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Average Price: $1,118

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass is a true testament to Marcus Miller's iconic sound and style, merging classic Fender charm with modern innovation. Crafted with a solid ash body, this bass offers a robust tonal foundation, while the sleek maple neck and fingerboard enhance playability and add a crisp edge to your sound. Featuring a 2-band active EQ, this instrument allows you to shape your tone with precision, capturing the essence of Marcus Miller's sought-after bass lines.

The Jazz Bass's distinctive black pickguard and control plate, complete with a chrome pickup cover, lend a unique flair that stands out on any stage. The Badass II bridge not only looks striking but also provides exceptional sustain and tuning stability. With its vintage-style Jazz Bass single-coil pickups, this bass delivers a rich, versatile sound palette, from warm lows to bright highs, making it suitable for any musical genre.

Designed for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass ensures a seamless playing experience with its modern "C" shaped neck, adorned with white pearloid block inlays. Whether you're laying down smooth grooves or dynamic solos, this bass offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Signature Marcus Miller model with a unique aesthetic
  • Ash body and one-piece maple neck and fingerboard
  • Vintage-style Jazz Bass single-coil pickups
  • 2-band active EQ for versatile sound shaping
  • Badass II bridge for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Distinctive black pickguard and chrome pickup cover
  • Includes Fender gig bag for safe transport

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Marcus Miller Artist Series Signature Jazz Bass
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Natural, Olympic White
Year 1999 - 2014
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Artist Marcus Miller
Body Shape J-Style
Color Family Brown, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
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 Artist Series

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass?

The Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass delivers a bright and punchy tone, thanks to its vintage-style Jazz Bass pickups and ash body. The active 2-band EQ allows for versatile sound shaping, making it suitable for genres like jazz, funk, and rock.

Is the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass is designed with professional features, its comfortable one-piece C-shaped neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning and improving their skills.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass?

The Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass features a one-piece C-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass includes a Fender gig bag, offering basic protection for transport and storage.

How does the Bad Ass II bridge on this bass affect its performance?

The Bad Ass II bridge on the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass enhances sustain and tuning stability, contributing to a more defined and resonant sound.

session

session

FENDER Marcus Miller Jazz Bass

Video thumbnail for FENDER Marcus Miller Jazz Bass by session

FENDER Marcus Miller Jazz Bass

session

session

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass Review and Demo - Marcus Miller Signature (The Bass Wizard) by Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Fender Jazz Bass Review and Demo - Marcus Miller Signature (The Bass Wizard)

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Video thumbnail for Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass Demo by Kieran Clifford

Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass Demo

Kieran Clifford

Kieran Clifford

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive sound reminiscent of Marcus Miller's signature tone

  • Excellent for slap style and versatile across genres

  • High-quality finishing with beautifully grained wood

  • Active/passive switch offers tonal flexibility

  • Highly praised neck for comfort and playability

  • Badass II bridge enhances sustain and fundamental tone

  • Front-load battery compartment adds to authentic feel

  • Signature model known for increasing in value

  • Versatile tonal range suitable for various playing styles

  • Unique controls and features make it stand out

CONS

  • Stock electronics may introduce unwanted noise or hiss

  • Some models have issues with tuners and strap pins

  • Can be heavy, which might not suit all players

  • Requires modification for optimal sound quality

  • Mids can be scooped, making it hard to cut through in full bands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The pickup cover is decorative now but originally designed to shield noise; it can be cumbersome during play.

    Source
  • The 70s string spacing on the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass is less comfortable for some players compared to 60s spacing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A custom drop-in preamp by John East offers stacked pods for volume/pup blend, bass/treble, mid/mid freq. selector, and an active-passive push-pull tone control.

    Source
  • Some owners replace the stock pickups with noise-cancelling models like Norstrads for reduced hum during specific settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The three-bolt neck can misalign strings, but gently adjusting the neck and retuning can correct this issue.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some instruments have holes for a tug bar, which is not standard on this bass.

    Source
  • Despite an ash body, many Japanese Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Basses are noted to be lightweight.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck provides more comfort compared to a Squier, and users have compared its weight unfavorably to heavy late '70s Jazz basses.

    Source
  • Some players who generally prefer other brands find the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass changes their perception of Fender, offering a distinct and appreciated tonal character.

    Source
  • Japanese Fender models from the era are often considered on par with American-made instruments in terms of quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being second-hand and having several dings, the bass remains a reliable workhorse for gigging.

    Source
  • Owners with long-term experience report a strong sentimental attachment, often keeping the bass for decades due to its unique sound and feel.

