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Differences in Fender American Jazz basses

Jeff Constantine

Jeff Constantine

Aug 4, 2008
191
11
52
Bergen County, NJ
davepettigrew.net
#1
Hey folks. I am hoping that some of the Fender specialists can read and respond to this. I have 2 basses that are available for me to purchase this week, and I am stumped. They are a '97 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass and a '04 Fender American Jazz Bass. I tried looking up the info through Fender's website, but didn't see too much regarding the details. Does anyone know which would be the better purchase? Was there a difference in production during those years? Is there a difference between American Standard and American?
 
#3
Funny thing. Fender introduced the s-1 switch on precision and jazz basses. I don't quite understand the rationale for it on a precision, but I do on a jazz.

I don't believe that the feature was that popular even on Jazz basses, but you either love it or are indifferent on it. Series-parallel (push-pull) switches are very popular mods to jazz basses. I added one of my Fender FSR (ash) jazz bass and really like the tone option. It is a bit stingray like and is definitely a volume boost.

In the grand scheme, it is an easy mod if you want it. I would not buy a bass because of it. Play both. Whichever feels better, buy.
 
#5
I went with the '97! Looks and plays great! I had a friend do a set up for me. When he took off the pick guard it looked like someone spilled cola on it as it was caked underneath. Other than that, it's a great bass. This pic is from before the clean up.
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