Fender Player Plus Vs. American Ultra - Jazz Bass Comparison - EMPIRE MUSIC

[@ncave7147]

The Player plus sounds more aggressive, present and raspy. Sounds the way a J should. Reminds me of my 72. The Ultra sounds dead and a bit mushy. Nice comparison

[@tomhock3192]

(I'm way late to the party) Thanks for taking the time to do all that unbiased comparison! Player Plus definitely has more mid throat to it. I know there aren't any effects there but the Player has what comes across as a bit of reverb associated to that midrange. It's a nice growl. Like new strings vs year-olds. But that Ultra... it's got such a pure tone. With a thick warm drive. I think I like the Ultra better. But I also experience this... each time you switched from one bass to to the other, I liked the previous one better until I got acclimated to the current one. Then you'd switch again and the same thing would happen... I liked the previous one better again. Anyway... to my ear, a good wrap up is... the Player Plus sounds like high-end solid state amp, the Ultra sounds like tubes. Now I just need to decide if it's worth twice the price!

[@peterahlberg6512]

Great comparison and a groovy bass line! To me, the Ultra sounded warmer and more "composed", in a good way; like all the notes belonged together. The Player Plus sometimes came across as a bit "wild" and trebly. Would be interesting to hear how the Player sound with some bass boost and/or treble cut...

[@ctatrains]

Both sound great. Ultra is noticeably meatier, more body and warmer less fret noise.

[@edennard1]

Also The Ultra took some getting use to for me because of the neck profile and to be honest I really wasn’t digging it but I got use to it..however what I do like is the way it sounds in passive mode..because when it’s in passive you really get that late 60’s tone with rich low mids but with the preamp engage the Bass takes on a real nice 70’s character if that’s your vibe..

[@PSA955]

The Ultra definitely has a more aggressive, warmer and brighter pre-amp. Love the passive mode ability and tone, that is a major point for me.That plus all of the other "upgrades" make it worth the price vs the Player. But, I don't think anyone would be left feeling they have a bad or inferior bass with the Player. Last that Texas Tea is drop dead gorgeous. I feel money leaving my check book....

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

"Aggressive" because the fretboard is maple. They should compare Maple vs Maple, Pau Ferro vs Rosewood.

[@alfieharries]

Brighter? Are you watching the same video i am?

[@terranceeverhart4288]

@@BARTFUNKBASS there is literally zero science behind a maple board being brighter than a rosewood. I have both. They sound pretty much the same. Period.

[@cliffords2315]

@@terranceeverhart4288 Wrong, been playing bass for 50 years, Maple has a quicker punch than Rosewood

[@mattmorgan8226]

I have 2 American Ultras, one strung with round wound and one with tapewound, and both give the warmest tone I've ever heard. I have short fingers for a bass player and the D neck is so easy to play. 42 years playing and I've never been so happy with a bass. I've never bought 2 of the same instrument before either... Worth every penny

[@moanissalem]

Great video and really helpful, can we have another one for the P-Basses?

[@johnrlott4002]

Went with the Ultra. Thick, Fat and power while still sounding natural. Amazingly comfortable.

[@larrymeegermonswotzki981]

Damn these new Fenders with Pau Ferro sound amazing. Definitely can't go wrong with either one. Me? Give me a player plus jazz

[@garychait3353]

Good review/bought a Fender Player Plus, like it and appreciate your reviews. Excellent!

[@jorgeramondachary4767]

Muy video! Me hubiera gustado escuchar colo sonaría el fender player plus con ecualización! Con un pocos más de graves para compensar un poco el sonido, y también probar el agudo al máximo! Porque si bien la diferencia de precios es mucha, al parecer el player plus tiene también muy buen sonido! Les mando un abrazo grande desde Argentina, también soy bajista.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

I've just bought Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass V. I love it!!!

[@codeppr1213]

Excellent review! What amp did you use for this comparison?

[@nicholasmoses3583]

Great Video Anthony! I slightly preferred the tone of the American Ultra. The question is weather the tapered neck, inlays, lighter tuners, contoured back plate are worth the extra money. That would be determined by budget. Both great basses.

