Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $355

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical potential with the Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH, a powerhouse of sound and style designed for the modern bassist. This electric bass is not just an instrument; it's an invitation to explore a world of sonic possibilities. At its core are dual Squier SQR ceramic humbucking pickups, offering a punchy low end and articulate highs. These are powered by a Fender-designed active 9-volt preamp, which includes intuitive controls for volume, pickup blend, and a stacked bass and treble boost, allowing you to craft your tone with precision.

The roasted maple neck, chosen for its stability and rich tonal quality, features a slim "C"-shape profile that's both fast and comfortable. The sculpted heel ensures easy access to upper frets, so you can glide through solos effortlessly. A modern bridge with added mass enhances resonance, while open-gear tuning machines ensure smooth and reliable tuning action.

Visually striking, this bass boasts stealthy black hardware and a sleek painted headstock with chrome logos, ensuring you look as good as you sound. With its sleek design and versatile controls, the Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH is ready to take center stage.

Key Features:

  • Dual Squier SQR ceramic humbucking pickups
  • Fender-designed active 9V preamp with bass/treble boost
  • Roasted maple neck with slim "C" shape and sculpted heel
  • Modern bridge for improved resonance
  • 12-inch radius fingerboard with 20 narrow-tall frets
  • Stealthy black hardware and painted headstock with chrome logos

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH
Finish Burgundy Satin, Flat Black, Flat White, Midnight Satin, Olive Satin, Shoreline Gold, Sky Burst Metallic
Year 2018 - 2025
Made In China, Indonesia
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape J-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Metallic, Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Squier Jazz Bass
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Squier Contemporary
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH have?

The Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH features active pickups, which provide a higher output and more tonal versatility compared to passive pickups.

Is the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable J-style body shape and active electronics, which offer a wide range of tones.

What materials are used in the construction of the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH?

The Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH has a poplar body, a maple neck, and a maple fretboard, contributing to its balanced tone and playability.

How many frets does the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH have?

The Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

What are the finish options available for the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH?

The Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH is available in several finishes, including Burgundy Satin, Flat Black, Flat White, Midnight Satin, Olive Satin, Shoreline Gold, and Sky Burst Metallic.

Does the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH have an offset body design?

Yes, the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH features an offset body design, which is characteristic of the Jazz Bass series and contributes to its ergonomic playability.

PopMusicPlay

PopMusicPlay

Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass

Video thumbnail for Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass by PopMusicPlay

Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass

PopMusicPlay

PopMusicPlay

Reviews

PROS

  • Roasted maple neck offers a smooth, high-end feel

  • Active humbucker pickups provide versatile tonal options

  • Excellent fit and finish comparable to higher-end models

  • Great value for the price, feels like a more expensive instrument

  • Holds tuning well, ideal for gigs and recording sessions

  • Unique finishes like Blue Sky Burst and vintage white add visual appeal

  • Comfortable neck and action setup, minimal buzz reported

  • Active EQ enhances sound dynamics and power

CONS

  • Matte finish wears down quickly with frequent use

  • Consumes 9v batteries rapidly

  • Weight can be uncomfortable for long gigs

  • Some units have minor quality control issues, such as buzzing

  • Scratchy output jack with certain cables

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH.

Features and functionality

  • The Contemporary Active Jazz HH has purely active pickups, requiring 4.5 volts each, which is unusual compared to most basses that feature passive pickups with a preamp.

    Source
  • The bass is manufactured by Cor-tek in Indonesia, similar to higher-end Ibanez models.

    Source
  • The bass can achieve a Marcus Miller slap tone more closely by wiring a coil split switch for a single-coil sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing the stock preamp with an Audere classic 4-band for improved battery life and tone, as the original preamp can drain batteries quickly.

    Source
  • Consider using the bass as a modding platform, especially to explore adding a 5-string or soapbar setup.

    Source

User experience

  • The bass is described as heavy, over 10 lbs, but well-balanced with a slim, satin-finished neck that facilitates smoother playing compared to sticky gloss necks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The humbuckers provide a darker, thicker tone, particularly well-suited for rock and metal, and eliminate 60Hz hum, enhancing performance under distortion.

    Source
  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced gigging musicians, offering versatility for different playing levels.

    Source
  • While not perfectly vintage, the bass is versatile enough for most genres, particularly in skilled hands.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Active basses require unplugging after use to prevent battery drain; however, the Squier's battery compartment is well-designed for quick changes.

    Source
  • It may require an initial setup upon unboxing, a common need across various brands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Contemporary Jazz HH is noted for its superior action and intonation compared to Fender's Player series, despite its heavier weight and purely active setup.

    Source
  • The Contemporary Jazz HH is praised alongside Sire Marcus Miller basses as a solid choice for beginners.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Squier's Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH delivers stunning aesthetics, punchy tones, and excellent playability at an unbeatable price. Its humbucker pickups provide a versatile sonic range, making it a formidable contender among mid-range basses. However, the hardware can feel slightly clunky, and the absence of an active/passive switch may frustrate some players. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall performance and style of this bass make it a worthy investment for both beginners and seasoned players alike. A true workhorse that impresses in any setting!

positive

Review - Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH offers an impressive blend of quality and performance, boasting features like SQR Ceramic Humbuckers and active electronics that appeal to both studio and live settings. Its attractive design and versatility make it a compelling choice for bassists. However, some players may find its weight a bit cumbersome, and while it excels in most aspects, it could benefit from a slightly wider tonal palette. Overall, a solid option for those looking for an affordable bass that doesn’t skimp on features or playability.

positive

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
tawmi

Really nice features and design; really bad QC

The Contemporary series is so sick, but Fender needs to really up the QC on them. I currently have one that just buzzes for no particular reason, even with a perfect setup... unless I raise the strings a mile off the frets anyway. Techs have told me that it /might/ be fixable with a shim and/or fretwork, but that's unacceptable for a new bass. Ima return it and get something else. Other bassists have reported even worse issues, mostly with the electronics. Only get one of these in person, or from a seller who's played it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adam Neely uses Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH

Adam Neely

Bassist, Keyboardist

Sungazer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Adam Neely can be seen playing with this bass at 1:49

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 Squier Jazz Contemporary Active HH, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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robert_tidwell

robert_tidwell

Gear IQ 172

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