Fender American Jazz Standard or Highway One?

[Dustgunner]

I'm buying myself a new Fender Jazz bass. I tried out an american 2004 Jazz standard and I loved it. However, I found a 2004 highway one model also on sale for a slightly lower price.

Does anyone have suggestions of which is better? What's the difference?

 

[bdanster92]

I was faced with a simalar dilemma about a year ago. I was contemplating buying either a used standard or a new highway. They were both for 800 dollars and I ultimately went with the standard. It really comes down to which one you prefer as far as sound and looks. Keep in mind, the standard has a better re-sale value and should have American electronics.

 

[Dustgunner]

Right, but I don't know the differences between the highway one and the standard - are they significant?

 

[14736251]

the only problem is - when it comes to fender, the search never ends....

 

[RMay]

2005 was the first year of production for the Highway One series. These basses included a nitrocellose finish, badass bridge, and graphite stabilizing rods in the neck. i hope this helps

 

[greengoblin]

2005 was the first year of production for the Highway One series. These basses included a nitrocellose finish, badass bridge, and graphite stabilizing rods in the neck. i hope this helps

The badass bridge didn't start until 2006... 2005's had normal bridges.

 

[Dustgunner]

yeah, the guy i'm buying it from said that it didn't originally come with a badass bridge but he put one on himself.

 

[WoodyG3]

Between the two I wouldn't worry about any "features." They are both quality made basses with good components. I'd just play them and buy the one you like the best.

 

[playibanez]

the hwy1 has mexican pups and the american has american pickups.

the american is a higher end bass i beleive. the hwy1 is a hybrid between the mims and mias.

but this doesnt make MUCH of a diffirence as someone said they are both good basses, i own a highway one. id go with whichever one you like better when you play them.

 

[tjh]

FWIW, you may want to do an archive search ... there has been a LOT of info posted about comparisons, and what is what when in comes to the 'Hwy' series ... for starters, you kind of need to be careful with the nomenclature, as everything pre-upgrade (03/04 to later 06) is actually referred to as Hwy 1 (numeral), and post upgrade is Hwy ONE (word) ... also, American Standard was a term used through the 90's for the American line, American Series was after that up until the new '08 lineup where they are again American Standard ... I know its confusing, but when asking for features, etc., it becomes important not to be talking apples and oranges ... to answer your question, if I would buy an American Series or a Hwy 1/One ... I would buy a MIM Classic Series 60's Jazz ... ... JMHO

 

[vinxbass]

I've got a '08' MIA Jazz V. It's the best sounding bass I've played in the last 20 yrs. What can I say that I've not said before, it's punchy as all hell, articulate, full, and very deep sounding. The low B is in the ballpark, it holds it's own. I don't care for the bridge pup, but with both pups full up it sounds just great. The bass is 9.7 lbs., feels light and comfortable, plus it looks classy in the Oly White w/tort guard. I highly recommend this bass to anybody who wants a great passive sounding stick.