I have an Elite Jazz V in tobacco sunburst and an Ultra PJ Percision in Plasma Red. I love them both and have no complaints. The new Ultra 2 series look and sound great no doubt, and love to have one. But, I am not willing to trade or sell mine off just to get it.
Here’s the thing I found interesting in the Ultra series Jazz Basses and that’s voicing via it’s electronics and what I mean by that is when the Bass is in it’s passive mode it sounds like nice warm sounding 60’s Jazz Bass but when you engage the preamp it then sounds pretty much like a 70’s Bass especially if you have a maple fretboard and mind you the pickups are not in the 70’s position, but I play it mostly in passive mode because the preamp can get a little bit over the top for my liking..
The main question for me, have Fender fixed that annoying G string very close to the border of the previous Ultra model, due to a 19mm bridge on a too narrow neck? The elite model had 18mm spacing but no problems...
I honestly did not notice any issue there (nor did I previous models). Doesn't mean that it's not a real thing, just something that I never personally had issue with. Thanks for watching - Anthony
I have the American Ultra 5 2023. The bridge spacing issue was solved I believe in 2022 or 2021. If you swap the bridge out that will definitely solve the problem
Great demo Anthony! As somebody who owns an ultra jazz V, an ultra precision, and an ultra jazz 4, I really do not see these Ultra II series basses selling as well as the first generation. I think if anything the Ultra 2 series will ensure that the Ultra One series will retain their used value as they age. The same argument can be made for the elite series the predecessor of the Ultra. You made a good point that it's a hit or miss with new Fender models based on the same archetypes of jazz and precision. I agree we do not want them to innovate too much because there's such a tradition around how these instruments should sound and feel. The problem with that is Fender is trying to sell new instruments at a price that cannot compete with the used market where there are a ton more options that outperform even their newer models, and those residual sales are not filling their coffers by any stretch. I guess we'll see in 5 to 10 years if these models stand the test of time.
All good points! We'll see how they fare moving forward. I will say this... regardless of price points.. we will always see a demand Fender instruments both new and used. It's a sure thing. Thanks for watching - Anthony
5-10 is considered an eternity in today's "Consume, Consume, Consume" mindset. Fender will be onto Ultra VIIIs by then. Features will regress or flip back to something they had before but it will never fully be everything we want. All under the guise of, buy this next one we got it this time. Very reminiscent of Apple and their "revolutionary" product releases every year. CONSUME!
@@AJett35 100% agree. I would say the only feature that I would have liked to see on the Ultra I serious is the graphite reinforcement rods inside the neck. Stability is always a good thing when you figure that the instrument is going to see a wide array of temperature and humidity throughout its life. Then again the trade-off with a feature like that is certain resonant frequencies with the rods installed can move the Sonic dead spot to a different part of the neck that may not be favorable. It's all balance.
The one thing that attracts is the tone functioning in active mode. I REALLY wish my Ultra Jazz had that feature. The glowing inlays are a nice touch as well. But I love the block inlays on my ultra. I think it's a big blooper not including them on the Ultra II. Having said all of that, I'm tempted to get an Ultra II Jazz (my Ultra is a four string).
At that price point, I will probably save up a bit more and get a Sadowsky Metro Line. This still looks and sounds great though. Glad we have more options.
I thought the last ultras had graphite rods. Little fact check for ya. Always love the vids Anthony. Stoked to try the ultra II V. I’ve got the first iteration and don’t like the mid controls of mine. Too hot.
Great demo but I am comelled to make a statement about what I consider a BIG FAIL on the Ultra 2. Moving the truss rod adjustment to the headstock is a massive gail imo. Having to loosen strings, make an adjustment,retune to check the adjustment is so so so inferior to a simple turn of a wheel with anything small enough and stiff enought to fit thru the hole in it rulers. I loathe removing neck plates and trying to reposition them with those tiny little screws so so much. At least Fender didnt put one on it like Spector does. I hope they rethink that which is why I am posting my discontentment. Thanks for giving us all the 411 on the bass.
