Fender Power Jazz?

[Venom of God]

Anyone here have any experience with these? Are they USA made and how do they sound/play? I don't have the means to try one out but I'm gassing pretty hard right now.

I already have a MIM Jazz but it's been modded quite a bit (Seymour Duncan pups with a humbucker on the bridge and a Gotoh bridge) and I'd like something a bit more versatile, and this seems just the thing. Worth it do you think?

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If you like your Jazz to look retro but sound upto the minute take a look at this. Classic Jazz styling right down to tinted laquer in the neck....but, loaded with an active preamp and a piezo bridge. You can swing from classic Jazz tones to Hi-Fi active to acoustic bass style tones courtesy of the piezo electronics.

BC PRICE $1399

[bmc]

I have never been impressed with the Power Jazz. If it's the model I'm thinking of, it was made in Japan in the 90's. Cheap to buy but a let down compared to other gear from Japan, including Squier basses from the 80's.

[Venom of God]

Hmm, this is brand new so I doubt it's the same? Could be a reissue or something, though. From some further research I'm starting to think that it's probably made in Mexico (that isn't a big issue to me as I do really like my current MIM), guess it costs a bit more than the usual MIM's because of the active electronics and piezo bridge?

I love the idea of something that can pull off acoustic tones..

[Templar]

Had one for a while, I liked it but it was a bit on the heavy side (9lbs, 14oz). The piezo sounded pretty good, maybe not as airy/squeaky sounding as some other piezo'd basses, but added a good whallup to the mag pickups.

I think I paid about $425 used (ebay) about six years ago, sold it for same.

Edit; Mine was MIM

[Venom of God]

Oh, so they've been around for a fair while then? Interesting that I've never heard of them before now as I love Jazz's! Might keep my eyes open for a second hand one then, cheers!

[TattooBass]

played one wed at a local store. wasnt too impressed with it. the one i played was MIM.

[Sleeq]

Power Jazz was released sometime between 05-07 if I am not mistaken. MIM.

[vicenzajay]

Exactly - probably talking about two separate things.

In the 1980's, Fender Japan made a "Jazz Special" and then a "Power Jazz Special". I still own my '87 Power Jazz Special and it is a phenomenal instrument in every respect. There are a few owners on this board, and I have never heard any of them say anything negative about them.

Obviously the "Power Jazz" is a more recent Fender creation of which I know very little.

[Venom of God]

Does this lack of knowledge about them probably mean they aren't too amazing, then? Haha.