Fender Jazz Bass: Player vs Performer vs Professional vs Ultra - What are the Differences?

[@ToddTheJoker]

I am a drummer who plays guitar who has also played bass who loves to watch these videos. I hope that made sense anyway you guys are great and you do great demos.

[@reanavision7896]

The american professional II sounds amazing, you can really hear the step up from the performer

[@trenken]

I cant hear much of a difference lol

[@cravecave505]

I hope you will never stop (again) making these infotaining Videos together! I like your sense of humor & the ton of delicious tones out of your fingers.

[@MrSparks54]

Due to the fact I was a kilobuck short of the American Ultra Jazz, I opted for the Player Plus in aged candy apple red. Absolutely love it. Of course I prefer the Ultra but it's over $1000 more. Thanks guys!

[@Jerry_Fried]

I live in Corona, CA. The joke is that you can get a Fender made in Mexico by Mexicans or you can get a Fender made in America by Mexicans.

[@bryantwalley]

Sometimes it’s even the same person making both.

[@xiaoxia5]

good point.

[@f3uibeghardt522]

Hahaha, yep. And there's probably more Whites working in the Mexican plant than there are in the American factory.

[@TonyPuleo1]

Lol hard to argue

[@timkbt]

What’s the difference between a Fender made in the USA and one in Mexico? About 50 miles. 😂

[@boomer5231]

I now have the Dark night jazz. I have to say for me it’s the best Jazz I’ve owned. I’ve had USA standards, a USA deluxe, and Elite and a 75 vintage reissue. By far the professional 2 is a better bass. I have been a Pbass man for many years, and probably still at heart I am, but this may change that. Thank you Andertons.

[@trenken]

Whats better about it? To me the differences between these models is just so minor.

[@BassAdvisor]

Thanks for the video! Last week I tried two AM perf and I was amazed at how well you can vibrate on those frets. Violin-like vibrato if you fancy, which is great in some instances.

[@sagittated]

The Capri Orange finish looks really really good in person. It's very rich and buttery. I love it.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

I agree its a cool guitar. I laughed at the "comes with a lovely box" though, pretty sad for Fender.

[@haikat4]

I don't usually like the look of pau ferro but the orange body really brings out the warm colors in the fretboard. It's nice.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

@@haikat4 yeah this is really the only guitar I’ve thought it sounds so far. I’m sure I’ll get more used to it in time.

[@valemadreelusername]

Nathan and Lee, keep the videos coming!!! You guys are hugely entertaining and informative!! Love it!!

[@mostyles328]

Came to check out the basses, but stayed for the playing!

[@bushDid911]

Another fantastic bass video, missed seeing these guys on screen. Would love to see a video on the ultra jazz V. It looks killer with the arctic white/maple combo. maybe in comparison against other 5 strings.

[@room34]

Very enjoyable video as I bide my time waiting for that white Ultra to arrive from the Fender factory next week. All great basses but each is surprisingly distinct from the others.

[@scarey2me]

Pro II in a 5 string. Send it over and I'll send you a cheque. Honest. Another slick vid guys. Good job.

[@samiam5557]

Another "NATE & LEE" bass show how superb! 🤗😊🎸 PS: the blue/black bass sounded best, and the orange was the best color....😎

[@charlescrisp2814]

the 3 tone sunburst finish is so beautiful

[@thomascox3894]

Thanks for making sense of the jazz bass range. Good info and enjoyable goofiness (as usual).

[@gringo_bandito-v2x]

i've got a Fender American performer precision jazz few days ago and i love it, the precision it's a killer machine sound. I didn't wait to upload my first cover with this bass. The sounds it's great :P

[@billytrance6893]

AP II all the way. Why? Well, I own one. Besides that, they are lighter (typically) than the Ultra, I believe the AP II is the only line with the graphite rods in the neck for reinforcement to prevent warpage. Those V-modes are amazing!! Everything about it and on it is solid, perfect Jazz bass!! Highly recommend

[@enriquedelima396]

I do t always fully listen to the intros because I do t always have time, bit this one grooved so much i could not simply skip 😝. Rock on!!! 🎸

[@thebirdwatchingbloke3991]

Best comparison I have seen. The differences are very obvious. I would have loved to have seen the American Vintage II in the comparison mix.

[@Tomasthanes]

Thank you for this great comparison of the four Fender Jazz basses.

