I like the '69 better because it's sound is more my thing, and I think it would sit better in a mix. But I'm VERY impressed with the new one. Really sounds great.
Gregg Leventhal I don’t understand comparison videos that don’t have new strings of the exact same brand and model on each bass, and unfortunately that’s most of them. Strings make a big difference and a lot of people act like it’s a minor thing
I own an American Professional Jazz Bass , I absolutely love it ! While my Dad still owns his original 76 Jazz bass . Both sound similar yet very different in many ways .
I owned and played a Jazz Bass for many years 'back in the day' and there are a few recordings of my work in bands and on sessions. I loved that guitar and should never have sold it even when times were hard. I started with a Gibson semi acoustic bass but never really liked it and I actually swapped it with the bass player in another band. No bass plays like an early Jazz and this was especially helpful in getting session work as you could double down the bass line to give that unique deep sound but with a 'clicky' top accentuation. Hiwatt built all the amps for the band I was in (the guy was building 'Sound City' marque amps at the time) and so mine was built to match the guitar and I played it through 1, 2 or 4 Hiwatt bass speakers depending on the session / gig. Mine had a fast action neck and I think it was a '64 / '65 in Sunburst. And no I never removed the finger block. Thanks for bringing back so many great memories.
The ‘69 JB there is a polyurethane finish. By the end of ‘68 and after experimenting with a poly/nitro mix, all Fender instruments had full poly finishes…and gone was Leo’s beloved thin nitro finishes.
I had a honor to play 69 jazz bass on few gigs in -71 -73. There was a big band rehearsing in same place as our band and the bassist was a kind person who loved to see young musicians starting their career. I always remember his kindness, my six member working class family wasn't wealthy. Same goes with the organ player, he loaned his Selmer amp and cab to many gigs.
I listened to this with good headphones and to me the 69 sounded much more open an lively. The Professional was nice too of course but sounded much more compressed.
You pay for originality and individuality. Back in Leo Fender years, every guitar was made by hand and by one craftsman from start to finish, and not 1 sounded like the other, these days they are CNC cut and assembled by many, and they all sound the same.
@chrisw Amen, I played a lot of the late sixties to late 70's Fender basses & there were more than a fair share of dogs, some of them were to be quite frank rubbish, that's why a lot of players swapped over to MusicMan & Japanese basses, the build quality was far superior. Funny to see those same basses going for silly money, while Stingrays, Arias Ibanez & Yamahas are still a great deal.
I'm amazed Thomann managed to send that bass over to you without it getting damaged. Almost I everything I ever bought from them was DOA or shipping damaged
Hands down. There is no comparison. The 1969, just has it. The low-end growl. The increased articulation. The depth of the tonality. The resonance of the instrument. All, there. The 2019 version, sounds, more like a disappointment. It lacks, in just about every area. Still… I wouldn't turn one down. Though, I think a better pair of pickups would be in order. But I'm not necessarily sold. I've heard better from an Ibanez.
Fender really shit the bed getting rid of the neck binding and block inlays. Did they really have to drop those attributes that make it look and feel 10x better?
I like the 69... More because it sounds more beautiful ..I'm a keyboard player but the sound is very different.. I'd go for the older one... But of course it's more expensive..duh.. ..
50 years does make a difference. For studio use, I would use the '69. For live use, the '19, mostly because I wouldn't take the '69 out of the studio for security reasons. Both sound great, BUT the '69 is cleaner, punchier, and has the Mojo. :-) P.S. I kinda wish the strings had been exactly the same [Apples to Apples] on both basses. IMO, there is is difference in sound between the DR and Fender strings. Having said that, I would probably still choose the '69. Hypothetically, it would be interesting to hear what the 2019 bass sounds like in 50 years.
Hi guys! In my opinion it´s in fact the position of the bridge PU that makes a real difference. As Ove told it, there was a slight difference of maybe 2 or 3 inches after 74 towards the bridge and that I guess makes a real difference to all the other J-Fenders. I once had a Jazz Bass from 1971 and sold it because in some way didn´t sound like I hoped it would. So, a couple of years ago I bought one of the 74 American Vintage series (no ash wood!, but...)and since then I play it in every session I take part and I love it. I ALWAYS play it with both pick ups and alter only the amount of peresence to influence the sound. THAT´s what a Jazz Bass should sound like! It can play Rock´n Roll, Funk, Blues and even Hard´n Heavy without changing any settings neither amp or bass, really! And the real difference makes the bridge PU after 74. Meanwhile that Vintage Series` price increased really significantly and I know the reason, why!! ;)
Am I the only one who likes 2019 one more ? It has a clearer fingerstyle tone and nicer slap sound (almost like an active bass) while vintage one has more growl and more dynamic range.
