Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $5,118

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history. Crafted with precision by Fender’s elite luthiers, this bass is a homage to Jaco's legendary "Bass of Doom," capturing the essence of his revolutionary technique and sound. The epoxy-coated, round-lam rosewood fretless fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, echoing the feel of Jaco's original masterpiece. The custom-wound '60s Jazz Bass pickups provide that iconic growling tone, paired with a vintage bridge and reverse machine heads to ensure period-correct authenticity.

This bass is not only for the seasoned pro but also for those embarking on their fretless journey. Its lined fretless neck with white inlaid fretline markers offers a visual aid, making it easier to achieve precise intonation. The alder body, free from a pickguard, features a relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish, delivering an aesthetic that mirrors Jaco's famously distressed look. Whether you're playing jazz, funk, or fusion, this tribute bass offers the tonal flexibility and soulful sound that Jaco Pastorius embodied, making it a prized addition to any bassist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on an alder body
  • Maple neck with "C"-profile
  • Epoxy-coated round-lam rosewood fretless fingerboard with a 7.25-inch radius
  • 20 inlaid white fretline markers
  • Dual Custom '60s Jazz Bass pickups
  • Vintage bridge and reverse machine heads
  • Handcrafted in Fender’s USA Custom Shop
  • Includes Tweed hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass Relic
Finish 3-Color Sunburst
Year 1999 - 2019
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 Brown
Finish Features Relic
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material 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 Custom Shop

FAQs

What makes the Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass unique?

This bass pays homage to Jaco Pastorius by replicating his iconic fretless Jazz Bass, featuring a relic finish, epoxy-coated rosewood fingerboard, and dual Custom ’60s single-coil pickups for that distinctive Jaco sound.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass suitable for fretless bass beginners?

While it's designed for players familiar with fretless basses, its smooth playability and authentic sound can inspire dedicated beginners willing to learn Jaco's style.

What kind of music is the Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass best suited for?

This bass excels in jazz, fusion, and funk, thanks to its warm, expressive tone and the ability to produce the signature Jaco "growl."

Does the Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass require special maintenance due to its relic finish?

The relic finish simulates wear and tear, so it doesn't require special maintenance beyond standard care for a high-quality instrument.

How does the Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass compare to other Jazz Basses?

It stands out with its fretless design and meticulous replication of Jaco's original bass, offering a unique sound and playing experience not found in standard Jazz Basses.

Real Bass Lessons

Real Bass Lessons

Fender Jaco Pastorius Tribute Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender Jaco Pastorius Tribute Bass by Real Bass Lessons

Fender Jaco Pastorius Tribute Bass

Real Bass Lessons

Real Bass Lessons

Video thumbnail for Jaco Pastorius Fender 2018  Custom Shop Tribute Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Jaco Pastorius Fender 2018 Custom Shop Tribute Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2018 Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Fretless Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2018 Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Fretless Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass Relic "Tomas Merlo" by Tomas Merlo

Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass Relic "Tomas Merlo"

Tomas Merlo

Tomas Merlo

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass Relic Tomas Merlo by Tomas Merlo

Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass Relic Tomas Merlo

Tomas Merlo

Tomas Merlo

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional comfort and playability, even for extended playing sessions

  • Durable epoxy-coated fretboard resists wear from roundwound strings

  • Neck profile supports smooth, low action setup

  • Unique tribute to legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius

  • Limited production enhances exclusivity for collectors

  • Excellent sound quality, praised for its beautiful playability

CONS

  • High price point, often exceeding $4000

  • Neck dive issues reported by some users

  • Pots have limited adjustment range, may require upgrades

  • Difficult to verify production numbers and authenticity

  • Resale value may be inconsistent due to niche appeal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop Jaco Pastorius Tribute Jazz Bass.

Build quality

  • The Pao Ferro fingerboard is noted for its dry, orange-y appearance, which some feel looks out of place on a vintage-style jazz bass.

    Source
  • The Fender Jazz Bass neck from the 1970s is noted for its thicker profile, contributing to a unique natural thump and low-end presence.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass includes vintage reverse tuners and a 'Jaco' signature on the back plate, yet lacks the relic'ing often associated with tribute models.

    Source
  • The NS-Designs Radius Wav4 is praised for its perfect balance and ergonomic design, making it feel like an extension of the body.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest an American Pro II fretless as a better alternative due to its more traditional materials and potentially closer feel to Jaco's original bass.

    Source
  • The Dingwall D-Roc standard is considered a leap in playability over Ibanez BTB series, with versatile electronics and passive tone controls.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • There's skepticism about the £2.5k price, as cheaper models like the Flea and JMJ MIM offer rosewood boards at a lower cost.

    Source

Other

  • Eco-responsibility is a possible reason for the use of Pao Ferro, as it's becoming more common due to restrictions on rosewood.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The SR1205e users have experienced barrel jack wear, requiring replacements, but it's an easy maintenance task.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The LTD B-50 bass benefits significantly from the EMG GZR PJ set and Gotoh 404BO bridge, enhancing playability and tone.

    Source

User experience

  • A 1969 Fender P Bass with heavy relic'ing is highlighted for its exceptional neck feel and tone, even with significant wear.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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skylinerr

Awesome

BASS This is an awesome bass guitar bought as i'm a huge jaco fan and i even play this jaco height, when usually i am dee dee ramone height on strap

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Artist usage

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Biréli Lagrène

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...
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Bireli can be seen playing this bass on this video.

Genre Usage

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