Fender Standard Jazz Fretless Electric Bass (Rosewood)

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Updated version. Fretline markers. Alder body. 2 bi-pole pickups.

On its early '60s introduction, the Fender Jazz Bass guitar immediately endeared itself to the music world, quickly becoming another Fender design classic and an indispensable element in the arsenal of many a bassist worldwide. The fretless version of the instrument also proved very popular and quickly found its own niche.

The fretless version of Fender's lean-and-mean Standard Jazz Bass incorporates many of the original model's classic Fender 'firsts,' such as the offset waist and ultra-slim fast-action neck. It's updated here with 2 bi-pole pickups and American Jazz Bass knobs, giving you the best of both worlds and eras'some vintage vibe and appointments with some modern refinements.

Model Name: Standard Jazz Bass(R) Fretless (Upgrade)

Model Number: 013-6208-(Color #)

Series: Standard Series

Colors:
(306) Black
(325) Chrome Red
(332)* Brown Sunburst
(375) Midnight Wine
(380) Arctic White
(387) Electron Blue
(Polyester Finish)

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern 'C' Shape, (Satin Polyurethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5 in. Radius (241mm)

No. of Frets: Fretless, 20 Inlaid White Fretline Markers

Pickups: 2 "New" Standard Jazz Bass Single-Coil Pickups (Mid & Bridge)

Controls:
Volume 1. (Neck Pickup)
Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup)
Master Tone

Pickup Switching: None

Bridge: Standard Vintage Style

Machine Heads: Standard

Hardware: Chrome

Pickguard: 3-Ply White

Scale Length: 34 in. (864 mm)

Width at Nut: 1.50 in. (38mm)

Unique Features: New Pickups and New Vintage Style Jazz Bass Control Knobs, Side Dot Position Markers are Centered Between Fretlines

Strings: Stainless Steel Flatwound 9050M, Gauges: (.055, .070, .090 .105)

Accessories: Standard Gig Bag

Case: None

Introduced: 1/2006

Notice: Product Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change Without Notice

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (85 ratings)
Submitted December 27, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Excellent first Fretless bass"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
The pickups are perhaps the weakest link. I'll upgrade the pickups with another set of passive pickups before I change anything else. Well, I might change the strap hook on the horn to be on the body, so it hangs more vertical. I may research changing the bridge (to Badass) and if I really get the upgrade bug, maybe the tuning pegs. Even with expense of all these third party upgrades, the total price will still be quite less than a 'Made in USA' Fender Jazz Fretless.

Sound
Excellent way to play jazz and get a warm woody sound without having to buy an acoustic upright bass or electric upright bass. This bass is quite light, even though it is physically big. With my Eden amp, I can really get a great sound from this bass that works well with jazz, folk, blues. Any music where an upright would be used.

Features
it came with a so-so case.

Ease of Use
The fret 'cheat lines' make is very easy for a fretted player to start playing fretless right away. They really help me a transition between the two. The electronic controls are simple and easy to use. I find the bass very easy to play standing up, but, a bit difficult to play sitting down, as the shape of the body does not fit with my right leg. The bass sounds great right away. I can get a really great jazzy upright sound from this. Of course, with a fretless, to get the best sound, you have to rethink you entire way of playing read more if you've been using guitar fingerings on a fretted bass guitar. You've got to think like an upright bass player and use upright fingerings to keep in tune and play well without having to look at your fingers.

Quality
My units is well made. I like passive pickups because I don't worry about the battery dying out. (my other bass has active pickups)

Manufacturer Support
I have not needed to contact tech support for problems. However, there is a wealth of technical setup information on Fender's website, so people can help ourselves. All the details of the instrument are there, as well as a "how to setup the bass" guide, with explanations of terms and practices..

The Wow Factor
the midnight wine colour is quite nice. Hey it's a Fender, it has that classic beauty going.

Musical Background:
Aspiring Active Musician

Musical Style:
jazz
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