• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender's Current Jazz Line-Up

rarbass

rarbass

Jul 3, 2008
1,156
47
#1
What's the read on Fender's current Jazz line-up? I'm looking into buying a Jazz, and I find myself struggling to know which models they even have available.

Really I just want a list of what models they have available. But more importantly, I'd also like to know how folks are feeling about the current run of Fender's Jazz offerings. Are they good, are some models doing better than others? Is it worth looking at Squiers?

Personally, I'm looking mainly at the American Professional Classic Jazz Bass right now, but curious about what else is going on, and hey if anyone thinks I should look at another model instead, let me know :laugh:
 
  • Like
Reactions: SC Bassboy, Edward Knox, jd56hawk and 1 other person
#2
Go to Fender's website, click-thru to basses, then "Shop by Model" to pick just Jazz Basses and sort by price. There are options sprinkled throughout a bunch of price points.

As far as feelings RE: Fender, I'm probably the wrong person to ask lol...The only Fender I've deemed worthy of joining my relatively small working stable is an Squier Affinity Jazz Active. Used, the world is your oyster, lots of great stuff to be had. But if you're talking new (based on "current offerings" ask) their value for the money and QC is indefensibly poor IMO. The exception being MIJ Fenders, but acquiring them isn't always the most straightforward.
 
  • Like
Reactions: viobass, ghostdog93, DJ Bebop and 5 others
#11
rarbass said:
What's the read on Fender's current Jazz line-up? I'm looking into buying a Jazz, and I find myself struggling to know which models they even have available.

Really I just want a list of what models they have available. But more importantly, I'd also like to know how folks are feeling about the current run of Fender's Jazz offerings. Are they good, are some models doing better than others? Is it worth looking at Squiers?

Personally, I'm looking mainly at the American Professional Classic Jazz Bass right now, but curious about what else is going on, and hey if anyone thinks I should look at another model instead, let me know :laugh:
Click to expand...
They make some good Jazz basses, but do you want something good, or something great...I don't mean to put down Fender but I'm guessing you've never heard of Bacchus.
photostudio_1763980684276.jpg

proxy_4_1.jpg
563abe14-77be-4237-9b5e-62432522e4b9.jpg
blodi7ndjyjx21ytuvt5.jpg
ae2284_ffa092239a5b49259c335018c4372586.jpg
Picsart_24-08-09_05-13-46-590.jpg

Other than that, I should've never sold these three Squiers.
Crafted In China Classic Vibe, 40th-Anniversary Vintage Precision and 40th-Anniversary Vintage Jazz.
P&J.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Suntory, Yahboy and DJ Bebop
#12
I tried a couple Pro Classics and liked them. The necks are nice, weights seem generally reasonable, and there are a couple cool finishes that you don't see every day. Lollipop tuners look really cool, too.

With that said, I'd just try different basses until you find the one that feels comfortable and natural. I've played 60s and 70s CV Squiers that sounded great too. I agree with others that used basses probably make a lot of sense if you find one that fits what you're looking for. For better or worse, Jazz Basses haven't changed all that much over the years. :thumbsup:
 
#13
When I bought mine, I went to a store and tried everything ‘Fender Jazz’ and ‘FSO Jazz’. What I purchased was so indistinguishable in the marketing compared to all the others but there was a huge variety of weight, neck feel/radius and sound. Didn’t seem to be a linear progression between models/price and ‘goodness’ and the Fender descriptions may as well have called them ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ etc.

I bought what I thought sounded the best and was also one of the lightest, and it looked nice too (TBF, they all looked nice). I got used to the neck radius pretty quickly, removed the pick guard to improve visuals in my opinion.

My point is, the Febder blurb is completely irrelevant - trying lots in one place (using your own amp/cab, comparing with your existing favourite bass etc etc) is the only (semi)reliable way to know what you want/don’t want.

Good luck!!
 
#15
I have never understood Fender's product lineup. It's clearly made by the marketing department, not musicians. That's just one of the reasons I won't buy anything new from Fender. It's really hard to buy a Jazz knowing that the specific model I'm buying probably won't be made in a year, replaced by some other Fender Jazz Ultra/Incredible/Professional/Player/Amazing/PickYourSuperlative next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: StockwellinYork, MrAB4003 and dk_bass
#16
I'm not a Fender guy, but not a Fender basher either. IMO, there are so many versions of the jazz, that you need to either (a) really know what you like and don't like, or (b) try a bunch of them to really know which one is 'best' for you. Or maybe it's really 'C', both A and B.

For example - I know that I really like 12" radius boards and medium-jumbo frets, and that I don't really like the vintage 7.25" radius and smaller frets on some of the re-issues, so that would remove some basses from a 'potential purchase' list. If you strongly prefer active or passive, that narrows down your choices. Heck, even if you have specific 'has to be' or 'can't be' colors on your list, that makes a difference. Etc.

But from there, you have two options: Try a bunch and see which one(s) feel and sound the best TO YOU, or order something that you think most aligns with your preferences and hope it works. I've done that on a few basses and it's worked out great, but I knew what specs I wanted and they hit the mark. If you buy from GC or Sweetwater you know you have the option to return it.
 
#17
Another shout out to Bacchus, at least 3 lines to choose from. Even their lower line which is equivalent to Squier punch above their weight. The MIJ woodline series are sublime. I don't follow Fender much but i did play a top of the line MIA Jazz the other day. It was nice, excellent tone and playability, silly cheesy looking knurled knobs and control ergo's a little weird. All in all i wasn't that impressed for 2k or so.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jd56hawk
#18
rarbass said:
What's the read on Fender's current Jazz line-up? I'm looking into buying a Jazz, and I find myself struggling to know which models they even have available.

Really I just want a list of what models they have available. But more importantly, I'd also like to know how folks are feeling about the current run of Fender's Jazz offerings. Are they good, are some models doing better than others? Is it worth looking at Squiers?

Personally, I'm looking mainly at the American Professional Classic Jazz Bass right now, but curious about what else is going on, and hey if anyone thinks I should look at another model instead, let me know :laugh:
Click to expand...
You might be surprised by how damn good the Squires are nowadays. If you aren't worried about which logo is on the headstock check out their lineup. The quality vs. price is on point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DWA2469, blacktocomm, wncBass and 1 other person

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back