Gear article

Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass MN Roasted Pine

The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass in Roasted Pine is a premium four-string electric bass designed for professional performance standards. It features significant upgrades including V-Mod II single-coil pickups and a unique sculpted neck heel for enhanced upper-fret access.

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Overview

The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass MN Roasted Pine represents the evolution of one of the world's most recorded musical instruments. Designed for working musicians, this model incorporates over sixty years of innovation and refinement. The use of roasted pine for the body provides a lightweight alternative to traditional hardwoods while offering a distinctive aesthetic and resonant quality.

Construction and Playability

Fender has prioritised ergonomic efficiency with this iteration of the Jazz Bass. The instrument features a slim 'C' profile maple neck, which is complemented by rolled fingerboard edges and a 'Super-Natural' satin finish. A standout structural feature is the unique sculpted neck heel, which allows for smoother transitions to the higher register of the fretboard compared to the traditional blocky heel found on vintage models.

Electronics and Sound

The heart of the American Professional II sound lies in its V-Mod II single-coil pickups. Fender has refined their pickup formula to provide increased punch and clarity while maintaining the classic 'growl' associated with the Jazz Bass. These pickups are voiced specifically for their positions, ensuring a balanced output across the strings and a high level of harmonic detail suited for both live and studio environments.

Target User and Market Position

Retailing at approximately £1879, this bass is positioned as a high-end professional tool. It is particularly suited for players who require a reliable, versatile instrument with modern comforts. Notable users of the series include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. While it remains a premium choice, it offers a distinct upgrade path for those moving beyond the Player II or Squier Classic Vibe series.

Comparison with Related Models

Within the Fender ecosystem, the American Professional II sits above the Player II Jazz Bass, offering superior hardware, a sculpted heel, and the refined V-Mod II electronics. Compared to the Geddy Lee signature model or the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V, the American Professional II focuses on a 'modern-standard' feel rather than specific vintage or active configurations. It also offers a lighter, resonant alternative to the 'Dark Night' finish variant through its roasted pine body construction.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material for this specific Jazz Bass model?
The body is constructed from Roasted Pine. This choice of wood provides a resonant quality and a unique aesthetic compared to traditional alder or ash bodies.
What type of pickups are installed in the American Professional II Jazz Bass?
The instrument is equipped with a pair of V-Mod II single-coil Jazz Bass pickups. These are refined versions of the original V-Mod pickups, designed to offer more punch and clarity.
How does the neck finish differ from traditional glossy necks?
This model features a 'Super-Natural' satin finish on the back of the neck. This provides a smoother, faster feel that resists sticking during play.
What is unique about the neck heel on this model?
It features a unique sculpted neck heel. This design tapers the wood where the neck joins the body, providing significantly easier access to the upper frets.
What is the neck profile of this Jazz Bass?
The bass utilizes a Slim 'C' neck profile. This is designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.
Are the fingerboard edges treated in any special way?
Yes, the fingerboard features smooth rolled edges. This gives the neck a 'broken-in' feel immediately upon first use.
What is the typical price range for this instrument in the UK?
The typical retail price for the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass MN Roasted Pine is approximately £1879.
Does this model use a maple or rosewood fingerboard?
This specific version (denoted by 'MN') features a Maple fingerboard. Maple is known for its bright tonal response and smooth playing surface.
Which famous artists are associated with this gear series?
Professional bassists Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known users of this equipment. The series is widely adopted by professionals across various genres.
How does this compare to the Fender Player II Jazz Bass?
The American Professional II is a higher-tier instrument manufactured in the USA. It includes premium features like the sculpted heel, V-Mod II pickups, and a hard case, which are not present on the Player II series.
What distinguishes the Roasted Pine model from the 'Dark Night' finish version?
While both share the same electronics and neck specifications, the Roasted Pine model uses pine for the body rather than alder, resulting in different resonance and a natural wood look.
Is this bass suitable for beginner players?
While its high-quality construction makes it easy to play, it is priced as a professional-grade instrument. Beginners may often start with more affordable options like the Squier Classic Vibe or Gear4Music Chicago series.