The (or J Bass) was the second model of electric bass created by Leo Fender. The bass is distinct from the Precision Bass in that its tone is brighter and richer in the midrange and treble with less emphasis on the fundamental harmonic. Because of this, many bass players who want to be more “forward” in the mix (including smaller bands such as power trios) prefer the Jazz Bass. The sound of the Fender Jazz Bass has been fundamental in the development of signature sounds in certain musical genres, such as funk, disco, reggae, blues, heavy metal and jazz fusion.
Fender has designed signature Jazz Bass models for notable players, including: Steve Bailey, Victor Bailey, Frank Bello, Reggie Hamilton, Mark Hoppus, James Johnston, Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, and Jaco Pastorius.
In July 2005, Fender introduced its first 24-fret bass since the Fender Performer Bass, the Fender Jazz Bass 24. The Jazz Bass 24 featured a sleek alder body, a 34”-scale length, modern “C” shaped maple neck with a 2-octave rosewood fingerboard, abalone dot inlays, 24 medium-jumbo frets, Hipshot licensed tuners, Fender/Gotoh High Mass top-loading bridge, two custom-wound Basslines pickups, a passive/active push/pull volume knob and a 3-band active EQ with a “slap” mid-scoop switch. It was available in the Fender pricelist as part of the Deluxe Series line, with Cherry Sunburst (discontinued as of 2007) and Tobacco Sunburst finishes over a quilted maple top and chrome-plated hardware. The 5-string version has been introduced in 2007.
In 2008, Fender offered both the 4 and 5-string versions of the 24-fret Jazz Bass in a stealthy Flat Black finish (with matching headstocks and hardware). These 2-octave Jazz Basses were gone from the Fender pricelist as of 2009.
