Why i prefer the ELITE JAZZ BASS over the New AMERICAN ULTRA

[@Funkybassuk]

I use the same string set as you. It was tough during the pandemic when they stopped making them. They’re back available again now! 👍🏽

[@tonberryfieldforever]

I'm in love with my 4-strings Ocean Turquoise Elite Jazz too~ The only thing I changed was the strings (flatwound).

[@rcb_matt]

I just picked up an Elite Jazz V. Can't wait to play it.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Great video! I’ve been wanting an elite! I’m a stingray guy but need a J! I put electrical tape on my 04 stingray because of the same thing the low action and high pup the string would touch, some electrical tape works perfectly!

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

Do you think the price for a used elite will go up in time? I have both the elite and the ultra, elite (maple neck, champagne color white pearl pick guard) has always been my go to bass.

[@rb13818]

Absolutely love the jazz bass in general, but the Elite hits different, i like the sound of it more than the Ultra as well

[@ImaginaryMachines]

I have a Ultra Jazz and a Ultra Precision bass. The truss rod isn't any different, the Elite has the "wheel" which I heard that there were some issue of the wheel striping out??? and the Ultra takes a Allen wrench which is provided by Fender when you buy the bass. There are no covers or pick guards to remove, it's insanely fast and easy to adjust. The Ultra also has a bone nut, compound radius fretboard, it is not a string through body but I've never noticed a difference in sound or tone. The tuners on the ultra are awesome, smooth, precise and never come out of tune. It is Passive and Active pickups with a preamp and you can get any sound you would ever want. I play most of the time in passive mode and the Jazz and precision bass both sound incredible. Thanks for the video, keep up the great work

[@PierPiras]

Thanks for your comment 😊 As i wrote in the video description, I’m never going to say that the Elite series is Better than Ultra. Ultra series is absolutely fantastic! The thing I like the most about the wheel truss rod is that it allow me to adjust it on the fly even without a proper Allen wrench and I found it more precise in “micro” regolation (just my personal experience) 😁 About the string through i feel a bit of difference in the attack and the sustain.. but I doubt i would be able to recognize the difference on a blind test. If I have to say something bad about my Elite is…. The weight!! My shoulder doesn’t love it at all 🤣

[@room34]

I really wish I had gotten my hands on an Elite when I had the chance. The Ultra is definitely a downgrade (especially the bridge), and the one I bought earlier this year had tons of problems - could never get the setup right, a bad D tuner, etc. I ended up selling it and replacing it with a Squier! (Seriously.)

[@matthiasvanreeth879]

I really liked the video Pier very interesting to learn more features of different basses :)

[@PierPiras]

Thank you Matthias, glad you liked it! 😊🎸

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath.]

I Jane both the elite and the ultra and my go to bass is the elite!

[@badger4361]

Hi Pier, great review 100%. My Jazz Elite is identical, except colour is `Champagne` I use Rotosound S/S swing bass strings 35-55-70-90. Fender got this one right, I`m never ever selling mine. 🙂 best neck I have ever used, no contest. Another feature I like is the binding, and fret markers, you never get lost.

[@PierPiras]

Hey! 😊 I was so indecise between my model and yours, I choose mine because of ebony fingerboard. 😁 But the champagne color is sooo cool, I love it! Plus, binding and fret markers are always a sign of “elegance” for me 😎

[@As5Hat]

I use a the optima 35 45 65 85 and yeah, they elites are so much better than the ultra i definitely lucked out getting mine 1k off msrp before the ultra released. At first I was a little annoyed because I thought the ultras might possibly I've been better, but then I played a whole lot of them and nope. They seriously downgraded a lot of features by trying to entice people with vague descriptions of improved preamp, and such, distracting them from the materials and brought back annoying, vintage features. I wanted vintage sound of jazz mix so I just buy a fucking vintage Jazz, LMAO

[@harryliranda3743]

I hope this year, u have 1million subscriber🙏

[@roilanrodriguezbatista1516]

Hi there, Are the plastic you use on the pickups custom or can I get them at a store?

[@TeeFunkable]

I absolutely agree with everything that was stated here. I've always had a thing for 70's jazzes and love the neck feel in the down position, but it does come at a price of being a bit unwieldy at times. And while I love the popping sound of a shorter fretboard, the slapped notes particularly on E string can easily come off a bit ugly if not set up just right. I once got to try an elite and loved the bass to bits, but could not afford it at the time. But the neck was just... I loved absolutely everything about it. I've never felt as much at home - and it was the first time playing the instrument. I recently tried the ultra and while I liked it, I did not like it as much. The only benefit of it was that I did kind of prefer the newer pickup version, judged purely by passive mode sound. Now the obvious solution would be to look for a used elite, but they are rarer than unicorns in my neck of the woods. But some day, I will hopefully find one. If I ever get one, I will have to drop in some vintage pickups and pots though. Just to see if it'll become even more bitey. And then I'd drop in an eq with a mid sweep. I never really understood active preamps without the most pronounced control of mid sweep.

