Introduction to Jazz Bass Guitars
The jazz bass guitar originated in the early 1960s as a signature model created by Leo Fender. As the name suggests, it was designed with jazz musicians in mind, aiming to provide the deep, rich tone perfect for walking basslines and smooth accompaniment. However, the jazz bass quickly became popular across many genres due to its versatile sound.
The key features that define the jazz bass include its slim, fast neck and two single-coil pickups which produce a bright, punchy midrange tone. Compared to the warmer, fatter sound of the Fender Precision Bass, the jazz bass cuts through the mix with clarity and definition. The offset body shape also provides comfort and balance for the player.
While often associated with jazz legends like Jaco Pastorius, the jazz bass found a home in funk, rock, blues, and other styles. From Motown to classic rock and modern metal, the jazz bass became a staple bass guitar heard on countless hit records. Its signature growl adds rhythmic propulsion and melodic interest to any musical mix.
Jazz Bass Body and Construction
The Jazz Bass features an offset double cutaway body shape that distinguishes its look and feel from other bass guitars. Unlike the symmetrical Precision Bass body, the Jazz Bass body is offset, meaning the bass side of the body extends further out than the treble side. This offset body places the bridge closer to the bass side, affecting the tone and sustain.
The typical Jazz Bass body is made of alder or ash wood. Alder is lightweight and resonant, providing a balanced tone. Ash is a bit heavier and brighter sounding. Both produce the deep lows and cutting highs the Jazz Bass is known for. The body features elegant contours and curves that fit comfortably against the player’s body. The front and back are beveled for a sleek offset look. The forearm and rib cage contours on the back side allow easier access to the higher frets.
Jazz Bass Neck Profile
The neck profile is one of the defining features of a jazz bass. Jazz basses are known for having slim, fast necks that allow for easy mobility and smooth playing.
The most common neck profiles found on jazz basses are the slim C shape and slim D shape. These necks are narrower and thinner than those found on precision basses, with a slim taper that makes them comfortable for fretting and soloing.
Jazz basses typically have a scale length of 34 inches. This shorter scale length compared to the precision bass contributes to the looser, brighter tone of the jazz bass. It also requires slightly less tension on the strings, making it a bit easier to play.
The fretboard radius on most jazz basses is 9.5 or 10 inches. This allows for lower string action and easier bending compared to vintage 7.25" radius necks. The fretboard is usually rosewood or maple. Some models may have exotic fingerboard woods for enhanced aesthetics and tone.
The slim, fast neck with modern radius and medium scale length are key components that make the jazz bass so enjoyable and versatile to play across many musical genres. This ergonomic design allows bassists to easily fly up and down the neck with precision and comfort.
Jazz Bass Pickups and Electronics
The iconic jazz bass tone comes from its dual single coil pickups and flexible electronics. Jazz basses are equipped with two single coil pickups, usually one near the neck and one near the bridge. This allows for a wide range of tones. The neck pickup delivers a warm, round low end, while the bridge pickup provides more bite and brightness.
Jazz basses have a passive electronic circuit with volume and tone controls for each pickup. This allows the player to blend the pickups and shape the EQ. Some models have active preamps with onboard boosts and EQ shaping. Active circuits deliver higher output and more tonal versatility.
The two volume knobs allow for blending the neck and bridge pickups. The tone knobs shape the treble response. Many jazz basses have additional controls like midrange boost switches, pickup pan pots, and series/parallel switching. This provides even more tonal variety.
From vintage growl to modern snap, the jazz bass pickup configuration is key to the signature jazz bass sound. The flexible controls allow bassists to easily dial in tones for any style or playing situation.
Jazz Bass Hardware
The hardware components on a jazz bass contribute greatly to its feel, playability, and aesthetics. Some key hardware elements include:
Bridges – Most jazz basses have a vintage-style 4-saddle bridge. High mass bridges can increase sustain and resonance. Badass bridges offer more contemporary styling.
Tuners – Open gear tuners are common, providing vintage looks. Some models have closed-back tuners for modern style. Tuner quality affects tuning stability.
Knobs – Jazz basses have volume and tone knobs. Knurled metal knobs are traditional, while some models have control knobs made of plastic, acrylic, or wood. The feel of the knobs impacts playing comfort.
