I have an AmPro I Jazz and recently also bought an AmPro II Precision. Love both. I really think that the current Fenders are among the best they've ever made.
I bought an AmPro 1 in 2018 new out of the box (still my 2024 go to). It just happened to be one of the first (2016 stamp & serial #). Since it was almost 2 years old and AmPro 2's were around the corner my local music store (shout out to Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center!) let it go for $1,315! Love everything about it (3-Tone Sunburst w/ mint guard & rosewood neck) only change I made was a tortoise shell pick guard which I ordered from Fender afterwards. Personally I love the Alnico 2 & 5 pickup combo that's unique to the AmPro 1's. It's got a superior versatility of sound over the ii, I'll die on that hill. After a decent setup, and knowledge of how a passive J bass works tonally, you can get as warm or punch funky as you want. Each to their own, but the weird half step to an elite neck configuration, and more colors seems to me as a marketing tactic. I've played both and the 1 feels much more like a classic/ vintage J bass, the tall narrow frets, the 4 bolt block, alnico 2s at the neck, etc. with tasteful, utilitarian modern touches. The AmPro ii comes in very cool colors and on it's own a great bass. With that said I don't see the $500 more than I paid for my Am 1. I could buy 2 sets of custom shop pickups for that and get any sound possible! Also, J/P neck swapping (if you're into that) is over unless you have both P & J AmPro 2's. In all seriousness the AP 1 feels like an upgraded American Standard in the best possible way, almost a grand finale of the true feeling of an American Fender Jazz Bass. It's short run in my opinion only helped this, to me that bass really feels like the end of era. The AmPro ii feels (and looks) like the beginnings of another evolution. Lastly, regarding price again; if the AmPro ii was available when I bought my AmPro 1, I would've personally paid the same if not more for the AmPro 1.
@@edwinbassUnfortunately yes but once you hit that sweet spot, its sounds awesome. What my tech did he raised the neck pickup bass side a touch higher and everything else is “factory spec”. Hope that helps!
I’ve spent a lot of time watching these videos, even sometimes for basses I already own. I always think why does it sound better when he plays it??? Anthony is great, just straight to the point with his thoughts and what it sounds like. Very helpful for those of us that want to know!
Even it's April 2024 thanks so much for this comparison. I just found probably the last Professional 1 Jazz bass brand new in exactly this Olympic white colour at a heavily discounted price here in Germany. I am so happy to own an American made bass beauty finally...!
Mmmmm I have the Fender AP I and from this comparison here in this video, MY perception is that the AP I has more bass and bite. The AP II is much "cleaner" with less bass & bite. In terms of the back of the neck finish, on the AP II I feel more natural-smooth wood; very authentic feel to it. GREAT video and thanks so much for the comparison! Keep rockin'!!
2-years later! 11/2022; I now also have a Fender Jazz bass American Professional II. I gave it some time, and ended up selling my AP I jazz bass. The APII is AMAZING...lighter, slimmer neck and smoother, I think the pickups have just as much bite BUT all the notes come alive in a way the API didn't. The body itself doesn't seem as "chunky". A BIG improvement and I highly recommend the Fender American Professional II! 👍👍❤
Good question! It was a little while ago since I sold it. They only thing I know is that I could tell right off the AP II was lighter. Now, they don't make all the AP's the same weight anyways, there is a difference. Before buying, ask. My new AP II is below 9 lbs for sure. Five strings are usually about 1 lb. more than the 4 strings just for a frame of reference@@strannikr9497
I think they both sound great. The Professional 1 has a bit more punch, although the top end is a little harsh at times. The Professional 2 is a bit warmer but not as assertive. In both situations, it is nothing a good EQ can't fix. As always, Fender gets it right with both.
Great review! However, I would be interested in comparing the 2 models both with Alder bodies, as obviously the roasted pine is gonna sound different than alder. So not an apples to apples comparison, but thanks!
No fundamental difference, I would say. The tone woods are very different, the pick ups slightly different. After all, I would not be able to discriminate both lines blindfolded. Might make a difference once you feel it in your hands.
Great job demonstrating the bass, man. I prefer the Am Pro I a bit more, look and sound wise. Just not diggin’ that contoured neck heel. Its ugly 😂 but then thats just me. Cheers! ❤️😁
Would recording studios rather have the older pickup or the newer one. Will this be on their minds...or will they still just say its a fender precision and be okay?