I like them both. I would pick '19 for my use. Sound wider than 69 one. 69 sounds really warm yet bass and works as it is. But if for more modern sound using effects, it would be the 19 one. Both are good enough to go anytime anyways :)
I couldn't afford a '60s vintage Jazz so I bought a new one (American Standard), back in '95. Now it's a quarter of a century old and beginning to feel played in. I wonder how it compares with a 2020 model.
Would be interesting to hear how they sound in the mix. I could imagine that the new one with the pronounced higher mids comes through a little better. So for live the new one for me - for recordings the old one
Difference is tremendous...! Thanks, great vid... ! road worn would be interesting comparison... i love RW series, each electric i have tried feels so much better than anything else...! i am sure the nitro / less finish combo works wonders.... i am also a fan of Gibson worn series...same reason... and wood breathing effect is surely more obvious in bass context than electric guitar, which is so much dependent on peripherals...
To me the 2019 doesn't sound bad at all. I think the heavier bridge and the pickups add some of that clarity that makes it sound more modern. Some of the warmth and growl of the '69 comes without a doubt from the aged wood and years of playing though. I'm a big fan of the Nordstrand NJ vintage pickups. They have that characteristic low midrange grind of the original 60s Fender pickups. I'm pretty sure the 2019 comes closer to the '69 with them. If you want your JB to sound more vintage, I definitely recommend to give them a try.
I've been a bass player over 30 years, and I stand by this. The 1969 has a warmth and roundness that the 2019 doesn't have. Cosmetically the 69 is more pleasing (blocks vs dots). The 69 pickups have a beautiful aging tonality to the (as well as the other parts of the electronics) that the '19 doesn't Fender got it right decades ago when they built the Jazz ( and P Bass prior). Their updated doesn't have the soul of the original. Heck even the series name changes affect quality. You don't fix what was never broken. 69 any time and all the time!
Great video. My pet theory on why vintage Fenders sound better is the wood they used were from older trees (older before being cut down) and due to conservation concerns they can no longer do that and just use younger trees (at the time they are cut) what do you think?
The 69 is older yes, the Wood ages and does make a difference in any instrument, usually for the better in older ones. You should compare the Mexican made Fender Jazz Bass. The Geddy Lee model. I do like the big square fretboard markers too.
I had a 67. My 1st bass. I never could get the neck straight. Hated the sound. Ditched it for a 63 Rickenbacker. Played it til it started coming apart. Tried a myriad of others. Got a Carvin BB 75 and have it still after 20+ years. Just put together a Jazz with Bartolini pups. Love them both.
Unless I missed it, he did not mention a very important tonal feature difference between the 2 (at least according to Leo)...string through body bridge on the 2019, hardtail bridge on the '69...I think Fender American Jazz started that in '94...the only "Vintage" Fender basses with that design are the original P Bass & the '68-78 Telecaster bass.
I own a '68 Jazz all original, except for the frets that I removed the day after seeing a Weather Report concert in Rome and hearing the great Jaco playing a bass that looked like mine... True story.
I once had a Fender "69" Precision Bass that had a print mark that said... "Made In Mexico" and I bought it for $300 dollars. What I'd like to know is... Would this particular bass be worth big bucks if I were to sell it?
@@VideoPrens Thanks For Educating Me On This. As It Turns Out, I've Sold That "69" MIM Bass And Got $5 C-Notes. Got My Money Back And Made $200 Profit.
I had a 1969 Jazz Bass - I bought it new and eventually I sold it because I had 2 basses and I only needed one. I sold it for $400 with a Fender case. Needless to say I'm still kicking myself.
The older Fenders definately have something the newer ones don't, and to this day I can't quite figure out what exactly it is. I have a black - actually - no, it's super dark green that looks black - 1960 Jazz bass body that is battered, which has the 3 knob control panel mod, along with the Bad Ass bridge [both of which everybody seemed to be doing back in the day] and even though it has a really old well worn de-fretted Schecter copy of a Fender neck on it, well... it just sounds so right. My newer Fender Jazz [1982??] which is a sunburst, with stacked pots and the stock bridge while sounding really really good, there's still something about the old one I like better. This is a good video, as I'm always interested in these kinds of comparisons. Maybe it's just as simple as the older the instruments get, the better they sound - but I do believe that more care went into the electronics back in the 1960s, 1970s... and that I think as one commenter mentioned - the bodies were I think slightly larger. There is a definate difference, it's just hard to put my finger on exactly what it is.
