Reviewer	Tom
Manufacturer	Fender
Model	2000 American Series Jazz Bass
Price	$909

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Neck Type	Maple/bolt on
Fingerboard	Maple with rolled edges
Body Type	Alder
Finish	Black
Pickup(s)	2 Jazz
Controls	V/V/T

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Excellent bass. Very slim, fast neck. Nice fret work, smooth satin finish on both neck back and fingerboard. Best playing Jazz bass I've tried. Advertised as a "Better playing, better sounding bass" -- "better playing", I agree, but it sounds exactly like its predecessor, the American Standard Jazz (which is a GOOD thing!), so I don't understand why they say its "better sounding". Other new feature is a "parchment", or offwhite pickguard. This would look killer on a red bass, but not on a black bass with a maple neck. Takes well to a low action, but it's low cut nut will require some playing with the truss rod to eliminate buzzing -- it's well worth the effort. SKB case is adequate for home storage. The only real construction gripe I have on the bass is that there's still some minute, fine scratches in the finish, which could also be a bit glossier -- they should have spent a extra minute or two on the buffer. On the whole, a great bass which I plan to play for many years to come -- pretty pricey at $909 for a regular Jazz, but I'd do it again if something happened to it.

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Construction	90%
(would have been 95 if not for the finish)
Playability	100%
Appearance	95%
("parchment" pickguard on a black bass lowers score)
Sound	100%
(what a J should sound like)
Value	60%
Cust. Service	100%
Overall	90%

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