Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V 5-String Electric Bass (with Gig Bag)

Classic styling meets 5-string versatility in the Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V, with a modern C-shaped neck and active electronics for precise tone-sculpting.

Overall User Ratings (based on 93 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(93) (see rating details)
Submitted March 9, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net

"Worth every penny....."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I wasn't really looking to by another bass when my friend showed this one to me.But after seeing it & playing it I think I would have tried to go get one if this one hadn't been for sale. I play in a country,rock,blues,Cajun & Tex-Mex band so having a wide vary of sounds at my finger tips is a great benefit to me. We play around 100 gigs a year,so I use my equipment it's not just to hang it on the wall & look at it.I'm sure this bass will be a warrior. PROS: awesome sound,wide variety of tones,great color,finish & good hardware,lots of boom for your buck CONS: pretty heavy & the neck is just a little wide(but not that bad)
Sound
This bass is a tone monster !! It has a deep bass tone but also good highs & a great mid range.After to you learn the controls it's very easy to dial in the sound your looking for.Lots of volume from this monster. I play through a SWR Working Pro 15 & between the amp & the guitar I can cover a wide range of musical styles & sounds.The pickups & electronics are very quite & very responsive. I bought my used(a 1999 model)& it had some old strings on it & once I replaced them with some DR Lo-Riders it really came alive.
Features
As I said I bought this bass used & got a hard-shell case with mine,but hey at least they include a gig bag. It's no-sense bass every feature has a purpose. All materials & parts are very good quality.My bass is almost 10 yrs old & everything still works great & the bass is very solid. I the option of a maple finger board would be cool.I think it would look really cool since the head stock is maple.
Ease of Use
With some experimenting you can make this bass sound like a P bass or get that nasty J bass growl or a combo of both,a deep dark heavy metal bass,a bright pop style bass or a funk machine. If you're expecting that slim J bass neck your in for a surprise,it has a pretty wide neck but not uncomfortable.A person with smaller hands may have some fatigue after a long gig & it's pretty heavy.It's a "Real Man's " bass.(LOL) I have 2 other 5 strings (Dean fretless & an older Peavey)that have slimmer necks,but not as wide as my Washburn 6 string.Don't let that be something that keeps you from buying this bass.
Quality
OK some people are guitar snobs & think that anything but a USA Fender is junk,they're wrong.This MIM is a very well crafted instrument & should last you a lifetime with proper care & handling.Mine(a 99') has spent a good portion of it's life in a case(until now,it's out gigging every weekend)& the finish still looks brand new.It's finish is flawless,very deep & very shiny.The neck is smooth as silk. Stay in tune very well.I'm not sure about the factory strings that are on it,I'm sure they're quality Fender strings,but a set of DR Lo-Riders
Value
I bought my used from a friend for a great price but I believe this bass is well worth the cost of a new one.It's a great way to own a Fender Jazz bass for half the cost of a USA model. The US made electronics are a hidden feature that only add to the value.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to use it but it a FENDER so it's gotta be good.
The Wow Factor
I have the Candy Apple Red & it's dead sexy !! I get compliments on the look & the sound of the bass from fellow musicians & people in the crowd.This is my 6th bass in my "Bass Arsenal" & quickly becoming a favorite. If you're looking to make the leap to a 5 string or just looking for a good quality bass to gig with that won't break the bank this may be your bass.

Musical Background:

Active Hobbyist Musician

Musical Style:

country,rock,blues,oldies,Cajun,Tex-Mex
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Submitted May 9, 2014 by Mark F in San Angelo, TX

"Jazz Deluxe 5 string"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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I got this as a "blemished", and there is a flaw in two places in the antique white finish at the bottom. I actually couldn't find it at first. After tightening the truss rod 3/4 turn to get the neck laser flat so that the strings all have a slight buzz if you really come on to them to get that Chris Squire/Geddy Lee/Billy Sheehan kind of response i have only been able to get from my 76 Rickenbacker until now. The voicing seems pretty even if you roll off the bass on the amp a lot. Sounds great with an overdriven tube amp - nice and defined.

