Fender American Series Jazz Bass S-1 Switch

Well, do I have to write the specs everyone knows ? Mhhh.
Mine is a 2005 4-string American J Bass with the S-1 switch.
I chose the rosewood fretboard and butterscotch blonde finish.
The accessories included are the famous ones : molded hard case, strap, keys, cable and polish rag.
Well, when one buys such a bass he knows the intrinsic features are not the first purchase argument.
Due to the conception of this bass, I found no feature missing here though.

Plays and sounds like a Jazz Bass, since it is !
Switch the series mode and then you get somewhat closer to some kind of P-like, but not that close. Pretty much of a J with slightly bigger balls. Not a tonal revolution though, and I am a bit disappointed there.

The finish does look as "natural" as it looks on pics. Actually looks a bit "cheap". I believe the woodgrain of the alder body also has to do with this.
The action was very high straight out of the box, and that's a shame while most Asian made basses come new with much better setups.
I wanted a "real" American J for finish and setup reasons (owned a Highway 1 before), and the Highway 1 was MUCH better setup.

Can't say for now.

Which customer support ? Fender France will never reply as long as you submit an issue. Better ask your local dealer, all of them are used to deal with Fender instruments.

Though it is a very different bass, I own a Music Man SUB5 I paid 890 EUR new. Do I have to say I like the SUB5 WAY more ? Do I also have to say it was WAY BETTER setup straight out of the box ?
Delivering a legendary bass out of a prestige factory with such a poor finish and such a crappy setup is nothing but a shame.
No I would not get one again. I believe I'll rather sell it after setting it up properly, save a bit of money and switch to a Sadowsky or a Lakland.

U.S. made Fender Jazz Bass (std) with S-1 switching in neck pick-up pot. Made in 2004
Naturally, all of the following are true;
4-string.
34 inch scale.
20 fret,maple (graphite reinforced), bolt-on, slimmer-than-precision neck (rosewood board with clay markers, bone nut.)
2 exposed-pole (8) pick-ups, 1 neck, 1 bridge, both single coil.
3 controls- Passive (Neck volume, Bridge Volume, Tone)
Offset waist (Jazz) body in solid ash (1 piece!) finished in Transluscent Sunset Orange.
Schaller straplock compatible strap buttons.
Newer style semi-open-back tuners.

It is lighter than any of my other basses.
In fact, it is lighter than either of my guitarists' guitars!

Has been used with a variety of amps (Trace, Ampeg, Ashdown, Demon), and I have experienced no hum at all, even in rooms with TVs and dimmer switches. Don't know what they've done, but it works, and I am grateful.
Usual Fender sounds available. Ash body sounds brighter than the Alder ones, but it also has more "Punch" but less "Thud".
Dial in the Bridge pick-up, and it'll "sing"
Try this; Turn up the tone control all the way. Bring the Neck Pick-up volume up to your desired level (>75% is best). Add Neck to suit whilst you play and you cam hear tonal shifts due to phase cancellations between the pick ups. Find a sound you like, and just change the tone control. When you engage the series option (normally the pick-ups are in parallel) The bridge volume stops working, the volume increases a little and the sound fattens up. Nice, especially if you were on the verge of overdriving your input stage in parallel- series will finish the job!
I am getting overdrive from my pick-ups at settings in excess of 80%.
They're not that hot, though...
Perhaps it's the output impedance (?)
Not yet used in a studio.

Had to adjust the action downwards to suit my preference, and compensate for Fender's "High G-string". (I needed to level off the Neck p/up a bit, too)
Neck pocket doesn't seem too accurately routed (it's tidy enough,though)
Why do they bevel the part of the scratchplate against which the bell-plate abutts? It just makes it look ill-fitting, even though it isn't!
All of which is mere bagatelle when one considers that it's arguably the best Fender Jazz I've ever played in terms of both feel and sound. I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.
Also, it has bags of character and 40-odd years of heritage behind it.

