Fender Jazz Professional 2 vs Original 60s

[Bjam]

I started playing bass a few years ago, found that I loved it and after some research went for a Player Precision last year. It's great and I have been very happy with it but a month ago, under lockdown fever, I started to lust after a Jazz and so started a lengthy research process. Seems like Fender have been very busy of late and it took a while to wrap my head around the various options but today I finally made it to a music shop to actually get my hands on them and feel/hear the distinctions for myself. Options in the shop were limited but I did get to compare the Original 60s, the Professional and the Professional 2 and the clear winner by quite a distance was the Original. Yes the character and physical feel of the instruments were different but just the sheer quality and richness of tone of the Original was so far beyond the Pro 2 that I couldn't quite believe it at first and had to go and play something else and then come back just to check I hadn't momentarily lost all judgement capabilities. I wish I had brought my player Precision along (yes, very different tone but there can be an objective difference in quality regardless of series I think) just to see how it sounded next to the Pro 2. I have a feeling I would have walked away from the  Pro 2 if an exchange had been on the table. 

I suppose my question is: has anyone else played the Pro 2 and where they as underwhelmed as I was. Or is it just that the 60s Original sounds so bloody sexy? Am I missing something??

Probably a bit lengthy this post, sorry. Would be interested to hear your thoughts though

 

[Lozz196]

I’ve not played the Pro 2, but do have a couple of the first Pro series. The pickups are ok but as has been pointed out, due to the magnets they’re bassy on the E/A, and trebly on the D/G so it’s difficult to eq the bass in a band setting. As such I’m swapping over to the Custom Shop 60s pickups - if the 64s in the Original are anything like those I can see why you liked the Original so much. 

[Bjam]

I played a Pro first series while in the shop and it sounded smoother and warmer than the Pro 2. Not worlds apart like the Pro 2 and Original but certainly produced a 'better' sound to my ears.