[@shawnhuff3920]

I have a fender American professional 2 jazz bass dark night its been my favorite since I got it

[@edennard1]

Man that 4 string Ultra sounds amazing.

[@maximum78ish]

I live in SoCal and dreamed with having a jazz bass. When I finally was able to get one I went with the Ultra. Roughly 8 months after buying it, the active preamp-which sounded incredible- completely died. The bass sounded amazing but having a $2,000 dlls bass with tech issues of this nature, just undermined my whole experience with my first Fender. Yes, it's under warranty but the whole process of fixing it has been a complete nightmare with Fender as it's almost a month and the tech is still waiting for the parts to be shipped.

[@nordicbeaver-l1p]

are you sure it didn't just run out of battery?

[@maximum78ish]

@@nordicbeaver-l1p 100% sure. I went and bought 2 pairs of fresh batteries (this bass requires two batteries) and both times the bass died. The issue is the preamp-which my tech is still waiting on from Fender. I have, however, grown fond of the passive mode. I added the MXR M81 Bass preamp and the Darkglass Harmonic Booster to my pedalboard and it's giving me amazing tones.

[@mixc8]

I am sorry to hear about your experience with the ultra. I am on the fence about getting the Jazz bass ultra from some of the reviews I read. I am deff going to get the P-Bass ultra or the G&L L-2500 750. The G&L L 2500 is a beast and I can get the best of both worlds tone wise and save some money and don't have to both the P bass and Jazz bass which I already own a few of them.

[@maximum78ish]

@@mixc8 Cool! I'll check out the G&L L 2500. My issue issue sucks, man. I'm still waiting for the parts to get shipped to my tech. The passive mode sounds nice and with the preamp pedals I added, I've successfully compensated for the lose of the on-board preamp. I'm starting to get interested in a PJ bass config. Please keep me posted on which bass you get and how's it working for you. Cheers!

[@bassyey]

Yeah, just stick to traditional. No batteries, no pcb shit, no noiseless shit, Will play 24/7 anytime.

[@mattgreven7615]

I can hardly hear a difference between the player and performer. I think you can hear more of a difference between the pro2 and Ultra. but I don't think ANY of them sound bad! Great video. thanks.

[@trevorbuchanan1054]

Excellent video guys, extremely helpful on the Jazz range.

[@maliwilliams7262]

As opposed to Other channels, as a pro, you two are the most talented players working for a Retailer..Andertons are Very fortunate!!

[@jameskinsey4182]

I have a 1976 fender jazz bass I love it I also have a 4003 Rick which I play most of the time

[@davidgomezbass]

I love your energy guys.Thanks for the video 🙏😊

[@edwardfields8029]

Sorry I'm late to the party. Great demo you guys put together. I think the best sounding bass without enhancement is the professional II. The ultra in passive mode was on par with the performer. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@kotsosbass]

Guys you need much lower volume on your speeches there is a big difference between them and playing samples.BTW we love you 🤪

[@luigi.zanini]

the last video together Nathan, real talented bass player...missing him 😞 26:39 finger 27:56 slap

[@Kimota82]

I prefer vintage-style frets, like on my MM StingRay Classic.... Man, that American Pro II has a beautiful blue finish. Beautiful maple neck, as well...

[@porpoiserecords]

I love your reviews. I learn sooo much. Thanks.

[@optiTHOMAS]

BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE! Brilliant! I'd love a full bass cover or that! 😎👌🏻 love that orange! It's so vibrant and juicy like the other orange p bass! The blue chrome looking "dark knight" batman one is gorgeous too! Beautiful instruments! Nothing will ever beat the classic sunburst with that lovely marble looking brown guard! Absolutely glorious! Fantastic sounding basses! 😅😎👍🏻

[@bushDid911]

that dark night finish really is killer

[@meeamee]

I just had a shootout at my local store, squier affinity, player, player plus, americans performer, original and ultra and the american performer was my favorite. Very comfy neck (maple + rosewood), lightweight, no frills, amazing pickups and easy to setup - vintage bridge and the truss rod adjustment are pretty straightforward. it packs less features than the am pro and ultra but to me less is more.

[@Thanawolf]

That professional II dark night looks gorgeous. The kind of bass that you can cherish. Too bad it is too expensive for me. Now just hoping that i will win the lottery.

