Fender Standard Jazz Bass

1995 Standard Jazz from Mexico (ie, 20 frets, 2 passive single coil j-pickups, you know the drill).

I bought the jazz bass to add a little treble to my bass arsenal, as my main bass is a 2003 BC Rich NJ Warlock (tends to be warmer and more brooding). The Jazz has more punch, due mostly to the two J pickups. It's very versatile sound, but lacks the low end thump of a Precision or my Warlock. I do admire it's bouncy, punchy tone that is much more friendly than what you would get with P style pickups.

I bought it used, and considering it was 8 years old when purchased, I need to set it up a fair amount. The bridge saddles were totally uneven, and the string height inconsistent. On the up side, it took me only minutes to adjust it to a near perfect set up. Minor nicks in the finish, but I personally like basses with a little bit of character to 'em. Slight buzz on the open A string.

Fender basses are built to last. Their lack of anything really fancy (internal pre-amps, EQs, etc.) make them real work horses that have tons of sustain and can hold their own.

I've heard horror stories about Fender customer support.

A great back up bass for anyone. Not as fancy or high end as a lot of basses out there, but definitely more reliable. A great addition to any bass collection.

made in mexico 1999, 20 frets 4 strings
2 vols 1 tone
2 pick ups passive bass guitar

i play punk rock and the sound is perfect, incredible, u can get rady's from pennyise sound, bad religion, blink, mxpx, minor threat's sounds. i play through a crate bx100 by now and the sound i ve got is excelent, i just got the zoom 708 II and i m amazed how this thing sounds now!
i m about to buy the ampeg b5r in 3 weeks so i know it ll rock!

i got this bass used and iwas nice just put some new strings and it was ready to play

this bass i ll have it forever, i m planning to get the mark hoppus signature series soon, but i ll keep this one to cuz it brings a nice sound with finger playing and pick playing

never have any problem

been playing since 1992, i had an ibanez bass which was pretty smooth but i ll never get one agian, i wont change fender!, i ll start gettin more fender basses!

4 string jazz bass made in ensenada mexico
20 frets
2 pickups
black with white pickguard
the basics

great sound for rock playing whit a pick and full treble you can get a punky p-bass sound while if you play fingerstyle great sound for black sabbath riffs only dislike is a little hum but thats probably due to a cheap cable

great finish only flaws is that black shows a lot of smudge marks an dust one thing thoug the nut sucks the A string countinusily goes out of place forcing me to play in a calmer way

stays in tune well definitley a live bass only quirk is that the saddles get out of place but thats only after a week oh hard playng

excellent bass for the money you gotta have a fender bass they are the first ans the best period just wish it had a better nut a better bridge and come in different colors such as the surf green i dont get it why the only fender bass in surf green is the piece of crap mark hoppus bass

Fender Jazz Bass Standard - 2003 Model - Mexico
2 volume, 1 tone knob - Passive Electronics
Maple neck, Alder Body - Beautiful Traditional 3-Color Sunburst
Non-Fender Hard Case and tax Included in price
I didn't give it a ten because the "10" rating says it has "Tons of Features" It doesn't, but it has what you need!!
MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE IS A TRUSS ROD THAT IS ADJUSTED UP BY THE NUT.
VERY ACCESSABLE AND VERY IMPORTANT !!!

Sound is versatile enough to play any style. I play mostly hard rock, psychedelic stuff. Currently play through ancient Yamaha bass amp. Sometimes it seems a bit noisey, sometimes not. A large spectrum of sounds are attainable and I'm sure it'll sound even better when I get an Ampeg or SWR amp. Sounds great when plucked near where the neck meets the body. Also gets a nice punchy sound when using more treble. Interestingly, when you turn up the bridge volume knob, the bass doesn't really get much louder, just more trebly. Not annoying, just interesting.Instead of adjusting the tone settings, it's amazing how much tonal variance you get just by plucking the strings at different areas ( by the neck, by the bridge, etc.)

Factory setup means the strings are attached!!!Anyone who gets an instrument from the factory perfectly set up is incredibly lucky or full of baloney. The neck was pretty straight (maybe too straight) cause I think a bass neck should have a very slight concave bow) I loosened the truss rod just a bit and that eliminated most string buzz. I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH HOW NICE IT WAS TO HAVE THE TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT BY THE NUT AREA, WHERE YOU CAN GET TO IT EASILY OR WITHOUT TAKING THE NECK OFF. NO INSTRUMENT SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE NECK TAKEN OFF FOR THIS SIMPLE ADJUSTMENT!!! The intonation needed a little adjusting (Anyone with a tuner can do it). Because I'm so damn talented, it now plays great !! As for workmanship, everything was pretty darn nice. The wood in the alder body has nice figuring as well as the usual graining and the maple neck wood is attractive as well. Fender 3-color Sunburst means you NEVER get tired of looking at the instrument. Not that you would anyway when you take into account that the lovely off-set style body of the Fender Jazz Bass is probably the sexiest design ever.
Now I admit I'm not a fan of satin finished necks but they play pretty smoothly and they DO get shinier as you play them. The peghead has hardly any shine to it all, however. That kinda bugs me and if you look really close, you can see sanding marks still in the neck but can't FEEL them at least. These last 2 issues are minor compared to everything else that is good. If it HAS to be perfect, eat only once a day for 5 years and with the money you save, get yourself an Alembic.

