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Average Price: $900

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$1001+

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Description

Discover a blend of classic style and modern innovation with the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special, a standout in the world of electric bass guitars. Designed for the versatile musician, this instrument combines the iconic Jazz Bass shape with active electronics for a powerful and dynamic playing experience. The sleek body is crafted to ensure comfort during long sessions, whether you're jamming in the studio or rocking the stage.

The Power Jazz Bass Special features a unique pickup configuration, marrying a P-style split-coil pickup with a single-coil Jazz Bass pickup. This combination delivers a wide range of tones, from deep and thundering lows to punchy and articulate highs. The active electronics offer enhanced tonal control, allowing you to shape your sound with precision.

Players will appreciate the smooth maple neck and fast-playing fingerboard, which provide an exceptional feel and facilitate quick transitions across the fretboard. Durable hardware and a reliable bridge ensure your bass stays in tune even during the most intense performances.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring bassist, the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special is engineered to inspire creativity and elevate your sound.

Key Features:

  • Active electronics for enhanced tonal versatility
  • P-style split-coil and J-style single-coil pickup configuration
  • Smooth maple neck with fast-playing fingerboard
  • Durable hardware and reliable bridge for stable tuning
  • Iconic Jazz Bass shape for classic style and comfort

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Contemporary Power Jazz Bass Special, Jazz Bass Power Special
Finish Black, Brite White, Candy Apple Red, Frost White, Ice Blue, Pewter, Razz Berry, Shoreline Gold
Year 1987 - 1990
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups, Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape J-Style, P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Silver, White
Finish Style Gloss
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 Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Contemporary

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special?

The Fender Power Jazz Bass Special offers a versatile tonal range, combining the punchy, mid-focused sound of a P-style pickup with the smooth, articulate tones of a J-style pickup. Its active preamp further enhances tonal shaping, making it suitable for various genres from rock to funk.

Is the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special is a high-quality instrument with advanced features like active electronics, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for both beginners and experienced players looking to expand their tonal palette.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special?

The Fender Power Jazz Bass Special features a slim, fast-playing neck profile typical of Jazz Basses, making it comfortable and easy to navigate for quick playing and complex bass lines.

Does the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special have active or passive pickups?

The Fender Power Jazz Bass Special is equipped with both active and passive pickups, allowing for a wide range of tonal options and the flexibility to switch between different sound profiles.

What is the body shape of the Fender Power Jazz Bass Special?

The Fender Power Jazz Bass Special features a unique blend of J-style and P-style body shapes, providing a distinctive look and ergonomic comfort for players.

Rumblin Man

Rumblin Man

FENDER 1985 POWER Jazz Bass Special | Vintage Artifacts

Video thumbnail for FENDER 1985 POWER Jazz Bass Special | Vintage Artifacts by Rumblin Man

FENDER 1985 POWER Jazz Bass Special | Vintage Artifacts

Rumblin Man

Rumblin Man

Video thumbnail for fender power jazz bass special 1987 mij by Mateusz Piotrowski

fender power jazz bass special 1987 mij

Mateusz Piotrowski

Mateusz Piotrowski

Video thumbnail for BASS DEMO: Fender Japan Jazz Bass Specials Comparison/Demo/Review by Bass Japan Direct

BASS DEMO: Fender Japan Jazz Bass Specials Comparison/Demo/Review

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Ronnie's Rock Vault #013- 1989 Fender Power Jazz Bass Special (with Bub Adams) by Mid Ohio Rock Show

Ronnie's Rock Vault #013- 1989 Fender Power Jazz Bass Special (with Bub Adams)

Mid Ohio Rock Show

Mid Ohio Rock Show

Video thumbnail for 🎸🎸🎸 Fender Power Jazz Bass Special 1985 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 by Renato Lagreca

🎸🎸🎸 Fender Power Jazz Bass Special 1985 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

Renato Lagreca

Renato Lagreca

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Power Jazz Bass Special includes a pickup selector switch for soloing pickups, with pickups wired in series for a fuller sound.

    Source
  • The tbx tone control is often regarded as unused by some owners, suggesting it might not significantly enhance the bass's tonal range for every player.

    Source

Build quality

  • The bass features a micro-tilt neck adjustment for precise action control, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • The basswood body contributes to the instrument's lightweight feel, making it comfortable for extended play sessions, a notable feature for those prioritizing comfort.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Fender US models, the Fender Japan version has superior shielding, reducing noise when using single coils.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replaced original pickups with Geezer Butler precision pickups for a unique tonal character.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the versatility of the P/J pickup configuration, likening it to a Swiss Army knife for bass guitars.

    Source
  • An owner noted that the J pickup can be noisy, which might limit its effectiveness in certain playing situations unless further modifications are made.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners use the bass primarily at home, indicating it may be better suited for casual playing rather than professional gigs, especially for those new to bass.

    Source

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
reci

Fender Jazz Bass Power Special '86 Japan

A really versatile Bass, the best i ever played, really confortable, nice tone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Redding uses Fender Power Jazz Bass Special

Noel Redding

Singer, Guitarist

Mountain

...
Verified via Photo

in the image he is playing the bass, reverse pickup and knobs can determine this model

See how Mark Ibold uses Fender Power Jazz Bass Special

Mark Ibold

Bassist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified

Mark replaced his P-Bass with this late 80s Power Jazz Bass Special.

See how Dr Headlong uses Fender Power Jazz Bass Special

Dr Headlong

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video we can see to Dr Headlong playing his Fender Power Jazz Bass Special

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 Power Jazz Bass Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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