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Replacing my '71 Fender Jazz

A

Ace666

Guest
Feb 24, 2015
8
1
75
#1
After 40+ years and a lot of not so hot luthiers attentions I need and deserve a new Fender bass to supplement my '71 Jazz. I thought I had it nailed with the Fender Select Jazz bass but sadly it is discontinued.

So, put yourself in my position, it has to be a Fender Jazz bass and money is no object. Which one do I buy?

Many thanks for your input.

Ace666
 
#4
Late model American Standard Jazz-Excellent quality. Fit and finish has greatly improved and worth checking out.
The newer American Vintage series has some really nice stuff.

If money is no object I would also consider Fender Custom shop stuff-master built -they build to order I believe.
 
#5
ROOTSnFIFTHS said:
Late model American Standard Jazz-Excellent quality. Fit and finish has greatly improved and worth checking out.
The newer American Vintage series has some really nice stuff.

If money is no object I would also consider Fender Custom shop stuff-master built -they build to order I believe.
Click to expand...

Thanks Root - I've accessed the Fender site and are getting up to speed on Custom stuff

Ace
 
#7
Ace666 said:
Jim, I'm UK and a little unfamiliar with Custom Shop. Will Fender custom shop build to requirements? - I understood there were just 'set' models available - in any event can I buy direct from Fender?

Thanks

Ace
Click to expand...

The Fender Custom Shop "builds dreams." They will do anything you ask of them, just be prepared to pay for it. The only things they will not do are illegal.
 
#8
I found a Fender Custom Shop Jazz, an early 60's relic, for ~$3400 out the door. It is one of the pre-built instruments, not a special order by me, and was built by two builders, aka, "team-built." Whatever. I love the instrument, and it has pretty much taken over all the passive 4-string work I do, which is a nice way to say I prefer playing it above just about everything I have. I have had it over a year, and still pick it up first.

It stands head and shoulders above any other Jazz I've had, which includes a '69, a 2001 '60s classic, and a couple of very nice Road Worn Jazzes ('08 and '11). I considered an MIA standard Jazz. They are very very good. I played one against the CS relic, and also compared the relic to my best Road Worn. There was a clear tonal difference, and I used the same amp in the same room, with the same weight fresh (Fender) strings.

Find a Custom Shop dealer in the UK, if you can.
 
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#10
Fender custom shop is your friend.... Left is Masterbuilt (about $5K street price), and the right is "Team Built" about $3K street price

DSC_0035.jpg
 
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#16
Ace666 said:
Thank you all Gentlemen, USA certainly contains some polite, informed and helpful Fender bass enthusiasts. Bedtime now in the UK for me but I look forward to reading any further responses on the morrow. I thank you for your guidance.

Ace.
Click to expand...
Well, I'm none of those things, that's for the other posters! :) Sleep well, and dream of Fender Custom Shop basses!
 
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#18
I just bought a American Standard (new) about 2 weeks ago.

For me it has become "the one" I have been looking for since 1974.

You've got a lot of great suggestions here and if I could have gone Custom Shop I probably would have. But I have always drool over the tobacco sunburst finish and the Am Std I got has the best one I've ever seen (in real life). That with the awesome neck and CS60 pickups that thing has turned into my dream bass. And it's stock. Probably going to stay that way.

Good luck I'm sure you will find what you're looking for.
 

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