Hey Ove! That's a great video! I have a hard time chosing between the two. They both sound huge, yet the old one is more beautiful. Do you find the old one having better harmonics, as they say?
Sounds like the 1969 has more on the top, and a bit more clarity with both pickups and the tone fully on, and the 2019 is just a bit warmer, and more round. Both sound very nice. With such a significant price difference, for me, it wouldn't seem worth it to shell out that much more for the 1969. That sounds like something that someone who is more of a collector would do.
Great to hear both of them in true sound . I own a 79 P Bass and am a true lover of Fender Bass . The Vintage one would be my choice everytime and love how Fender always keeps the original set up through the ages . That's why they are the best maker of Basses
This is a good rundown of 2 exceptional Jazz Basses. I'm definitely a Rock N Roll style/Heavy Metal bassist who takes influences from the 1970-very very early 1990s. Yet I clean all my instruments thoroughly and keep them in protective cases. I'm a clean Rocker lol. That being said I'm mainly a Precision job kBass man but in this case I would be more than satisfied with the American Modern Pro series or even one of the cheaper Fender Jazz Basses not displayed or demoed on this video. There wasn't anything about that 1969 classic that said it's worth over twice the money. Beautiful collectors piece and fantastic tone though.
I'd go for the '69, it just has that nostalgic crispy and yet balanced tone. I'm going to modify my current Squier 60's Classic Vibe JB, by switching to Bartolini pickups and a pickup cover and finish it up with DR Hi Beam strings. Can't wait how that turns out..
The 2019 is more a 'modern' sound to it and, I would have liked to hear the 1969 with flatts on her. ... Way back when I owned a 68 J-bass and I now own an all original 1974. ... Thanks.
nice comparison. The 69 sounds fuller, but you can dial-in the same tone from the 2019. Apple and oranges, the 69 will be the more sought after just because its vintage and who doesn't love block inlays. For the price of either one you could get a squire VM or parts build one for half the amount
The neck pickups sounded very similar, but the bridge pickup of the '69 sounded far better than the 2019. (You should have listened without seeing which was being played)
The 69er is more crisp and defined. I gotta believe that the difference of a more rounder, almost bulbous tone in the 19er is due to strings, hardware and electronics. Either way, it's a Fender Bass man! You can't go wrong. Besides...most cats can't tell a difference anyway. I've got a 68 American made Jazz, and a 2012 MIM Jazz Deluxe V. Luv 'em both. And at times, depending on settings, I can't tell a difference either. 👑🎸🎵
After hours and hours of testing I have bought a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with a maple fretboard in Candy Apple Red 3 years ago. To me it sounded better than the Mexican and American versions. All in all it's obviously a matter of taste but i was also very convinced by the built quality. The Squier just felt like MY bass. I still love this thing to bits and I play it quite a lot...
Almost bought that same model yesterday used for US$199. Bridge saddles were out of alignment. Not worth it if I'd need to buy variable spacing saddles.
MrMjp58 I would say that’s attributed to his familiarity with his own bass. I always feel more comfortable when I’m playing on my neck as opposed to a store bass guitar. I tend to play faster and with more expression.
I'm not a kind of person who claims that older instruments sound somehow better, which is not true at all. Newer instruments have a better, more balanced sound. But the rarity, looks, even history of the older instrument makes me want to have it. There are many 2019s, but only a few of 1969s.
I have 2 Jazzes, an original Ocean Blue 69 and a natural heavier ash 73. both a bit different, both a lot more preferable to any of the more recent ones I've played, even with the same strings (Roto Swing 66s). The pick ups on the old ones are just that bit more crisp, that bit hotter...whether that's to do with differences in the machinery used to assemble and wind them, then and now, or the exact formulation of wire, poles, potting - I really can't say, but I suspect it's in there.
That '69 looks just like mine. It didn't have the bridge cover so I bought one and put it on. It's like having a '57 Chevy without it's front bumper. It doesn't effect the sound at all and looks great. I have bridge covers on all my FENDER JAZZ BASSES! So. there!
I have a lot of p and jazz from different years and value, from cheap highway one p bass to elite, from professional to american vintage and that being said, it's not a "real" vintage but my jazz and p avri 62 beats ALL my other fender hands down!!!