Thanks... and yeah there have been varying thoughts on the omissions/changes. Overall I was impress though... really was. Thanks for watching - Anthony
The new pickups sound much better to my ear. The previous noiseless ones lacked any character or grit in the mids and top end. These are much more ‘Jazz Bass’
I agree... the Ultra/Ultra II is a massive leap from the Elite pickups! At least for me (and it sounds like you as well). Thanks for watching - Anthony
Graphite rods are believed to kill sustains and resonance, which from my experience is true to an extend. I think the Ultra II is a much needed improvement from the Ultra 1, but man, where is the multi-scales.
@@DeathCAPTsukinose you can probably get into a Super J for under 5k if you buy it used, or don't go crazy on cosmetic options. And I would take that any day over whatever dreck Fender is making. Only problem is they don't sound exactly like jazz basses due to the reverse split coil pickups, but Cary Nordstrand will make you single coils that fit into Dingwall shells if you ask.
Dingwall will eat good forever because Fender will come out with a multiscale when Gibson starts making basses that don't neck dive (never) There may be an import Super J model coming out in the future, Super P import is due early next year! I got lucky and managed to pick up an old style used SJ for 3000 USD (with a John East preamp modded in too!!!) I'm pretty sure this has the old SF pickups, and with this preamp it sounds like a pretty sweet active J bass (Sounds like a Marcus Miller) The imports are a bit cheaper (Combustion line, which includes the Combustion, NG and JT) but don't really sound like J basses (2400-2800 USD for a NG if you're in the US) D-Roc just doesn't have a J position by default but it's still a really nice bass The pickups you see now are pretty much just reverse split coils I'm pretty sure the custom shop Dingwall price increases are in effect already, but the imports haven't caught up yet (and they're going up soon) too
I honestly really enjoyed making these videos, and personally feel these pickups are voiced WAY better than the elites... but that's just for me and my taste. YOU KNOW YOU and that makes it right!! Thanks for watching and sharing your thought - Anthony
They went from wheel adjustment on the bottom of the neck, to a kind of Mexican type of neck...really? So many years waiting Fender to learn how to make a good Jazz bass...still waiting
That was a little bit of a head scratcher to me, but once I made a tweet on the setup on one, I actually appreciated the top access. I get it though. I also think Fender has made TONS of good Jazz basses, and continues to do so. That's the beauty of it though... TONS OF OPTIONS OUT THERE!! Find one you love and PLAY IT. Thanks for watching - Anthony
As someone that plays a TON of them, I have to agree. Sometimes they nail it, and other times it's a miss (American Performer). Thanks for watching - Anthony
As an ex owner of a Sire V7 5 strings bass and now owner of an Elite Jazz Bass V I can tell you that it makes alot of sense. Clearly you've never held a top line fender bass in your hands. I work daily with my Elite and believe me, coming from the Sire v7, there's an enormous amount of difference in the feel, the playability, the tone and the absolutely monster sound that bass unleashes
I agree with the tuner comment! Hey, I know it's not my business, but it's just so tacky to look over at the guitarist with a tuner hanging off the headstock of his guitar. Totally ruins the look. It's like a nerd back in the 1980s with the thick horn-rimmed glasses and masking tape around the nose rest. 🤣 As for the bass. Looks and sounds great. I really wish they would have stuck with the block inlays and had NOT moved the truss from the heel to the headstock. It's easier to adjust at the heal with the t-allen wrench they provided.
These are a downgrade from the Ultra. The colors are boring, the headstock headstock adjustment looks cheap like an import and no more blocks and binding.The dots also don't align well gives me OCD.. Glad I got my ultra I which is a great bass. Most people will be dropping an east or sadowsky preamp in these anyways..
