Fender Jazz FSR. vs. Standard MIM Jazz

[HomeRecordings]

To me it just sounds like a MIM fender. Does it matter to you if it is fsr or not?

Doesn't really matter to me. The only differences I can see with the FSR are the MIM and Serial Number on the front of the headstock and the $100 cheaper price. Anybody know of other differences that account for the $100 variance?

 

[Asher S]

I've played many configurations of Fender basses. All that really matters is how the instrument feels and sounds in your hands, regardless of the designation (e.g. FSR) or country of origin (MIM vs. USA, I have both...). Play it through an amp before buying, then once you found one you like get a pro setup with your favorite strings.

 

[tjh]

Guy is selling a MIM Jazz bass - black, rosewood neck, tortoise pickguard. Made in Mexico/Serial Number is on the front of the headstock. Says it's a 2007 or 2008. Does that sound like an FSR?

... no .. as mentioned above, sounds like a MIM Standard Jazz, in black, where the stock white pickguard has been replaced with a tort one ... IF it is a 2008, it will be an early one, as mid '08 Fender did the minor cosmetic upgrade on the MIM Standard line, and also seemed to improve quality control and in general the series became a little more consistent ...

 

[telecopy]

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!

My son has an FSR MIM P. Natural ash/tort. It is a fine instrument.

 

[waynobass]

I've had the bass for 8 months now ha. The thread got revived.

Then we need to see a picture!

 

[spanndrew]

Then we need to see a picture!

Here ya go! Right next to my dean acoustic.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

My FSR sounds NOTHING like the MIM Standard.

I setup a friends MIM Std, played them side by side... WORLD of difference.

FSR had more bite, agressive "grrr".

MIM Std was thumpy at best.

 

[VinnyIuspa]

I have a mim jazz bass that's identical to the one the op posted. Picked it up used for cheap a few years back after really liking the sound and feel; it was pretty much the best bass I could find under $400. I didn't know that these were a special run or about the ash body. Perhaps the wood combination is part of what made the sound of this MIM jazz stand out to me.
Since I've Upgraded the pickups to a bartolini hum canceling set it's become my main bass for recording and playing live in my doom metal band. I even sold my musicman that cost 5x as much! The passive jazz bass sound is just perfect for that the grinding distorted sound I go for, and if I want more or less bottom end I can lean toward one pickup or the other. I've come to appreciate the simplicity and the fact that the sound just works no matter what you're doing.

 

[GrapeBass]

REVIVING THREAD!

I have recently acquired a MIM FSR Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass - Natural (Ash/Rosewood) and have fallen in love with it. It definitely has it's own personality, woody, warm and oh-so vintage sounding (especially with D'Addario Half Wounds). It's a perfect compliment to my other basses.

 

[pica]

I had a Fender FSR with the red tort pickguard. Worst mistake I ever made was selling it.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

As many have already expressed, same exact bass, different colors, but don't let that stop you from buying the one you like best. Pick the one that plays the best, or if you really like the look of the FSR better then it's absolutely worth it! There's something to be said for aesthetics if it inspires you more to practice and play more!

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

REVIVING THREAD!

I have recently acquired a MIM FSR Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass - Natural (Ash/Rosewood) and have fallen in love with it. It definitely has it's own personality, woody, warm and oh-so vintage sounding (especially with D'Addario Half Wounds). It's a perfect compliment to my other basses. View attachment 2872031

Natural and brown tort with rosewood for the win! Such a great combo. I wouldn't mind having a Precision in that color scheme if I didnt already have two Precisions.