Fender American original or Fender Vintera

[krizalidzero]

If you can afford it, ALWAYS buy the original (in this case, MIA).

 

[captainofsmooth]

the exact ones I tried were heavy AF and had fatter necks, which I'm not looking for.

This says it all. Vintage spec basses are thick and heavy. If that’s not what you’re looking for, then the AO is not for you.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I guess the million dollar question is whether the American Original is worth an extra $1000. Neither of them is a nitro finish. I think the Am. Orig. is 9.5" fretboard radius, while the Vintera is 7.25" radius. The other consideration is that all of the Vintera line has only Pau Ferro fretboards (bound with blocks), while the Am. Orig. is maple (also bound with blocks). I'd try out a Vintera if you can, then if you like the feel of it that $1000 savings will let you put whatever pickups you like into it and still have a ton of money left over.

The 60s J Bass is a different story, IMO. With the 60s J Am. Orig. you are getting a lacquer finish and an actual rosewood fretboard, neither of which are available on a Vintera Fender.

Lastly, I wouldn't totally throw the Squier Classic Vibe 70s J bass out of contention. It's alot of bass for only $399. I wouldn't buy into the notion that more expensive equates to better, either. When I bought my first bass I chose a Mexican Fender over other basses the shop had in stock, including an American Fender and other brand basses (both cheaper and more expensive) as it just felt the most natural for me to play. I don't know where you are located, but try a few different Jazz basses out in a local shop if you can.

The American Original IS nitro finished. Not sure who told you otherwise.

 

[forrestlaw]

The American Original IS nitro finished. Not sure who told you otherwise.

Fender website says gloss urethane finish on both body and neck of American Original 70s J.

American Original '70s Jazz Bass® | Electric Basses

 

[Midak]

The Original '70s has no lacquer finish, as in the '70s they used poly (except from the headstock's face, which was nitro). It is the period correct finish.

 

[captainofsmooth]

The American Original IS nitro finished. Not sure who told you otherwise.

The AO 60s is Nitro. The AO 70s is not. And we’re talking about Jazzes. I’m pretty sure both the AO P’s are Nitro.

 

[Esteban Garcia]

The MiM 70s are great basses, pretty much true to spec in terms of sound, looks and feel IME.

It really has to come down to personal preference and what you value as to whether the AO is worth the difference in price.

My MiM 70s J does everything I need it to sonically, plays great and looks fantastic. It's a perfect companion to my 76 P, at a fraction of the price.

 

[yogibarrister]

If I may, I own both a Vintera J-Bass (60's firemist gold) and an Ultra J-Bass. I love them both. The Vintera is fantastic. Better than one of my basses of a different brand that cost much more. Fender always does a great job. And I challenge any of you to try out my 1993 Fender P-Bass Lyte and tell me that isn't an awesome instrument. That thing is dying with me. Just look at your bank account. Fender has something for you. My first was a Squire J-Bass. It was terrific. I just played it to death and Tommy Hennig talked me into upgrading.

 

[Joe Low]

Late to the thread but here we go...I actually sold my AO 60's Jazz Bass, then regretted it later, (impulse)bought a Vintera 60's in Firemist Gold and ended up liking that bass even more than the AO. The Vinteras are great basses. Yes, the AO series probably (maybe) gets more attention to detail but the build quality of my Vintera is great. Weight is great too with just a little over 4kg. I like the pickups. Nice, warm, growly tone. The neck feels really nice and the Firemist, Tortoise, Pau Ferro combo is, in my opinion, the most beautiful color combination of any Jazz bass out there. It would be nice if it would be a nitro finish though. You can't go wrong with either...but I actually prefer the Vintera.