[@TechIlliterate]

Pier, you should have more subs. Awesome video! Edit:your bass is beautiful

[@PierPiras]

Thank you so much! You are very kind 😊🙏🎸

[@TheBassman0327]

Great Video I too Love the elite series I have three of them Natural 5 Ash, Natural 4 Ash and I have 5 string version Of your elite with alder body and Ebony Fret 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Where did you buy your pick guard at ? WD Music? Or ?

[@PierPiras]

Thanks for your comment! The pickguard is actually home made , it was cutted from a rectangular piece I bought from Amazon ☺️

[@TheBassman0327]

@@PierPiras also what do you use to adjust the truss rod I still can’t figure out the Allen size

[@alexblankenship2486]

Do you still have the tortoise pickguard and would you want to sell it? Thanks!

[@Thomas_Geist]

I recently was looking for a used 5-sting in black. Must have been very popular because after searching everywhere there are none to be found, at lease for under $2600. In fact the only ones I could find were the natural finish which I don’t like. Very nice for furniture but not so much for guitars. So…I bought a natural one in mint condition and immediately sent it off to my luthier for a black paint job. I agree that if it was only for the additional sustain of the thru the body stringing I’d prefer one of these over an Ultra. But I also have a MM Stingray-5 and have come to love the little wheel. (My prior bass was a Rick 4001 4-string and adjusting the double truss rods was a nightmare; and who hasn’t lost the allen wrench even if they give you one. Since hardware stores don’t sell individual allen wrenches anymore you’ll need a whole set. Maybe MusicMan’s patent hadn’t run out yet and Fender had to change back. If not something like that then it was a strange move.) My mint condition Elite plus the paint job was actually $300 more than a brand new Ultra and I don’t regret a cent. I think resale value on the Elites will exceed the Ultras in time. I never could understand removing features and charging more.

[@PierPiras]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience 😊🙏🎸🎸

[@midgeoso9744]

Thank you for the video.I have the Elite, it is amazing! Where did you buy your abalone pick guard? Thank you.

[@PierPiras]

Thanks for your comment! The pickguard is custom made ☺️ I bought the rectangular “uncutted” material with the abalone finish on Amazon and then cutted it to have the Am.Elite shape 🎸

[@midgeoso9744]

@@PierPiras Thanks!!!

[@disraelitournear7910]

Is there any info on setting up truss rod and string height on a compound radius bass neck by Fender Jazz ?

[@perrysar5954]

Hello Pier I just tried an Ultra jazz today and the pick ups and pre amp were the best I've heard in years,even better than the Elite series in my opinion...Thanks for your informative video...MORE PLEASE!

[@jlchopstick]

Hi ! I also LOVE the playability of the elite JB. I am a hobby player and found one reduced (as it was on display in a store). Bass is in lovely olympic white and it is impossible not to fall in love with the neck and ergonomics. Still over time I did not get fully happy with the tone. It sounded very clean and like what one would expect from a modern active JB, but something was missing for me. To my ears it had some trace of faint "hollowness" in the tone (not sure how to describe). I missed something which I could not get, even after having changed strings and setup or testing on a different rig. I know all this is very "subjective" and a matter of personal taste. So after >1 year I finally changed pickups to Lindy Fralins with the bridge PU slightly overwound (5%) and exchanged the pre-amp with a John East deluxe. Both modifications DID the trick for me. I personally experience the bass even more dynamic now, than it was - including the passive setting. PUs are still singing, but are also able get "a more firm grip" on the tone. The parametric mids of the John East are useful to dial in some more "extra grunt" in active mode and kick the amp in an elsewise clean setting. Wish the instrument would have come like this straight away, as the upgrade unfortunately added to the overal price tag. Still I would do the same thing again. Anyone with similar (or contrary) experience?

[@As5Hat]

I respectfully disagree. Haven't played an ultra yet that sound better than my elite, there's something missing from the feel. Plus they went back to the annoying old school truss rods. I put a sweet bridge (eCAM FCB through body) on it and the lightest gauge strings and it's ridiculous how good it sounds and ez to play

[@otnielsusantogunawan7620]

Excuse me, did you change the pickups?

[@FoliFlipper]

Nice one Pier!!!

[@PierPiras]

Thank you so much! 😊🙏

[@johnnyblaze2257]

Loved the video, i have it in champagne, i have the Ultra as well and my Elite is my go bass as well, where can i get the pickup covers to remedy the same problem as you i been having with the pickup poles?