69 head and shoulders in most examples. I'm more interested in the WHY it sounds like it does, I suspect a great deal the difference in quality of materials used in mainly the pick-ups but maybe even wood and lacker vs polyurethane
Good demo. Very thorough. A few things: Will one 1969 Jazz Bass sound like another, or not, and if not, why not? Will this 2019 gain tonal characteristics over 50 years, more like this 1969 Jazz Bass if it is played as much? Aside from changes in the wood due to variances in age and the fact that’s at its most fundamental, simply a different piece of wood, between the 1969 Jazz Bass and the 2019 Jazz Bass, how about any changes (weakening?) of the magnet in the pickups over time? Also due to tone potentiometer drift/variance what visually looks like half up/down tone may not be exactly 50%/50%. Not a complaint, but these variances DO occur. Anyway, somehow, the 1969 Jazz Bass might have always sounded better new than the 2019 one as new. Or maybe it didn’t. Maybe in 2069, the 2019 Jazz Bass will be the one that wins the tonal shootout against the brand new 2069 Jazz Bass. And again, the question would be why, and how that does or doesn’t relate to the test in 2019?
In my opinion...Effectively, the "old one" sounds like a fender jazz have to sound for every bassist. The recent jazz bass sounds good, more high-midrange, slight less basses and less "organic" sound. 1969's bass has a crystalline-deep bass sound that make me feel more confident with the instrument.
I love that 69 sound, but I'd love to hear them played with the same brand of strings. Strings make a huge difference in sound.
Unfortunately in this case you can try ANY strings on both instrument, the new one always will be 2000$ cheaper minimum, than the 69 version...
Peter Szuna I bought my 62 jazz for $750 at a pawnshop. You just have to look around.
@@jacquesstrapp3219 What year did you buy it?
1983?
there's no "69 sound" here. Both sound harsh and digital! u need your ears checked.
beatlesrgear I bought one in 1979 for $500. The one I have now I bought in 2012 after the first one got ripped off by meth heads.
The sound difference can be attributed to the strings
That raspy '69....*chef's kiss*. That's the ONE!!
I like the '69 better because it's sound is more my thing, and I think it would sit better in a mix. But I'm VERY impressed with the new one. Really sounds great.
the 2019 is impressive, but the growl of the 69 is where its at. thanks for actually playing cool riffs the same on both. proper review here
Put the same strings on it for more fair comparison.
yeah, this is kinda pointless. And we have lots of posers who won't even notice the difference on a true blind test.
The difference is pretty much due to the difference between the DR and Fender strings.
The pickups are also different. The '69 are more hot.
Just got a 2019 MIM Geddy Lee model yesterday and could hear the similarity’s between the 2019 American standard. New factory Stings
I think you will hear the difference -big difference- with the same strings, unfortunately... or show me a 2000$ magic string set...
He didn't use identical new strings on both basses? Tha'ts idiotic.
Gregg Leventhal
I don’t understand comparison videos that don’t have new strings of the exact same brand and model on each bass, and unfortunately that’s most of them. Strings make a big difference and a lot of people act like it’s a minor thing
Absolutely a personal decision. Both sounds great, but for me, the sound of the 69 cames from heaven.
I own an American Professional Jazz Bass , I absolutely love it ! While my Dad still owns his original 76 Jazz bass . Both sound similar yet very different in many ways .
they pretty much sound identical, if the new JB had the DR strings it would have been 100% exact
I owned and played a Jazz Bass for many years 'back in the day' and there are a few recordings of my work in bands and on sessions. I loved that guitar and should never have sold it even when times were hard. I started with a Gibson semi acoustic bass but never really liked it and I actually swapped it with the bass player in another band. No bass plays like an early Jazz and this was especially helpful in getting session work as you could double down the bass line to give that unique deep sound but with a 'clicky' top accentuation. Hiwatt built all the amps for the band I was in (the guy was building 'Sound City' marque amps at the time) and so mine was built to match the guitar and I played it through 1, 2 or 4 Hiwatt bass speakers depending on the session / gig.
Mine had a fast action neck and I think it was a '64 / '65 in Sunburst. And no I never removed the finger block.
Thanks for bringing back so many great memories.
The ‘69 JB there is a polyurethane finish. By the end of ‘68 and after experimenting with a poly/nitro mix, all Fender instruments had full poly finishes…and gone was Leo’s beloved thin nitro finishes.
I liked the 2019. Mostly because it has more definition, so you can shape the sound as you wish.
the neck binding and block inlays are so nice on the '69.
..love it when you yak..gives me a chance to read the comments, while I'm waiting for you to play something!
Great video!
Great video.
