Fender Jazz Bass

The Jazz Bass was the second bass model created by Leo Fender. It was first introduced in 1960 as the "Deluxe Model".

Related Topics:
Leo Fender - 1960

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It has two bipolar single coil "Jazz" pickups. As well as having a slightly different, less symmetrical and more contured body shape, the Jazz Bass neck is noticeably narrower towards the nut than that of the more common Fender Precision Bass. This was done to make it easier for upright-bass players to make the switch to electric bass. It has three control knobs (instead of the two of the Fender Precision Bass), two of them controlling the volume of the two pickups and one for the overall tone. A fourth, push button control is available on some models of Jazz Bass produced after mid-2003. Known as the "S-1 Switch" this feature allows the pickups to operate in standard, parallel wiring, or alternatively in series wiring when the switch is depressed. While in series, both pickups function as a single unit with one volume control, giving the Jazz Bass a sound similar to the Precision Bass.

Related Topics:
Fender Precision Bass - Parallel wiring

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The sound of the fretless version became a classic of jazz/fusion music thanks to famous bassist Jaco Pastorius. It also became a classic in the hands of bassists such as John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Geddy Lee of Rush, and it remains a popular choice of musicians of Rock, Punk, and Fusion.

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