[@cliffords2315]

Its the Pickups and Preamp that makes the difference

[@fender68able]

I'm getting the exact player plus in two weeks! I can't wait!!

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

Enjoy it!!! Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@edennard1]

I have a Ultra but if I had the Player Plus I would gig the hell out of it just like I do with my Ultra.

[@jenniplease]

Thank you for the excellent video (as always). Omitting the passive tone control on the player plus is such a weird decision. I have an Am. Elite Jazz that I love, was considering a player plus V, but with no passive tone control I won’t even consider it. Hearing the lines A/B’d is super helpful too. Thanks again

[@christocr]

You could always put a Sadowsky or Nordstrand Pre with the VTC on the Player Plus and still spend way less money than for the Ultra. But, having said that, the Ultra is definitely a stellar bass. But the Player Plus is pretty decent as well for half the price. I agree with you though--they should have put the passive tone control on there. I doubt it would have cost a huge extra amount of money per bass on their part. Personally, if I were making the choice, I'd put a Sadowsky type preamp on both of them--so, bass boost, treble boost, and a passive tone control that works both in active and passive mode. That would be the ultimate in flexibility. In fact, I'm considering buying a Player Plus and putting a Sadowsky pre in it. Sort of a "poor man's Sadowsky."

[@thebionicbassplayer]

I just tried out one and it does have an active / passive switch.

[@matthewjones8865]

Very informative Anthony. Their both beautiful basses however the Ultra is my pick 🎸🤗

[@Yankovic96]

Player plus sounds so good😱

[@justink7620]

I don’t think the differences in tone is enough to be noticed in the mix of a band. The player plus is a lot better of an option for the price you get it for, but I’m sure the fret buzz can be taken care of with a fret level job.

[@williamdavis5831]

Hey, they use alder for the body on solid colors, but all sunburst finishes have ash bodys.

[@elwaupo1]

They both sound great, the Player Plus sounds brighter and raspier while the Ultra sounds richer, I’d go with the Ultra even if it cost more

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

You're spot-on with that analysis. Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@paddymacal]

Nice review. Be cool if you compared using 2 maples or 2 rosewoods.

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

This is older video at this point, I probably used what we had at the time... but yeah that would have been a better comparison. Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@Lord_Hiram]

What’s the color of that American ultra ? Looks amazing

[@trevorbuchanan1054]

Is the player plus version much lighter than the Ultra model? 14:12

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Head to head both excellent bass guitars 😀

[@tomasvlachos]

The player plus is a lot better !! is the winner !!

[@flomali]

Thank you for the great video Anthony! Do you think there is a big sound difference between the AM PRO II Jazz Bass and the Ultra in passiv mode?

[@ralphy3393]

American Ultra was overall louder and punchier, but the ‘character’ of the notes were a smidge lost. The Player Plus was a little thinner, but I could hear the growl from each note played better. If all I had to do with my new Player Plus (that I just got) was switch out the synthetic bone nut for a real bone nut and upgrade to the Ultra Noiseless pickups, I say get the Player Plus and pretty much get yourself that same tone for way cheaper.

[@64jazz]

That's exactly what I'm gonna do with my Player Plus V string that I just recently got, put in the Ultra Jazz pickups; they're a lot Beefier and also warmer sounding pickups ... they're not at all cheap though. 😬

[@RD-tf8ul]

I liked them both.

[@iambass2]

Very good video!!! You made both sound great to me. I will always say go and play any instrument yourself.

[@voiksmusifan]

I think compared to the Ultra the sound of the Player Plus really sucks (for example listen at 6:48). I don't think it's in the bridge or the woods, I think the difference is in the pickups, asumed that all parameters (volume, tone, amp, cable) are strictly the same at both basses in the test.

[@joshuaogle5856]

The E string is flat at 6.48. so the A he's playing is little more than halfway between a G# and an A

[@9999plato]

Neck tint on American. Brass saddles on American? Do the active EQs have the same range of adjustability at the same frequencies? Do they both have the same case?

[@seigas]

Hello! Do you know if the Player Plus neck fits a "normal" Fender body? Thanks!