Seems solid enough.
I don't trash my gear, so it should last.
Tightened everything up as soon as I got it home- Nothing would budge.
*Batteries not included.
*Batteries not necessary. Would play without a back-up!

Not known. Have good dealer back-up and some capable luthiers nearby if needed!

Hace been playing for 12 years.
Meant to buy one of these as my first new "expensive" bass, but somehow saved up way too much and bought a Vigier Passion 5-string instead.
Have tried more than 100 Fender Jazzes since and only two were really good- This was the better one (!)
If stolen, I fear another 10 year search to replace it...
Tried a Precision Deluxe,too. It was good, but had no "Table Manners".The Jazz is softer spoken and more musical.
After years of buying and using active basses, the last two I've bought have been simple, passive models- This Fender and a Yamaha Attitude 10th anniversary Billy Sheehan Signature. I can't help but think that many active circuits impose a little too much of their own tone upon the instrument's output, giving more versatility but robbing us of absolut tone...

2004 MIA Jazz Bass with S-1 Switch
Rolled Maple Fingerboard with nicely finished fretwork.
Ash Body Trans Sunset Orange finish.
Graphite rod reinforced neck.
String through body.
Heavy duty bridge will support both string through or top load.
Tuners are nicely made and high gear ratio.
Bone nut
Frets have nicely rounded edges.
Pots are top notch!
Pickups have excellent clarity
Case is included and fits the bass like a glove. Nice looking too.

First, let me say that the previous reviewer that gave this bass a 5 in sound was based solely of the fact it did not sound exactly like a P bass while throwing out the fact it has an awesome tone to it and the S-1 switch definately enhances this bass. It can come close to a P bass sound with some eq'ing as I have done it. Will it sound just like one...NOPE..only a P bass can deliver exactly that sound due to its pickups and pickup spacing. This however is a very versatile bass thanks to the S-1 switch. It does the trick for me for the things I want it for. My only complaint is the hum when the volume controls are not in the same position for the neck and bridge pickups. This aside makes for one heavenly sounding bass! It would get a 10 were it not for some hum at times as described above.
I have found GHS Boomers to sound awesome on this bass. The pickups along with these strings produce clear bell like tones, smooth highs, and deep rich piano type lows.

See my pickup review for the new Fender Noiseless Alnico pickups that I installed on this bass. It is noisefree now and I am in "Tonal Heaven" without the need to go Active.

Action, Fit and Finish are awesome on this bass. I have received many compliments on the color etc. This bass has the best neck I have played on due to the rolled edges. I tried an MIM bass that looked very good but after using the neck on this bass the MIM's felt like the edges were digging into my hands. Big difference if you ever played one of the rolled edge fretboards on the MIA's lately.

I fully expect this bass to be very reliable. The electronics are first rate as is the heavy duty hardware. I have not had to adjust the trussrod as of yet even though I have changed brand/type of strings 4 times (one flat and 3 Round wounds).
I would use this on a gig without a backup as I fully trust it to last a very long time.

Customer support have been very helpful in what little I have dealt with them over the past years.

This is the best bass I have played as far as sound and feel go.
I rate the MM Sterling a very close second. I like the neck on this bass slightly better though due to feel.

This one was a sunburst 2004 model with a maple fingerboard.Your typical fender jazz bass with an S1 switch.Nothing really special about this bass.Fender hypes up thier newer products to get people psyched up about their products.I've seen so many jazz basses lately that nothing really excites me about this particular bass,way overpriced I might add.It was ok but I'm looking for a bass with a little more tone options.The S1just is more of a boost switch,no drastic tone change.

Sound wise again I say nothing great,ordinary jazz sound with very little evidence of the P bass sound that it is supposed to have.Not what I expected for a bass in this price range.Its an American bass although I've tried the Highway 1 and the Mexicans,very little difference to my ears in the tone department.

