JKingV2
Member
So this might've been a dumb or silly move, but I couldn't get used to another bass, albeit that I'm not a 'bassist' but rather an at home recording hobbyist. I had a 2012 American Deluxe Jazz V in the natural maple/ash configuration. Good sounding bass, neck was ok and was pretty hefty, but got the job done for me. I had to part ways with it due to some money issues, but knew I'd be made whole again down the road and that day is here again... but why another freakin' jazz bass?!?! Well, I had a price point at right around the 2k mark, I wanted an all rounder that can cover most genres (rock, alternative, metal, classic, prog, pop) with an active circuit, and it had to be a 5 string to cover various drop tunings and such. It pretty much came down to a Music Man Stingray 5 or another Jazz Bass (this time around, the 'American Elite') and as you can see... went with the Jazz (this time in the Alder/Rosewood combo). Here's the thing, I'm not a bassist, I'm a guitar player.. so there were a few basses I'd tried at the Guitar Centers and such and it came down to sound, look and comfortability. The Ernie Balls look great and I love the color options, but the Fenders look great too and that classic Jazz Bass look somehow always wins me over. Then the sounds.. The EB MM 5 definitely had a punch to it and sounded solid, but the Jazz seemed to cover much more ground for me (mind you I'm talking the Alder/Rosewood version.. didn't want another Ash/Maple, then I'd really feel like a moron buying almost the same exact bass). The Jazz Bass just seemed to have a smoother and fuller tone. My old American Deluxe had a fat sound too, but the tone was a bit too punchy for me and I always found myself having to really dial in some EQ to round it out. I kinda' felt this would be the same deal with the Music Man. So I ordered an Olympic White American Elite Jazz V from Zzounds and when it got here, I immediately broke it out of the hella' nice case it came in and started recording... first impressions is it's lighter than my old jazz bass and the neck feels slightly more comfortable and playable. Don't know if maybe my old American Deluxe was just a dud, but this bass had it right out the box. It balanced comfortably in my lap, which my previous never did (I'm thinking from wood weight). I recorded a few lines, played it back and noticed right away how well it blended into the mix with my guitars, not overly bright and prominent like my old Jazz. The preamp circuit and pickups seem to have been improved as well, although some may disagree with me there, (think it's just what my ears prefer). Whereas my old American Delluxe, I'd sit there and twist the knobs with not much effect to the tone, but this new circuit does a much more profound effect on the overall sound. Lastly looks... I did enjoy the classic '70's look of my natural ash/maple black inlays of 2012 American Deluxe Jazz.. but the olympic white and black pickguard on this new bass is all together a great looking instrument. While having the chance to try a different flavor of bass guitar, I'm not regretting going for the same thing again.
This one's a solid winner
I've included a few pics and a pic of my old bass as well.
This one's a solid winner
I've included a few pics and a pic of my old bass as well.