All seems pretty rugged. The bridge that everyone whines about DOES seem flimsy, especially when compared to the heavy, cast iron types that would look at home on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. However, it really doesn't seem much different than the bridge on my vintage 60's Jazz Bass. Maybe a LITTLE flimsier. But when you plug the bass in, all those worries go away. How long do you want a note to sustain for anyway?
Play the note, and then move on to the next one. Just one man's theory !! You could probably use without a backup but you should always be prepared. Having a backup is always a good idea. That's why some guys have 2 girlfriends. Just kidding, ladies !!!

Never had to seek support.

Have played 20 some years (guitar& bass). Just ordered Epiphone '58 Flying V Bass as backup. Also have '65 Burns-Baldwin Nu-Sonic 6 string, 70's Hayman 1010 6 string. If bass was stolen, I'd cry and then call my mommy. After that, I'd systematically track down the SOB and tell him how much he hurt my feelings !!! I WOULD replace it because whatever your bass arsenal includes, you've just GOTTA have at least one Fender Jazz cause it's SO-O-O-O-O BASIC!!! Having more than 1 bass IS fun, but if you could have only one, the Fender Jazz would be the one, Mexican or American. My advice: If you get one, don't immediately run out and change everything on it (bridge, pickups, etc.) Just play it like it is for awhile and you'll probably love it.

standard jazz made in mexico, i think its 2001 model.
standard features, for all specifications go to fender.com.

first of all, sorry for my poor english;i'm not able to describe it with expert words.i hope my review will help; i play in 2 bands, one jethro tull and the other is tori amos tribute bands; for my styles this bass is great.i use it in many amps; a roland,trace elliot 100 watt and it sounds great.u can get a lot of different sound, but i use just the deep sound opening both pickups. this is important: i was lucky with this bass, i think that fender basses should be tried,mine is amazing and much better compared to the american jazz of my bass teacher!!dislike??for the price i paid?nothing!!

the setup was good, no problems at all; i liked the strings as well, i replaced them after 6 months!!
the quality of wood is not terrific but remember that you paid a little, what you want? the sound is great but the finish poor.

for live gigs it rocks!!!
never played it for recording so i can't help.

it came with warranty.

i've been playing for 3 years,i also own a yamaha rbx 760.
i'm very happy that i bought this bass,if it were stolen or lost i would stole another one to somebody else!!!!!!!!
i love the look, it's sexy! midnight blue, i compared with a lot of other basses, but in it's price range you can't beat it! but i can compare this one, i tried other standard that weren't so good, be careful.

I've had this bass a little over a year now, and this is my second review about it ( My previous review was Basskid at 12/21/2002 16:57). Since my last review, i've installed a Bad**s bridge and two Basslines Quarter-Pound Pickups, and threw on some D'addario roundwound strings. I also added straplocks and a white moto pickguard. The rest of the stats you already know.

Since the change of hardware, I've noticed a fuller and thicker sound, less humming, and longer sustain. However, it still seemed to be lacking something, so I grabbed a new pair of strings and the Bass just seemed to turn into the American Standard. Plus, after all my modifications, the Total cost of the Bass is a little over $1000Can, when the American Standard is retailing for $1400Can without tax. So I ended up with a bass that looks, feels, and sounds very similar to the American for about $500 less. I'm currently playing it through a G-K 400RB-3 and RBS series 210 (with the 115 on the way), and I can get great rock and funk tones with this combination.

Overall for the amount of money I payed in total i think it's a great bass, also attractive, because of the new pickguard. I think fender basses are great, their design's may be simple, but they seem to fit right in any style of music. Leo got it right the first time out.

my 20 fret mexican beauty, passive,the best shape for a bass

this is the first bass i got up from my encore piece of shit... i use it with a peavey microbass its very warm, lusicious almost.... very rich but this is what they are made for if you want to be heard more than felt get this if you want to be felt get a ibanez or shecter or bc rich p-bass wannabe ill stick to this wonderfull tone

it was set u beautifully but the hardware is rusty within 4 years constant use.... the bass has a few nics out of it ,mainly because the drummer tries out my bass when im not in the room

this bass does withstand live playing!
you can trust it!

ive been playing bass for 6-7 years. and was forced to play a six string by my music teacher (play a 6 or you will fail!) i really stopped playing bass about a year and a half ago but have started to get back into it! i own a les paul 7 string a les paul gothic, an ibanez accoustic this bass, a warwick frettless. if it was lost id replace it with an mexican jazz fretless,,,,,, i feel more at home on a fretless.... (my first instrument was violin)

I bought it used so I'm not sure what year it's from. Probably late 90's.