Meh, nothing really groundbreaking here but it's Fender so they're kinda handcuffed so not sure what I expected. Underwhelming and poor value in the grand scheme of things but I'm sure they'll sell fine enough because they say Fender on the headstock. Not for me, but great demo 🤘
Thanks! I really don't want groundbreaking the it comes to Fender... and they've proven that those kinds of instruments don't do terrible well for them (other than the inception of the icons). I honestly prefer them miking slight variation on approved them... leave the wilder stuff to other brands. Just my opinion and I sincerely respect your's, that's the beauty of choices! Thanks for watching - Anthony
Just to chime in here. These are $2399, so well under 3K. Also, as someone who has recently ordered a custom Fodera (16 month wait still)... I looked at both brands in the used market.... GOOD LUCK finding one at $2399. Maybe I'm missing something here... I greatly appreciate you watching our video and for you adding your thoughts, but I think you're price references a touch off. - Anthony
The Fender Jazz Bass just sounds so awesome. This one is on my shortlist right now…
Love that color combo 🤌
I need one of these. Gonna get the avalanche V 💕
Update. Ordered today. Thanks for your review. I'm super excited 💕
Congrats! Enjoy the bass and thanks for watching - Anthony
Hmmm…no block inlays on these…interesting style omission…
Great jammin’, as always, Anthony!
I'm tired of Fender
The neck look kind of mexican made...
Oh great that means they must have lowered the cost to make it more accessible… wait a minute 😢
That's one of the changes that would alone make me not buy this bass.
Thanks!! It's funny, I totally didn't miss them, but understand the uproar. Thanks for watching - Anthony
I have an Elite Jazz V in tobacco sunburst and an Ultra PJ Percision in Plasma Red. I love them both and have no complaints. The new Ultra 2 series look and sound great no doubt, and love to have one. But, I am not willing to trade or sell mine off just to get it.
Definitely shouldn't then!! Sit this one out! Thanks as always - Anthony
Here’s the thing I found interesting in the Ultra series Jazz Basses and that’s voicing via it’s electronics and what I mean by that is when the Bass is in it’s passive mode it sounds like nice warm sounding 60’s Jazz Bass but when you engage the preamp it then sounds pretty much like a 70’s Bass especially if you have a maple fretboard and mind you the pickups are not in the 70’s position, but I play it mostly in passive mode because the preamp can get a little bit over the top for my liking..
I like the new finishes. The Texas tea meteora is the stand out for me. Definitely contemplating that one. lol
Can't wait for those basses to hit the shop. Thanks for watching - Anthony
The main question for me, have Fender fixed that annoying G string very close to the border of the previous Ultra model, due to a 19mm bridge on a too narrow neck? The elite model had 18mm spacing but no problems...
I honestly did not notice any issue there (nor did I previous models). Doesn't mean that it's not a real thing, just something that I never personally had issue with. Thanks for watching - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh thanks for the feedback, congrats for the channel and the shop though, I wish we woud have one that good in Italy 😉
My bass has this exact issue and it almost makes the bass unplayable ☹️
I have the American Ultra 5 2023. The bridge spacing issue was solved I believe in 2022 or 2021. If you swap the bridge out that will definitely solve the problem
Great demo Anthony! As somebody who owns an ultra jazz V, an ultra precision, and an ultra jazz 4, I really do not see these Ultra II series basses selling as well as the first generation. I think if anything the Ultra 2 series will ensure that the Ultra One series will retain their used value as they age.
The same argument can be made for the elite series the predecessor of the Ultra.
You made a good point that it's a hit or miss with new Fender models based on the same archetypes of jazz and precision. I agree we do not want them to innovate too much because there's such a tradition around how these instruments should sound and feel. The problem with that is Fender is trying to sell new instruments at a price that cannot compete with the used market where there are a ton more options that outperform even their newer models, and those residual sales are not filling their coffers by any stretch.
I guess we'll see in 5 to 10 years if these models stand the test of time.
All good points! We'll see how they fare moving forward. I will say this... regardless of price points.. we will always see a demand Fender instruments both new and used. It's a sure thing. Thanks for watching - Anthony
5-10 is considered an eternity in today's "Consume, Consume, Consume" mindset. Fender will be onto Ultra VIIIs by then. Features will regress or flip back to something they had before but it will never fully be everything we want. All under the guise of, buy this next one we got it this time. Very reminiscent of Apple and their "revolutionary" product releases every year. CONSUME!