Poor setup from the factory,tad too high for my tastes,intonation way off.Volume control was stripped on this one,could do a full revolution on the turning it up or down.S1 switch the way they have it set up inside the volume control is a cheesey option,and you can hear a click sound through the amp when you engage it.Tuners were ok hardware was so so.Just really a cheap looking sunburst finish,no flaws just comparable to a JB player or some off brand.Some of the Squiers look better for a third of the cost.

Didn't purchase it so I can't say,but it will probably last.

Don't no but I played it at a Guitar Center in Mays Landing,N.J. and some of us know from past experience what slackers they are.They want the sale but they don't go out of their way to sell their product or offer an alternative if you don't like the product.Not a very knowledgeable staff in this location.

Been playing 28 years on bass.Own a Guild Pilot bass that is a great player.Play through an SWR WorkingMan's 15,great sounding amp.Used to have a 76 P bass.That was a great bass.

Brand new 3 tones alder body with rosewood fingerboard. Came in well packed and in perfect shape. Looks beatiful. Classic fender with the new S-1 switch (lot to know about it down bellow) I replace the white pickguard by a 4 ply turtoise which looke like the vintage Jazz 62. The thicker pickguard makes feel more confortable and easier to play. That is just a personnal choice.

Comes in a hard chell case (made in china), a strap, a cable, some tools and a guitar towel. After removing the (made in china) sticker, everything was in order.

Great American Jazz Bass tone, lot of sustain and clarity.
It's my second American Jazz Bass. The first one was a 2002 Sunset Orange Transparent ash body with maple fingerboard. I traded it for a Vintage Precision 70. But than I missed my Jazz bass since. Before buying my first bass, I've tried all cheaper fender model. Even without knowing anything about bass at the time, I've first try the cheaper Standard, and than the Highway-1 and than the American Serie. Even with a relatively cheap amp, one can see the difference. The sound of the american is more consistent, more vintage and the E string is way more solid. nothing to compare with H-1, or any mexican or japanese series.

Let's talk about the alder body. This bass bounds sligtly different from my previous one. Rosewood fingerboard rather than maple and alder rather than ash. The Maple fingerboard sound is brighter and krispier and the ash body provides a rounder and more high end foundation suitable for Jazz playing or latino. The traditionnal Fender Jazz Growling is slightly more obvious with the alder body though. I like them both, but I think the alder body and rosewood fingerwood is better for traditionnal hard rock sound. The difference is not that much but it's noticeable, especially with the fingerboard wood. So before picking a color, think of the sound you want to achieve. The Ash body looks better and is often just covered with a clear coat. That what was used for the Vintage 75 Jazz Bass (Natural). Alder is used with vintage 62 Jazz Bass. One other detail, the Ash body is slightly heavier and you can feel more of the vibration through your chess. A nice feeling.

Thanks god, the S-1 switch doesn't involve new pickup but simply more sophisticate wiring. A lot has been said about that S-1 switch but I don't agree with most of it. In fact, it does provide a great new tone to the Jazz Bass, but it does not sound like a Precision bass at all. I do own an American Precision as well, which I love as much as my new Jazz. But still the Jazz bass has more sustain while the Precion has more punch and is more suitable for rithmic lines like Motown. I use my p-bass for playing Black Sabbath as well as Chicago or Blues Traveler. The S-1 switch (according to the little documentation) connects the two pickup in series and bypasses the bridge volume. The sound with the S-1 switch is similar to the sound you get when the two volume are set at the same level but a little beeffier, a nastier growl and a few extra db on output. Let's put it this way, the Jazz was a great 3 tones bass before, now it's a great 4 tones.

Personnaly, I love this new tone with the S-1 sitch on, it gives a great scarry growling, and I use it to play Hendrix, Zepplin or Deep Purple,in fact I use it all the time for classic rock.

I still like using the Neck Pickup alone for reaggea or latino (I love Cuban Jazz).

