Fender Jazz Bass

    In 1960, Fender launched their second electric bass guitar. Originally introduced as a "Deluxe Model", it featured a thinner neck and two single coil pickups. The company felt that these features would appeal to jazz musicians, and so spawned the name "Jazz Bass". The guitar was designed to encourage players of upright basses to switch to the electric bass. Fender's other intention with the Jazz was to create a bass which competed with the Rickenbacker, which had a bright, high-treble sound.
    The Jazz is often regarded to be a more versatile bass than the Precision Bass, due to it's brighter tone and use of independent volume controls for each pickup. It also features a more contoured body which some players prefer.

60's Jazz Bass - a stylish alternative to the Precision Bass

    You can spend anywhere between £400 and £1600 on a new Fender Jazz - this is all down to the type you go for. The cheaper models have Alder bodies and are made in Mexico. Further up the range, the guitars are made in the USA and feature upgraded pickups and bridges. At the top of the tree there is the artist series - a range of Jazz Bass guitars built to the exact specifications of famous bass players including Geddy Lee, Jaco Pastorius and Mark Hoppus. These guitars are often made from exquisite woods such as mahogany and maple, include upgraded electronics and are available in special edition colours.