Reviewer Ken, 27 yrs exp
Manufacturer Fender
Model American Std Jazz V
Price $739

Neck Type graphite-reinforced maple
Fingerboard pau ferro, fretted
Body Type alder
Finish metallic purple
Pickup(s) vintage J, passive
Controls volume for each pickup, plus tone(less) control

I bought this on New Year's Eve and played it on a gig that night. It has the Fender Jazz sound but the E and B were a little inarticulate. I posted a question about this on Roscoe Beck's website and he suggested I try lowering the pickups a bit on the bass side to reduce the magnetic pull. It made a big difference. The bass is very playable, not overly tight string spacing but not an airport landing strip either. Set up was good from the factory. My intent was to create my own signature model by getting a standard Jazz V and beefing it up as I see fit. I plan to put in the Moon AC-1 onboard pre, and likely will. do the 2-TEK bridge as well. For $739 it's a nice second or project bass.


Construction 90%
Playability 100%
Appearance 95%
(classic Fender look)
Sound 80%
Value 90%
Overall 90%

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