I use Ampeg SVT-4Pro, Bergantino HT322 cab and Spectraflex cable. I do no notice any 60 cycle hum at all and it sounds deep and powerfull. I play flat with the Jazz Bass (only the deep switch on) and I crank the bass a bit with the Precision. Buz was very annoying with a Gallien-Krueger though but I got rid of that amp a while ago. If you have any microphonic buzz or 60 cycle hum, get a spectraflex cable first, and than if it's still there, it's probably a bad pre-amp pickup combination.

Some poeple compared the American Jazz Bass with more expensive bass and I aggree with it. I've never tried a bass that sounds as good as this bass. I prefer it over a Richekbecker. By the way, I also prefer Fender Precision over a Stingray. Richer sound. If I need to cover more kind of music I will have to look at very different kind of bass like a Tobia or a Godin semi-accoustic so I could achieve very different kind of sound. I was also looking at a G&L 2000 but the S-1 switch let me leave without the sophisticate electronic of the G&L. I do not regret this purchase,

The finish was inpecable. The color is gorgeous. The tuning mashine is not as good as the previous one, but there might just be a piece of dirt in the gear. I will take care of that later. The neck was adjusted properly and I woun't have to touch it. The nut was especially well crafted on this one.

The action was standard, but the D string was rigning on the 5-7th fret. We must consider the fact that I play hard but I don't want an action too high. It seems to be a design problem more than a manufacture problem, because my first one had the same problem. It can be resolved with stiffer string like Earny balls. Personnaly I like Earny Balls strings on my Precision, but I also like the Fender strings on the Jazz bass. I like the sound of the Fender strings but the sound is not as consistent from string to string as the Earny Balls and they don't last. I lifted the two middle string slightly and there is no more ring if I don't play too hard. Since I have a Precision bass, I don't have to play Robin Hood with my Jazz bass to have punch. I beat the crap out of my precision, but I play slightly lighter with my Jazz, that's how it sounds good anyway.

Concerning the neck. With my first Jazz Bass, I had problems with the narrow neck, because of my poor skills. When I traded it for a precision, I got trained with the larger neck and my skills improved a lot. Before ai bought this second Jazz Bass I was a little anxious about how I would feel with it. Now I love it. It's still the same nect as the previous one, even I feel it's a little thicker (maybe the rosewood fingerboard is thicker, or maybe it's just my imagination), but now I could accomplish fast lines easier than with the Precision neck. It's a question of taste and training.

Well it's an American Serie Bass. What else to say. It's solid, well built, and it sounds awesome. Only one thing, like another reviewer, I feel like the S-1 switch may not last long. Myne got stock (on) yesterday. It got resolved by spinning the volume knob, but still it's a little scarry. I'm sure that poeple at Fender are smart enough to resolve that inconvenience in the future.

I knew what I was doing when I bought this instrument. I've tried a some cheaper instrument, like A Spirit Steinberger, and a 54 Precision made in Japan, but I've sent them both to the store. I've also compared all price fender Jazz Bass on store, end even with my extremely poor skills and knowledge at the time, I thought there was a huge difference between the American Jazz Bass and the cheaper Fender Jazz Basses. I've also tried a Rickenbecker, because I was after Vintage British tone, but I came to realise that the American Serie Jazz Bass had a richer sound,a more solid bottom and a more attractive price. Also the rosewood fingerboard and the alder body gives me the sound I was after. I rate 9 because of very minor flaws otherwise it would be a 10.

This is an American made passive jazz with S-1 switch. Color of sunset orange with maple neck. Looks pretty. Good weight...not too heavy

I found the sound to be muddy in the midrange, weak on the low end, though bright and clear on the high end. I love the deep warm growl of the open E on a good Jazz...this didn't have it

Action was set up well but I found that the neck bolts were loose when I got it...I didn't realize at first why the neck was moving around a little

Don't know...I was dissatisfied so I returned it within 30 days...

I've dealt with Fender on a replacement pre-amp for a P-bass...it took a long time and they didn't respond til I sent a nasty letter...

Played many jazz and jazz clones...this one wasn't in the league of the 'good' ones...

Update to previous review. See "sound" and "customer support." But I should metion that mine did come with straplocks; apparently these are "omitted" at times!