@@goosegaskins I just bought the Dark Night Limited Edition (Rosewood Neck)...every pickup V-mod II is an Alnico 2 + Alnico 4 mix, the V-Mod pickup is an Alnico 2 + Alnico 5 mix, for this reason the American Professional II sounds different to the AM Pro...
Great review! Thanks, i got two questions. 1. What are the weight on them approximately? 2. Do they have a roll fretboard edge? Similar to the sire bass or the Fender MIJ? Again thanks for the review.
I thought the old Pro I's already had rolled fretboard edges. It was one of the first things I noticed when I sat down with a Pro I Precision bass last year. Are they _more_ rolled or am I just mistaken?
SonicXRage- Fender has been saying their necks have rolled edges on their American series for over 10 years now. So I guess they still say it because nothings changed?🤷🏻♂️
@@67NewEngland New for 2075: Fender 60's P bass with never-before-seen rolled neck edges and, get this: MORE ALNICO!!! THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH ONLY MADE POSSIBLE BY OVER 100 YEARS OF RESEARCH!!! Stay tuned for news on next year's release: a 70's jazz bass IN PINK!!!
Is it fair to say that pro ii has less bright, growling and barking tone compared to pro i? I recently bought pro ii but I feel regret as I’m not fan of warm tones. I actually love funk style and slap techniques. I’m wondering if it would solve the problem if I change the pick ups. Any feedback is appreciated.
Yes.. I did find the Pro II a bit warmer and less bitey than the Pro I. You could always swap out some pickups, maybe go for something a bit more modern/bright. Thanks for watching - Anthony
A roasted pine body....never had a bass with that type of tonewood. What’s the opinion of it? I know that pine is lighter, but how does it impact resonance, sustain, etc? Curious to hear what people think of it....
@@robertmobleyrealtor6979 As I said, Robert, just an opinion. I’m not saying that the longer demos should be excluded, per se; merely that, for direct A/B comparison I favour ‘short, sharp’ clips to immediately highlight the difference(s). Probably says something for my (aged) brain that I can’t retain the specifics of tone, attack, etc., of the ‘start phrase’, for instance, over the time, to make a meaningful comparison to the same section in ‘example 2’… if that makes sense(?). 🙄
I love my Fenders, but $1600 for a CNC assembly line bolt on instrument? Ridiculous. I had an AM Pro P Bass and got rid of it. I hated it. Fretwork was awful. So many cheaper options today (especially thanks to CNC, where QC has greatly improved) that could be modded to smoke these instruments.
I have an AmPro I Jazz and recently also bought an AmPro II Precision. Love both. I really think that the current Fenders are among the best they've ever made.
I bought an AmPro 1 in 2018 new out of the box (still my 2024 go to). It just happened to be one of the first (2016 stamp & serial #). Since it was almost 2 years old and AmPro 2's were around the corner my local music store (shout out to Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center!) let it go for $1,315! Love everything about it (3-Tone Sunburst w/ mint guard & rosewood neck) only change I made was a tortoise shell pick guard which I ordered from Fender afterwards. Personally I love the Alnico 2 & 5 pickup combo that's unique to the AmPro 1's. It's got a superior versatility of sound over the ii, I'll die on that hill. After a decent setup, and knowledge of how a passive J bass works tonally, you can get as warm or punch funky as you want. Each to their own, but the weird half step to an elite neck configuration, and more colors seems to me as a marketing tactic. I've played both and the 1 feels much more like a classic/ vintage J bass, the tall narrow frets, the 4 bolt block, alnico 2s at the neck, etc. with tasteful, utilitarian modern touches. The AmPro ii comes in very cool colors and on it's own a great bass. With that said I don't see the $500 more than I paid for my Am 1. I could buy 2 sets of custom shop pickups for that and get any sound possible! Also, J/P neck swapping (if you're into that) is over unless you have both P & J AmPro 2's. In all seriousness the AP 1 feels like an upgraded American Standard in the best possible way, almost a grand finale of the true feeling of an American Fender Jazz Bass. It's short run in my opinion only helped this, to me that bass really feels like the end of era. The AmPro ii feels (and looks) like the beginnings of another evolution. Lastly, regarding price again; if the AmPro ii was available when I bought my AmPro 1, I would've personally paid the same if not more for the AmPro 1.