Musical Background:

been playing around 45 years, semi pro

Musical Style:

Everything but hayseed so-lonesome-on-the-saddle-since-my-horse-died traditional mindless country. Always end up with a progress
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Submitted October 1, 2013 by Christian D in Reseda, CA

"An absolute Tone monster"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I had to research several basses before ultimately deciding on this one, and I don't regret it even more a moment. I like to play a lot of different styles ranging from Funk to hard rock so I needed something with the versatility to allow me to do so on a tight budget. This bass has definitely won me over in that department. Aside from the active pickups to allow you to truly own your sound, the bass is just beautiful. When I first pulled it out of the box I couldn't help but stare in admiration at the ebony finish and the beautiful red pickguard. At the price you're not going to find a better five-stringer, so give this baby a shot. And don't be fooled by the Mexican made bit, this baby easily stands with it's American (more expensive) counterpart. The only thing I wish this bass had was more frets, but it's not a necessity just more options never hurts.

Musical Background:

Solo artist

Musical Style:

Rock, funk-rock, R&B
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Submitted July 1, 2012 by Chuck B in Petersburg, WV

"Fender Jazz 5 string MIM Bass"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Quality Bass. Plays remarkable smooth and tone is really nice. Fret board is smooth and the fretwork is very well inlaid. No rough edges.Bass is very well balanced and I have read reviews that the Bass is really heavy. Previously I played a Sterling Ray 35 and that Bass is heavy.NOT the Fender. Set up and play-ability out of the box was great and ready to play. The only down fall was the gig bag that came with the Bass. The zipper was broken. A quick call to Fender support plus I sent pics of the damage bag and Fender promptly Fed Ex an upgraded gig bag. I am pleased with my purchase and the Fender Jazz 5 gets plenty of work.

Musical Background:

45 Years, Professional, I jam everywhere. Working Bassist

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Funk, Blues,Country, etc
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Submitted September 22, 2016 by Phil Batty

"Finally my dream bass!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I was shopping for a Jazz, any Jazz really, and I'd tried an MIM passive 4 the day before and it played nicely but was badly maintained in store - high action and the bridge pickup didn't even work!. I found this in another shop, actually priced a bit higher but they gave me a discount so it came out less.It is phenomenal! I'd read that the E on some MIMs is weak but this is unbelievably powerful. The tech in the shop tweaked the action a bit on the spot and it just leaped into my hands! What an instrument!
Sound
It is incredibly versatile, and the first day home with it I played along to Beatles Taxman, Yes Roundabout, some Tool, some Primus, a bit of Rush, some Limp Bizkit, and I was quickly and easily able to dial in the exact sound for each of those, which is quite a range! On its own it has a nice growly tone, especially down low if you pluck near the bridge, and had good character. Loads and loads of power!
Features
It's my first time using a 3-band active EQ, and I love it! I always (mistakenly) go for a scooped sound then I get lost in the mix! So the mid boost really helps it pop out! I do like the feel of the Gotoh tuners though I actually miss the classic Fender look just a bit.
Ease of Use
I'm a bit finicky for low action and I actually went straight in and did a neck shim after about two hours of playing! I couldn't get low enough action and the bridge saddles bottomed out. But that's just me - the action was pretty smooth right out of the shop.
Quality
It is a beautiful bass! Mine is black with a tort pickguard and it looks absolutely killer. It is solidly built and well-fitted - truly a professional job.
Value
It's great value! The MIA I tried at the same time was actually clunkier and at least 30% more expensive
Manufacturer Support
Never dealt with Fender.
The Wow Factor
It's a sexy beast! Looks good, sounds great, a classic Fender holding its own in the modern age!

Musical Background:

I've been playing about 40 years - semi retired now but open to possibility!

Musical Style:

Rock, classic rock, metal, funk
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Submitted November 27, 2013 by P Da Playa A in Montross, VA

"Awesome Bass!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This is for all the Fender lovers out there, I wanted the American Deluxe badly so I went to the music store to compare the two and here it is. If you're looking for style & classic beauty by all means go American, but if your main focus is sound & tone the MIM blows the American out of the water. I went to 3 different stores in 2 days and the results were the same, major difference in the sound. I,m in the process of customizing this one to look American, but keep that awesome sound!

