Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,237

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "American Performer Jazz Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The American Performer Jazz Bass is a quintessential piece for bassists seeking both tradition and innovation. This American-made beauty, crafted in Fender's Corona, California factory, combines the classic allure of a Fender Jazz Bass with cutting-edge enhancements. Its Yosemite single-coil pickups are designed for rich, expressive tones, featuring flat-staggered pole pieces for increased output and a shellac coating that controls feedback while letting the coil breathe. This ensures dynamic soundscapes perfect for any musical genre.

Adding to its unique voice, the Greasebucket tone circuit allows you to shape your highs without adding bass, preserving your sound's integrity. The "Modern C"-shaped neck, with a comfortable 9.5”-radius fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets, caters to almost any playing style, making it an ideal choice for the gigging musician. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or taking the stage, this bass offers you the precision and playability you've come to expect from Fender.

The American Performer Jazz Bass stands out not only for its tonal prowess but also for its sleek, satin finish that gives it a modern edge. ClassicGear tuning machines with tapered shafts and a silver '70s logo complete the package, ensuring that you're not just heard but seen. It's a bass guitar that doesn't just follow tradition but also sets its own path, offering a balanced blend of history and innovation for the modern player.

Key Features:

  • Alder body
  • Two Yosemite single-coil Jazz Bass pickups
  • Greasebucket tone system
  • “Modern C”-shaped neck with 9.5”-radius fingerboard; 22 jumbo frets
  • ClassicGear tuning machines with tapered shafts; silver ‘70s logo

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Jazz
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Modern C
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 20, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.5"
Nut Material Synthetic
Bridge/Tailpiece 4-saddle Vintage-style with Steel Saddles
Tuners Fender F Light-weight Vintage-paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts
Middle Pickup Yosemite Jazz Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Yosemite Jazz Single-coil
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone, Greasebucket tone circuit
Strings Fender USA 7250M, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the American Performer Jazz Bass pickups?

The American Performer Jazz Bass features Yosemite Jazz Single-coil pickups, known for their clear articulation and dynamic range. They deliver a balanced tone suitable for various genres, from jazz to rock, with the ability to cut through mixes while maintaining warmth and depth.

What is the neck profile of the American Performer Jazz Bass?

The neck of the American Performer Jazz Bass has a Modern C shape, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience. This profile is well-suited for players who prefer a slim neck for easy fretting and smooth transitions across the fingerboard.

How does the Greasebucket tone circuit affect the sound of this bass?

The Greasebucket tone circuit in the American Performer Jazz Bass allows you to roll off high frequencies without adding bass, maintaining clarity and definition in your tone. This feature is particularly useful for achieving a versatile sound across different playing styles.

Is the American Performer Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the American Performer Jazz Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound. However, it's also favored by experienced players for its high-quality construction and classic Fender tone, making it a great choice for musicians at any skill level.

What type of finish does the American Performer Jazz Bass have?

The American Performer Jazz Bass features a satin polyurethane finish, which provides a sleek and smooth appearance while protecting the alder body. This finish enhances the natural resonance of the bass and offers a comfortable feel during long playing sessions.

Fender

Fender

American Performer Jazz Bass | American Performer Series | Fender

Video thumbnail for American Performer Jazz Bass  | American Performer Series | Fender by Fender

American Performer Jazz Bass | American Performer Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for New Fender Performer Series! Jazz & Precision Basses by Andertons Music Co

New Fender Performer Series! Jazz & Precision Basses

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender American Performer Jazz Bass Demo NO TALKING by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender American Performer Jazz Bass Demo NO TALKING

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Jazz Bass Review by Empire Music

Fender American Performer Jazz Bass Review

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Jazz Bass | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

Fender American Performer Jazz Bass | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Is the Fender American Performer Jazz Bass a Good Value? (BASS REVIEW) by Dylan Godfrey Bass

Is the Fender American Performer Jazz Bass a Good Value? (BASS REVIEW)

Dylan Godfrey Bass

Dylan Godfrey Bass

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning Satin Surf Green finish makes it visually striking

  • Greasebucket circuitry prevents muddy tones, delivering clear sound

  • Smooth satin neck finish enhances playability

  • High-output pickups provide a bright and deep jazz sound

  • Well-built American Fender at an affordable price

  • Tuners feel solid and operate smoothly

  • Punchy tone with great playability, rivaling higher-end models

  • 75th anniversary logo adds a unique touch for 2021 models

CONS

  • Lacks a hardshell case, unlike other American models

  • No string-thru body or high-mass bridge, unlike other models

  • Action can't be set as low as desired without buzzing

  • Tonally not distinct from other Jazz basses despite marketing claims

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about American Performer Jazz Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The neck humbucker coil splits for versatility, allowing for clear piano-like notes or full chords with jangle in the middle position.

    Source
  • The Meteora's EQ bypass feature is praised for its reliability, especially when the battery dies during use.

    Source
  • The American Ultra's noiseless pickups are confirmed to be truly noiseless, distinguishing them from the Yosemite pickups on the American Performer.

    Source

Build quality

  • Selector knob issues are common; solutions include using plumber's tape or hot glue to keep the knob in place.

    Source
  • The Meteora bass lacks tone control in passive mode, which could limit tonal flexibility for some players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners feel the American Performer lacks the growl of other models, leading them to prefer the American Pro Tele for more aggressive tones.

    Source
  • Some users find the Meteora's shape reminiscent of the Jaguar, appealing to those who prefer the Jaguar's aesthetics but desire a different tonal character.

    Source
  • The American Ultra features a modern D neck and compound radius, contrasting with the American Performer's modern C neck and 9.5" radius, offering distinct playing experiences.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being a floor model with pickguard scratches, the satin finish body showed no visible scratches, suggesting durability in the finish.

    Source
  • Owners report the Meteora provides a powerful output with its active pickups, capable of making an entire house rattle at low amp volumes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Meteora is favored for its unique design and sound, differing significantly from typical Jaguar or Precision basses in punk rock settings.

    Source
  • Owning both guitars allows for different setups or alternate tunings, providing versatility in sound and playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The American Performer Jazz Bass in Satin Surf Green is suggested as a budget-friendly option, offering unique finishes and satisfying punk aesthetics without the higher MiM Fender costs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest aftermarket pickups like Duncan and Fralin for enhanced tone, as stock Fender pickups may not meet all players' preferences.

    Source

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