After you change the pickups, which I did to Vintage Fender's, your sound should be ok. The electronoics need replacing too. they were too noisy. After making the modifications, I am happy with it. i have no problem using it live. i'm not sure if I would take it into a studio? Maybe...

I bought it used so I don't know what it was like new. action always needs adjusting thought, so i suggest a pro, unless you know what you're doing. i replaced the pickups on mine. The electonics need replacing whci I did. The broidge seems to be rusting slowly. I may need to replace in the future.

Once you change the electronics, you won't have to worry about using it live at gigs. I'm happy with the hardware. The tuners could be better, but I can live with them. Maybe I'll change them in the future. Get strap locks! i dropped this bass and messed up the finish on it. If you have the action set bu a pro, it will probably last you several years as long as you stick to the same string gauage.

Never dealt with them.

I've recently taken up a hobby buying classic inexpensive basses. The jazz bass only cost me $250 used. It's pretty good, but I did have to make changes to make it good. I changes all the electronics. (volume, tone and input jacks), and I got the Fender Vintage pickups as replacements. It sounds pretty damn good to me now. If you really want to take it up a notch, change the bridge and tuners. i haven't doen that yet. i'm ok with the tuners (they stay in tune well) and the bridhe is ok too. I heard that badd ass bridges have better sustain. maybe in the future I'll change it. I'm ok with it the wau it is, and I play live regularly. If I could afford a American Jass bass I'd buy one, but they are very expensive. With a few modifications, the mexican jazz can be pretty good. the most important thing you look for should be the action on the neck. If that's good, then you're alright. Anthing else can be repalced. My other bassed include a fender Standard precision, an Epiphone Thunderbird, a Ibanez GSR 300 and a Rickenbacker 4003. Ric 4003 is the best overall as far as sound and playability. Ibanez gsr300 has the best action I've ever seen.

2002 Mexican, 20 frett, 4-string. 2 volume, 1 tone control. 2x Fender bi-pole passive jazz pickups. Poplar body, mapel neck (34"). Offset extra-slim waiste body. String through bridge (not body).Got it with a Fender strap and hardcase.

Sounds absolutley superb for blues/funk rock such as Led Zeppelin or Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I use it for all sorts from pop, funk, rock, classic rock, blues, funge (go kingskin) adn so much more. Oh and punk i am ashamed to say (my guitarist makes me)

I use it with a 125w Carlsbro combo, EHX big muff (for Ben Folds Five muffle and wierd stuff) Boss TR-2 tremolo, TU-2 tuner and this clapped otu chorus pedal i found.

Can be noisy when bridge pickup is not on full volume (only noticable in a small room)

Pretty much whatever sound you want. Can get some really nice trebbley sounds and some down right offensive fungey high gain sounds. I cant says ive ever used it in a studio, or every been in a studio but i have used it live and it beats the crap out of my Squire P-Bass.

I love how easy it is to get nice sounds adn in the end you get fustrated because your almost spoilt for choice. Was worried about not gettin the puncky P-bass sounds but after much consideration, they suck so i dont care (and if you fiddle about a it you can get a close equivalent)

Bass was set up quite well from the factory but i had to do the usuall adjustments to my style (but not straight away) Now the action. The action is so damn sweet i nearlly cried. I was quite lucky aswell cause i have a supprisingly sweet neck (better than others of the same make etc in shops ive seen). The thinner faster neck means you no longer have to struggle for the olf John Paul Jones bass lines.

Had a few very small cut dip things in the fretboard near the frett things. But it dosent affets the look, playability at all. If fact it adds character :)

The wood is superb and sounds good unplugged aswell. No finish flaws or anything i can think of. The bridge is a bit of a newsance but i sorted that otu with some superglue.

this bass will withstand ben bulow standing on it (see www.phazed-official.co.uk). Its all nickely thought out with the input on the metal thign so it wont snap the pick guard if you put you food on the lead (like i did with my p-bass) Strap button s are solid and i can depend on it. I would definatley use it without a back up.

It hasent really stood the test of time yet but its doing well and it just feels solid and long-lasting.

havent got a mucky loo

Ive been playing for a year and a half. If it were stolen or lost i would buy a new one, but possible save a little extra to get the active pickup version. I just love it. Bit annoyed about the colour choice (bit limited) My favourite bit is definatley the neck. It is do damn sweet. I looked at the standard p-bass, the ephphone thungerbird IV and SG bass and a few ibanez. And i got this because it was sweet. And it dosent look ugly either. I wish it had active pickups and a US style bridge.
But other than that its so nice and plays so spanktasitcally well. Especially fro teh price (i got #150 of cause they like me)

This is a follow-up to my review. I've been trying different strings and have been very happy with DR Low Riders with E=0.100. Excellent tone and they last. They even survived slapping/popping, which kills strings. Ernie Ball, Fender, and GHS Boomers went dead within a couple of months. I've had the DRs on for a YEAR and they're still going!