[@daniellavanderos]

Awesome intro 👍👍👍👍 Great you guys

[@pascalpohl9399]

Thank you for amazing video. Could you please make a shootout with the Player plus jazz against the ultra. That would be interesting. Is the missing tone control a killer for the Player plus in your opinion. I owned a Player plus jazz and I have to say I use it nearly active only...

[@jorgkrock3233]

.. you guys are great!!!! please do not stop this!

[@ledhendrix5054]

Great playing

[@mercury8180]

Great vid. Love it. Extremely informative. Thanks all.

[@brianmcelwain4998]

I love these videos. These guys can play! Please note: Mexico is in North America, not Central America.

[@wadefaulkner73]

I miss these guys

[@ajbassfunk5872]

As anthony kiedis would say aww yeahhhhh.love this channel

[@Loran.177]

Je viens de voir que vous, Nathan King, jouez sur scène avec Mark King (un lien de parenté peut-être ?) et Level42 !!! Super !!! Le live de Leverkusener Jazztage 2022 est excellent !!! Félicitations...

[@karinvunderink7373]

@Loran1972 Ils sont frères.

[@Loran.177]

@@karinvunderink7373 Oui, merci... j'ai su peut de temps après ma question qu'ils étaient effectivement frère... 😉👍

[@simons.2948]

Love the opening jam chaps - funkyyyy

[@thomasoconnor9836]

I've got the ultra, in Texas tea color, plays, and sounds awesome.

[@bassicmike48]

What kind of strings were you running for this demo? The sound is really clean and mostly free of fret noise, but still bright with the tone on. Great video, as always. Thanks!

[@AndyRobinson1010]

I love these guys, great videos, and amazing playing - but why are Anderton's pushing stock that is not available (Pro II)?

[@JoeyAndersonMusicProducer]

Where did you get the Jackson's Blame it on the Boogie Accompaniment track?

[@nathanking1970]

Never you mind! 🤣

[@BrianPellerin]

It’s a lot of needless talking to skip through but the recording sounds are very clean. Good work

[@michaelotten1956]

Nathan K and Lee V.....my two favourite bass players on youtube. Out of those four basses I'd take the American Professional ll. To me it looked and sounded the best.

[@karanbarnabas]

6:48 I'm dying 😂

[@paulsummerside]

When does the bass duet album come out lads

[@McDoinky]

The Jackson 5 intro needed the neck pickup solo’ed… Too metallic.

[@oscarvestee]

So the professional and ultra sounds the same in passive mode?

[@zuffenhaus4355]

The Classic Vibe series is the best.

[@flanneljoe7473]

As always. Awesome. Thanks

[@tonycarel1785]

Another awesome review!!

[@joela.4058]

These guys are a hoot. Drink everytime you hear “nice!”

[@GameBoyToast]

Sunshine. Moonlight. Good times. Boogie.

[@thejonesbass]

Not gonna lie the orange Mexican bass sounds awesome

[@jimharrow8104]

Are these right out of the box Basses or have they been set up ?

[@RogerBergqvist]

What about my 2011 American Standard in sunburst? Still a very good bass! A bass is a bass.😁

[@AllanGildea]

Great stuff, ta!

[@Alexmayor007]

Tengo un jazz bass delux mexicano y la verdad que me gusta mucho el sonido es un buen bajo pero últimamente eh pensado en cambiarlo por un ultra, valdrá la pena cambiarlo en cuestión de sonido , y comodidad ? Tal vez si tenga mejor construcción y calidad en el material pero realmente el sonido es mucho mejor para invertir y gastar el triple de lo que vale el que tengo ?

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for sharing

[@charlesfick729]

Guy on the right. Your fingers are super long where mine are short. With the narrow neck, would this be one of the better bass choices for guys with shorted fingers or are there better options for smaller handed guys??

[@adamwalcott_official]

Hey, fellas, I am a new subscriber to the channel. It was an awesome and thorough review! I'm looking to get back into playing bass after a 10-year sabbatical, and I am thinking about getting an American Performer (I've always preferred passive Jazz Basses to active). The Yosemite Pups are a little tinny, so I want to replace them with Fender Pure Vintage '74 jazz Pups and also throw a Badass Bass II on there. How do you think that would work vs. getting a stock Pro II? I'd get a USA Geddy Lee, but I'd rather save $800, and I'm also a little apprehensive about the thick neck.

