Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass Review
Fender has been a household name in the world of electric guitars and basses for decades, standing out for their quality, sound, and durability. The Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass is no exception, offering an excellent option for left-handed bassists who want to experience the legendary Fender quality without breaking the bank. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, sound, playability, and overall value of the Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass.
Design and Construction
The Fender Player Jazz Bass stays true to the classic design that has made the Jazz Bass a favorite among musicians since its introduction in 1960. Its offset body shape provides a comfortable playing experience and a well-balanced weight distribution. The body is made of alder, a tonewood known for its balanced and resonant sound. It is available in a variety of finishes, including Three-Color Sunburst, Black, Polar White, and Tidepool, all with a beautiful gloss polyester finish that adds to the instrument’s visual appeal.
The neck is constructed of maple, with a modern “C” shape that feels comfortable and fast in the hand. The fingerboard can be either maple or pau ferro, depending on the finish you choose. Both fingerboard options come with 20 medium jumbo frets that are easy to play, and the 9.5-inch fingerboard radius offers a great balance between comfort and playability.
The Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed comes with a four-saddle standard bridge, which allows for precise intonation adjustments and ensures that the strings stay in place during even the most aggressive playing. The open-gear tuning machines keep the bass in tune reliably and add a touch of vintage aesthetic to the overall design.
Electronics and Hardware
The Fender Player Jazz Bass is equipped with two Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil Jazz Bass pickups, which are designed to deliver the rich and punchy sound that has made the Jazz Bass famous. The pickups are controlled by a master volume control for each pickup, along with a master tone control that allows you to shape your sound to your liking.
The electronics of the Player Jazz Bass are passive, meaning there are no onboard preamps or active EQ controls. While this may be seen as a limitation by some players, it also means that the instrument’s sound is reliant on the quality of the pickups and the natural resonance of the tonewoods, resulting in a pure and organic tone that many bassists prefer.
The hardware on the Fender Player Jazz Bass is chrome-plated, adding to the classic look of the instrument. The control knobs are black plastic, with the familiar Jazz Bass skirted design, and the pickguard is a three-ply parchment that complements the various finishes available.
Sound and Playability
The sound of the Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass is everything you would expect from a Jazz Bass. The Alnico 5 pickups deliver a warm and punchy tone, with plenty of low-end and a smooth, singing top-end. With both pickups engaged, the bass produces a rich and full sound that works well in a variety of musical styles, from rock and pop to jazz and funk.
The individual volume controls for each pickup allow you to blend the sounds of the neck and bridge pickups to create your ideal tone. Rolling off the volume on the bridge pickup results in a smooth, rounded sound that is perfect for jazz and R&B, while dialing in more of the bridge pickup adds bite and clarity for more aggressive rock and slap bass tones.
The playability of the Fender Player Jazz Bass is exceptional, with the modern “C” shaped neck and comfortable fingerboard radius making it easy to move around the fretboard. The medium jumbo frets provide a smooth playing experience, and the offset body shape ensures that the bass is well-balanced whether you’re playing seated or standing.
Value
Considering the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and sound that the Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass offers, it represents excellent value for money. While it may not have some of the more advanced features found on higher-end models, such as active electronics or exotic tonewoods, the Player Jazz Bass delivers the classic Fender sound and playability at a more accessible price point.
For left-handed bassists who have always dreamed of owning a Fender Jazz Bass, the Player Series Left-Handed model is an excellent option that won’t disappoint in terms of sound, playability, or aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass is a fantastic instrument that offers left-handed bassists the chance to experience the legendary Fender quality and sound at an affordable price. With its classic design, comfortable playability, and versatile tone, it’s a worthy addition to any bassist’s collection and a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians. If you’re a left-handed player in search of a high-quality bass that doesn’t compromise on sound or style, the Fender Player Jazz Bass Left-Handed Electric Bass is definitely worth considering.
