Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass Review

That neck!

This bass is absolutely stunning in person, the fit & finish is beautiful. I'm a sucker for the traditional Fender sunburst or tri-tone, but this mercury finish is my favorite so far. The neck plays like butter, easily the best playing neck I've ever had; and the sound versatility of the J bass makes it so easy to play ANY genre of music. It's not terribly heavy and seems well balanced,… read more so it's very comfortable for gigging. Just feels like a high quality instrument, and the Fender case is very nice too. I can't think of any cons after playing this daily for several months.

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A great bass for smaller hands

If you're like me and have shorter fingers and smaller hands, this bass could be the one for you. The Slim C neck and 1.5" wide nut is perfect for me. I don't feel like I'm trying to get my hand around a thick baseball bat like other basses out there. A sure shoulder-saver, it's lightweight with mine coming in at just a few ounces over 8 pounds. It's also a well-balanced instrument… read more in that the headstock doesn't take a nosedive if you let go of the neck. Sound-wise, it's a solid performer. My only complaint is how the volume controls have a point where turning down the volume is drastic instead of nice and gradual. Along with the drop in volume, there's an audible drop in tone, too, which is disappointing for such an expensive bass. Overall, I'm very pleased with the instrument. It was expertly setup and plays great right out of the box.

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My favorite jazz bass so far.

Amazing jazz bass and my favorite J so far. I've been paying jazz basses for about a while and this is tops so far for standard production models, rivaling even their custom shop stuff. The neck is amazing and it sounds great. The v-mod pickups are shockingly good.

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Beautiful Bass, Great Neck, Great Tone

This is a beautiful Bass, the body and neck were flawless. The blue body with maple neck and polished chrome hardware makes this Bass stand out and sparkle. The tone is fantastic paired with the maple neck and standard Fender strings.

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Great Bass

Sounds great and the thin neck makes it easier to play for us carpal tunnel players. LoL. Only complaint is that the weight is heavy. I would recommend a Comfort strap so it doesn't kill your back and shoulders.

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American Professional J Bass

This Bass is capable of low subs, to high punch slaps....the neck and adjustable action give this bass the smooth feel all the way from top to bottom of the neck...Add strap locks and plug it in...it is a smooth experience...and ohhhh that tone ! If you're looking for that mid upper bass level and not really trying to break off 2k, this is the one. For $, with hardshell case...Played… read more through an Ampeg amp...it speaks to ya...do yourself a favor, if you are on the fence...buy one !!

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Beware of this bass!

Purchased this bass from a local store because Sweetwater did not have it in stock and still does not have it in stock, that's OK. Sweetwater is great, my guy is Ryan and he is great as well. This bass is NO better than any of my FOUR MiM Fenders. My Yamaha BB434 is MUCH better all the way around, hands down better. $1900.00 down the drain. I will sell this in about two years… read more and maybe recover most of my money. I put it away in storage so it won't get damaged. The only good thing about this bass was the case, it is great! Fender is selling their name. Name only. I will sell ALL my Fenders and buy Yamaha, Schecter, Ibanez and anything but Fender. Sorry but If you want great sound in a Fender buy a MiM ad some flatwounds get it set up buy sweetwater WOW, then go kick some bootie! Bass rocks! I am a 68 year old geezer been playing for over 50 years, I am just so disappointed I don't want others to find out the hard way like I did. Try a Yamaha...You will be surprised. Just sayin!

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Definitely worth pulling the trigger on!

My first bass back in the '80s was a sunburst Fender Mustang. The American Professional II is a vast improvement over the Precision and Jazz basses of that era. I especially love the satin neck! I have been used to a Peavey Cirrus Wenge/Walnut with a tung oil finish and loved the smoothness of the neck. Trying the Jazz bass satin finish finally made me feel at home with a Fender.… read more I wanted the tone but also the playability I was used to. The American Pro II satisfies on all fronts! I love the tone and the feel! I appreciated the very nice hardshell case as well. I am thrilled with my purchase!

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Well Worth The Wait

Ordered this bass while it was out of stock and after a months long decision making process. Bass arrived a couple weeks earlier than expected. Setup perfect out of the box. 10/10 would buy again.

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