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Fender Jazz Question(s)

A

arcieangelo

Oct 14, 2010
60
1
#1
Greetings.

Question #1: I'm assuming that unlike the auto industry whose 2011 models come out in the fall of 2010, guitar makers' (specifically Fender) 2011 models are made in 2011 and identified (defined) by the serial number. Can anyone confirm this?

Question #2: I'm told that sometime (I believe in 2010?) Fender make significant improvements in the electronics of the Jazz Bass. Does anyone have a feel for when the improvements were made? In January of 2010? If it matters, I'm particularly interested in the made in USA 5 string Deluxe.

Question #3: Anyone know if there are plans for modifying the jazz 5 deluxe anytime soon?

Question #4: Is there anything else I should know about the newer Jazz 5 Deluxe before I pull the trigger? I've owned and played a '76 Jazz 4 string for over 30 years and loved it.

I see that the forum is loaded with Jazz Bass owners. I also see that so many of the folks on the forum are very knowledgable. Hopefully, someone can shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.
 
#2
Yes the serial number can be used to ID the year. Since the 70s fender has used a letter then number for decade and year (S8 = 78, N3 = 93, Z4 = 2004, etc) though I'm not sure what the current letter is. newer models also include a prefix to identify the model.

I believe it was 2008 that they upgraded parts on all American series instruments and stepped up QC. In 2010 or 2011 they introduced the current American deluxe line with the block necks and such. Is that what you're referring to? Either way, they're new and look great so they'll probably stay the same for at least a few years.

As far as when changes were made they usually introduce new models at namm but often they will have started production before then so that new models can hit stores sooner, rather than having to wait until production catches after the trade show.
 
#5
coreyfyfe said:
Yes the serial number can be used to ID the year. Since the 70s fender has used a letter then number for decade and year (S8 = 78, N3 = 93, Z4 = 2004, etc) though I'm not sure what the current letter is. newer models also include a prefix to identify the model.

I believe it was 2008 that they upgraded parts on all American series instruments and stepped up QC. In 2010 or 2011 they introduced the current American deluxe line with the block necks and such. Is that what you're referring to? Either way, they're new and look great so they'll probably stay the same for at least a few years.

As far as when changes were made they usually introduce new models at namm but often they will have started production before then so that new models can hit stores sooner, rather than having to wait until production catches after the trade show.
Click to expand...

Just wanted to point out that the S8 serial isnt always a 78 bass, it was used on basses from 78 to 82!

They also currently dont use a letter but start the serial with a 10... so a 2011 bass has a serial that would read 10 1xxxxxx
 
#6
carlos840 said:
Just wanted to point out that the S8 serial isnt always a 78 bass, it was used on basses from 78 to 82!

They also currently dont use a letter but start the serial with a 10... so a 2011 bass has a serial that would read 10 1xxxxxx
Click to expand...

It was just an example, but yes for those few years there was some overlap in serial numbers and they transitioned design styles.
 

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