Fender Japan '75 Jazz Bass, black with matching headstock, crafted in Japan 2004-5. There really is so many reasons to love this bass. This model was the 'top of the line' J by Fender Japan, so it was blessed with a 'lightweight ash' body and a pair of USA pickups. Those combine to offer a truly exceptional tone: heaps of growl and grit through the mids, perfectly crisp highs and a fat, rounded bottom end. in 70s style, the model is offered in rosewood and maple board options; the rosewood board on this serves nicely to add a little extra thickness and heft to the low end. The slim neck is a joy in the hands: fast, stable, comfortable and intuitive. These came in two finishes in the catalog: sunburst and natural, both with a white guard, so the sleek black gloss and tort combo this one is wearing is an oddity. Even moreso is the matching headstock: this must've been a customer order of some sort, it's the only one like it we've ever seen. These are certainly a Topshelf favourite; they'll eat many USA made basses for breakfast in terms of playability and tone, plus... that bound board and blocks inlays looks pretty good, no?

Model: Fender Jazz Bass, '75 Reissue (JB75-90US)
Made: Japan, 2004-5, (serial R057403)
Finish: gloss black, 3-ply tort guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 34" scale
Mods: none
Weight: 4.4kg approx
Pickup: Fender USA Vintage JB-Vintage single coils
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck pretty clean. The back looks great, just a minor dent near the rear strap pin and some very light scuffs on the bottom edge. The sides have a couple of extremely minor dimples, one on the top side in the shoulder carve area and the slightest of scratches near the input jack. The front is looking very clean, just a couple of dimples around the bridge and some play scratches on the guard. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets look good with minor wear only; 8.5/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105s.