@@AJett35 100% agree. I would say the only feature that I would have liked to see on the Ultra I serious is the graphite reinforcement rods inside the neck. Stability is always a good thing when you figure that the instrument is going to see a wide array of temperature and humidity throughout its life. Then again the trade-off with a feature like that is certain resonant frequencies with the rods installed can move the Sonic dead spot to a different part of the neck that may not be favorable. It's all balance.
The one thing that attracts is the tone functioning in active mode. I REALLY wish my Ultra Jazz had that feature. The glowing inlays are a nice touch as well. But I love the block inlays on my ultra. I think it's a big blooper not including them on the Ultra II. Having said all of that, I'm tempted to get an Ultra II Jazz (my Ultra is a four string).
At that price point, I will probably save up a bit more and get a Sadowsky Metro Line. This still looks and sounds great though. Glad we have more options.
I do like this one for the most part but, the egregious high price is killing me.
I get that.. I don't think it's terrible at $2399 in the current pricing market. You're point is taken though. Thanks for watching - Anthony
You should be honored to pay the "New , never before seen from the vaults" Fender colors $1,000 premium!
This is an incredible bass.😊😊😊😊
I enjoyed playing the entire line immensely. Thanks for watching - Anthony
I thought the last ultras had graphite rods. Little fact check for ya. Always love the vids Anthony. Stoked to try the ultra II V. I’ve got the first iteration and don’t like the mid controls of mine. Too hot.
The mid switch is very useful for that. Makes sense on the graphite rods... Sorry for the misinformation. Thanks for watching - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh You were right about first ultras not having graphite rods. My bad. You the man!
Thanks for this demo
THANK YOU for watching this demo - Anthony
Great demo but I am comelled to make a statement about what I consider a BIG FAIL on the Ultra 2. Moving the truss rod adjustment to the headstock is a massive gail imo. Having to loosen strings, make an adjustment,retune to check the adjustment is so so so inferior to a simple turn of a wheel with anything small enough and stiff enought to fit thru the hole in it rulers. I loathe removing neck plates and trying to reposition them with those tiny little screws so so much. At least Fender didnt put one on it like Spector does. I hope they rethink that which is why I am posting my discontentment. Thanks for giving us all the 411 on the bass.
Once again, No Black (5 string) option 😮💨 AND, no more blocks?! Thanks Fender 🫤 Anyway, Great demo Anthony as always, Thanks.👍🏿👊🏿
yeah, no
Thanks... and yeah there have been varying thoughts on the omissions/changes. Overall I was impress though... really was. Thanks for watching - Anthony
The new pickups sound much better to my ear. The previous noiseless ones lacked any character or grit in the mids and top end. These are much more ‘Jazz Bass’
I agree!
I agree... the Ultra/Ultra II is a massive leap from the Elite pickups! At least for me (and it sounds like you as well). Thanks for watching - Anthony
Graphite rods are believed to kill sustains and resonance, which from my experience is true to an extend. I think the Ultra II is a much needed improvement from the Ultra 1, but man, where is the multi-scales.
Hell will freeze over before Fender comes out with a fanned fret jazz bass. I agree though it would be cool.
@@57precision I hate how right you are, Dingwall is swimming in cash, man 6K is a just too steep.
@@DeathCAPTsukinose you can probably get into a Super J for under 5k if you buy it used, or don't go crazy on cosmetic options. And I would take that any day over whatever dreck Fender is making. Only problem is they don't sound exactly like jazz basses due to the reverse split coil pickups, but Cary Nordstrand will make you single coils that fit into Dingwall shells if you ask.
Dingwall will eat good forever because Fender will come out with a multiscale when Gibson starts making basses that don't neck dive (never)
There may be an import Super J model coming out in the future, Super P import is due early next year!
I got lucky and managed to pick up an old style used SJ for 3000 USD (with a John East preamp modded in too!!!)
I'm pretty sure this has the old SF pickups, and with this preamp it sounds like a pretty sweet active J bass (Sounds like a Marcus Miller)
The imports are a bit cheaper (Combustion line, which includes the Combustion, NG and JT) but don't really sound like J basses (2400-2800 USD for a NG if you're in the US)
D-Roc just doesn't have a J position by default but it's still a really nice bass
The pickups you see now are pretty much just reverse split coils
I'm pretty sure the custom shop Dingwall price increases are in effect already, but the imports haven't caught up yet (and they're going up soon) too
@@57precision +1
New series?