Pickguards – Most jazz basses have large pickguards to protect the body. They come in a variety of materials like celluloid, anodized aluminum, or pearloid. Pickguard color is a key aesthetic choice.
Colors and Finishes – Jazz basses are available in many eye-catching finishes. Popular choices include 2-color sunburst, black, olympic white, candy apple red, seafoam green, and many more. Special edition models offer unique graphics and colors.
Choosing the right hardware components and aesthetics enables jazz bass players to customize the look, feel, and sound of their instrument. From vintage styling to modern appointments, the hardware options help define each bassist’s signature tone and style.
Fender Jazz Bass Models
Fender offers Jazz Basses across various model lines to fit different needs and budgets:
American Original ’60s Jazz Bass
The American Original ’60s Jazz Bass authentically recreates the original 1960s Jazz Bass design. It features an alder body, slim ’60s C-shaped neck profile, 7.25" fingerboard radius, vintage-style single-coil pickups and hardware. The tone is vintage-accurate with warm lows, growling mids, and bright treble.
American Professional II Jazz Bass
The American Professional II Jazz Bass incorporates modern enhancements while retaining classic Jazz Bass vibe. It has an alder body, modern D-shaped neck, narrow-tall frets, and noiseless V-Mod single-coil pickups. The tone is balanced and versatile for any genre.
Player Series Jazz Bass
The Player Series Jazz Bass offers classic Jazz Bass style in an affordable Fender model. It has an alder body, modern C-shaped neck, medium jumbo frets, and Alnico single-coil pickups. The tone is vintage-inspired and great for jazz, funk, rock, and blues.
Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass
The Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass provides exceptional value in a budget-friendly Jazz Bass. It features a poplar body, C-shaped maple neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, and custom single-coil pickups. The tone captures the classic Fender Jazz Bass vibe at a fraction of the cost.
Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass
For the ultimate in customization, Fender’s Custom Shop offers one-of-a-kind Jazz Bass builds. Options include premium tonewoods, custom finishes, personalized neck shapes, hand-wound pickups, and more. Custom Shop Jazz Basses provide the pinnacle of craftsmanship and tone.
Jazz Bass vs Precision Bass
The Fender Jazz Bass and Precision Bass are two of the most iconic electric bass guitars ever made. While they share similarities, there are some key differences in their shapes, tones, and ideal playing scenarios.
Body Shape
The Jazz Bass features an offset double cutaway body shape, while the Precision Bass has a symmetrical single cutaway shape. The Jazz Bass body is contoured for comfort while playing seated. The Precision Bass has more of an upright bass-inspired silhouette.
Neck Profile
Jazz Basses typically have slimmer, faster necks best suited for versatility across genres. Precision Basses have thicker "baseball bat" necks that provide a deep, full tone perfect for rock and metal playing.
Pickups
Jazz Basses are equipped with two single coil pickups that produce a bright, punchy midrange tone perfect for cutting through the mix. Precision Basses have a single split coil pickup that delivers a thicker, warmer, boomier tone.
Sound and Tone
The Jazz Bass sound is focused on the midrange with clear articulation. The Precision Bass sound emphasizes the low end and has a fatter, rounder tone.
Musical Genres
The Jazz Bass is ideal for jazz, funk, fusion, and rock. The Precision Bass works well for rock, metal, blues, country, and motown.
Pros of the Jazz Bass: Slim, fast neck. Bright, growly tone. Excellent for solos and slapping. More versatile across genres.
Cons of the Jazz Bass: Not as thick and boomy sounding. Not ideal for heavy metal.
Pros of the Precision Bass: Iconic, vintage look. Fat, warm, vintage tone. Better for hard rock and metal.
Cons of the Precision Bass: Thicker neck not as nimble. Not as versatile. Not as suited for funk and fusion.
How to Choose the Best Jazz Bass
When shopping for a jazz bass, there are a few key factors to consider in order to choose the right model for your needs and budget:
Build Quality and Materials
Pay attention to the overall build quality and materials used, as this greatly impacts the tone and playability of the instrument. High-end jazz basses will feature premium tonewoods like alder or ash for the body, and maple for the neck. Quality hardware like tuners, bridges, and electronics also make a difference.