[@PierPiras]

Hi!! 😊🎸 I have found mine on Amazon. But, I guess, every “after market” store should have some “Fender J style” PU covers for replacement 😁

[@johnnyblaze2257]

@@PierPiras Oh okay, thanks, I thought there was some specific size or something.

[@As5Hat]

The elites are just way better. I have the last model run they made before releasing the ultra. Very happy. None of the ultra I've played hold a candle to the elites (depending on who made it at fender of course, whoever made mine... I definitely got lucky as fuck. Thank you unknown Bass Sensei) also this is strange but I also discovered the magic of ultra light strings on this bass lol. I just decided one day to see what a 35-45-65-85 pack of optima golds would sound like. Holy shit dude. Everything that was difficult to play suddenly became effortless and sounds like slapping god across the face with a gold plated glove

[@julesteves5333]

what's that clothe wrapped around the bonenut called near the headstock?

[@PierPiras]

It’s a “Fret Wrap” by Gruv Gear 😉

[@kevincognito3575]

Actually honestly I like the 2012 deluxe jazz Bass better than both of these cuz it has the binding in the block inlays and rosewood fretboard Ash body and beautiful red wine transparent paint job

[@mheberling5939]

Awesome video.

[@zmoore5555]

Your english is amazing!

[@PierPiras]

Thank you so much! I know I have to improve it a lot, but you are very kind 🙏😊

[@MrKrampyHands]

I got super lucky with my elite jazz in 2019 I bought it for 1100$ because the ship I bought it at was trying to get rid of the 2018’s to make room for the 2019’s coming in I bought it by accident really I was going in there to buy a custom maruzcyk Elwood with a buckeye burl top it’s a fancy j bass copy buttttt they had that American elite new on the wall practically untouched for 1100$ when I went in this time instead of 2200$ that was strapped to it the week before for anyone interested the Elwood was used and 2000$ buying my fender elite jazz was the best decision I’ve ever made when acquiring gear it smashes the Elwood where it counts but my god was that custom Elwood gorgeous I’m super stoked now because the elites are going up in value

[@tommyhorne1039]

The ultra is the bomb! Everyone has their own opinion!

[@SonofJudah83]

which pickups and electronics are you using on this bass please?

[@PierPiras]

Stock PU and electronics in passive mode.

[@EvilSean62]

did you have to shim the neck ? ... the action looks good mine is as low as it will go on the bridge and still too high for my very fussy sensibilities ..yours appears much lower than mine

[@PierPiras]

While shooting this video, i was using a very light set of strings (95-40). String gauge means a lot if you want to achieve lower action or less tension 😊

[@jlchopstick]

If with "...it will go on the bridge and still too high..." means, that your saddles already are lowered to an extend, that they are down on the bridge base metal plate, than you might consider to change the saddles (there are smaller diameter saddles or other saddle types, with a flat bottom, that allow you to go even lower with the strings. Alternatively you can grind off material from the bottom of the original saddle(s), if you have the tools and don't mind messing with the original saddles). When sourcing replacement saddles, check the dimensions, you want lower diameter but same width (elsewise your string spacing changes). I personally think, that the saddles could be a little wider (meaning longer), as the outer strings (E, G) are running somewhat "off center" of the outer pole pieces of the pickups on my bass, if the string rests in the center notch. I can make it fit by selecting an outer notch instead of the center notch for placing the string. Up to personal taste.

[@rhoodj]

They should have put a removable 18v battery cover though😢

[@saulykathycirinodelgado2771]

The pick guard where you founded ?

[@PierPiras]

Hand cutted from a pickguard type piece of plastic 😊

[@mikelabelle1145]

Because the bridge they put on the ultra is about 10x better. The cut out is deeper, the tuners are lighter, the new noiseless pick ups are leaps above the elite series.... I don't see how you think the elite series is better but ok....

[@jamesmelissawhite4807]

I love my.2016. 4 string ash natural elite it plays and sounds amazing its just a little heavy.

