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BGRA: Fender Japan Jazz bass Special Fretless 1987
| Manufacturer |
Fender Japan |
Model |
Jazz bass Special Fretless 1987 |
| Reviewer |
Patrick |
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| Experience |
25 |
Item owned |
2-5 years |
| Review Date |
2007-12-14 |
Price paid |
€ 350 w case |
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Bass type | 4 string fretless |
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Neck join | Bolt-On |
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Neck construction | Maple neck Micro tilt , Graphite nut |
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Fingerboard | Rosewood or Pau Ferro Unlined |
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Body | Solid black can't say. No pickguard |
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Finish | Black with matching headstock |
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Pickups | Fender passive P/J polepieces 6mm |
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Hardware | Fender all Black hardware |
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Electronics | V/V/T , 3-way switch, TBX control |
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This is a Precision body with Jazz bass fretless neck. All original. All black. Medium weight, rock solid built. I am a true fan of 90's fretless Fenders from Japan, they are well crafted and have no fretlines. This bass plays very well, very low action is possible. Even played it B.E.A.D. Pickups seem overwound, somewhat "HOT" ,larger polepieces, better than I see on most Japanese Fenders. They sound ok but not a big OK! When I got the bass, it sounded squeeky with both pickups on. I changed polarity of the Jazz pickup, which was a great improvement. I am still in search for better pickups. Fitted a better bridge for more sustain (no drilling needed). I play stainless roundwounds but Fingerboard shows not much wear (after 20 Years!) I had to replace the jack output, which was a cheap plastic thing.(they made these basses also with active electronics so there is a switch inside the jack). This bass has TBX control, but I can do with a normal tone pot. 3-way switch for pickups is useless, and move wacky, with a loud "click". 2 x volume pot will do the trick for me. € 350,- is a steal in my opinion, it's gaining value already. High quality from Fender, will compete with USA made.
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| construction |
 | (98%) |
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| playability |
| (95%) |
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| appearance |
| (98%) |
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| sound |
| (90%) |
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| value |
| (95%) |
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| overall |
| (90%) |
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