I stand by my earlier review, but the previous reviewer is correct that the S-1 doesn't make this sound like a Precision bass -- it's just a big step in that direction. To evaluate this further, I played S-1 equipped J and P basses back to back recently. Neither bass replicates the other with the S-1 engaged, so Fender's description that the S-1 makes the J sound "similar to" a P (and vice versa) is accurate. I was surprised how close the P got to a J with the S-1, because the single pickup can't duplicate the spacing of the bridge and neck pickups on the J. The feature is awesome on either bass, so if you're considering either a P or a J you owe it to yourself to check these out.

Despite the neck twist (see below), I don't question the instrument's overall reliability or durability. The problem was unusual, and heck, sometimes wood moves! I have noticed a tiny chip in the finish on the back, but it isn't a big deal.

We've all read the vague comments about Fender's customer service: "I have no direct experience, but I've heard horror stories;" "I expect customer service to suffer at such a huge company;" "I worked at a music store, and they were the worst." Unfortunately, my Jazz developed a neck twist after about five months, and reading so many comments like these made me fear the worst. Fortunately, my dealer, their authorized Fender service center, and Fender all stepped up to the plate, and I couldn't be more satisfied with their service.

My guitar tech in Philadelphia discovered the neck twist in mid-January during a setup, which I had arranged in part because the action was unusually high on the E and A strings above about the eighth fret. A few days later, I brought it to my dealer, Middletown Music, at their Wilmington, Delaware location. They saw the neck twist, and sent it to George at Acme Guitar Works later that day. THE NEXT DAY, George called me and said Fender would send me a new neck, which would have a regular serial number and not a "Replacement Neck" designation. (I was concerned about that in the unlikely event I ever want to sell this bass.) The only bad news was that it wouldn't arrive for six to eight weeks. But I kept the bass in the interim, and it was certainly playable even with the twist, so things could have been worse. I settled in for the wait.

Only THREE weeks later, George called and said the neck had arrived. I dropped the bass off at Acme the next day. George said it might take a couple of days, but when I explained my band was recording the following day, he said it would be done. It was, and he did a fantastic job. The bass feels better than it ever did with the original neck, and I expect I'll enjoy playing it even more than before -- and my original "overall" rating was a completely justified 10.

Now, I can happily give the same rating to Fender's cutsomer service, which in my case includes the folks at Middletown Music and George of Acme Guitar Works, all of whom are courteous and professional, and treat their customers with respect.

2004 Fender J S-1 in butterscotch blonde with a maple board. 20 frets, passive, graphite reinforced neck, etc. You know the deal. The real feature to talk about here is the S-1 switch that puts the pickups into series giving the J a great almost-active vibe. FANTASTIC. This bass would get a 10 here if it had straplocks - come on Fender - you cheap bastards!!

Sounds like a J - growly and tight - mine seems to be a bit brighter than most. I play in a loud rock band and all of my instruments go into a Demeter pre, a dbx 160A compressor, a Crest CA6 power amp, and Eden cabs. With the S-1 J, you get the basic 3 tones - Marcus Miller scoop: both pickups on full, bridge Jaco staccato, and Family Man neck dub. BUT THEN . . . push that goofy black button and get ready to be more excited than you thought you'd be about this feature. IT RULES. I first tried an S-1 in a store thinking "Give me a break Fender," (because I'm maybe a little too hard on Fender) but I was shocked at the difference. The common description of the S-1 sound seems to be "sounds like a P-bass," but I don't think that's totally accurate. The midrange isn't as quacky and honky as a P. It still sounds like a J - but just MORE J! The high end comes back a bit and the low end and overall volume push up a bit. Sounds like you dropped a gritty active preamp in the bass.

Fender truly knows how to finish and inspect an instrument. Every year they seem to refine this even more. HOWEVER - I'm not nuts about the way they like to set their pickup height (TOO LOW) and why does every factory Fender's G string sit abnormally higher than the rest? I worked at a Fender dealer for years and this was ALWAYS the case. I asked the rep about it one afternoon and he shrugged. So who knows?! But these are little niggles - Fender does great work.

