Fender Jazz Bass Shootout #2 - American Original 60's Vs. Vintera 60's - EMPIRE MUSIC

[@oxymorphoneoreo3530]

The Vintera 60s and 70s basses have amazing pickups. I own a vintera 70s bass and am currently playing in a band with it. The whole band loves the tone and it carries the sound of a vintage telecaster extremely well. American 70s pickups, the difference is the Pau Ferrero gives it a little bit brighter sound in the midrange frequencies. I personally love how that translates in the overall mix. I can really turn the treble down and get a great mid-concentrated growl. Of course it's a monster of a bass though.

[@biblestudynetwork2949]

For a consumer perspective, someone that wants to buy a fender would really be interested in comparisons between the different lines and price points to get a feel for what they like and want to buy. So these comparison videos are excellent. I wish I saw them at the time I was making purchases. For example, American original p bass vs custom shop b bass (both rosewood or both maple). American original vs American profession was an excellent comparison. Etc . Also would be cool to see Stratocaster comparisons like performer vs professional vs original etc. But I’m a bass guy, I think. Great job Anthony as usual

[@MrSparks54]

The American Original 60's sounds more vintage me but both sound great. Thanks for the comparison Anthony!

[@cheewaiyuen4237]

Suprisingly, after hearing this from Anthony. Personally, I do prefer the vintera

[@t.vandijk2018]

Original did it for me, think I'm getting myself one. Thanks for the demo, you gave me the last little push I needed.

[@totomoyap8648]

Nice compare. But I still liking the Anniversary roadworn jazz tone on your previous demo.

[@vasifazan8532]

Thanks for this comparison video!!Great and very intresting especially for those who are looking for exactly 60's!!!!!!

[@stefanherbst9980]

Great comparison. Extrem different Basses. Nice playing.

[@PSA955]

American is warmer, deeper, fatter to me. The Vintera sounds great, but, I prefer the Original. I think you'd prefer the Original. Would love to see these against the 75 Commemorative Anniversary Edition. Same for P-basses. Thanks Anthony, really enjoy these videos.

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

We out of the 75th's! Otherwise would be great idea. Thanks as always - Anthony

[@jimibabyface1743]

This American original 60’s with flats👌🏻

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

Sound wise I think the Original has a leg up over the Vintera. I own two Vinteras and they are great basses, but the tone of that Original sounded more vintage to my ear.

[@JimMetzendorf]

To my ears, the American Original has a more broad low end and additional gravel in its tone. But the Vintera might sit better in a mix. I think I prefer the Vintera, but neither is better sounding than the other. I think when you choose an instrument you should have a budget range in mind. But be open to what speaks to you rather than thinking of it in terms of $$$ buying better tone. I've been eyeballing the Squier CV 60's Jazz Bass in Daphne Blue on your site for the last couple weeks along with that exact Vintera you demoed. I'm a long time saxophonist and bought my first guitar in January, then a second a little over a month ago. Now it's time to get my first bass. Since I'm new to guitar/bass, I'm curious if others have the same impression of the tones from this demo. I'd like to know if my ears are on the right track.

[@donnix768]

That Squier CV daphne blue 60s jazz bass is great, you can’t go wrong. I recently bought the Vintera 50s precision and it is great but my classic vibe 60s precision is just as nice!!

[@happygolukky]

Playing through rumble 100? Love it! Would like to see the whole range from Squire to Custom-shop since you have them all - have been playing a Squire PJ special with pickup and bridge upgrades since the 90’s … maybe time to upgrade?

[@YTPartyTonight]

Pau Ferro is a harder wood than rosewood but less hard than ebony. That's likely a main ingredient in the tonal difference; it's a brighter thing. They both sound great, IMO. There are plenty of ways to minimize, neutralize or maximize whatever tonal characteristics when or where it matters. Before the tonal difference between these two samples, the weight and feel of actually playing them would probably the larger influence on my preference.

[@YTPartyTonight]

+ This test comparison makes me have what-if thoughts... such as, what might the Vintera sound like if the pups were switched out for darker sounding overwound J pups, such as what Fralin makes. Or... or, underwound pups to go the other direction.

[@Basslightning666]

Good comparison! Seems like I've had this conversation many times...lol I've owned both imports and USA P and J Basses, and the USA Fenders are always the best quality. Thicker tone, better fit and finish, electronics, etc... You get what you pay for IMO.

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Excellent Anthony excellent walk through

[@adriancorralero5239]

Cool video Anthony! They both sound great and very similar to my ear. The vintage one sounded more even, almost compressed, with a very focused low end. Like over time, the whole bass has become one single piece of wood. I know the woods in both models are different and all that, but I bet that after 60 years of use, the Vintera would sound exacty the same as the original.

[@lincolnvaldez1873]

If it's worth extra money depends on the person and what they're willing to spend. It's not so much a significant difference in how they sound, but until you play for yourselves then you can really FEEL the difference. Both basses sound great. Nothing wrong with Pau Ferro, but to me the Vintera fretboard looks really dry. It's a personal preference and I know there's different grains of PF. Anyway great video as usual.

[@oldasrocks9121]

Once you get into instruments with graphite stabilizing neck rods and active electronics the $ makes sense economically. But to me the American vs MIM debate has always boiled down to supporting American workers if you can afford to. CS is a different conversation generally among collectors and also professional musicians. And also the people that can afford it.

