Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,388

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the timeless allure of the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass, a classic piece of musical history that continues to captivate bass enthusiasts worldwide. Revered for its balanced tonal spectrum and sleek design, this iconic instrument offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern playability. The Jazz Bass from this era is particularly notable for its introduction of a maple fretboard option, adding a bright, articulate attack to its renowned smooth, warm tones.

Despite being produced during a time when some aspects of Fender’s build quality were in flux, the 1972 Jazz Bass maintains a solid reputation for its robust construction and enduring appeal. Its slim neck profile ensures a comfortable playing experience, whether you're laying down groovy basslines in the studio or commanding the stage with your band. The dual single-coil pickups provide a wide range of tonal possibilities, from deep, rounded lows to punchy mids and sparkling highs.

For the serious bassist or collector, the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history that speaks to the evolution of music itself. Its distinctive sound and proven reliability make it a worthy addition to any collection, sure to inspire and delight for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Dual single-coil pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Option for maple fretboard introduced during this period
  • Renowned for its smooth, warm tones with articulate attack
  • Durable construction with a robust reputation

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazz Bass
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut
Year 1970 - 1974
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, Red, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern 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 1972 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1972 Fender Jazz Bass is known for its versatile and rich tonal palette, offering deep lows and clear, articulate highs. Its dual single-coil pickups provide a classic punchy sound ideal for genres like jazz, rock, and funk.

Is the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

While the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass is a vintage instrument often sought by collectors and experienced players, its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1972 Fender Jazz Bass typically features a body made from alder or ash, with a neck made of maple and a fretboard available in either rosewood or maple, contributing to its classic feel and sound.

How does the pickup configuration of the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass affect its sound?

The 1972 Fender Jazz Bass features a dual single-coil pickup configuration, which allows for a wide range of tones from bright and snappy to deep and mellow, making it versatile for various music styles.

What finishes were available for the 1972 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1972 Fender Jazz Bass was available in several finishes, including Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, and Walnut.

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Review | fb.com/angeldust.guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Review | fb.com/angeldust.guitars by AngelDust Guitars

Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Review | fb.com/angeldust.guitars

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Fender Jazz Bass Demonstration/Review by Jonathan Grooms

1972 Fender Jazz Bass Demonstration/Review

Jonathan Grooms

Jonathan Grooms

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1965 vs1969 vs 1972  Review by Teppei's Bass Groove

Fender Jazz Bass 1965 vs1969 vs 1972 Review

Teppei's Bass Groove

Teppei's Bass Groove

Video thumbnail for Very Mint 1972 Fender Jazz Bass by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Very Mint 1972 Fender Jazz Bass

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

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 1971 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White Bass | CME Quick Riffs | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1971 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White Bass | CME Quick Riffs | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass   1974 by Bass Direct - Bass Guitar, Amplification, music shop

Fender Jazz Bass 1974

Bass Direct - Bass Guitar, Amplification, music shop

Bass Direct - Bass Guitar, Amplification, music shop

Video thumbnail for 1972-73 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally by Normans Rare Guitars

1972-73 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Jazz Bass by The Bass Hang

1973 Fender Jazz Bass

The Bass Hang

The Bass Hang

Video thumbnail for FENDER JAZZ BASS 1974 SOUND TEST by Marcin Pendowski

FENDER JAZZ BASS 1974 SOUND TEST

Marcin Pendowski

Marcin Pendowski

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1975 vs. 1972 by Jozef Madola

Fender Jazz Bass 1975 vs. 1972

Jozef Madola

Jozef Madola

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Jazz Bass Black with Rosewood - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1973 Fender Jazz Bass Black with Rosewood - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally by Normans Rare Guitars

1973 Fender Jazz Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1971 vs. 1972 by Jozef Madola

Fender Jazz Bass 1971 vs. 1972

Jozef Madola

Jozef Madola

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1974 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1974 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1971 Fender Jazz Bass / GuitarPoint by GuitarPoint

1971 Fender Jazz Bass / GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Jazz Bass - A Collector's Favorite Bass! by Uhlik Music

1973 Fender Jazz Bass - A Collector's Favorite Bass!

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for 1973 Fender Jazz Basses - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars, London by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1973 Fender Jazz Basses - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars, London

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1971 Fender Jazz Bass by williesguitars

1971 Fender Jazz Bass

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1972 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1972 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1974 Fender Jazz Bass, Natural by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1974 Fender Jazz Bass, Natural

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars by ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars by ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1974 natural presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1974 natural presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for A 1973 Fender Jazz Bass by williesguitars

A 1973 Fender Jazz Bass

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1973 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1973 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars by ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

1974 FENDER JAZZ BASS - Andy's Vintage Guitars

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

ANDY'S VINTAGE GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass from 1971 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass from 1971 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect action and tuning even upon international delivery

  • Slimmer, shorter, and faster neck than current Jazz basses

  • Lightweight design ensures comfort during long playing sessions

  • Classic block inlays provide a timeless aesthetic

  • Delivers vintage growl with punchy, distinct clarity

  • Hand-finished necks and bodies from the early 70s

  • High-quality materials used before mid-70s design changes

  • Offers a unique, collectible instrument from a significant era

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974).

Build quality

  • The nitro finish over poly creates vertical cracking as the nitro shrinks over time, a characteristic detail from this era.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner had to replace cheap active pickups due to a previous modification involving an ugly route for dual 9v batteries under the pickguard.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Jazz basses from this period typically did not have different series or budget lines, unlike later models with expanded options like the Elite series.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Pickup cover might be from a P Bass rather than original, suggesting possible mix-and-match with Precision bass parts.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ash Kabosu uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Ash Kabosu

Bassist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:33, you can Ash using some type of black fender jazz bass to record some scrapped songs in studio. (Unsure if it is a 73 jazz bass.)

See how Till Lindemann uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Till Lindemann

Singer

Rammstein

...
Verified via Pinterest

Till Lindemann is seen playing a 1973 Fender Jazz Bass (Black) in photos from his time with the band First Arsch, as shared on Pinterest by Dominique.

See how Dominic John Davis uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Dominic John Davis

Bassist

Jack White

...
Verified via Earthworkmusic

In an interview featured on Earthwork Music, Dominic John Davis discusses his gear, including the 1971 Fender Jazz Bass.

See how Rhonda Smith uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Rhonda Smith

Bassist, Composer

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in Rhonda Smith's Instagram photo.

See how Dennis Dunaway uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Dennis Dunaway

Bassist, Composer

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Dunaway can be seen holding his 1970 Fender Jazz Bass modified with a P-J pickup configuration, and adorned with sparkles, mirrors, and various different coins glued to the body and headstock, the same decorations Dunaway applied to the Bass himself in the '70s.

See how Hiromu Fukuda uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Hiromu Fukuda

Bassist

Suspended 4th

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "【衝撃】今までベースに使ってきた金額合計したらヤバすぎた...." on YouTube, Hiromu Fukuda discusses the total cost of his equipment and shows his 1972 Fender Jazz Bass.

See how vincent rompies uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

vincent rompies

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

he used this bass during a jamming session with a guest star on the TV show, tonight show

See how Lukács László uses Fender Jazz Bass (1970-1974)

Lukács László

Singer, Bassist

Tankcsapda

...
Unverified

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 Jazz Bass (1970-1974), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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