Fender American Vintage 75 Jazz Bass

pfc · #1 05-28-2010, 11:38 AM

Hi, I am thinking of buying one of these. My local store will not get one in for me to try as they are too expensive.
Anyone got one?
What are they like?
Many thanks

Gibenbackerbass · #2 05-28-2010, 11:51 AM

They are excellent basses. I sold mine several months ago and have regretted it.

Mine played like butter, was perfectly balanced, had exceptional tone, and looked killer. They are worth the money and will last a life time if taken care of properly

I don't know if M/F sells these, but if they do, take advantage of the 15% off sale they have going on presently, or get the dealer who you ordered one from to at least match or even beat the price.

It's a fine quality instrument. You won't be disappointed !!

MooseKnuckle · #3 05-28-2010, 11:54 AM

I know you can order one from American Musical Supply, and they have a 45 day full refund program if you decide you don't like it(just take care of it).

lupien · #4 05-28-2010, 11:58 AM

I have one and i love it! I`ve been thru many other basses, including several US Jazz basses, and nothing (for me anyways) compares to it. Its my #1 bass by far!

Jeff K · #5 05-28-2010, 01:48 PM

I got mine in 2000, which if I'm not mistaken, was the second year they were offered. It's a great bass. She was my go-to for quite awhile. Now I have more basses, so they all get in the rotation. Sweet bass for sure. In the 3rd pic, the chrome covers are just sitting on top. I never installed them. Also, the color is more accurate in the first two. Too much flash in the 3rd pic makes it look lighter than it really is. Washes out what is really a nice grain as well.

Kipaste · #6 05-28-2010, 01:52 PM

IMHO they're the best non-customshop fenders available. But I'm a sucker for 70's jazzes.

Edit. And if I had a custom shop fender, it would basically be a 75 RI in differend color

mlove · #7 05-28-2010, 01:55 PM

i have one and love it. i am in the process of unloading all (2) of my other basses except this one because they dont get much use.

lupien · #8 05-28-2010, 02:02 PM

Might as well post some pics too..

cr250_977 · #9 05-28-2010, 02:12 PM

LOVE IT !!! Got mine 6 month ago. Bought it used on gear page. Been my main bass ever since.

bombpop14 · #10 05-28-2010, 02:29 PM

Bought mine in 99, and love it. It's the bass in my profile pic, sunburst with a replacement blk/wht/blk pickguard, and bridge cover only. I had to buy mine sight unseen as well...no regrets, my main axe...

**Btone** · #11 05-28-2010, 02:39 PM

Had one. Sold it. Idiotic thing to do. Want another. Great basses.

Russell Bergum · #12 06-02-2010, 08:54 AM

I just picked up a used one in mint condition on Ebay for a great price. I am really impressed. Great tone, balance, fit, and nice wood grain, and great action. Weighs about 9 1/2 lbs. The single coil pickups are not noisy. I was down on Fender for a while, but this is a really great bass.

**Horny Toad** · #13 06-02-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Btone

Had one. Sold it. Idiotic thing to do. Want another. Great basses.

Yep.

BB75 · #14 06-02-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibenbackerbass

They are excellent basses. I sold mine several months ago and have regretted it.

I'm the lucky buyer ! I agree, it's by far my favorite bass that I've owned. I absolutely love it !

lowfreq1 · #15 06-02-2010, 11:15 AM

Excellent basses. I love mine.. the best jazz I have ever had.

metron · #16 06-02-2010, 11:50 AM

Do they only come with a natural finish these days? I know I have seen sunburst before but I can never find them for sale.

chris0186 · #17 06-02-2010, 11:55 AM

I think they only come natural from the Corona plant. I've seen a few on eBay that were made in Japan that have a few different finish options, but I don't think they have the same pickup spacing as the American one.

Also, I own a American 75 and love it. I had to change the bridge on it because it was sucking out tone and had no sustain. The badass II fixed that.

s4001 · #18 06-02-2010, 12:51 PM

Y'all are just killin' me here.

Kipaste · #19 06-02-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metron

Do they only come with a natural finish these days? I know I have seen sunburst before but I can never find them for sale.

The MIA model is natural only. Fender japan builds 75 RI's with awesome range of colors and matching headstocks, but they don't have the 70's pickup spacing and the really cool colors with matching headstock have alder bodies instead of ash, or at least so I've been told. I haven't inquired from ishibashi yet, but atleast according to the catalogue that's how it is. The natural ones are ash. Then there is the MIM classic 70's jazz with an alder body that's available in black and sunburst if I remember correctly.

pmcd · #20 06-02-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipaste

The MIA model is natural only.

Interesting. I was just about to post about a bass on my local Craigslist listed as "75 reissue USA Fender Jazz bass". But it is Sunburst. The neck seems legit, but something seemed sketch about the body. What sayeth TalkBass?: http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/1771364161.html