    Source
  • A "Crafted in Japan" model from 2008 is highlighted as a prized possession, suggesting a certain cachet or heritage associated with Japanese manufacturing.

    Source
  • Owners report the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass to be notably heavy, yet they appreciate its audible impact and tonal quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Frequently gigged by serious players, yet also cherished by bedroom musicians, indicating versatility for both professional and casual use.

    Source
  • It's highlighted for its versatility, capable of handling diverse genres like funk, metal, and prog.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 28 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
simon_phillip_guillen

The Ultimate Funk Machine!

Perfect for slapping and fingerstyle, this bass suits the playing style of the bassplayer being the main man in the band but in my opinion falls a little bit shortly when you go to the level of a sideman or as a band anchor. With the mids scooped in this bass, it hardly cuts to the mix especially if aim just to provide that anchor the band is looking for. If you are playing with a trio, its great. But with a fullband with a keyboards and a brass, you need pedals and a an amp with a 4-5 band EQ with mids to cut through. It doesn't mean the bass is bad, I mean the sound quality is perfect! It's just that it has its specific strengths. You also need to cut significant bass or treble if you want to play mellow songs to get that warmth tone in, or else you will sound very aggressive which will not match those flirty tone you are looking for.

tul_danwattana

the great choice for being a modified jazz bass

It 's a slap machine , who really like to slap this is probably the one you should try out . The top end of the sound is so punchy , but for the low end is a little too muddy for me . if it has been changed the electronic ( especially the pickups ) , it would be one of the perfect bass for me

captchesmusic

great

in my opinion a great bass !!! passive and active ..for search multi options in the sound

marcelo_yakko

in mi opinion a great bass !!! pasive and active ..for search multi options in the sound.

in mi opinion a great bass !!! pasive and active ..for search multi options in the sound

ron226

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Edition Marcus Miller Signature 2010.

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Edition Marcus Miller Signature 2010.

felipeaqui

Awesome

exactly that marcus miller sound, very comfortable playing and it look amazing

mancio_23

Amazing!

My first bass, Japan version. Love the active/passive switch.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcus Miller uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Marcus Miller

Bassist, Composer

Scritti Politti

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Dunlop Sessions video by jimdunlopusa on YouTube, Marcus Miller is seen playing his Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass.

See how David Ellefson uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

David Ellefson

Singer, Bassist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see a clear shot of David using the marcus miller jazz bass at 1:06

See how Stanley Clarke uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Stanley Clarke

Singer, Bassist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via Bassplayer

This article lists the equipment Stanley Clarke used for recording ’Up’. The list includes this item, Stanley used it on “Last Train to Sanity”.

See how Nicole Row uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Nicole Row

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Photo

Nicole Row is seen using the Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass in an Instagram post where she shares a photo from the 2017 VMAs, highlighting her enthusiasm for the performance and her gear.

See how James Lomenzo uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

James Lomenzo

Bassist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

This photo is of James Lomenzo formerly of Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne, and HAIL! performing live during Megadeth's ENDGAME tour. The bass he is seen playing is the Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass. He has removed the pickup cover of the neck pickup.

See how Martin Mendez uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Martin Mendez

Bassist, Music Producer

Opeth

...
Verified via Photo

Martin Mendez is seen playing a Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass in a photo from Opeth's performance at Sala Apolo in Barcelona, as captured on Wikimedia.

See how Tim Feerick uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Tim Feerick

Bassist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Feerick on stage playing his Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass

See how Felipe Ilabaca uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Felipe Ilabaca

Singer, Bassist

Chancho en Piedra

...
Verified via Photo

Utilizado en algunas canciones de Chancho en Piedra (últimos discos). Bajo principal en proyectos aparte cómo lo son Pillanes, Jaco Sanchez y Achú.

See how Henrik Höckert uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Henrik Höckert

Bassist

Viagra Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video he can be seen using a Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass at 1:26.

See how Burak Güven uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Burak Güven

Singer, Bassist

mor ve ötesi

...
Verified via Photo

Burak Güven is seen playing a Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass in a user-uploaded photo on Dreamstime.

See how Jared Warth uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Jared Warth

Bassist

Blessthefall

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen using the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass in the music video for "What's Left of Me."

See how Louis Cato uses Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass

Louis Cato

Guitarist, Bassist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Natural

In the provided image, a younger Louis Cato is seen playing a Fender Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass.

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 Marcus Miller Signature Jazz Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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areino

areino

Gear IQ 120

adrian_joseph_nunez

adrian_joseph_nunez

Gear IQ 99

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