Fender Jazz rumours..?

[Yonni]

I was recently having a discussion about buying an American Jazz when I was told that there “might” be something interesting (no details given) coming from Fender in October. The level of avoiding specifics led me to believe that there may be some NDA around this. Do Fender often release new lines in October? Im in the UK so I don’t know if that has any impact on release dates? Were there any hints or rumours at NAMM? Anyone able to elucidate?

 

[Gorn]

If you're in the market for a jazz bass I find it very unlikely a new one from Fender is gonna be particularly interesting. Not that that's a bad thing.

 

[melloncollie]

Were you discussing an American made model? I think there’s been some rumbling that the American original line is going to be supplanted soon by something else.

 

[Energy]

The best Fender Jazz Basses have already been built 60 years ago.

 

[Yonni]

The best Fender Jazz Basses have already been built 60 years ago.

True, but not helpful.

Were you discussing an American made model? I think there’s been some rumbling that the American original line is going to be supplanted soon by something else.

I was talking about a Pro II

 

[Energy]

I was talking about a Pro II

There will be a Pro III for sure. And a Pro IV after that.

 

[Wambemando]

Hmmmm... what tops "Elite" or "Ultra"?

AHA!
It's gotta be...
The Fender Omnipotent Series (OS)

 

[melloncollie]

I was talking about a Pro II[/QUOTE]

I don’t think the pro II’s are old enough to be getting a refresh but maybe there’s a new series coming out.

 

[landrybass]

I think I saw an endorsed artist here with a transparent finished American Pro with a P/J passive setup. I believe his was a 5 string. Looked pretty cool. I dont think they have been released yet.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Bring back the American Standard series. Best Jazz basses since the AV models.

 

[Jackcrow]

I could see them updating the American Original Series but I’m not really sure what direction they would go. I’d be fine with just a new color lineup honestly.

But I could also see them flipping around some of the reissues and doing a 70s Jazz with a rosewood fretboard instead of maple, maybe a 70s P Bass (which they have never really done a true US made 70s reissue P bass AFAIK), 59 style reissue P Bass maybe?

 

[REV]

The best Fender Jazz Basses have already been built 60 years ago.

I think the Geddy Lee Jazz bass came out in 1999?

 

[two fingers]

Oh I already got the scoop from my guy. They're going to do a reissue of the 1982 reissue of the 62 Jazz. In essence, it will be a burst/tort Jazz with like.... jazz pickups and like..... knobs and stuff.

Can't wait!!!!






(For those of you who are a little slow, that was a sarcastic dig at Fender for always creating hype around "new and exciting" versions of cutting edge tech circa 1960 +/- using the same old colors they did back then and calling it something different.)


Brace yourself. Absolutely nothing new is coming from Fender. Buy a J if you want one before prices go up again.

 

[Yonni]

The only detail I got was nitro finish. And I think he was talking passive 4 string as that is what I was looking at. To be honest, I could have walked out with the black rosewood Pro II I tried but now he’s got me wondering. And it was a tech not a sales assistant if that makes any difference.

 

[OnTheDownLow]

I could see them updating the American Original Series but I’m not really sure what direction they would go. I’d be fine with just a new color lineup honestly.

But I could also see them flipping around some of the reissues and doing a 70s Jazz with a rosewood fretboard instead of maple, maybe a 70s P Bass (which they have never really done a true US made 70s reissue P bass AFAIK), 59 style reissue P Bass maybe?

I'm still waiting for that 70s P reissue.

 

[GeeBass]

So that was an insider verified source that revealed that info to you? Did you know this guy at all?

I bet he was just messin' with your head - and maybe wanted to buy that bass as soon as you left!

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Unless it's a color or finish not currently available, which you specifically find worth the asking price, I wouldn't worry about buying a J-bass now. Other than a custom color, there isn't much you can't swap out/upgrade on your own after the fact. Arguably, some of the parts on offer (pickups, tuners, etc.) are going to exceed the quality of what Fender will use.

I find it a plus that you can get a classic-style bass that's easy to customize with relative ease. Doesn't mean they shouldn't do some innovating on the side, but I'm glad that I can get the form factor I'm after when looking for a P or J bass.

 

[BigDrew]

The American Original line has been discontinued and is being refreshed. I don't believe the American Professional line is being touched this year.

 

[CGremlin]

If you're in the market for a jazz bass I find it very unlikely a new one from Fender is gonna be particularly interesting.

I can think of a few things that might tweak my interest - for instance, a re-roll of the old Modern Player Jazz, but with high-end pickups, active electronics, etc. I'm pretty content with my MP, but if I could get an active version with blocks/binding and all the other goodies the high-end Fenders have...

 

[Wicked G]

Hmmmm... what tops "Elite" or "Ultra"?

AHA!
It's gotta be...
The Fender Omnipotent Series (OS)

That's it, I'm not buying anymore Jazz basses until The Fender Omnipotent Series comes out.