I would like to jump into a time machine to 2069 and play the 2019 Jazz and see if it sounds as good as the 1969 Jazz does now.
Nowadays Fender has nothing link to the original Leo's instruments. Never can be compared.
Love the 69 over the 2019 but strings make a huge difference
yea, Fender strings arent really top of the line, like DR's or Rotosounds
I'm glad there are old Fenders, the new ones are completely digital, synthetic. I have a 73 model Fender jazz bass and its value is priceless.❤
Oh man this guy made me laugh (thanks you I needed one) They also make guitars? You are VERY entertaining and those are beautiful basses brother.
1969 all day long. Sounds AMAZING.
I had a honor to play 69 jazz bass on few gigs in -71 -73. There was a big band rehearsing in same place as our band and the bassist was a kind person who loved to see young musicians starting their career. I always remember his kindness, my six member working class family wasn't wealthy. Same goes with the organ player, he loaned his Selmer amp and cab to many gigs.
I listened to this with good headphones and to me the 69 sounded much more open an lively. The Professional was nice too of course but sounded much more compressed.
The 1969 has a lot more punch most clearly on display in the tone-off riffing.
Still Great, and props to your channel..Ove rocks!
The 1969 bass may be better, but it's also thousands of dollars more.
You pay for originality and individuality. Back in Leo Fender years, every guitar was made by hand and by one craftsman from start to finish, and not 1 sounded like the other, these days they are CNC cut and assembled by many, and they all sound the same.
@chrisw Amen, I played a lot of the late sixties to late 70's Fender basses & there were more than a fair share of dogs, some of them were to be quite frank rubbish, that's why a lot of players swapped over to MusicMan & Japanese basses, the build quality was far superior. Funny to see those same basses going for silly money, while Stingrays, Arias Ibanez & Yamahas are still a great deal.
@@steveellis6090 incorrect. Each bass sounds and feels different even if its a production line instrument.
I love the definition and "tone cleanliness" that the new model delivers.
69 got more punch, bass and a crunchy sound. 2019 got a modern sound (which I don’t like).
I'm amazed Thomann managed to send that bass over to you without it getting damaged. Almost I everything I ever bought from them was DOA or shipping damaged
In the tone at zero neck peck up comparison, the new one sounded better, but everything else '69 was the winner. 69 heheh
At 8:28 there is text in the middle of the screen that says "Titel" for a fraction of a second.
Hands down. There is no comparison. The 1969, just has it. The low-end growl. The increased articulation. The depth of the tonality. The resonance of the instrument. All, there.
The 2019 version, sounds, more like a disappointment. It lacks, in just about every area. Still… I wouldn't turn one down. Though, I think a better pair of pickups would be in order. But I'm not necessarily sold. I've heard better from an Ibanez.
Nitro + Age = Wonderful, wonderful sound!
The 69 sounds alive, articulate...
Liked both basses the new has a sharper sound for slap bass but the 69 sounds so smooth as well however the look of that 69 is so awesome
The 2019 have a clear ,deeper tone , I think it is better , but the feeling of the seveties is amazing
The new pickups are overwound compared to the late 60s early 70s pickups
The sound difference can be attributed to the strings
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Fender really shit the bed getting rid of the neck binding and block inlays. Did they really have to drop those attributes that make it look and feel 10x better?
Fretboard inlays are silly
Thomas Dinkelspiel I disagree, I think the block inlays look awesome.
i had a 68 jazz bass.... wish i still had it..... : (
I love this guy😄
I like the 69... More because it sounds more beautiful ..I'm a keyboard player but the sound is very different.. I'd go for the older one... But of course it's more expensive..duh.. ..
50 years does make a difference.
For studio use, I would use the '69.
For live use, the '19, mostly because I wouldn't take the '69 out of the studio for security reasons.
Both sound great, BUT the '69 is cleaner, punchier, and has the Mojo. :-)
P.S. I kinda wish the strings had been exactly the same [Apples to Apples] on both basses. IMO, there is is difference in sound between the DR and Fender strings.
Having said that, I would probably still choose the '69.
Hypothetically, it would be interesting to hear what the 2019 bass sounds like in 50 years.