I like your thought, thank you. Happy to have chosen AMPro 1.
Has the pro1 pickup a weak(er) E string compared to the other strings?
@@edwinbassUnfortunately yes but once you hit that sweet spot, its sounds awesome. What my tech did he raised the neck pickup bass side a touch higher and everything else is “factory spec”. Hope that helps!
I’ve spent a lot of time watching these videos, even sometimes for basses I already own. I always think why does it sound better when he plays it??? Anthony is great, just straight to the point with his thoughts and what it sounds like. Very helpful for those of us that want to know!
Even it's April 2024 thanks so much for this comparison.
I just found probably the last Professional 1 Jazz bass brand new in exactly this Olympic white colour at a heavily discounted price here in Germany.
I am so happy to own an American made bass beauty finally...!
Congrats! Enjoy that bass! Thanks for watching - Anthony
What did you pay.?
@@cooleyballs1 EUR € 1.390 incl. the original 7ender deluxe molded case and shipping ;-))
Great review and inspired style choices to showcase both instruments. For me, still love the Pro I and its superb edginess.
Mmmmm I have the Fender AP I and from this comparison here in this video, MY perception is that the AP I has more bass and bite. The AP II is much "cleaner" with less bass & bite. In terms of the back of the neck finish, on the AP II I feel more natural-smooth wood; very authentic feel to it. GREAT video and thanks so much for the comparison! Keep rockin'!!
That's the initial impression I got too. That the AP I has, as you say, more bass and bite.
2-years later! 11/2022; I now also have a Fender Jazz bass American Professional II. I gave it some time, and ended up selling my AP I jazz bass. The APII is AMAZING...lighter, slimmer neck and smoother, I think the pickups have just as much bite BUT all the notes come alive in a way the API didn't. The body itself doesn't seem as "chunky". A BIG improvement and I highly recommend the Fender American Professional II! 👍👍❤
@@billytrance6893hi, what was the weight of AP1 just about to buy ash body V?
Good question! It was a little while ago since I sold it. They only thing I know is that I could tell right off the AP II was lighter. Now, they don't make all the AP's the same weight anyways, there is a difference. Before buying, ask. My new AP II is below 9 lbs for sure. Five strings are usually about 1 lb. more than the 4 strings just for a frame of reference@@strannikr9497
@@billytrance6893has the Pro1 a weaker E string compared to the other strings?
Great video. While I personally believe the AP I has more bark, I love the finishes in the AP II. Dark Knight and Miami Blue are just killer.
I think they both sound great. The Professional 1 has a bit more punch, although the top end is a little harsh at times. The Professional 2 is a bit warmer but not as assertive. In both situations, it is nothing a good EQ can't fix. As always, Fender gets it right with both.
I recently purchased the fender pro. 2.
" jazz bass dark knight finish " gotta say man it's awesome. !!!
Seems like Fender just does better with their passive basses
Great review! However, I would be interested in comparing the 2 models both with Alder bodies, as obviously the roasted pine is gonna sound different than alder. So not an apples to apples comparison, but thanks!
It was what we had in-stock at the time... but maybe a future video?!?!? I'll shout you out if we do it Enzo! Thanks for watching - Anthony
No fundamental difference, I would say. The tone woods are very different, the pick ups slightly different. After all, I would not be able to discriminate both lines blindfolded. Might make a difference once you feel it in your hands.
on the contrary I would be able to discriminate both models: the APII is clearly warmer, fatter and with more bottom end
I definitely hear a little more top end on the I. It also sounds a bit more "scooped."
Prefer the American Standard :)
Did the American Standard become the American Performer series?
Did the American Standard become the American Performer series?
EDIT: Never mind! American Standard became American Professional. :)
AP I for me, it's got more 'burp'. APII is still a lovely bass though.
Can't go wrong with Fender Bass pedigree 👌🏿
The White one sounds better for me 👌🏿❤️
Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿❤️
New one sounds more bassy and more powerfull
Agreed.
I put Seymour Duncan sjb2 on my 84 squier Jpan, the tone more bassy, warm compare tu my usa standard, but little tweak at your amp can do all
Like some of you, I'd prefer the AP1.
