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Fender Jazz FSR. vs. Standard MIM Jazz

Fender Standard Jazz or Fender FSR Standard Jazz

  • Total voters
    147
  • Poll closed .
spanndrew

spanndrew

Guest
Oct 14, 2013
1,125
848
Atlanta, Ga
www.anthologymusic.com
#1
So I'm looking to buy a new bass in the next two months. I've been playing about 10 months and started on a Squier Affinity P bass. I've pretty much narrowed down my searches to two of Fenders more affordable models, the standard jazz and the standard jazz fsr. While there are multiple threads on TB discussing both models, I was looking for anymore information that I can get a hold of from you more experienced buyers. I have read what seems like dozens of reviews on both and have spent several afternoons playing both in my local GC. One thing that I can't quite figure out is the 100 dollar price difference between the Standard and the FSR, it makes me think that the FSR could be lacking in some areas. For example, I've read that they come with a fairly bad bridge. But I've also heard that the heavier wood creates a deeper "growl" from the bass. Really I'm just looking for some opinions since the two basses are pretty much tied in my mind. Oh, and I absolutely love the natural finish of the FSR, but the lack of maple fretboard is a bummer. Just thought I throw that in. Anyway, thanks to anyone that gives me their 2 cents.
 
#2
Fsr stands for factory special run, and it means it has some special feature not on the standard line. Often times it's a wood and finish combo that isn't usually on the standards, like ash and a natural finish, compared with poplar or alder.

Don't worry about the price difference. It could be that they need to clear the inventory out and have lowered the price because the fsr wasn't selling. Fender produces new special runs periodically, so the old ones can't be held over forever. With the standards, the line doesn't change year to year, so it doesn't matter if the bass stays in the store for a year or two and the retailer doesn't have to lower the price to move it.

Everything on the two is the same but the wood and finish. Play both, pick what you like and be happy! Your happiness with the instrument shouldn't be connected to how much you paid for it--plenty of experienced players here rock $200 bass all night long at gigs!
 
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#3
I should add: Either instrument makes a great platform for the future. If you want to upgrade the bridge, all you need is $30 and a screwdriver. Electronics can be upgraded in the future as well. The great thing about either of these is that they are solid instruments stock (with a good setup) and with a few key upgrades they are VERY competitive in terms of sound and playability with basses that cost much more. It's a good choice either way.

The ash FSR will probably give you a little more bite and a more aggressive sound than the MIM. But that's a big maybe -- wood is a natural product that varies and there are no iron-clad rules. Use your ears!
 
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#4
senp5f said:
Fsr stands for factory special run, and it means it has some special feature not on the standard line. Often times it's a wood and finish combo that isn't usually on the standards, like ash and a natural finish, compared with poplar or alder.

Don't worry about the price difference. It could be that they need to clear the inventory out and have lowered the price because the fsr wasn't selling. Fender produces new special runs periodically, so the old ones can't be held over forever. With the standards, the line doesn't change year to year, so it doesn't matter if the bass stays in the store for a year or two and the retailer doesn't have to lower the price to move it.

Everything on the two is the same but the wood and finish. Play both, pick what you like and be happy! Your happiness with the instrument shouldn't be connected to how much you paid for it--plenty of experienced players here rock $200 bass all night long at gigs!
Click to expand...

+1

on every count and +1,000 on latter lines

I'm an enthusiast nobody, but I play for 20+ years now and on a weekly basis gig at night

and I record with some basses (G&L) while jealously keep others just for myself (Sheehan's MIJ Yamaha Attitude)...

but I regularly gig with Squier Jazz basses

right... a tad more than $. 200.00 each (especially with mods) but the concept stays right... they rock my nights

I voted FSR: you could always go for plain Standard if you dig.

Cheers,
Wallace
 
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#5
By all accounts the FSR is a standard MIM jazz. As stated before the only difference is the wood and finish combo. I've had my FSR for almost a year and love it. Check out the Fender FSR Club in the basses section for all kinds of info. Can't go wrong with an FSR.
 
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#7
Thanks for the insight guys! Don't get me wrong, I know more money doesn't equal better bass always. I just didn't want to pick the cheaper option then wind up spending more cash getting it up to par. Anyway, I'm definitely leaving towards the FSR, that natural finish on the body is just so alluring to me. I'm glad I could hear some more opinions on it though!
 
#9
the remaining FSR's of the type you are looking at are all going to carry the 'older style' Fender logo, with the serial # to the front ... in '08, Fender did a slight cosmentic upgrade to the MIM Standards, and you will now see more of a tint to the neck and headstock, and with the logo change, the serial # is now moved to the back of the bass ...

Just a heads up, but IF money is a concern, there are a fair number of both this model FSR's and even more MIM Standards floating around used ... of course, you may not be able to play them prior to purchase, so it would be your call whether or not the savings is justified ... that MIM Nat Ash FSR you are looking at has been around a very long time as far as FSR's go ... I had a few back in the mid 2000's, they initially came with a white pickguard, then a few years later started coming with the tort ... the few I had were fairly heavy... these were made as a special run for Guitar Centers/Musicians Friend ... you will only find them elsewhere usually used ...
 
#11
I'm drawn to that FSR J bass EVERY TIME that I visit my local GC. I can't go into the store without taking it down off of the wall. I've been playing a natural ash / maple P since the mid-70s, and I'm thinking that I need a similar looking J to go with it. :bassist:

One thing that has struck me as odd about the finish though -- whenever I look at it up-close, it seems that the clear finish has a bit of a white hue to it that my 70s P doesn't have. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm wondering whether it's just an artifact of the lighting at GC, or whether there's something different about the chemicals in current clear finish that's different from the 70s finish that gives it that whitish look.

That whitish look to the finish has given me pause about taking it home.

Anyone?
 
#12
When I was shopping for a Jazz-style 5er a few weeks back, I found that none of the MIM Standard Jazz 5s sounded or played as well as the Squier VM Jazz 5s, despite the Squires costing roughly 1/3 the cost of the MIM Fender.
 
#13
My MIM Jazz has the standard vintage alnico pickups and I think they are some of the best pickups I've ever played. Mine is over 9 lbs and on the heavy side, but plays and records beautiful. I have a $200 Sterling that I modded out and play all night at gigs and jams like others have mentioned. Suggest going with what sounds and feels best. Good luck!
 

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