Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Keith Mandra
Experience	6 years
Review date	October 30 2003
Manufacturer	Fender
Model	1962 Jazz Reissue
Price	$900.00
Item owned for	6 months to 1 year

Bass type	4 string fretted
Neck join	Bolt-On
Neck construction	Maple one-piece
Fingerboard	Rosewood, 20 vintage frets, 34" scale
Body	Alder one-piece
Finish	3-tone sunburst
Pickups	Fender vintage jazz
Hardware	Fender Chrome stock
Electronics	passive, stacked knobs

I've always loved the sound and look (particularly sunburst) of a jazz bass. So I had my eyes on a 62' reissue and bought one. I have been very pleased with this bass. The sound of this bass is just what I have always wanted. It has a warm, velvety sound with a distinct growl. The neck of course is very smooth, thin and fast. The frets are just like the original ones, with a lower profile than the current medium jumbo's. Although the weight is heavier then my Precision, it is not as heavy as some other basses I've played. The tonal range allows me to produce a warm, rich, smooth sound as well as a crisp, growly Jaco tone. Although this bass is advertised as a 1962 reissue, its volume/tone knob configuration is actually stacked, which was how the 1960 jazz was setup. During 1962, Fender switched from stacked knobs to a volume, volume, tone setup. Having played both styles, I prefer the stacked knobs. I use Joe Osborn Signature flatwounds on this bass. Since this bass is only a few years old and the original owner kept it in good shape, I have not had any need to make any modifications to it. This is one sweet bass!

Construction	100%
(Strong.)
Appearance	100%
(Vintage)
Playability	100%
(Very easy and fast.)
Sound	100%
(True to its name.......JAZZY!!)
Value	100%
(Can't go wrong.)
Overall	100%
(A timeless classic!!)