Hi guys! In my opinion it´s in fact the position of the bridge PU that makes a real difference. As Ove told it, there was a slight difference of maybe 2 or 3 inches after 74 towards the bridge and that I guess makes a real difference to all the other J-Fenders. I once had a Jazz Bass from 1971 and sold it because in some way didn´t sound like I hoped it would. So, a couple of years ago I bought one of the 74 American Vintage series (no ash wood!, but...)and since then I play it in every session I take part and I love it. I ALWAYS play it with both pick ups and alter only the amount of peresence to influence the sound. THAT´s what a Jazz Bass should sound like! It can play Rock´n Roll, Funk, Blues and even Hard´n Heavy without changing any settings neither amp or bass, really! And the real difference makes the bridge PU after 74. Meanwhile that Vintage Series` price increased really significantly and I know the reason, why!! ;)
yeah the bridge pick up makes quite a significant tone difference. I guess my way of describing it is more pokey XD
Am I the only one who likes 2019 one more ? It has a clearer fingerstyle tone and nicer slap sound (almost like an active bass) while vintage one has more growl and more dynamic range.
I like them both. I would pick '19 for my use. Sound wider than 69 one. 69 sounds really warm yet bass and works as it is. But if for more modern sound using effects, it would be the 19 one. Both are good enough to go anytime anyways :)
both sound great !!
6:25 "Both pickups tone half on"? No. The 1969's knobs are all full though the 2019's tone knob is half.
I couldn't afford a '60s vintage Jazz so I bought a new one (American Standard), back in '95. Now it's a quarter of a century old and beginning to feel played in. I wonder how it compares with a 2020 model.
wow man what is that riff you played at around 7:50 i could seriously sample that , or replay it and make an amazing beat. ill keep you posted on that
Would be interesting to hear how they sound in the mix. I could imagine that the new one with the pronounced higher mids comes through a little better. So for live the new one for me - for recordings the old one
You should have exactly the same strings on each. DR’s are gonna sound way better than Fender strings.
I'll take the 69 any day but I know the 2019 with some extra eq it can sound very close.
Difference is tremendous...! Thanks, great vid... ! road worn would be interesting comparison...
i love RW series, each electric i have tried feels so much better than anything else...! i am sure the nitro / less finish combo works wonders.... i am also a fan of Gibson worn series...same reason...
and wood breathing effect is surely more obvious in bass context than electric guitar, which is so much dependent on peripherals...
To me the 2019 doesn't sound bad at all.
I think the heavier bridge and the pickups add some of that clarity that makes it sound more modern. Some of the warmth and growl of the '69 comes without a doubt from the aged wood and years of playing though.
I'm a big fan of the Nordstrand NJ vintage pickups. They have that characteristic low midrange grind of the original 60s Fender pickups. I'm pretty sure the 2019 comes closer to the '69 with them. If you want your JB to sound more vintage, I definitely recommend to give them a try.
I've been a bass player over 30 years, and I stand by this. The 1969 has a warmth and roundness that the 2019 doesn't have. Cosmetically the 69 is more pleasing (blocks vs dots). The 69 pickups have a beautiful aging tonality to the (as well as the other parts of the electronics) that the '19 doesn't
Fender got it right decades ago when they built the Jazz ( and P Bass prior). Their updated doesn't have the soul of the original. Heck even the series name changes affect quality. You don't fix what was never broken.
69 any time and all the time!
Great video. My pet theory on why vintage Fenders sound better is the wood they used were from older trees (older before being cut down) and due to conservation concerns they can no longer do that and just use younger trees (at the time they are cut) what do you think?
The 69 is older yes, the Wood ages and does make a difference in any instrument, usually for the better in older ones.
You should compare the Mexican made Fender Jazz Bass. The Geddy Lee model. I do like the big square fretboard markers too.
I had a 67. My 1st bass. I never could get the neck straight. Hated the sound. Ditched it for a 63 Rickenbacker. Played it til it started coming apart. Tried a myriad of others. Got a Carvin BB 75 and have it still after 20+ years. Just put together a Jazz with Bartolini pups. Love them both.
Unless I missed it, he did not mention a very important tonal feature difference between the 2 (at least according to Leo)...string through body bridge on the 2019, hardtail bridge on the '69...I think Fender American Jazz started that in '94...the only "Vintage" Fender basses with that design are the original P Bass & the '68-78 Telecaster bass.
I own a '68 Jazz all original, except for the frets that I removed the day after seeing a Weather Report concert in Rome and hearing the great Jaco playing a bass that looked like mine... True story.
I once had a Fender "69" Precision Bass that had a print mark that said... "Made In Mexico" and I bought it for $300 dollars. What I'd like to know is... Would this particular bass be worth big bucks if I were to sell it?
Not as big as MIA ones but it would sell for big numbers if it were in good condition. Otherwise not really.
