jazz basses.

Would love to get my hands on one to try. Unfortunately in this area, its Fender, Fender, Fender or Ibanez. One shop I can think of has Lakland, MM and Ricks.

 

[pigpen1]

G&L went so far as to design the MJ, meaning "Modern Jazz". It addresses a lot of issues that guys have with the old vintage-style Jazz basses.

Looks like standard radius on those is 9.5 too. I'm guessing you gotta order custom?

 

[pigpen1]

I've never played and active Fender that I've really liked

I like the MIM active Fenders better thant he Elites, to be honest.

 

[bdplaid]

Looks like standard radius on those is 9.5 too. I'm guessing you gotta order custom?

Apparently so, but it's easy and I recommend ordering the bass custom. I did and got exactly what I wanted - 12" radius, quartersawn - for less than the price of an Elite. And mine weighs 7.4 lbs. The only thing I think isn't perfect about the neck is I think the edges could have been rolled a little more.
Contact Rocket Music. They know the ins and outs of ordering. They make it easy. @RocketMusic

 

[Lesfunk]

I like the MIM active Fenders better thant he Elites, to be honest.

Actually that reminds me. I remember trying the Jazz 24 a few years ago. I really liked that bass.
Were they active?

 

[bdplaid]

I've never played and active Fender that I've really liked

I had a MIM Deluxe that sounded kinda cool, but because of the pickups and electronics sounded nothing like a jazz bass. I ended up getting rid of it because it had neck and fret issues.

Would love to get my hands on one to try. Unfortunately in this area, its Fender, Fender, Fender or Ibanez. One shop I can think of has Lakland, MM and Ricks.

I doubt you'll ever find one in a store. As I said earlier about @RocketMusic , they have a large stock and give you a couple of days to try it out before returning it. Otherwise order one. Honestly, It's like a Fender Custom Shop for half the price.

I like the MIM active Fenders better thant he Elites, to be honest.

So do I, but even so, they don't have the passive jazz mojo.

 

[pigpen1]

I had a MIM Deluxe that sounded kinda cool, but because of the pickups and electronics sounded nothing like a jazz bass. I ended up getting rid of it because it had neck and fret issues.



I doubt you'll ever find one in a store. As I said earlier about @RocketMusic , they have a large stock and give you a couple of days to try it out before returning it. Otherwise order one. Honestly, It's like a Fender Custom Shop for half the price.



So do I, but even so, they don't have the passive jazz mojo.

Agreed on almost all points.

I just want a damn jazz bass with a flat fret board. For me personally, I don't see the need for any curvature at all.

 

[pigpen1]

Apparently so, but it's easy and I recommend ordering the bass custom. I did and got exactly what I wanted - 12" radius, quartersawn - for less than the price of an Elite. And mine weighs 7.4 lbs. The only thing I think isn't perfect about the neck is I think the edges could have been rolled a little more.
Contact Rocket Music. They know the ins and outs of ordering. They make it easy. @RocketMusic

Something to consider for sure. Weight, for me, doesn't really matter. 90% of my decision these days is based on playability.

I'll probably always keep one fender Jazz around, just because my wife bought it for me, but that's about it.

 

[bdplaid]

Agreed on almost all points.

I just want a damn jazz bass with a flat fret board. For me personally, I don't see the need for any curvature at all.

Do you play classical guitar? ;-) I like a little curve, 10" is OK, but 16" is perfect for me. As I said, USACG can make that happen. If you can get ahold of Tommy at USACG, he might be able to make even flatter for you. They are FAR more accommodating than Warmoth.

Another option: What about getting a loaded body only from some place like Stratosphere, and getting the neck separate?