Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,491
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the golden era of music with the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass, a masterpiece that recaptures the revolutionary spirit and the exquisite craftsmanship of its time. This bass guitar is not just an instrument; it is a piece of history, meticulously designed to bring the authentic Fender tone and feel to the modern stage. With its sleek, offset body style and a narrower neck at the nut, it offers an unparalleled playing experience, catering to those who demand both sophistication and a touch of vintage charm in their music.
The essence of the 1966 Jazz Bass is captured through its period-accurate features, from the "U" shaped hard rock maple neck to the round-lam rosewood fingerboard with vintage tall frets, ensuring a smooth and comfortable play. The white neck binding, pearl dot inlays, and the iconic 4-ply tortoiseshell pickguard not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also resonate with the style of the era. Equipped with Pure Vintage '66 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups, this bass delivers the classic Fender thump, ensuring that every note you play is imbued with the rich, soulful tone that has defined generations of music. Whether you are on stage or in the studio, the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass stands as a testament to Fender's legacy of innovation and quality, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.
Key Features:
- Alder body with gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Maple neck with a comfortable 1966 "U" profile
- Bound round laminated rosewood fingerboard with white 7 mm pearloid dot inlays
- 20 Vintage Tall frets for effortless playability
- Two Pure Vintage '66 Jazz Bass Single Coils for authentic Fender tone
- 2 Volume and 1 master tone control for versatile sound shaping
- 4-Ply Tortoiseshell pickguard and matching painted headstock for a classic look
- Pure Vintage 4-saddle bridge with threaded steel saddles
- Vintage-style "Lollipop" tuners for stable tuning
- Includes a black vintage-style case with orange lining
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Jazz |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | 1966 U |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 7.25" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20, Vintage Tall |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.5" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | 4-saddle American Vintage Bass with Treaded Steel Barrel Saddles |
| Tuners | Vintage Style Lollipop |
| Middle Pickup | Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazz Bass |
| Bridge Pickup | Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazz Bass |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
| Strings | Fender, .045-.105 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass?
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The Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass features a 1966 U-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip, ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck feel.
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Are the pickups on the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazz Bass pickups deliver a warm, articulate tone that is well-suited for jazz, as well as other genres like funk and rock.
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Is the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is designed with vintage enthusiasts in mind, its playability and classic sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners who appreciate its historical design and quality.
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What type of finish does the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass have?
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This bass features a Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, which enhances the resonance and aging process, giving it a classic look and feel.
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Does the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass come with a case?
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Yes, the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and ease of transport.
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What is the scale length of the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass?
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The scale length of the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is 34 inches, offering a standard reach and tension that bass players are accustomed to.
Videos
Fender
Exploring the American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass | American Vintage II | Fender
Reviews
PROS
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Flawless finish and striking color options like seafoam green
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Includes vintage-style extras like metal pickup cover and bridge plate
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High-quality G&G case included enhances value
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Comfortable 60s slim neck offers smooth playability
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Offers vintage mid-60s tones and punch
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Lightweight with excellent factory setup
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Accurate replication of 1960s Jazz Bass aesthetics and sound
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Rosewood fingerboard and lollipop tuners add to vintage appeal
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Period-accurate details make it a gig-worthy instrument
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Resonates like a custom shop model, yet more accessible
CONS
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Some units have finish flaws and paint inconsistencies
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May require additional setup for optimal playability
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Quality control issues noted with factory finishes
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass.
Build quality
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The lack of nib ends on the binding has been pointed out as a quality concern, suggesting a cheaper production feel compared to previous models.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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There is no neck dive when the bass is on a strap, providing a balanced and comfortable playing experience.
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Value and pricing
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In the UK, these basses are priced lower than American Professional Jazz basses, raising questions about Fender's pricing strategy.
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Use cases and applications
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Slapping LaBellas on this bass is a popular choice, enhancing playability and sound, leading to increased usage.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners frequently swap the stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders to achieve a consistent sound across multiple basses.
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Comparisons
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The Ultra model's active EQ is considered excessive by some, while the '66 Jazz is appreciated for its simplicity and color options.
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Geddy Lee Jazz Bass models are highlighted as excellent alternatives, especially for those interested in a specific tonal consistency across instruments.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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