Hey - according to the track record, J's seem to be around forever! Even better neck stability with the graphite reinforcement. Well done.

I've dealt with Fender numerous times (not regarding this particular instrument) and they're usually very helpful. But, since they're such a MONSTEROUS company, sometimes customer support can fall through the cracks. But don't let this discourage you from rocking a J!

I'm giving it a 9 on principle! I'm too proud to give Fender a 10! This is actually the first Fender bass I've ever owned. I have tons of basses: Modulus Vintage J, Modulus Quantum 6, Zon Sonus Custom fretless 5, Zon Sonus 8, Yamaha Billy Sheehan Attitude (!), Peavey Cyber Bass (!), Peavey T-40, Peavey B-Quad 4, and an Ashbory. This rounds out the collection nicely. I'm using it as my main teaching bass. I'll tell you though, the S-1 switch put me over the edge. If it were stolen, I'd probably just play my Modulus Vintage J! No seriously, it rules. Buy one. You know you need another J.

My bass is a four string 2003 American Fender Jazz Bass outfitted with the new S-1 Switch. It features a 21 Fret maple, modern 'C' shaped neck, and I opted for the Maple Fretboard.

Like most J-Basses, it has two volumes and one tone control. The neck pickup volume control sports the S-1 switch, which is a button within the center of the knob. The bass has the typical J-Bass pickup configuration of two passive single coil pickups. The bridge is a string-thru body style bridge, but still leaves the option of stringing through the backside of the bridge if you like.

My bass has the 3-Color Sunburst finish. I used to have a Mexican 3-Color Burst, and the paint job on this bass is so much more richer and the colors have a nicer fade into one another.

The bass came with a molded hardshell case, Truss Rod Tool, Allens wrench for bridge adjustments, instrument cable, polishing cloth, Fender strap, and paperwork.

The sound is the reason I have the bass. As I stated earlier, I used to have a Mexican bass years back, and wanted to regain that Jazz Bass 'Growl' that I had been missing. This bass has it. It gives me a wide pallet of sounds to choose from. I can get my nice aggressive Geddy Lee type tone, to a nice fat blues/country tone.

The S-1 switch is pretty well hidden. I guess people from off of the stage would never be able to see it. When this button is engaged, the bass's pickup wiring changes from parallel to series, thus changing it from it's typical Jazz growl to a more beefier/bottomy P-bass sound. It is really quite handy. With the S-1 switch engaged, my P-Bass sitting in its case gets jealous! *Note: As the first reviewer who posted here on this bass said, the switch DOES make a litle 'click' throuh your amp with you engage it.

To achieve my sound, I am using a Carvin R-600 II Bass head through a Carvin RL410T (4x10")& MP210T (2x10") cabs, and a wireless system. No effects, just turning the pre-amp tube on the amp to get some bite, and a little compression. And for the most part, a flat EQ. Just a few tweaks.

The bass seems to be fairly quiet. My music room has flourecent lights and a computer monitor in it, and the bass never seems to pick up any buzz or hum.

Well, the Fender factory action was a bit to high for my taste. But that is easily corrected in a few minutes. Not really a big factor at all. But I guess it would be great for some players. Also, I like lighter gauge strings than the factory Fenders, so for me, the originals had to go!

The bass looks great. The only thing I saw wrong was a few jagged places on the white pickguard where it was cut out. But it isn't all that noticable. But I have a white pearloid pickguard for it on the way, so it won't bother me much longer!

But the bass is put together well and is an impressive instrument. Beautifully painted, and everything seems to join together well. The hardware is solid and you feel like the bass could really take some punishment... if you were to dish it out!

This bass would/will last for years of playing. I am quite confident I will have this bass for years to come. My only issue might be with the S-1 switch going out eventually. At sometime in the future, that switch is going to break or quit. So I am going to try and get another S-1 Switch from Fender to put away as a spare.