@@VideoPrens Thanks For Educating Me On This. As It Turns Out, I've Sold That "69" MIM Bass And Got $5 C-Notes. Got My Money Back And Made $200 Profit.
I had a 1969 Jazz Bass - I bought it new and eventually I sold it because I had 2 basses and I only needed one. I sold it for $400 with a Fender case. Needless to say I'm still kicking myself.
I've done exactly the same, my friend, for exactly $400. Let's kick ourselves together...
Dunno, TBH, I liked the sound of the new one. Seemed smoother. I did a blind test (watching this video I mean).
The older Fenders definately have something the newer ones don't, and to this day I can't quite figure out what exactly it is.
I have a black - actually - no, it's super dark green that looks black - 1960 Jazz bass body that is battered, which has the 3 knob control panel mod, along with the Bad Ass bridge [both of which everybody seemed to be doing back in the day] and even though it has a really old well worn de-fretted Schecter copy of a Fender neck on it, well... it just sounds so right.
My newer Fender Jazz [1982??] which is a sunburst, with stacked pots and the stock bridge while sounding really really good, there's still something about the old one I like better.
This is a good video, as I'm always interested in these kinds of comparisons.
Maybe it's just as simple as the older the instruments get, the better they sound - but I do believe that more care went into the electronics back in the 1960s, 1970s... and that I think as one commenter mentioned - the bodies were I think slightly larger.
There is a definate difference, it's just hard to put my finger on exactly what it is.
the 1969 has more punch but the 2019 sounds brighter so idk its a personal thing
Hey Ove! That's a great video! I have a hard time chosing between the two. They both sound huge, yet the old one is more beautiful. Do you find the old one having better harmonics, as they say?
I miss you, Ove.
Does the '69 have old strings on it? The comparison can't be made if they are not as new as the 2019.
Sounds like the 1969 has more on the top, and a bit more clarity with both pickups and the tone fully on, and the 2019 is just a bit warmer, and more round. Both sound very nice. With such a significant price difference, for me, it wouldn't seem worth it to shell out that much more for the 1969. That sounds like something that someone who is more of a collector would do.
Please show us how to use the finger rest, mounted on the pickguard just below the G string. I never saw anyone using this... Thank you!
Great to hear both of them in true sound . I own a 79 P Bass and am a true lover of Fender Bass . The Vintage one would be my choice everytime and love how Fender always keeps the original set up through the ages . That's why they are the best maker of Basses
8:11 bridge pickup tone half on. thank later
Great video man
Thanks for the video, Ove. The secret is in your hands. No matter how old is your bass.
This is a good rundown of 2 exceptional Jazz Basses. I'm definitely a Rock N Roll style/Heavy Metal bassist who takes influences from the 1970-very very early 1990s. Yet I clean all my instruments thoroughly and keep them in protective cases. I'm a clean Rocker lol. That being said I'm mainly a Precision job kBass man but in this case I would be more than satisfied with the American Modern Pro series or even one of the cheaper Fender Jazz Basses not displayed or demoed on this video. There wasn't anything about that 1969 classic that said it's worth over twice the money. Beautiful collectors piece and fantastic tone though.
I'd go for the '69, it just has that nostalgic crispy and yet balanced tone.
I'm going to modify my current Squier 60's Classic Vibe JB, by switching to Bartolini pickups and a pickup cover and finish
it up with DR Hi Beam strings. Can't wait how that turns out..
The 2019 is more a 'modern' sound to it and, I would have liked to hear the 1969 with flatts on her. ... Way back when I owned a 68 J-bass and I now own an all original 1974. ...
Thanks.
both sound modern ! not great.
69 is best sound....Crazy Bass man
nice comparison. The 69 sounds fuller, but you can dial-in the same tone from the 2019. Apple and oranges, the 69 will be the more sought after just because its vintage and who doesn't love block inlays. For the price of either one you could get a squire VM or parts build one for half the amount
The neck pickups sounded very similar, but the bridge pickup of the '69 sounded far better than the 2019. (You should have listened without seeing which was being played)
The 69er is more crisp and defined. I gotta believe that the difference of a more rounder, almost bulbous tone in the 19er is due to strings, hardware and electronics. Either way, it's a Fender Bass man! You can't go wrong. Besides...most cats can't tell a difference anyway. I've got a 68 American made Jazz, and a 2012 MIM Jazz Deluxe V. Luv 'em both. And at times, depending on settings, I can't tell a difference either. 👑🎸🎵
Its in your mind LOL
69, my year of birth so I'm gonna go with that, plus it sounds a whole lot more warm and mellowed in.