[@lebeaujp5594]

I own the AO60s , its really crystal clear and boomy at once. The Vintera 60s also catches a vintage vibe but seems to have a little more grit, and less boom on the low end, a little les scooped sound and a killer neck pickup. I wouldnt say the AO is the higher end version (theyre built identically when comparing hardware, truss rod, neckplate, excepted for the nitro finish and fingerboard wood), theyre just different.

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

Great tonal observation!! I think the AO is better component-wise. They're picking better body/neck blanks for the Orig's. Also more attention detail in the building process. The Pure Vintage series of pickups are a definite upgrade in my opinion... much more responsive. Even outside of that, I just find the AO's to be a better playing experience overall. However that's the glory of good basses.. no right or wrong! Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@lebeaujp5594]

@@EmpireMusicPgh youre right!! Those PV64 have good output and the finish in Candy Apple Red like mine is outstanding! Just love it

[@keithmcduffie7182]

WOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I've Been Vacillating Between The Squier, Player & Vintera For 2 MONTHS!!! This Christmas Is The Closeout Of My Instrument Purchases (I Think I Posted Similar Comments Earlier). I Settled On The Vintera, But After The Comparison I Ask The Question In The Title: Is The American Jazz $1,000.00 Better To Anyone? I Know It's VALUE Will Increase, As Albert King Sang, "As The Years Go Passing By...", BUT Is It A BETTER Bass? Just Asking ... GREAT VIDEO!!!! 👍👍

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Unfortunately, the nitro is the most desirable finish! I love it on any guitar. It feels nicer and wears better. Poly shatters and chips in a nasty way.

[@EmanCarbone]

I think I mentioned in another comment: might be a "downgrade" compared to this... comparison (lol), but I'd be curious to see that daphne blue Vintera vs the Squier 60s Classic Vibe which shares the same colour and overall appearance. Re. this comparison: the Or. 60s sounds a bit fuller through KZbin, but I wouldn't be surprised if the tone got very similar putting those CS pickups (or your fav. ones) on the Vintera too

[@larrymeegermonswotzki981]

Prefer the sound of the Vintera. Amazing instruments

[@BryanMaxDobberstein]

How about an All American shootout. Original vs Ultra vs Pro II vs Performer

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Let's have a nice tube amplifier too

[@richardcautorina5190]

Anthony you should play the new Epiphone Grabber Bass

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

We didn't get one...insert sad face here. Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@marcusstrymon693]

I played the original today in my musichouse. I first thought it was a player series one and to the seller I said ,,dang that thing sounds so good and feels so good. I like it so much more than the sire''. He responded ,,yes, but its also unfair, comparing 500 euros to 2000''. I was like: SADNESS. So all in all I cant say any bout the vintera but that 50s OG blew me away. Also it is gold, Idk what people say, I like great look. So I am gonna try to pull all triggers, get money together, sell some pedal and buy this MF!!!!!!

[@soulstart89]

I’m surprised as the vintera seemed to sit better. It sounded like the original 60’s was more bass low end heavy where as the vintera was more higher tones with a cleaner sound. In a way more accurate with more character. Couldn’t tell which one you preferred as at first it seemed like you dogged the original 60’s then you started to seem to play more the vintera

[@florentpierreconche6269]

What to say ? When the bass player is good… the bass is good too 😂

[@donnix768]

There is not too much difference in tone. Tim Shaw, ex gibson current fender pickup guru did an amazing job recreating the voicing on all the vintera series pickups to really be era specific. I think the tone should be similar because these are both supposed to be 60s jazz bass guitars. I think the difference in price is more related to feel and playability of the instrument. That’s where the difference can be found.

[@BR-ip5pz]

They sound the same to me

[@jamesreynolds4487]

Ventera was punchier. It is not about price point that’s a stupid argument it is about quality of the instrument and longevity when it comes to price point however sound has nothing to do with price point. If you listen to some of the Harley Benton stuff that stuff is like $300 in $200 and it sounds great the aesthetics of the bass are not as great. However there is never a justification for paying three to $5000 for a custom shop bass. The main thing that makes the sound is the pick ups as long as you’ve got great pick ups and pots all you need. Marcus Miller has attested to this. I record it with a $500 Squire 40th Anniversary and it sounded much better than the American original pbass that was way too thin sounding in the recording. As stated before the only reason why you were buying a high dollar bass is for the longevity definitely not for the sound

[@danschneider9921]

It costs more, especially in the Soviet Republic of Commiefornia where Fender is located to legally produce nitro finishes. Nitro is toxic on many levels as far as application goes and more time consuming to get right. That's part of the price on the American original. I own a candy apple red one and I knew going into it that I was paying a premium for the finish and American made. I was ok with it but sonically speaking both are great and for someone who wants a J bass that's built like a tank and looks/plays well but isn't into being "pure" vintage...Vintera 100%

[@2manyhobbiezz]

No difference in sound at all so I’d choose vintera for price.

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

These are not acoustic guitars. Blind tests prove over and over again that there is no 'tone' wood component involved in a solid bass' sound, just as their is no tone component come of which metal is used to build a brass instrument (brass instruments don't vibrate, the column of air 'inside' them does). That being the case, fret boards certainly don't make any difference to sound or feel, despite the practice of repeatedly pairing things that 'don't' make a difference with things that 'might in component pairing and production. Musicians are terrible for listening with their eyes and looking with their ears. These review are apples and oranges because different pick-ups equal a different sound; neither of which is in and of itself qualitative. Most here seem to define or equate 'vintage' with more tone, better tone, richer tone, when all they were was less bright (except for the cheap vintage gold-foil pickups which were very...punchy and modern sounding despite being vintage).