What body material is used for the American Ultra II Jazz Bass?

The bass is constructed from select alder, featuring sculpted contours for improved player comfort and ergonomic access to the higher frets.

What is the benefit of the quartersawn maple neck?

Quartersawn maple is cut with the grain running vertically through the neck, providing significantly more structural stability and resistance to warping compared to standard neck cuts.

What type of fingerboard does this model feature?

It features an ebony fingerboard with a compound radius, which is designed to provide a comfortable playing surface that adapts to different techniques across the neck.

How do the Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups differ from standard pickups?

These pickups are engineered to deliver traditional Jazz Bass tones without the background hum or interference often found in vintage single-coil designs.

What does the S-1 switch do on this model?

The S-1 switch allows the player to easily toggle between the active preamp mode and a traditional passive mode for different tonal characteristics.

What are Luminlay side dots?

Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark markers located on the side of the neck, helping players see their fret positions in dark or low-light stage environments.

Does this bass have an active EQ system?

Yes, it features a redesigned preamp with a 3-band EQ, allowing for precise control over treble, mid, and bass frequencies.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This specific model comes in a 'Noble Blue' finish, which is part of the American Ultra II aesthetic series.

Is this a 4-string or 5-string bass?

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass EB Noble Blue described here is a 4-string bass guitar.

How does it compare to the Fender Player II series?

While the Player II series offers classic Fender design, the American Ultra II adds premium features like noiseless pickups, an active preamp, quartersawn wood, and an ebony fingerboard.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The instrument is typically priced around £2,049 in the United Kingdom market.

Who is the ideal player for the American Ultra II Jazz Bass?

It is ideal for bassists who require a high-performance instrument with a wide tonal range, suitable for both modern modern snap and warm vintage sounds.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass EB Noble Blue

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass EB Noble Blue is a high-performance 4-string electric bass guitar featuring a select alder body and a quartersawn maple neck. It combines vintage aesthetic appeal with modern electronic innovations, including Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups and a redesigned active/passive preamp system.

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Overview and Design

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass represents the pinnacle of Fender's modern production line, specifically engineered for players requiring versatility and ergonomic comfort. The instrument features a select alder body finished in Noble Blue, detailed with sculpted rear contours that enhance access to the upper registers and improve overall balance during performance.

A key physical feature is the quartersawn maple neck, which provides superior stability compared to standard flat-sawn necks. This is paired with an ebony fingerboard utilizing a compound radius, designed to make technical passages and complex fingering feel more natural across the entire length of the neck.

Electronics and Tonal Control

The American Ultra II is equipped with the newly developed Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups. These units are designed to provide the classic clarity and punch associated with the Jazz Bass while eliminating the 60-cycle hum typically found in single-coil designs.

The instrument features a redesigned preamp system and a 3-band active EQ for precise tonal shaping. A notable feature is the S-1 switch, which allows the player to toggle instantly between active and passive modes. This ensures the bass can deliver both high-headroom modern snap and traditional, uncoloured vintage tones.

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Hardware and Stage Features

For live performance reliability, Fender has integrated Luminlay side dots into the neck. These glow-in-the-dark markers allow the player to maintain accurate fret positioning in low-light environments. The hardware is finished to professional standards, ensuring tuning stability and precise intonation, reflecting its positioning as a flagship American-made instrument.

Target User and Comparative Position

This bass is intended for professional musicians and advanced enthusiasts who require a single instrument capable of covering multiple genres. While entry-level alternatives like the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass or the Fender Player II series offer the basic Jazz Bass silhouette, the American Ultra II distinguishes itself through its premium materials (such as ebony and quartersawn maple) and advanced noiseless electronics.

Compared to the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, which focuses on specific artist-specified vintage specs, the Ultra II focuses on contemporary ergonomics and broad electronic flexibility. It is positioned as a sophisticated upgrade for those who find standard passive models limiting for modern session work.

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Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for the American Ultra II Jazz Bass?: The bass is constructed from select alder, featuring sculpted contours for improved player comfort and ergonomic access to the higher frets.
What is the benefit of the quartersawn maple neck?: Quartersawn maple is cut with the grain running vertically through the neck, providing significantly more structural stability and resistance to warping compared to standard neck cuts.
What type of fingerboard does this model feature?: It features an ebony fingerboard with a compound radius, which is designed to provide a comfortable playing surface that adapts to different techniques across the neck.
How do the Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups differ from standard pickups?: These pickups are engineered to deliver traditional Jazz Bass tones without the background hum or interference often found in vintage single-coil designs.
What does the S-1 switch do on this model?: The S-1 switch allows the player to easily toggle between the active preamp mode and a traditional passive mode for different tonal characteristics.
What are Luminlay side dots?: Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark markers located on the side of the neck, helping players see their fret positions in dark or low-light stage environments.
Does this bass have an active EQ system?: Yes, it features a redesigned preamp with a 3-band EQ, allowing for precise control over treble, mid, and bass frequencies.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This specific model comes in a 'Noble Blue' finish, which is part of the American Ultra II aesthetic series.
Is this a 4-string or 5-string bass?: The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass EB Noble Blue described here is a 4-string bass guitar.
How does it compare to the Fender Player II series?: While the Player II series offers classic Fender design, the American Ultra II adds premium features like noiseless pickups, an active preamp, quartersawn wood, and an ebony fingerboard.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The instrument is typically priced around £2,049 in the United Kingdom market.
Who is the ideal player for the American Ultra II Jazz Bass?: It is ideal for bassists who require a high-performance instrument with a wide tonal range, suitable for both modern modern snap and warm vintage sounds.