Tone Comparison: Fender Jazz Elite vs. Custom Music Man (Solid Rosewood Neck) | Avalon U5 & Kemper

[IgorBassplayer]

I’m a session bassist with 20 years of experience, currently based in Da Nang, Vietnam. I’ve decided to put my two main workhorses head-to-head to see how they handle different grooves.

In this video, I’m comparing:

1. Fender American Elite Jazz Bass (Ultra pickups).

2. Custom Made Music Man 5 HH (with a unique Solid Rosewood Neck).

Signal Chain:

Both basses were recorded through my Kemper Player using a legendary Avalon U5 profile for that pure studio DI sound.

Watch the comparison here: 

 

 

I’ve included on-screen TABS and Notation for both, so you can see exactly what's happening in the pocket.

I'm currently working towards my 4,000-hour goal on YouTube, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on which bass sits better in the mix for you. Does the rosewood neck on the MM give it that extra 'snap' you'd expect?

Cheers,

Igor"

Edited Friday at 08:15 by IgorBassplayer

[Paul vezzo]

For me:  Fender 2    MMan 0  ! 😃

Very well played,  only one thing:  a bit exagerate middle frequency on Elite slap: suppose its strings prbl; but   i don't like MM sound: too personal (when Mr Fender created it...wasn't like this).

Bravo !!

[IgorBassplayer]

Hi Paul! Thanks for the detailed feedback and the

'Bravo!', appreciate it!

Interesting point about the mids on the Elite slap tone. I'm using Elixir Nanowebs and the Avalon U5 profile on my Kemper, so it definitely has that modern 'bite' which can sometimes feel a bit mid-

heavy in a solo context. I'll try to dial the mids back a touch for the next recording to see if it rounds out the slap sound.

As for the Music Man - you nailed it. With that Solid Rosewood neck, it's a very 'personal' instrument and definitely deviates from Leo's original Stingray blueprint. It's a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it tone, for sure!

[itu]

MM. No doubt. I might cut highs just a bit, but other than that MM sounds better to my ears. 

 

I like the detailed test setup, and nice playing (even through YT). Well done. 

[HeadlessBassist]

It's the Fender Elite for me - I have one in Ash/Maple and it's a fabulous bass. Cuts through most mixes really nicely and satisfyingly fills it's sonic space too. I've sold two Stingrays in recent months, mainly because the single MM pickup, no matter how good it is in isolation, just doesn't cut it live. They seem to sit at an easily buried frequency (for my ears, anyway).

[itu]

Sabre would offer more possibilities. Why was is it so short lived, I don't know. 

[HeadlessBassist]

8 minutes ago, itu said:

Sabre would offer more possibilities. Why was is it so short lived, I don't know. 

 

The Classic Sabre reissue was very good - I had one for a couple of years, but they were very expensive. I guess the Stingray just sells more units.

 

Similarly, the twin humbucker version of the Fender Dimension Deluxe/Elite would be an excellent choice here. They were true Stingray killers.

Edited Monday at 12:18 by HeadlessBassist

[ezbass]

I listened to this fully expecting to like the ‘Ray more,  as I’m on a bit of a ‘Ray kick at the moment. But no, J Bass on all counts for me. It just seemed more authoritative and less hollow than the MM.

[IgorBassplayer]

On 16/02/2026 at 01:46, itu said:

MM. No doubt. I might cut highs just a bit, but other than that MM sounds better to my ears. 

 

I like the detailed test setup, and nice playing (even through YT). Well done. 

Thanks a lot for the feedback! I'm glad the Music Man resonated with you. That Solid Rosewood neck definitely adds a unique 'piano-like' snap and character that sets it apart from the standard maple versions.

Good call on the highs! 

I'm really happy you appreciated the detailed setup.

I try to be as transparent as possible with the signal chain so people know exactly what they're hearing.

 

[IgorBassplayer]

On 16/02/2026 at 13:30, HeadlessBassist said:

It's the Fender Elite for me - I have one in Ash/Maple and it's a fabulous bass. Cuts through most mixes really nicely and satisfyingly fills it's sonic space too. I've sold two Stingrays in recent months, mainly because the single MM pickup, no matter how good it is in isolation, just doesn't cut it live. They seem to sit at an easily buried frequency (for my ears, anyway).

Great points! The Ash/Maple combo on your Elite must be incredibly punchy—that’s a classic 'slap machine' configuration. I agree, the Fender Elite has a way of claiming its territory in the mix that is very hard to beat, especially with those Ultra pickups.

Regarding the Stingray 'disappearing' act—I completely understand your frustration with the single-pickup models live. However, that’s exactly why I went with this Custom HH build. Having the second humbucker and, more importantly, the Solid Rosewood Neck really changes the frequency response. It adds a certain 'meat' and low-mid definition that I find helps it stay audible even in a dense mix where a standard Ray might get buried

[IgorBassplayer]

On 17/02/2026 at 00:54, ezbass said:

I listened to this fully expecting to like the ‘Ray more,  as I’m on a bit of a ‘Ray kick at the moment. But no, J Bass on all counts for me. It just seemed more authoritative and less hollow than the MM.

That’s the beauty of a good A/B test—it often defies our expectations!
I think what you’re hearing as 'authoritative' is that signature mid-range growl of the Fender Elite. Those Ultra pickups really know how to command the sonic space without being overbearing.
As for the Music Man sounding 'hollow' in comparison—that’s a very sharp observation. Stingrays often have that natural mid-scoop, but on this specific Custom build, the Solid Rosewood Neck adds a very fast, percussive attack which might make the sustain feel 'thinner' or 'hollower' compared to the dense, warm resonance of the Fender.

[HeadlessBassist]

23 minutes ago, IgorBassplayer said:

Great points! The Ash/Maple combo on your Elite must be incredibly punchy—that’s a classic 'slap machine' configuration. I agree, the Fender Elite has a way of claiming its territory in the mix that is very hard to beat, especially with those Ultra pickups.

Regarding the Stingray 'disappearing' act—I completely understand your frustration with the single-pickup models live. However, that’s exactly why I went with this Custom HH build. Having the second humbucker and, more importantly, the Solid Rosewood Neck really changes the frequency response. It adds a certain 'meat' and low-mid definition that I find helps it stay audible even in a dense mix where a standard Ray might get buried

 

Yes, I can understand the reasoning behind the solid rosewood neck - a harder fingerboard in general will automatically give you more percussive 'tonk'. I keep looking at that option on the Fender Mod Shop!

 

[moley6knipe]

On 16/02/2026 at 12:13, HeadlessBassist said:

Similarly, the twin humbucker version of the Fender Dimension Deluxe/Elite would be an excellent choice here. They were true Stingray killers.

 

You called? Best Fenders I’ve ever played for sure. Had a USA maple alnico SR5 but it didn’t survive the Dimensions arriving ❤️

Edited 1 hour ago by moley6knipe

[HeadlessBassist]

14 minutes ago, moley6knipe said:

 

You called? Best Fenders I’ve ever played for sure. Had a USA maple alnico SR5 but it didn’t survive the Dimensions arriving ❤️

 

Ooh, very nice Sir! I sadly had to let my Cayenne HH Elite Dimension go as a trade-in when I bought my KingBass Mk-II last year. Still miss it!