[@Farencio]

"Será que no me amas" of Luis Miguel. jajajajaja, I'm dying

[@marco-vn8si]

It's a theme of Michael Jackson, actually

[@johndelong9230]

Guy's, tearing it up at the start!

[@TheHermit72]

Would've been nice to include the vintera series too.

[@bfitz111]

What form of rumble amps y'all using in this vid?

[@FingalPersson]

Ultra is the only that i heard a clear difference on between the bases

[@milolassiter]

Good job guys

[@engreivanovic]

México is also North America boys hahah besides that, this is a great video

[@Crushin123]

For me, the flatter radius board on the Ultra and the flatter D shape neck = a win.....plus the added tonal options with those pick-ups and preamp - it's more expensive for sure....but if I was buying a jazz (which I don't think I ever would) it would be the Ultra. I have played many...and the 7.5-9.5 radius is just a tad too curvy for my hands. I would love a jazz bass with the 1.75" P bass Oval C shaped neck. I am in the minority there.

[@leavproducciones]

Professional II for 1900$ or Ultra for 2150??

[@christopherfidler3019]

Lee and Nathan should have a podcast.

[@nathanking1970]

Now there's an idea!

[@bushDid911]

@@nathanking1970 an audio continuation of some of the All about the bass episodes such as the ones on chuck rainey and james jamerson, I'd love to listen in on that! just two pro bassists spilling the tea on bass history and their insider industry knowledge

[@determineddoug2945]

Where does the Original 60s bass come in here? after ultra?

[@PlayWithYourThumb]

Price wise, between the Pro II and the Ultra. Unfortunately the American Original series is currently discontinued.

[@McDoinky]

The Japanese models are stellar, btw

[@BLAKEISHart]

I cant help but think of Tapeface when I hear Blame it on the boogie

[@Luchodela]

Did they Say "central América" with refference of the Player serie because it was Made in México?

[@WayneChurchill-zd3pm]

From Canada Great sounds

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

6:37 I can't believe I actually laughed out loud for this.

[@BrianPellerin]

4:05 the Player sounded the best out of everything imo

[@JonathanLeon]

Blame it on the boogie!

[@doremioriginal]

Just FYI.... Mexico is part of North America, Central America starts after Mexico!

[@solo624]

Screw the review the playing was great 👍

[@TwoMinutesBass]

when Lee play that american pro ii at bridge position, me immediately "aaahh that's the TONE.."

[@Cap683]

They are great basses but at this time they are about $1800 USD. The tone and playability are the best that I have come across.

[@MisterStabby]

Squier. Just got a pink one

[@laszloszaniszlo9662]

Awesome playing. Where is Nathan now? I miss him a lot.

[@eckie4679]

Probably on tour with Level 42 🤔

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Like everything else fender at the moment: player plus and swap the electronics. No point in getting the American ones these days, half the time the QC is actually better out of Mexico, at best their pretty much the same. Player plus to ultra you can make a bit more of a balanced decision if you don’t mind the massive cost bump, but to the pro2, and performer it’s a no brainer, player plus and ditch the noiseless.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

@photag216 I was talking more about QC, than parts as that’s what’s actually in control of the factory. Seen so many more pro 2’s with finishing issues last few years & it’s really basic shi like a hair in the finish or badly machined part that should have just been chucked out. The Mexicans do have less to work with, but they seem to be working better with it on average tbh. Can’t really say the same for the Indonesia factory tbh. They do seem to have more finish issues again, but then they are the cheapest. The high quality parts on an American fender are expected for the price, but yeah the QC in general is not good by comparison. But glad you got a good one

[@kewaso_5313]

Anyone know the song of the opening jam?

[@optiTHOMAS]

BLAME ON THE BOOGIE! the Jacksons! Absolutely love that song! 😎👍🏻

[@wjgreer]

The Ultra sounded like it had a compressor in the path. I thought the APII sounded better.

[@warrenmorphis4208]

Love you guys! You crack me up...But your reviews are dead on and appreciated. I'd gladly take either of those beauties, b t w!

[@blooter6360]

Just get a vj74 icon from vintage Sounds just the sane quarter the price 😉😉😉😉 trust me

[@Topsy_Krett]

Both pickups are on the front of my bass, thankfully! Quit with this "front/back" pickup referencing.... It can be confusing.

[@deniseroberts8486]

I was told to buy American made because of better re sale value.