Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,550

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar is a nod to the classic era of bass design, offering a vintage vibe paired with modern playability. Perfect for both stage and studio, this electric bass guitar captures the essence of the late 70s with its sleek contours and unparalleled versatility. It features a pair of single-coil pickups, delivering the iconic Jazz Bass growl that has shaped countless bass lines across genres. Whether you're laying down some funky grooves or holding down the low end in a rock band, this instrument provides the tonal diversity to cater to any style.

The neck profile is tailored for comfort, allowing for smooth transitions and effortless playability across the fretboard. The vintage-style hardware not only looks the part but also ensures stable tuning and reliable performance. Its construction is geared towards durability, making it a reliable companion for both touring musicians and avid collectors. The Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar embodies a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, ideal for those who appreciate the timeless sound and feel of a Jazz Bass.

Key Features:

  • Classic 70s-inspired design
  • Pair of single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Vintage-style hardware for stable tuning
  • Comfortable neck profile for smooth playability
  • Durable construction for long-lasting performance

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazz Bass 3-Bolt
Finish Antigua, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blonde, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Mocha Brown, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Vintage White, Walnut, Wine Red
Year 1974 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape J-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade, Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Jazz Bass
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender 78 Jazz Bass?

The Fender 78 Jazz Bass is known for its bright, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, making it versatile for various genres, from jazz to rock. The passive pickups offer a classic, vintage sound that many bassists appreciate.

Is the Fender 78 Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender 78 Jazz Bass is a high-quality instrument favored by many professional musicians, its comfortable neck profile and balanced weight make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning bass guitar.

What kind of neck does the Fender 78 Jazz Bass have?

The Fender 78 Jazz Bass features a maple neck with a smooth finish, providing a comfortable grip and easy playability. The neck's profile is designed for fast playing, making it ideal for both fingerstyle and slap techniques.

How does the 3-bolt neck design of the Fender 78 Jazz Bass affect its performance?

The 3-bolt neck design allows for easy neck adjustments and provides stability. Some players appreciate the design for its vintage aesthetic and functionality, although preferences can vary based on individual playing style and needs.

What are the differences between the maple and rosewood fretboards on the Fender 78 Jazz Bass?

The maple fretboard offers a brighter, snappier tone with more attack, while the rosewood fretboard provides a warmer, mellower sound. The choice between the two depends on personal tonal preference and playing style.

Andy bass & guitar

Andy bass & guitar

Fender Jazz Bass '78 Restoration

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass '78 Restoration by Andy bass & guitar

Fender Jazz Bass '78 Restoration

Andy bass & guitar

Andy bass & guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass Comparison: 1978 Vintage VS Miller review | fb.com/angeldust.guitars by AngelDust Guitars

Fender Jazz Bass Comparison: 1978 Vintage VS Miller review | fb.com/angeldust.guitars

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender jazz bass 1978 vs 1974 by Alexey Zavolokin

Fender jazz bass 1978 vs 1974

Alexey Zavolokin

Alexey Zavolokin

Video thumbnail for 1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Blind Test // Fender 78' Jazz Bass vs Fender Flea Jazz Bass by Cahit KUTRAFALI

Blind Test // Fender 78' Jazz Bass vs Fender Flea Jazz Bass

Cahit KUTRAFALI

Cahit KUTRAFALI

Video thumbnail for old fender 78 jazz bass by 성일랜드(KSI)

old fender 78 jazz bass

성일랜드(KSI)

성일랜드(KSI)

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1978 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1978 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers an iconic 70's growl with rear pickup placement near the bridge

  • Comfortable neck profile, slightly thicker yet ergonomic

  • Offers a distinct funk sound with intense mid and high frequencies

  • Maple fretboard enhances tonal brightness and clarity

  • Durable construction typical of vintage jazz basses

CONS

  • Heavier than most modern jazz basses, akin to a Les Paul

  • Requires maintenance due to age, such as neck adjustments and machine head cleaning

  • Some frets may be worn, impacting playability without attention

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • The thick poly finish on '78 models is prone to chipping and cracking but doesn't wear like older Fender finishes.

    Source
  • The pickguard on the bass appears non-original, which may affect vintage authenticity and value.

    Source
  • Some owners report that late 70s Fender basses had inconsistent serial sticker placements, often found under the pickguard or in the body cavity.

    Source
  • The late 70s Jazz Bass is known for its heavy weight, often exceeding 11 pounds, with lighter natural finishes sometimes around 8.5 pounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Strings are noted to be off-center, possibly indicating neck or bridge misalignment.

    Source
  • Neck pocket gaps are noted, with a humorous suggestion that they could fit small items like credit cards.

    Source
  • Owners note that frets on late 70s models often need dressing and a good setup for optimal performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price of $1500 is considered fair given potential refinishing and replacement parts, compared to higher listings on platforms like Reverb.

    Source
  • The market for late 70s Fender basses has eased; prices on platforms like Reverb average around $2400 in good condition, with UK prices potentially higher due to availability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Knobs on late 70s Jazz basses originally used Strat-style knobs; replacements may not be period-correct.

    Source

Other

  • Serial numbers beginning with 'S8' were used until 1980, not exclusively 1978, indicating potential confusion in dating instruments from this era.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners suggest a modern American Pro P Bass may perform better than a late 70s model in terms of playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Late 70s pickups from this era are described as having a punchy sound but may lack the "magic" of earlier models due to cost-cutting in winding.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Freeman uses Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

...
Verified via Uberproaudio

Matt Freeman uses the Fender '78 Jazz Bass Guitar, as detailed in the "Rancid - Matt Freeman Bass Rig Gear and Equipment" article on Uberproaudio.

See how Ian Martin Allison uses Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar

Ian Martin Allison

Bassist, Composer

Soul Asylum

...
Verified via Photo

This Instagram post shows three of Ians Fender Jazz Basses. Two of these are 78s:

The Blonde with maple fretboard, pearl block inlays, ash body and black scratchplate. As he states in this post (https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAWa3DswNA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) all is 100% stock.

The Antigua with rosewood fretboard, block inlays and matching scratchplate. It wears rounds exclusively. Ian states in this post (https://www.instagram.com/p/CXJa4BeOELi/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ) that it was purchased in 2005. He also demos this bass in a Youtube video concept for "10 Classic Basses You Need to Play Before You Die" (https://youtu.be/9EMtT0RRppI?t=668).

He can be seen using both basses, among other things, when making content for Scott Bass Lessons.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender 78 Jazz Bass Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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