Fender CS 1960 vs Flea Bass

What’s similar?

• Body shape
• Truss rod
• Stacked VTVT design
• Lightweight
• To my ears; both have less high-mids and more low-mids. Compared to a regular VVT jazz bass, I could get closer to the P-Bass thump.
• They are meant to look old, so I don’t mind damaging the finish by accidental hits
• Tuners work in reverse, will take a little time to get used to
• Single coil hum

Flea JB highlights

• Rare color
• Affordable; yet gig-worthy. Ideal for the road or risky gigs
• Very good sound & feel for its price
• C-shaped neck is overall playable for the general public
• Obviously artificial relic work
• Needs some fretwork
• Pick guard is too tight. It’s not easy to take it out & in.
• Comes with crappy gig-bag with awful backpack straps

CS JB highlights

• Sounds like a truck (that’s a compliment). Very woody, deep, yet articulate sound
• Has two piece alder body – probably supports the overall sustain
• Sanded neck feels great
• Quarter sawn neck is known to be very stable
• CS is known to use the best woods & craftsmanship available; I can confirm that by the sound & overall feel of the instrument
• The nitrocellulose lacquer finish will wear in no time, and the bass will turn into an organic relic
• Comes with glamorous hard case
• Expensive
• U-shaped neck might not be preferred by everyone
• Ashtrays obviously need to be removed
• Pick guard needs a dent for easier truss rod access

Verdict

Overall speaking; the sound & feel of the CS bass really is better than the Flea JB. It would be the first jazz bass I reach for.

“Better” is obviously a subjective statement. It is hard to describe, but to me; the sound is full, rich, vibrant and “woody” (for lack of a better term). It’s like, on some active basses, you hear the EQ more than you hear the wood. On this passive bass, I hear the “wood” more than other passive basses – if that makes sense.

However, Flea JB isn’t a bass to scoff at. I would gladly gig with it, and I see any player taking it to the road or risky gigs already.

Is the sound / quality difference worth the enormous price difference? That’s a question only the player can answer. My FAQs on bass guitar & minimalism can help you decide though.

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