[@VittorioGreggio]

Bella Pier, hai un esemplare della mia serie preferita Fender, ancora nn capisco perchè l'abbiano cambiata, anche se i poli in vista sono irrinunciabili(esteticamente), bel video ;-)

[@PierPiras]

Grazie Vittorio! 😊 Beh sicuramente i poli in vista sono un dettaglio classico dal fascino intramontabile 😎

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

Hello this really beautiful sound & look & Colour from where to buy one same color same spec. ? You Rock I Love seeing you playing Slap, fantastic, best regards, & stay safe

[@PierPiras]

Thank you so much! 😊 I think you can find one in the used marked, Fender now produce the “Ultra” series and unfortunately the “Elite” series has been discontinued. You can try on Ebay or Reverb to find one 😁🎸

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

@@PierPiras thank you so much

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

I am on my way to buy the Fender Elite same Colour I love it, can I ask you from where you got this beautiful PickGuard with this amazing Colour ? From wher to order one similar ? I love the sound of the Elite bass, is the neck big from the back or nice to play & slim, & do you give Lessons ? Thanks a lot & stay safe, best regards, you can check my webpage & listen to my music here: amrsalahmahmoud.com

[@PierPiras]

@@amrsalahmahmoud3034 The pickguard is home made! I bought a raw squared plywood for pickguards with the “abalone” color and cut it with the shape of the elite PG in mind. Sure, I do online lessons. You can mail me at: [e-mail] for more info 😉

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

@@PierPiras I see look very nice

[@bartroniac5273]

It looks like you changed/swapped the pickups no? What kind of pickups do you have in this Bass? OR Did you just cover up the pole pieces?

[@PierPiras]

I’ve just replaced the original PU plastic covers with some black non original and full covered ones 😊

[@rightz06]

What year is this I’m trying to find one used

[@PierPiras]

I think mine is from 2017 🎸

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

I got rose wood fret board i would prefer ebony !

[@sosman1087]

Such a nice bass👍

[@PierPiras]

Thanks! 😊🙏

[@kevincognito3575]

I agree with you the elite base is so much better because it has the ebony fretboard and strings through the body instead of that wannabe badass bridge and it has the spoke wheel truss rod it's just better

[@As5Hat]

Yeah, the other series is a downgrade like every way. They fooled people by cutting cost everywhere and distracting them with the improved preamp, supposedly. There's nothing improved about it Lol. I hope they don't make this mistake again with the next series, but the ultra needs to die, fast

[@mionome501]

Agree i love it i own the same❤

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

You don’t mention the Ultra. Why is the Elite better?

[@rhoodj]

😂😂😂 ahahahahahhhhh 😅 peculiar 😅

[@jannetoropainen9865]

Hey man could we See you slapping your homemade daddy bass😉

[@PierPiras]

I’ll work on that soon! 😊 Stay tuned 🎸

[@TechIlliterate]

I do find that the truss rod access is practical on the elite it is just UGLY IMO. I only have to access the rod MAYBE twice a year at most. Form over function for me.

[@PierPiras]

I got your point! I guess truss rod positioning is all about personal taste 😁🎸

[@rolandmaniago4035]

What kind of bass amp are you using in this video? It sounds awesome!!

[@PierPiras]

Thanks! 😊 I’m using the preamp of my audio interface (Antelope Zen Tour) 🎸

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

i love your accent

[@ronaldmorrow1198]

VERY NICE

[@MrKrampyHands]

The elites are start to appreciate in value most used ones are literally selling for the same msrp price they had new or higher depending on color mines 3tone burst and they average 2000-2300 used from what I could find it’s pretty crazy and there reasons might be why it’s a great bass I live mine to piece’s I love the feel of the neck it’s my bass home and that time with DR high beams it’ll give any bass player a boner when they hear it

[@trenken]

I dont like any of these modern fenders. They are ok but theres just nothing like their 60s and 70s basses. The custom shop ones are very good but they are also 2-3x more expensive than the elite and ultra. I have a 64 jazz bass and its fucking AMAZING. Guys that have money like geddy lee for example usually only play their older basses. Geddy has some custom shop basses but the bulk of his fenders are 60-70s basses.

[@gabrielwalker4411]

Epido bro 😆😆😆😆

[@PierPiras]

Thank you! 😊🎸

[@gabrielwalker4411]

@@PierPiras enytime

[@nathanballein3035]

Nice bass bud! I definitely agree - the Elite is way more my taste than the Ultra series!

[@PierPiras]

Exactly! That’s just a matter of taste, i’m sure that the Ultra is also a great Bass! But the Elite is kinda cooler for me 😁🎸

[@stevedunch581]

Go..gah

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

proper pronunciation is TUR KOICE

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

I prefer my Marcus Miller Sire Bass neck, fretboard, and head stock shape. I also own a 2022 Fender Ultra Jazz Bass 4 strings with rosewood fretboard.

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

I own the Fender Ultra Jazz bass i can tell you the ultra bridge sucks

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

Sire Marcus Miller basses are only affordable because of the currency exchange ! If they are made in europe or usa, those guitars will cost almost the same prices as the fender guitars.

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

Sire Marcus Miller fretboard shape is so much easier to play fast and the frets are so much easier to find without looking with your eyes.

[@mxg8149]

e

[@johnraspberry2269]

Both are crap, i had them, try MusicMan Stingray.....