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Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special

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Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special

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Page last updated Feb 14, 2026

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Description

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The Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special is a distinctive blend of vintage appeal and modern playability, perfect for the discerning bassist seeking versatility and a unique tonal signature. Crafted in Japan, this electric bass guitar combines the classic elements of both Jazz and Precision basses, offering a unique pickup configuration that results in an expansive tonal palette. The PJ-555 is celebrated for its sleek design and smooth neck, which provides a comfortable playing experience for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Equipped with a P-Bass split single-coil pickup at the neck and a J-Bass single-coil pickup at the bridge, this model grants players the ability to explore a wide range of sonic possibilities, from deep, resonant lows to punchy, articulate highs. The body is constructed from premium-quality basswood, known for its lightweight properties and balanced sound, while the maple neck ensures durability and a fast playability. The rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth to the overall tone, making it a versatile choice for genres ranging from funk to rock and beyond.

Whether you're laying down a groovy line in the studio or performing live, the Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special is engineered to deliver performance and reliability every time.

Key Features:

Combination of P-Bass and J-Bass pickups for versatile sound
Crafted in Japan with precision engineering
Maple neck for smooth playability
Rosewood fingerboard for added warmth
Premium-quality basswood body for balanced tone

Videos

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IplayMusic2

1984-87 Fender Jazz Bass Special Made in Japan Detailed.mpg

IplayMusic2

FENDER JAZZ BASS SPECIAL black / pearl white DEMO 1984-1987 MIJ

Bassklasse

Fender Jazz Bass special japan 1987 (demo)

Carlos de Ávila

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special.

Features and functionality

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The additional humbucker provides an extra punch, enhancing the bass's versatility for different musical styles.
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These basses sometimes feature Dimarzio pickups, which, though not standard, enhance the sound quality and uniqueness.
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It's common for owners to replace the original setup with DiMarzio pickups, which are known to enhance the bass's tonal quality significantly.
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Comparisons

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Resembles the Duff McKagan signature model, adding to its appeal for fans of his sound.
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The "Jazz Bass Special" label is due to its Jazz neck with PJ pickups, despite having a Precision Bass body.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the model's performance for a vintage Japanese Fender, built between 1984 and 1987.
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Build quality

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The neck anomaly in early models features a unique C shape, which was preferred by Duff McKagan, making it distinct from regular Jazz necks.
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The mid-80s Japanese Fender basses are noted for their superior craftsmanship, often considered among the finest basses Fender has produced.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding a brass Badass bridge significantly improves intonation and playability, especially for those with acid sweat that quickly rusts standard bridges.
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Swapping the original three-way switch for a standard P/J bass wiring schematic simplifies the setup without affecting the tonal versatility.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's noted that truss rod access should be at the neck pocket in authentic 80s models, not at the headstock, indicating authenticity.
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Value and pricing

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A genuine 1980s model can fetch $700-$1200, making a $200 purchase an exceptional deal even if some components are non-original.
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Use cases and applications

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The soft C-shaped neck from early models is highly praised for comfort, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.
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Artist usage

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Viktor Tsoy

Singer, Guitarist

KINO

Verified via Photo

This rare photo from Nevsepic shows Viktor Tsoy with a Fender Japanese '87 PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special, which is actually owned by Igor Tikhomirov.

Igor Tikhomirov

Bassist

KINO

Verified via YouTube

Concert 22 september 1989 from a concert in Kharkov, Ukraine, Igor Tikhomirov play on Fender Japanese 87' PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special.

In this excerpt, Igor Tikhomirov sings together with Viktor Tsoi, which makes the video unique, since there is a small number of videos in such an approximation.