Thanks the 2019 has the new Vmods
Pickups worth a mention
I like the '69. Love those original pickups.
After hours and hours of testing I have bought a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with a maple fretboard in Candy Apple Red 3 years ago. To me it sounded better than the Mexican and American versions. All in all it's obviously a matter of taste but i was also very convinced by the built quality. The Squier just felt like MY bass. I still love this thing to bits and I play it quite a lot...
Almost bought that same model yesterday used for US$199. Bridge saddles were out of alignment. Not worth it if I'd need to buy variable spacing saddles.
No, mine was almost perfect out of the box. Intonation was flawless, I just lowered the action a bit and that's already it...
@@22fret That's how Squiers go. You need to play them, as they're not known for their consistency.
Ambos excelentes y Ud toca muy bien , saludos desde Caracas Venezuela, mil gracias
1. is string the same brand and condition?
2. 69 more widers freq, more rich sound
The '69 seemed to have more depth of tone and character in the sound. The musical phrasing was more expressive on it, IMO.
MrMjp58 I would say that’s attributed to his familiarity with his own bass. I always feel more comfortable when I’m playing on my neck as opposed to a store bass guitar. I tend to play faster and with more expression.
I guess one can say the 69 was built better
Let the Am Pro be 2 yers old and I will growl so well!
it happened with my 2017 Am Pro Precision
I'm not a kind of person who claims that older instruments sound somehow better, which is not true at all. Newer instruments have a better, more balanced sound. But the rarity, looks, even history of the older instrument makes me want to have it. There are many 2019s, but only a few of 1969s.
I have 2 Jazzes, an original Ocean Blue 69 and a natural heavier ash 73. both a bit different, both a lot more preferable to any of the more recent ones I've played, even with the same strings (Roto Swing 66s). The pick ups on the old ones are just that bit more crisp, that bit hotter...whether that's to do with differences in the machinery used to assemble and wind them, then and now, or the exact formulation of wire, poles, potting - I really can't say, but I suspect it's in there.
That '69 looks just like mine. It didn't have the bridge cover so I bought one and put it on. It's like having a '57 Chevy without it's front bumper. It doesn't effect the sound at all and looks great.
I have bridge covers on all my FENDER JAZZ BASSES! So. there!
Poser
What about the p bass shining behind there 🤘
Great video!!
Mine is a 2015. Mine sounds closer to the 69. That being said, I prefer the sound of that 2019. It sounds snappy and crisp.
I have a lot of p and jazz from different years and value, from cheap highway one p bass to elite, from professional to american vintage and that being said, it's not a "real" vintage but my jazz and p avri 62 beats ALL my other fender hands down!!!
Did a tone comparison with my Squier CV Jaguar and it sounds identical to the 69. Go figure. Mine was only $400
69 head and shoulders in most examples. I'm more interested in the WHY it sounds like it does, I suspect a great deal the difference in quality of materials used in mainly the pick-ups but maybe even wood and lacker vs polyurethane
Thanks for the video.
I really liked that 7:14 bassline.
Dumb question but is this a made in USA bass? Also, the finger rest is there for players who like to use a pick which I don't btw.
Cool video ove =)
Good demo. Very thorough. A few things: Will one 1969 Jazz Bass sound like another, or not, and if not, why not? Will this 2019 gain tonal characteristics over 50 years, more like this 1969 Jazz Bass if it is played as much? Aside from changes in the wood due to variances in age and the fact that’s at its most fundamental, simply a different piece of wood, between the 1969 Jazz Bass and the 2019 Jazz Bass, how about any changes (weakening?) of the magnet in the pickups over time? Also due to tone potentiometer drift/variance what visually looks like half up/down tone may not be exactly 50%/50%. Not a complaint, but these variances DO occur.
Anyway, somehow, the 1969 Jazz Bass might have always sounded better new than the 2019 one as new. Or maybe it didn’t. Maybe in 2069, the 2019 Jazz Bass will be the one that wins the tonal shootout against the brand new 2069 Jazz Bass. And again, the question would be why, and how that does or doesn’t relate to the test in 2019?
In my opinion...Effectively, the "old one" sounds like a fender jazz have to sound for every bassist. The recent jazz bass sounds good, more high-midrange, slight less basses and less "organic" sound. 1969's bass has a crystalline-deep bass sound that make me feel more confident with the instrument.
Ivan, thanks for watching. Yeah 50 years obviously make difference 😀
@@OveBosch ahahahaha, really true! It's a well-aged bass! Sounds really fantastic !