[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1487584045' post='3240837']
How much do these differ in feel and playability from the outgoing Deluxe models?
I played an Elite Series Jazz on Saturday and was blown away - it just played so effortlessly. Granted, my experience of high-end basses is somewhat limited, but it smoked my Am Standard Jazz, and creamed the Spector Euro I tried before it. Pricey? Yeah. Worth it? Maybe, actually. The reason I ask if there's a big difference between Elite and Deluxe is - Deluxes are still kicking around, and can be had for a bargain price. If they're close to the Elites at all, I can already hear my bank manager's distant sobs.
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i was in exactly the same position. I had saved up for a USA jazz deluxe and went to a few shops to try and find one that spoke to me.... Then i ran into the elite. IMHO it blew all the deluxes id tried out the water. The first thing you notice is the neck. its hands down the most comfortable to play i have ever tried. i think thats down to he compound radius fingerboard and the matt finish on the neck.
i had the opportunity to A-B the two guitars sonically aswell, and the tone was similar as you would expect in passive mode, but when in active, the elite has so much more growl. IMO there is no contest. except for price.
i have not yet been able to compare the elite to the new professional series.