Musical Background:

semi pro bass playa for 40 plus years,

Musical Style:

Funk, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, & Jazz
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Submitted October 24, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com

"Very satisfied with bass."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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I dont ever plan on selling this bass. If I do anything I might one day purchase an American Fender Deluxe 5 string in a natural finish.
Sound
Have had about a dozen basses ranging in price from $100 to $1200 and this bass is the best sounding bass I have ever had my hands on. I only rate it as an 8 because I have heard some $3000 basses and they would rate a 9 or 10. But in this price range it would be hard to beat this bass as far as tone. The nioseless pickups along with the 3-band EQ that is installed are really much more dynamic than any bass I have ever owned. The B string even sounds good and clear as long as I use heavy guage bass strings. This cuts down on the floppyness. Had tons of compliments on this bass when I switched from a higher end Traben bass to this one.
Features
again in this price range this bass is hard to beat. has lots of features. 3 band EQ, 4 ply pickguard, noiseless pickups sound really good, super piant job, tuners are rock solid. I only have 2 quams with this bass. It needs to be a 35" scale not a 34" scale. And the battery compartment. It really would help if it weren't only accesable with a screwdriver.
Ease of Use
very easy to get any tone out of it you are looking for.
Quality
in this price range it is hard to beat
Value
do I need to say it again? in this price range it is hard to beat.
Manufacturer Support
havent had to use them

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

contemp Christian
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Submitted October 8, 2018 by Joseph Barfield in Flowery Branch, GA

"Fender deluxe 5 string active bass guitar mim"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have had a lot of basses in my day.none have had the deep tone you can get with this bass.best frets,sound and looks amazing.red wine color,noiseless pickups are really good.
Sound
Amazing top string is so playable.all settings sound good.
Features
None, nice
Ease of Use
Easy,very little,very
Quality
I have had fender Mia,this one is better,very reliable,ever.
Value
Yes
Manufacturer Support
Haven’t used
The Wow Factor
Very high

Musical Background:

6 years,play for fun

Musical Style:

Rock,jazz,blues,country
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Submitted April 6, 2012 by Zach Rouse

"Awesome instrument for the price"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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I just bought this bass recently taking a shot in the dark and boy I couldn't be happier with it, plays fantastic, I got the sunburst finish, the picture they have on here is wrong go on fender and you will see that it has red in between the wood color and the black edges. Don't assume this thing has a smooth classic tone, it can if you want but I play alot of metal and funk and such and this thing sounds 10 times more aggressive then my Ibanez SR-506 ever has the output this thing has is absolutely ridiculous, I keep the volume bout 3/4 up because if you turn this thing up max it overdrives the amp this thing will do anything you want and yea I don't know the tone has got to be the most agresssive I have ever had the pleasure to play on . I am planning to put some differnt strings on though, but I am a stainless fan so if u like nicklewound you might like the fender strings the action is pretty good, I tweaked mine a bit I like lower action. the finish is deep and just gorgeous , every one who sees compliments me on the look of it, I am really loving it so far. Somthing they don't mention is that it has actually gotoh brand tuners very very fine tuning . sooo but it u will not be dissapointed

Musical Background:

Bass for 9 years, have played upright bass and viola

Musical Style:

Mostly metal, but I enjoy playin funk, classic rock,and some other styles
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Submitted August 26, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Str8 Beast(for real)"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
This bass is the TRUTH. From the moment I plugged in, I could feel the magic. It has a very commanding sound, but can still mellow down with a smooth jazz feel. This bass really covers all the fields. I thought it was just an advertisement, but it really is what they say it is. BEAST

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Gospel
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Submitted July 11, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com

"The Greatest bass ever."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I don't think I will ever need another bass.
Sound
This bass is off the chain. It's by far the best sound I've heard out of a 5 string bass. I've played musicman, Ibanez and lots more. None compare to the Fender.
Features
The bag wasn't the quality that I would have liked, but it will do until I can buy another one.
Ease of Use
Very easy.
Quality
The Fender is very well made. I bought the vintage white and it's beautiful. This guitar will last a lifetime.
Value
They meet the price of another competor and beat them by 25.00.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed them. Thank God.
The Wow Factor
The color is beautiful, vintage white.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Gospel, R&B
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Submitted December 23, 2013 by Jonathan P in Carrollton, GA