The strap buttons are the first thing I take off. I don't own a guitar without straplocks. It is too small of an investment to not have, and it will save your butt. It would make me sick for any guitar to fall off of the strap and hit the floor, just because you didn't spend $12 on strap locks! My wife's American Strat came with straplocks, but for some reason, this bass did not.

The Jazz bass is time proven. You can depend on it, for different styles and for years of gigging or playing at home. Sure you could gig without a backup with it, but that isn't too bright. Always have a backup near.

I have never dealt with Fender 'directly' myself, but have through various guitar stores on several occasions. I have found that certain stores seem to have a little more pull, or better contacts/reps at Fender than others. The company I have bought my last three Fenders through, The Guitar Gallery, in Birmingham, Alabama, seems to have a really good relationship with them and have been able to get me answers, parts, and orders with no problems at all. Luckily, I have never had an out of the ordinary problem with any Fender product.

The bass comes with Fender's standard one year warranty.

I have been playing bass now for 13 years, and guitar for 12. I am partial to Fenders, currently owning a 1974 P-Bass, Telecaster Plus, and a American Fat Strat Texas Special. I have also had various other makes and models over the years. I use Carvin and Marshall amps.

If it were stolen, first I'd call my insurance agent! Then I would be ordering another one to replace it. I'd probably get the same color and the S-1 Switch, if it is still available then.

My favorite feature overall is the tone and the neck. I have always loved the tone of Jazz basses, and for a long time was kicking myself after getting rid of my last one. I love the size of the neck at the nut (1.5 inches!) Nothing really stands out in my mind as something 'I hate.' Maybe the weight after playing it a few hours, but just get a nice wide Levy Strap and that is usually remedied!

When shopping for this bass, I compared this to a new Stingray and Rickenbacher 4003 (I think?). The Rick was put together terribly. For a guitar at that price, I would be embarassed. It sounded good, but the craftmanship on that bass was aweful. The Stingray was a killer guitar, but the tone and neck still won me over on the Jazz, and a better price!

When I ordered my bass, I originally wanted the 2-Color Sunburst (03), but the Fender reps tell me that they have discontinued that color pattern, even though it still is being printed in the current Frontlines and the 2003 Frontline Extra. Very unfortunate, but I am still very pleased with the 3-Color Sunburst. The only other issue I had was my case didn't close properly, just a flaw from the factory, and I have another case on its way to me from them. No big deal.

I also think it should have come with straplocks.

This is a 2003 U.S. made four-string Jazz bass, with two single coil pickups, passive electronics, and the usual volume controls for each pickup with a treble roll-off tone control. The bridge offers a string through body option, and it's strung that way at the factory. Mine is chrome red with maple fretboard. Came with hardshell case, strap, cable, and truss rod tool. The new feature is the S-1 switch, which is located in the neck pickup volume knob. When engaged, the pickups are wired in series for a "P-like" sound, according to Fender. In "P" mode, the neck volume knob is inactive. The neck includes graphite reinforcement. If you want a passive Jazz, this is it, and when the S-1 switch is thrown in, it can't be less than a 10.

With the pickups in standard, parallel "J" mode, this is the usual Fender American Jazz bass with truckloads of clarity, and the typical single coil buzz when the pickup volumes aren't at the same level. (I compared the Fender (a 2000 American Series) to a Lakland Joe Osborn Skyline, and I think the latter's Lindy Fralin pickups provide additional clarity on top and slightly more meat on the bottom, but it's not a monumental difference.) Mine has a very bright sound in "J" mode, perhaps thanks in part to the maple fretboard, but it has a tight, punchy bottom as well. With a pick, it gets even punchier, and cuts through the mix even more than usual.

When the S-1 switch is engaged, it does indeed sound similar to a Precision bass. Some of the high end clarity disappears, and the bottom fattens up considerably. This is an enormously useful feature, which makes the Jazz even more versatile than it already is. I'm sure some "purists" will bemoan the blurring of the J and P lines, but I deeply appreciate the flexibility.

