Fender American Standard Jazz Bass Guitar Review
The Fender American Standard Series Jazz Bass has a vintage body radius and contour for a classic vibe and feel. The Jazz Bass’s body is rendered in premium alder for optimum tone and sustain. Its rosewood or maple fretboard features detailed nut and fretwork. The neck is graphite-reinforced and has rolled edges for a broken-in feel from the get-go. HMV Bridge (high mass vintage) increases sustain, provides punchier tone, beefier looking plates and 3/8″ diameter vintage saddles. String height adjustment screws have nylon patches for a tight fit that won’t vibrate loose.
A 12-gauge cold rolled steel plate machined brass backstop increases mass and enhances top end. Socket head intonation screws are engineered for a tighter fit, and are now more stable. The J Bass features Fender®/Hipshot® tuning keys. They work great, and are 30% lighter, minimizing neck dip. Classic 20:1 tuning ratio, cast zinc with aluminum string posts and mounting nuts, and steel clovers. Brass worm gears, steel worm drives.
With a thinner undercoat, the Fender Jazz Bass body breathes easier and has improved sound (more wood influence). Neck pocket paint buildup has been reduced by 40%, greatly improving the wood-to-wood connection/reaction.
The included SKB rectangular design case, exclusive to Fender, has TSA recognized and accepted locks. Fiberglass reinforced nylon trigger release latching system, indestructible cushioned rubber over-molded handle with flush lock out. Injection molded feet and exclusive arched stacking system.
Fender American Standard Jazz Bass Guitar Features:
- Alder body
- Graphite-reinforced neck with modern C shape and satin polyurethane finish
- Rosewood or maple fingerboard with rolled edges
- 20 medium jumbo frets
- Open-back cast machine heads
- 2 U.S. Jazz Bass single-coil pickups
- Volume/volume/master tone controls
- HMV Bridge (high mass vintage)
- Chrome hardware
- Thinner undercoat
- Improved neck pocket
- Fender hardshell case included
- Click here for more info on this bass
Available Pictures and Color Options:
Videos of the Fender American Jazz Bass:
Bottom Line:
The Fender American Standard Jazz Bass is an excellent bass guitar. It has a fitting name, because this really is a standard for many musicians. The American made jazz bass is the best available, and it has very good reviews. The newer bridge lets you run the strings through the body, which helps with tone. It has a nice neck, and the pickups are very good, making this a versatile bass able to get different tones (whether for fingerstyle playing, or for slapping).
It may need a good setup (action, intonation) when you first get it, but that applies to every instrument and you should always get your basses set up properly. The only minor complaint is the price…at roughly $1300, it is a fairly pricey bass. But if you can afford it, this is definitely a great bass that will play good and sound excellent. Certainly one of the top basses available, and one that will please any bassist.
Latest Price… Only $1,249 with free shipping at Musiciansfriend.
I just purchased one of these and I am extremely happy with the bass! I have been a Rickenbacker owner for many years and I find that the Fender is a much more versatile bass. My bass came out of the box with pretty good action. The fender strap and patch cord were a nice surprise as the salesperson did not mention these items. I believe that this bass does live up to it’s reputation and would please any bassist! Considering how pricey some basses are on market these days I think that Fender is offering a lot of slap for the buck!!