[@Hexspa]

Perfect comparison. Thank you.

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for posting excellent had to head

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Nice playing Anthony

[@bretthottes1484]

Does the Player Plus come with strap locks? The America Ultra includes strap locks.

[@voiksmusifan]

I think the Player Plus is quite heavy at the top. So is the Ultra?

[@donvape336]

I was surprised at the tone differences. The case is important. I didn't really like the non ultra pickups.

[@alfieharries]

I've said it before but you really should do this comparison without an amp, just straight into an interface.

[@DanielPerez-vt5ez]

The fret buzz gets in the way. I would recommend a set up before recording. I have an ultra 5 mochaburst. Changed the pickguard to a brown pearloid and the color combo is great! Put some Ernie Ball cobalt strings on it. Best strings for clarity and less squeaky.

[@terranceeverhart4288]

Lmao. That’s the most old man thing I’ve ever heard!!! Lol😅

[@DanielPerez-vt5ez]

@@terranceeverhart4288 Fret buzz is whack! At any age. I've seen so many videos of pro players doing demos with fret buzz. A set up requires a lot of time in adjusting the strings, making sure your neck is straight and bridge adjustment for each string. Also have to play the entire neck to really get it right. Can't just take a bass out of the box and record.

[@michaelijere2520]

Right! The fret buzz and the poor intonation was driving me nuts like come on bro at least get it in tune!

[@64jazz]

YES! to everything you did with your Mocha burst; Definitely a BROWN tort guard and the Cobalts are indeed an excellent choice for the strings.👊🏾 I wish I could see a picture of the Bass with the new Brown guard on it.😆

[@stushwartz]

Can you confirm the Pre-Amp specs on both, I cannot believe they are the same electronics under the control plate ? Can you add a video or image where you show the two side by side? I would expect the American Ultra to be a much higher spec , better components . Is the fretboard on the ultra Rolled edges like the Player Plus or is that not possible with the binding ? Sound and looks wise I prefer the American Ultra. But is it worth the extra £1000 ? Shame Fender went all crazy with the colours on the Mexican, Why can they just not make a black bass in these Active models now? I am influenced by Geddy Lee . thanks again. Stay Safe

[@prestachuck2867]

They make a MIM Geddy Lee model. Geddy plays passive basses.

[@ericvassy2849]

Is the truss rod adjustment at the headstock for both?

[@Gerry926]

The pickups on the Player seem to be slightly under wound, compared to the Ultra. If you like "air" in your sound the Player seems better. That said, I prefer the Ultra for tone and features. I just think the Ultra is a bit over priced. I'll wait to see if I can get a mint, used one someday.

[@brentt.sykora9274]

Just FYI, I was able to find a used almost mint Texas Tea online for $1,600, over $100 less than a new Pro Ii.

[@Gerry926]

@Brent T. Sykora probably a 4 string at that price. I would've preferred a 5 string but I've since moved on to FBass. All good now.

[@rhoodj]

Used mint or excellent condition are still overpriced. Marcus Miller v7 or v10dx are not bad.

[@gg41r]

Be nice if the Player Plus Jazz bass was in tune for this vid!!!

[@MrSparks54]

Excellent comparison, hard to decide which sounds better. Thanks Anthony!

[@rogerlinville8982]

The Ultra, to me, sounded more crisp and clear, with more distinctive differences in tone. Looks is important to me, and once again, the Ultra wins. The hard case is another plus. Nothing wrong with the Player, but if you want to stand out in both looks and sound, spend the extra $$ if you have it. If not, the Player is not a bad bass to own.

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

More money = More features and quality (generally speaking). Doesn't diminish the Player Plus at all... both are VERY nice models I would totally gig with if needed. Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@jamesballard4588]

Drop in a Sodowsky pre and your good to go.

[@cherieltanog8501]

Pau ferro vs maple it's not apple to apple comparison

[@ericnino6048]

If player plus came in Texas tea, I’d get it.

[@barondavis5692]

Stating the obvious, What you can’t get from the video is how they feel. The ultra feels soooo much better. For me that’s the biggest difference.