Great job demonstrating the bass, man. I prefer the Am Pro I a bit more, look and sound wise. Just not diggin’ that contoured neck heel. Its ugly 😂 but then thats just me. Cheers! ❤️😁
I like the new rolled edges, I feel it gives me the edge one needs to stand out as today's bass player
Would recording studios rather have the older pickup or the newer one. Will this be on their minds...or will they still just say its a fender precision and be okay?
FINGER
APII 3:05
AP 3:55
PICK
APII 4:38
AP 5:20
SLAP
APII 6:03
AP 6:45
I prefer APII: warmer, fatter and more bottom end
Thanks for the timestamps! And I agree with you: the APII sounds better to my ears. I think I'm gonna get the Dark Night/Maple Neck version.
@@goosegaskins I just bought the Dark Night Limited Edition (Rosewood Neck)...every pickup V-mod II is an Alnico 2 + Alnico 4 mix, the V-Mod pickup is an Alnico 2 + Alnico 5 mix, for this reason the American Professional II sounds different to the AM Pro...
@@luigi.zanini Nice, thanks!
Great video. This was very helpful.
I love both actually but I have to admit talking P basses I personally prefer the pro II.
Great review! Thanks, i got two questions.
1. What are the weight on them approximately?
2. Do they have a roll fretboard edge? Similar to the sire bass or the Fender MIJ?
Again thanks for the review.
These are usually coming in around 8.5lbs-9lbs. Am Pro II's have roiled edges. Thanks for watching - Anthony
I thought the old Pro I's already had rolled fretboard edges. It was one of the first things I noticed when I sat down with a Pro I Precision bass last year. Are they _more_ rolled or am I just mistaken?
SonicXRage- Fender has been saying their necks have rolled edges on their American series for over 10 years now. So I guess they still say it because nothings changed?🤷🏻♂️
@@67NewEngland New for 2075: Fender 60's P bass with never-before-seen rolled neck edges and, get this: MORE ALNICO!!! THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH ONLY MADE POSSIBLE BY OVER 100 YEARS OF RESEARCH!!!
Stay tuned for news on next year's release: a 70's jazz bass IN PINK!!!
Great (and helpful) comparison!
Is it good idea shipping to Bulgaria ?
Is it fair to say that pro ii has less bright, growling and barking tone compared to pro i? I recently bought pro ii but I feel regret as I’m not fan of warm tones. I actually love funk style and slap techniques. I’m wondering if it would solve the problem if I change the pick ups. Any feedback is appreciated.
Yes.. I did find the Pro II a bit warmer and less bitey than the Pro I. You could always swap out some pickups, maybe go for something a bit more modern/bright. Thanks for watching - Anthony
Nice demotration 👍👍
A roasted pine body....never had a bass with that type of tonewood. What’s the opinion of it? I know that pine is lighter, but how does it impact resonance, sustain, etc? Curious to hear what people think of it....
I just picked one up and it sounds awesome!
Yes, I’d like to know more about the roasted pine
Do these V-Mod II pickups hum a lot?
Pretty quiet. Dead quiet when levels are equal.
Nice playing.
Thank for watching Steve - Anthony
Fender wants to lure Joe Dart back from MusicMan 😎
Yeah! Pecora is Italian name!!!!!
The AP1 sounded better to me.
Great video, truly. But each sound example could have been much shorter, for more immediate comparison, to greater effect. Just an opinion...
@@robertmobleyrealtor6979 As I said, Robert, just an opinion. I’m not saying that the longer demos should be excluded, per se; merely that, for direct A/B comparison I favour ‘short, sharp’ clips to immediately highlight the difference(s).
Probably says something for my (aged) brain that I can’t retain the specifics of tone, attack, etc., of the ‘start phrase’, for instance, over the time, to make a meaningful comparison to the same section in ‘example 2’… if that makes sense(?). 🙄
The old one sounds better by slapin!..the rest sounds pritty the same.
I must say I'm not crazy about either of them...
Ap1 sounds better to my ear
AP - bright and clear. AP2 - dark and muddy...
Yes Dark & Nuddy & a little Artificial V-Mod pickups
I love my Fenders, but $1600 for a CNC assembly line bolt on instrument? Ridiculous. I had an AM Pro P Bass and got rid of it. I hated it. Fretwork was awful. So many cheaper options today (especially thanks to CNC, where QC has greatly improved) that could be modded to smoke these instruments.