Budget and Pricing
Jazz basses range from under $200 for basic budget models, up to several thousand dollars for American-made and custom shop instruments. In general, expect to spend $400-$600 for a decent mid-range jazz bass, $800-$1500 for a professional quality instrument, and $2000+ for elite custom shop models.
Where to Buy New and Used
New jazz basses can be purchased from most major guitar retailers, either in-store or online. Top brands like Fender and Squier will be readily available. For used and vintage models, check sites like Reverb and eBay, as well as local music stores. Some additional hunting may be required to find rare or discontinued models.
When evaluating jazz basses, play as many models as you can to get a feel for the neck, balance, and tone. Narrow down the specs and features that matter most to your style and budget. Do your research to understand the differences between various models. With some thoughtful consideration, you’ll be able to find your ideal jazz bass.
Jazz Bass Playing Tips
The jazz bass has a versatile sound that allows for a wide range of playing techniques and styles. Here are some essential jazz bass playing tips:
Techniques and Lessons
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Focus on perfecting basic techniques like plucking, fretting, and muting. Work on alternate plucking to develop dexterity in both hands.
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Master important skills like walking basslines, arpeggios, and chord tones. Learn jazz standards and practice improvising over chord changes.
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Take lessons to learn proper jazz bass technique. An experienced teacher can help instill good habits.
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Learn to read music notation and jazz chord charts. Reading sheet music unlocks the jazz repertoire.
Improvisation Exercises
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Improvise simple bass lines over blues and modal jazz backing tracks. Concentrate on rhythm and phrasing.
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Transcribe and learn bass lines from jazz recordings. Analyze what makes them work over the chord changes.
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Practice scales, arpeggios, and chromatic approaches to build an improv vocabulary. Apply them in soloing situations.
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Jam with other musicians often. The experience of trading solos and interacting will develop your improv skills.
Signature Jazz Bass Styles
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Jaco Pastorius popularized fretless bass and harmonics. His fluid 16th note lines became iconic.
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Marcus Miller blends thumb-slapping funk with bebop language. His style is expressive and diverse.
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John Patitucci exemplifies modern mainstream jazz bass. His lines are melodic and deeply grooving.
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Esperanza Spalding pushes genre boundaries with her unique vocal bass approach. Her style is adventurous.
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Experiment with these jazz greats’ techniques to build your own personal voice on the instrument.
Accessories and Upgrades for Jazz Basses
A great jazz bass is just the start – you’ll also want to customize your instrument and gear to match your personal style and needs as a player. Here are some of the most important jazz bass accessories and upgrades to consider:
Cases, Strings, and Straps
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Hard Cases: Protect your prized jazz bass from dings and damage during transport and storage with a sturdy hardshell case. Models from Gator and SKB are top choices.
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Gig Bags: For lighter protection and easier transport, padded gig bags from Mono, Reunion Blues, or Fender keep your bass safe while allowing quick access.
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Strings: Roundwound stainless steel strings are the standard for jazz basses, but consider flatwounds or tapewounds for a smoother, vintage tone. Popular brands include Ernie Ball, DR, and Rotosound.
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Straps: Choose a comfortable, adjustable strap in a stylish material like leather or suede. Top brands include Fender, Mono, and Levy’s. Consider a wider strap to better distribute the bass’s weight on your shoulders.
Amps, Effects Pedals, and Electronics
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Bass Amps: For jazz bass, look for amps suited to clean, clear bass tone – popular options include the Fender Rumble 500 and Ampeg BA-210. Make sure your amp provides enough power for live gigs.
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Effects Pedals: Jazz bass effects like chorus, compression, and overdrive can add color and enhance your core tone. Good starter pedals include the MXR M87 Bass Compressor and TC Electronic Corona Chorus.
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Pickups and Electronics: Swapping out pickups and electronics is one of the best ways to customize jazz bass tone and modernize vintage instruments. Consider aftermarket pickups from brands like Nordstrand and EMG.
Upgrading to higher quality accessories and electronics can make a world of difference in the playability and sound of your jazz bass guitar. Take time to find the right gear to match your personal playing style.