For example, at my most recent gig, I intended to swith to my massively heavy sounding DiPinto Belvedere Standard semi-hollow body for the last two tracks, but the other band members forgot, and I didn't have time for the change. So I just engaged the S-1 for "P" mode, and voila -- massive classic rock punch that was an acceptable short-term substitute for the DiPinto. The bassist in the next band, whose rig I had used, played an actual Precision, and it sounded very similar to my Jazz in "P" mode.

I perceive only two problems with the S-1 system. First, it makes a slight audible click. This certainly wouldn't be an issue live, but it could be a problem in recording if you wanted to switch between modes within a single track. (For example, one might want additional punch in "P" mode to back a guitar solo.) Second, when switched into "P" mode, the volume increases enough to alter your prominence in the mix. This is not a bad thing in itself, of course, but you need to be aware of this to avoid potential problems. (In fact, one of my friends in the audience told me how much louder my bass became for the last two songs, and all I did was engage the S-1.)

With the independently adjustible single coils in "J" mode, and the "P" mode option, the variety of tones is astounding, and I've barely scratched the surface in the month or so I've had the bass. For my main band, which plays original rock drawing on R.E.M., The Feelies, The Velvet Underground, and the early Who, it can cover everything, even though for several tracks I prefer the semi-hollow DiPinto. I haven't used it yet for recording, but I think Fender's track record speaks for itself.

Without the S-1, I might rate this an 8 or 9 here, only because I know slightly better J tone is out there in Laklands and perhaps others. But with the S-1, it's an easy 10.

The fit and finish are impeccable in all respects, as one expects from the Fender American Series. (And as one should expect for paying nearly a grand!) The action was slightly high from the factory, but this was easily corrected with a quick truss rod adjustment. Still, that's enough to knock off a point.

I've only had this bass for about a month, so I can't give a rating here in good conscience, but it seems extremely well made and ready for regular gigs. I've played one gig with no problems, and again I think Fender's American series has an enviable track record here so I don't anticipate any problems. I'm hoping the graphite neck reinforcements will reduce the need for adjustments over the long haul, but we'll see.

N/A

I've been playing on and off for over 20 years. A nine year hiatus thankfully ended in the summer of 2002, and during that time I've focused on my playing more than ever before. I've played both originals and covers ranging from the moderate rock of my current band to all-out thrash. Until last year, I had only played low-end 1980's vintage Peaveys, which were great at the time and are built to survive the apocalypse, but moving up to the Fender (and my DiPinto) has been a revelation. The tonal flexibility and playability are simply fantastic, which I suppose is why the Jazz has been so successful. It plays so well, in fact, that I come up with lines I might not otherwise create. It felt like second nature within about three minutes, and the more I play it, the more I like it. If it were stolen, I would definitely buy another, possibly with a rosewood fretboard for a slightly darker sound. (But I think the chrome red with maple board looks awesome!)

After trying out several, the only other bass I seriously considered was the Lakland Joe Osborn Skyline, which is fantastic. I thought it sounded slightly better for pure J tone, and it plays just as well, but it cost $200 more -- and that's without the Fender's hardshell case, graphite neck reinforcement, and S-1 switch. All in all, the Fender was a much better value, especially considering the additional sounds from the S-1.

My rig is a Gallien-Krueger 700RB head and SWR Goliath III 4 x 10" cabinet, and it's a great combination. I like to be able to set everything flat, plug in, and achieve a solid, balanced tone, and the Jazz delivers with this rig. (I could not say the same for my previous main bass, an Ibanez SRX 500, which simply could not cut through a mix to save its life, no matter how much I tweaked the G-K's active EQ.) Live, I played it through an Ashdown 500 watt tube head and Ampeg 8 x 10" cabinet, and the combination was electrifying. In "J" mode it sounded clear and tight played fingerstyle, and even tighter with a pick. Then it fattened up for major booty in "P" mode. Great stuff.