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fender jazz bass 1995

N

nitzan22kk

Sep 7, 2013
2
0
#1
Hi !
I'm new in this forum so sorry if i'm braking any rules...

I'm buying a new bass and i have a hard time to decide between 2 specific bass guitars:

1. a used fender american standard jazz bass 1995-the owner told me it is supposed to be some kind of reissue of 1961. (is that true?)

2. a new fender american standard jazz bass 2012

which of those guitar is better? are they even at the same level?

Thanks !!
nitzan22kk
 
#2
I would take the newer model for these reasons:
Graphite reinforced neck
String through body bridge
Better bridge
Rolled edge fingerboard

Over the years I've owned a 73,76,89,and 97 jazz bass. The ones made since the late 90s are the best in my opinion. About the older bass, unless the seller is selling you a 61 reissue, what he may be talking about is the body style. In the late 80s Fender slightly changed the body styling to incorporate a 22 fret neck, many players refer to this as the "boner" bass. I would avoid this model as necks and body's are not interchangeable and, in case of catastrophic damage, irreplaceable. Around 96, and I could be wrong about the dates, Fender went back to its "vintage" styling, with 20 fret neck and the traditional body. Somewhere in there, they began to use the upgrades listed above.
As far as choices go, with the newer bass, I know what you've got, and it's good. As for the older bass, it could be great, but you, or he, is not giving us enough info to give you an answer.
 
#4
I have a 1995 and it has the graphite reinforced neck, string through, and the better bridge. I am not sure of the rolled edges, though the neck plays great. At 18 yrs old, the bass has held up extremely well.

The only thing better about the 2012 is the weight of the tuners. The 95 had those big f style ones and they were heavy. The new Fenders balance much better.

I would go on price. If there is not much difference, I would go with the 12. If there is a large gap in the prices I would go with the 95.
 
#6
I have to agree with above, although the tuners are not a bother to me, you will have to weigh price against condition etc. unless its a great price on the old one, go with the new one. And don't forget to factor in the case, Fender cases are $130.00.
 

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