Thinking about getting a 5 string Jazz...

[_Some Dude]

I'm thinking about getting an active Fender Jazz V. I currently play passive Jazz 4 strings.

Any opinions on the Jazz V? I'd like a 5 string. I really wanted a Stingray but after trying them I just couldn't get into them. After experimenting with with various basses around town I keep preferring the sound of a J. I've never owned an active bass, so it's a bit of a leap for me.

Any preference for active vs passive with a 5 string?

Differences in sound between the MIM Deluxe vs MIA Elite?

Thanks!

 

[garp]

Haven't played the Elite yet, but did play an MIM Deluxe Active Jazz V a few weeks ago. It's quite nice, especially now that they've added an active/passive switch. I've had the 4-string version for many years now – ended up adding a Hipshot Xtender rather than going with a V.

Some ardent naysayers will argue that Fender's B string is inferior on account of its 34" scale, but that's a highly subjective call.

Additionally, some folks will suggest that if your budget is more in the range of the MIM, you should check out the Sire V7 line, as its active EQ is apparently rather good.

 

[eJake]

I got an American V with active electronics. I don't love it. I don't like the blend knob instead of individual pickup volumes. I also am not sure what folks see in active electronics. I already have an eq on my amp. The sound man has eq on the board why do I need a third one? Truthfully I still play my MIM passive 4 string on all my gigs. It wasn't broke I guess...

 

[JGbassman]

I have an American Standard passive from 2011 and love it. One of my favorite basses. I looked at the deluxe when I got my standard, and chose it due to a problem they were having with the active electronics.

I love mine.