Fender Unveils 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass

It’s been six decades since Fender first introduced the Jazz Bass, and now they’re celebrating with a special 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass model. The limited-edition bass replicates the original design of the Jazz, which would go on to be used in just about every genre of music.

“So why is a design synonymous with so many diverse styles of music named the Jazz Bass? At the time of its introduction the model was aimed at the jazz crowd, offering a louder, more playable (and portable!) alternative to the upright acoustic bass. But really it was so much more,” Fender writes. “Known as a ‘deluxe’ model, the Jazz Bass debuted nine years after Fender’s first electric four-string – the Precision Bass – and it brought the instrument kicking and thumping into new sonic and stylistic territory. Most noticeably, the Jazz Bass traded the Tele- (and later Strat)-like body of the Precision Bass for a curvaceous offset shape reminiscent of the then-new Jazzmaster guitar. Additionally, the Precision Bass’s thick chunky neck was swapped out in favor of a slimmer, and uniquely tapered-at-the-headstock design, ideal for playing faster and more intricate runs with ease.”

The Fender 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass honors the 1960 version of the bass with an alder body, maple neck, and bound rosewood fingerboard. It’s fitted with a pair of Pure Vintage ’62 pickups that the company says deliver “bell-clear highs and deep, musical low-end.” A pair of concentric volume and tone knobs allow for control over each of the pickups, which is a feature found on the Jazz Bass from 1960 to 1962. Other features include a 7.25″ radius, vintage tall frets, and an Arctic Pearl finish.

Check out Pete Griffin’s rundown of the bass:

The Fender 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass will be available soon with a street price of $2,199.99.

Fender 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass Specs: