NBD: 2016 Fender Elite Jazz Natural Ash

[HeadlessBassist]

This one has been a long time coming. I first started to think seriously about a Deluxe/Elite/Ultra when I played one shortly after the 2010 model launched. Then the Elite launched in 2016 and that had to be the one, especially with the MM-style truss rod wheel and the pickups/preamp upgrades. My decision was cemented further when the Ultra 2 came out in the last year or so with its cost-saving 'skunk stripe' neck. Spec wise, the natural Ash Elite always seemed to be the pick of the bunch.

 

So I recently bought Freddie's Elite from the BC Marketplace - he did a very good job of very carefully repairing the drill damage [from a previous owner where a bridge cover had been added] with wood filler, so the holes aren't nearly as visible now.

 

Playing-wise, this Elite is a monster Jazz. The preamp only needs a slight touch over the centre detent on the treble/bass controls to be perfectly punchy and clear. It has all the tone of my 2012 FSR hand-stained American Standard with a lot more power behind it. I'm impressed. So I've set it up to my tastes and added some new 40-95 Elixirs. I'm off to turn the "Jazz Bass" preset input gain down on my RH750 before this preamp blows the patio doors off!

 

Enjoy the pics

 

 

 

Edited June 13 by HeadlessBassist

[Reggaebass]

Very nice indeed, congrats, they really are a fantastic jazz and the necks are superb, I wouldn’t be without mine 

[Bernmeister]

I was looking at this, luckily I now have the 5 string version. 
Yes, a great bass with a lovely feel to it. 

[HeadlessBassist]

Thanks Bernmeister. Yes, I think they're definitely the one to have in the long running American Deluxe family. Huge boost on the preamp too, with a very clean sound. 

[Bernmeister]

Funny you saying that.

The preamp on mine has been swapped out for a Sadowsky one with the vtc.

I brought it with the mod done, but I do have the original pre amp. 

I also own a 5 deluxe too. 
 

[HeadlessBassist]

We'll have to meet and compare preamps being as you're only 40 miles away. Would actually be very interesting to hear the Sadowsky onboard in a Fender.

 

Edited June 17 by HeadlessBassist

[Bernmeister]

That my good Sir is a very good idea.