"In love Again!"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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I purchased this bass in a sunburst years ago. I got rid of it because I had no idea what I was getting rid of. More of my gigs required a particular sound and I had a light bulb moment in knowing what I needed. A Fender Jazz bass. I got this bass in 3 days of ordering. It was shipped well and I was extremely pleased with the customer service and overly pleased at the sound I was trying to reproduce once I plugged in right out of the box!!! I had a simple setup performed by my guitar technician and when I plugged it in again, I fell in love again! For the gigging musician as myself, this was the best choice in giving my employers what they wanted to hear. There is nothing like a Fender Jazz. The Deluxe series is such a great choice because it gives all the perks of having a fine well built instrument without the worry of PAYING for it! I would recommend this product to beginners as well as seasoned professionals if they need quality, great feel, and intriguing sound!

Musical Background:

I have been playing music for 12 years. bassist/drummer. I do play professionally, jam and teach.

Musical Style:

Gospel, R&B, Rap, Country, Jazz, Rock
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Submitted October 18, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Pretty sure I'll have this thing in my arsenal for a LONG time. It does have me wanting to upgrade my amp now. I like my Rumble 350, but it would sure sound sweet through a Markbass amp. I may change to flat wounds and possibly a beefier bridge, but other than that, I won't change a thing.
Sound
Great sound, and that low B is very tight and solid unlike the 20 or so other basses I tried out. Love it.
Features
Not a lot of features...features smeatures. Who needs features. It's a bass. I do really like the 3 band eq. You can dial in a VERY wide range of sounds with very little ease, and it's pretty straight forward and easy to get there.
Ease of Use
The only thing to really learn is the 3 band EQ, and like I said, it's straight forward and very responsive.
Quality
Seems to be made very well. I may upgrade the bridge someday, but for now it's good. Finish is top notch, Fit of all components is great. Love the tuners. The B stringer tuner is a bit touchy, but you get used to it. I think it's just the nature of a B string.
Value
I would say definitely so. Although it's more than I've ever spent for a guitar, it's well below the MIA versions, and IMO is so close to the same quality that the MIM is a much better value. Not sure if it's worth the $500 increase over my Squire Jazz, but hey, I got an extra string, 3 band eq, active electronics,and the word "Fender" on the head stock.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed their help, but overall, it's Fender. They didn't aquire their reputation on not taking care of customers.
The Wow Factor
To me, it just wreaks of sexiness (how's that for an image). Seriously, this is a nice looking bass. I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on this thing. Hopefully, the chicks will dig it. :-)

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

C&W, Country Gospel, Contemporary Christian
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Submitted November 9, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Great Bass, decent price, excellent quality."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I will probably keep this for a long time. Very satisfied.
Sound
Great Bass, excellent sound, lots of volume on the low B. I didn't give it a ten, simply because I'm sure there are better. For the price though, it is a great bass and excellent sound. Oh yeah, this bass has great sustain. It blows my mind how great the sustain being a bolt on neck.
Features
LOVE the 3 band EQ on this bass. It is the most comprehensive eq I've seen on any bass yet, and is very responsive. I pretty much set my amp on flat and just use the guitar controls to dial it in.
Ease of Use
Very easy to dial in whatever sound you want.
Quality
Again, there could be better, but I have never owned one or played one if there is. This is a rock solid guitar folks. Solid build, haven't noticed one single flaw.
Value
I never though I would spend this much on a bass, but here I am, and I am glad I did. This bass is worth every penny spent.
Manufacturer Support
The best support is the one you never have to use, so Fender gets a two thumbs up on this one.
The Wow Factor
Not sure how to answer this one. It is a great looking bass, and since I chose its color from the 5 offered, obviously I like it.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Country, Gospel
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Submitted February 23, 2015 by Ron Stamps in SHREVEPORT , LA

"Disappointed - fender poor quality"

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
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This is my second guitar ordered and it will be my second return. Brand new guitars with manufacturers defects. Horrible buzz and broken input socket. zZounds is awesome company but fender product of poor quality.

Musical Background:

Lifetime

Musical Style:

R&B
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