I guess it is new series. I have never met before this model.
Yup, released today
hyeah. "new"
great tone, great player!
vendors take note and please stop hosting demos of hacks playing instruments they struggle with!
🤓
👍👌
The first Ultra was an extreme dissapointment coming from the Elite. Hopefully this new series make up for it.
it won't
I honestly really enjoyed making these videos, and personally feel these pickups are voiced WAY better than the elites... but that's just for me and my taste. YOU KNOW YOU and that makes it right!! Thanks for watching and sharing your thought - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh I ordered the meteora ii ultra. Can’t wait to put it to the test! I’m a bit excited.
@@1okanaganguyA man of few words but many truths!
They went from wheel adjustment on the bottom of the neck, to a kind of Mexican type of neck...really? So many years waiting Fender to learn how to make a good Jazz bass...still waiting
I feel your pain. I’m a Fender jazz guy but, I’m not bias. Fender is either hit or miss.
That was a little bit of a head scratcher to me, but once I made a tweet on the setup on one, I actually appreciated the top access. I get it though. I also think Fender has made TONS of good Jazz basses, and continues to do so. That's the beauty of it though... TONS OF OPTIONS OUT THERE!! Find one you love and PLAY IT. Thanks for watching - Anthony
As someone that plays a TON of them, I have to agree. Sometimes they nail it, and other times it's a miss (American Performer). Thanks for watching - Anthony
ever since I got turned on to Sire basses, Fender no longer makes sense
As an ex owner of a Sire V7 5 strings bass and now owner of an Elite Jazz Bass V I can tell you that it makes alot of sense. Clearly you've never held a top line fender bass in your hands. I work daily with my Elite and believe me, coming from the Sire v7, there's an enormous amount of difference in the feel, the playability, the tone and the absolutely monster sound that bass unleashes
lol ok.
BOLD statement... but I respect your opinion. I disagree, but respect it. Thanks for watching - Anthony
giamax74@@giamax74do you feel that the difference between the Sire and your Fender is accurately reflected in the price difference?
@@9691dapper yeah definitely
I agree with the tuner comment! Hey, I know it's not my business, but it's just so tacky to look over at the guitarist with a tuner hanging off the headstock of his guitar. Totally ruins the look. It's like a nerd back in the 1980s with the thick horn-rimmed glasses and masking tape around the nose rest. 🤣
As for the bass. Looks and sounds great. I really wish they would have stuck with the block inlays and had NOT moved the truss from the heel to the headstock. It's easier to adjust at the heal with the t-allen wrench they provided.
These are a downgrade from the Ultra. The colors are boring, the headstock headstock adjustment looks cheap like an import and no more blocks and binding.The dots also don't align well gives me OCD.. Glad I got my ultra I which is a great bass. Most people will be dropping an east or sadowsky preamp in these anyways..
Meh, nothing really groundbreaking here but it's Fender so they're kinda handcuffed so not sure what I expected. Underwhelming and poor value in the grand scheme of things but I'm sure they'll sell fine enough because they say Fender on the headstock.
Not for me, but great demo 🤘
I'm sick of Fender's high prices. not good value
Thanks! I really don't want groundbreaking the it comes to Fender... and they've proven that those kinds of instruments don't do terrible well for them (other than the inception of the icons). I honestly prefer them miking slight variation on approved them... leave the wilder stuff to other brands. Just my opinion and I sincerely respect your's, that's the beauty of choices! Thanks for watching - Anthony
fender are crazy asf lol 3k bass at this price get a used boutique fodera f bass anything more unique
Just to chime in here. These are $2399, so well under 3K. Also, as someone who has recently ordered a custom Fodera (16 month wait still)... I looked at both brands in the used market.... GOOD LUCK finding one at $2399. Maybe I'm missing something here... I greatly appreciate you watching our video and for you adding your thoughts, but I think you're price references a touch off. - Anthony