[@jamesreynolds4487]

Well you have to keep in mind one of them had a pau ferro neck on it which was the player plus and the other one was a maple neck which was the ultra. Maple will give you a higher pitched sound while pau ferro will give you a a somewhat boost in gain above that of a rosewood fretboard. Maybe try doing a video with the same kind of fret board material or neck next time

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Exactly!

[@zacharywilhelm5895]

Higher pitched, as in notes, or higher frequencies, as in “highs?” And how does pau ferro possibly give more gain output? Like, striking the string harder?

[@isaacdominguez2595]

Both are great basses. I'd like to listen to some slap varieties. I know you're not a slap guy. Maybe get someone who can get a great slap tone! Just my thoughts. Thank you

[@marklofthouse6244]

Both are great basses but the American Ultra is more composed with a deeper sound.

[@EmpireMusicPgh]

I would agree w/ that! More refined... more harmonic depth! Thanks for watching - Anthony

[@totomoyap8648]

Ultra J sound richer and great tone to my ear.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

It's because the fingerboard is maple which gives more presence. They should use maple fingerboard on Player Plus for this comparison, otherwise there is no point of it.

[@64jazz]

​@@BARTFUNKBASS Yeah, I don't know why Fender doesn't offer the Player Plus in Black with a Maple neck, that would be SO Awesome if the "next" generation of the Player Plus' came with "better" colors/finishes.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

@@64jazz I like the cosmic jade finish on the P/J one.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Whatever the opinion about which is better and why, the idea that the American one is somehow $1,000 better will be both hard to explain and quantify.

[@mil-w5x]

Todo depende de la actualización que le den

[@manny75586]

They sounded very similar. You are honestly just paying for a bass that looks "prettier" than the Mexican one. It's pretty easy to reshape a neck or pay a luthier $150 to do it. Changing out tuning heads is easy. The hardware itself is much less than $100. I see some comments saying the Ultra has a little more growl. New pickups that would dunk on the Ultra are like $200. So parts and labor you can mod a player plus for $500-ish dollars and save the extra $500 you would have spent on the Ultra. I know some people don't like to mod, but $500 will buy me an extra pedal or two haha.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

USA for me

[@johnneiberger]

That Ultra sounds like it has the treble rolled off or something. Very dead sounding compared to the less expensive Player Plus. Kind of weird.

[@Michael2x]

Ultra!!!

[@Tetsuo112]

Fender player plus has 20 frets and American ultra has 21 frets

[@jorgepm443]

Player sounds like a J should sound, Ultra Sounds more like a P, So i'll go for J

[@dino9774]

Definitely the ultra more powerful sound the other sounds tinny and a lot of fret buzz

[@willistaylor4077]

Here in Australia, I think there will be an almost $2,000 price of do difference.... 😐😑

[@Genson50]

Thinking that the difference between basses is not the topic of my wishes. Doesn't matter. I.

[@barberq210]

The ultra definitely sounds way better.

[@danademski3353]

Sadly, neither of these are available 8n lefty versions, so for me..Sire. .

[@timothybedwards5440]

Player plus neck wood has no character

[@tipico809]

My elite will definitely leave both in the dirt

[@64jazz]

I still want an American Elite so bad I can almost taste it. 😄 I keep checking the used market for a 5 string Black one practically every day. ... or the 3TS one.

[@thejonesbass]

either you didn't tune the guitar on the player properly or the intonation is off, but the A's definitely sound different

[@charlesplaysbass]

E string on the Player is very flat lol, tune up next time boys

[@warwickdennis4114]

The ultra sounds better.

[@ds97853]

I hate jazz basses but the ultra smoked that player+ in every way.

[@rhoodj]

Buy a Marcus Miller V7 or V10dx for less.

[@TheRafagallo]

Ultra é bem melhor

[@norteracing7890]

They both sound the same don’t look at the video

[@michaelijere2520]

How about you tune up the player plus before recording a comparison video

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

There is no point of this comparison. Maple vs Maple, Pau Ferro vs Rosewood would be accurate.

[@REDCARSCoverband]

the player has a week sounding E string and also i can hear the strings are too low.