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Description

Step back into the groove of the '70s with the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass, a tribute to an era where funk and disco reigned supreme. This bass guitar captures the essence of its time, with subtle yet impactful design tweaks that made it a staple on stage and in the studio. The Pure Vintage ‘75 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups deliver a wide spectrum of sounds—from a rich low end to a punchy midrange and bright treble. Whether you're crafting jazz, funk, or rock, this bass offers the versatility and tonal range to satisfy any musical endeavor.

The iconic '70s U-style maple neck profile is not just about aesthetics; it provides a comfortable and balanced feel that encourages creative expression. With a modern 9.5" radius and a bound maple fretboard featuring vintage-tall frets, this neck allows for snappy slapping and intricate finger work, making it a joy to play. The carefully crafted vintage hardware, including the 4-saddle Pure Vintage '70s bridge, ensures reliable tuning stability and a classic look that never goes out of style.

Key Features:

  • Pure Vintage ‘75 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups for versatile tonal options
  • '70s U-style maple neck profile with a 9.5" radius for comfortable playability
  • Bound maple fretboard with vintage-tall frets
  • 4-saddle Pure Vintage '70s bridge with single groove saddles
  • Nickel/chrome vintage-style hardware

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Original '70s Jazz Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Natural, Vintage White
Year 2018 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape J-Style
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Frets Medium Jumbo
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 American Original
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass best suited for?

The Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass is versatile and well-suited for genres like funk, jazz, and rock, thanks to its punchy and articulate tone provided by the alnico V single coil pickups.

How does the neck profile of the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass affect playability?

The slim, fast 34" scale maple neck with vintage tall frets offers smooth playability, making it ideal for bassists who prefer a fast and comfortable playing experience, especially for intricate fingerwork.

Are the pickups on the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass active or passive?

The Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass features passive alnico V single coil pickups, which deliver a classic, warm tone with a dynamic range suitable for various playing styles.

What is the body material of the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass, and how does it influence the sound?

The bass has a solid ash body with a gloss urethane finish, contributing to its bright, resonant sound with clear mids and highs, making it a staple for vintage and modern tones.

Does the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass come with a preamp?

No, the Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass does not include an active preamp, relying instead on its passive pickups for tonal shaping.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass by Guitar Center

Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass  - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 70s Jazz Bass MN, Vintage White | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Original 70s Jazz Bass MN, Vintage White | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 70s Jazz Bass. REVIEW (ENG subs) by Bass Advisor

Fender American Original 70s Jazz Bass. REVIEW (ENG subs)

Bass Advisor

Bass Advisor

Video thumbnail for FENDER AMERICAN ORIGINAL 70s JAZZ BASS by Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

FENDER AMERICAN ORIGINAL 70s JAZZ BASS

Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

Ochanomizu Kurosawagakki

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic 70s vibe with faithful reproduction of original features

  • Rich, resonant sound with deep presence and clarity

  • Powerful mid-high bite perfect for rock and funk genres

  • Excellent craftsmanship; superior to many original 70s models

  • Distinct sound character from 70s pickup spacing

  • Maple neck with mother of pearl block inlays is visually stunning

  • Smooth, easy playability right out of the box

  • Responsive to nuanced playing styles and techniques

  • Reliable and smooth tuning pegs enhance performance

  • Offers a nostalgic feel for those familiar with 70s basses

CONS

  • The "U" shaped neck may not suit players with smaller hands

  • A bit heavy for some tastes at 9.6 lbs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass.

User experience

  • Owners highlight the heavier weight of the 70s model compared to typical Jazz basses, noting it still delivers excellent sound and clarity.

    Source
  • Players accustomed to early 70s Jazz basses may prefer the thicker neck of the American Original for its authentic vintage feel.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The maple fingerboard is praised for adding clarity and being particularly effective for slapping techniques.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A past owner of a Fender '75 reissue from Japan recalls a similar sound characterized by clarity and focus, which the 70s model replicates.

    Source
  • The American Original 70's Jazz features a "70s U" neck profile, thicker than the Geddy Lee's thin "C" profile, offering a more authentic 70s feel.

    Source
  • For those who favor slimmer necks, the Geddy Lee Jazz may feel more comfortable, similar to the neck profile of the Flea Signature's '61 Jazz clone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass is a nostalgic throwback that captures the essence of the original classic with impressive accuracy. The review praises its authentic look and feel, complete with vintage-style features and improvements like reduced pickup hum. The Ash body and maple neck with period-correct hardware enhance its vintage appeal. The only minor drawback mentioned is its shiny newness compared to an actual '70s model. Overall, it's regarded as a successful revival of a classic bass, offering both the sound and aesthetic that will resonate with fans of the era.

positive

Reviewed: Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass garners praise for its authentic vintage aesthetics and remarkable sonic character. Its natural ash body, deep U maple neck, and era-specific details create a stunning visual reminiscent of Fender's iconic past. The bass's sound quality stands out, offering clarity, resonance, and a rich harmonic presence that pays homage to legendary players like Jaco Pastorius. While the review appreciates Fender's dedication to preserving the essence of the '70s models, it hints at the challenge of perfectly imitating the originals. Overall, the review lauds Fender's balance of honoring heritage while maintaining modern playability, resulting in an instrument that looks and sounds exceptional.

positive

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Freeman uses Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Vintage White Year: 2019

Matt Freeman, bassist of Rancid, is confirmed to own a Fender '74 Reissue Jazz Bass, as evidenced by the serial number V1974052, according to a listing on Reverb.com.

See how Dan Andriano uses Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass

Dan Andriano

Singer, Guitarist

Alkaline Trio

...
Verified via Photo

Me and my new @fender American Original 70’s Jazz Bass... holy shize, this thing is beautiful, and so comfy! Kinda got a fat neck for a J, and a little flatter fretboard than back in the day. Ash body so it’s LIGHT (for a JBass) as well. I gotta hand it to Fender, they keep on innovating, and improving things that are already amazing while staying classic, classy and super badass. Thanks @mschulz83 and everyone at Fender!

See how Leon Wilkeson uses Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass

Leon Wilkeson

Bassist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via YouTube

Leon Wilkeson, bassist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, is seen performing with a Fender American Original '70s Jazz Bass in the official video of "Sweet Home Alabama," recorded live on July 2, 1977, at the Oakland Coliseum Stadium. While it may have been referred to simply as a Jazz Bass at the time, this is the instrument he used in concert, and likely in the studio. Notably, Wilkeson survived the plane crash that tragically claimed the lives of bandmates Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines.

See how Aleksandr Titov uses Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass

Aleksandr Titov

Bassist

KINO

...
Verified via Photo

In the YouTube video featuring Aleksandr Titov, he is seen using a Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-y8YFcmTZQ

Album Usage

The Fender American Original 70's Jazz Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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