What is the body material of the American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass?

The body is carved from alder, a sturdy tonewood frequently used for bass guitars due to its excellent low-end response and punchy midrange.

What neck profile does this specific model feature?

It features a 1966 'U' profile, which provides a period-accurate feel designed for comfort and minimal hand strain.

Which pickups are installed in this bass?

The instrument is loaded with two Pure Vintage '66 single-coil pickups, designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics of that era.

What tonewoods are used for the neck and fingerboard?

The neck is made of maple for brightness and clarity, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood for a smooth playing surface.

What is the typical price for this instrument in the UK?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £2,149.

How does the Olympic White finish contribute to its look?

The Olympic White finish is a classic Fender colour that gives the instrument a vintage aesthetic, often complemented by a matching headstock.

Is the American Vintage II series made in the USA?

Yes, the American Vintage II series is manufactured in Fender’s United States facility by skilled guitar makers.

How does the sound of alder compare to other woods in this bass?

Alder provides a balanced tone with a strong low-end and punchy mids, which is then brightened by the maple neck's sparkle.

What makes the 1966 model different from other Jazz Basses?

The 1966 model is distinguished by its specific 'U' neck shape and period-correct appointments like fingerboard binding that were prominent during that year.

Which famous artists are known to use Fender Jazz Basses?

Prominent users of the Jazz Bass platform include Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield.

How does this model compare to the Fender Player II Jazz Bass?

The American Vintage II is a more premium, historically accurate recreation with higher-end pickups and a different neck profile compared to the more modern Player II series.

Is this bass suitable for professional recording?

Yes, its high-quality Vintage '66 pickups and balanced tonewoods make it an ideal choice for professional studio environments and live performances.

Gear article

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass

The Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is a premium four-string bass guitar designed to replicate the specific specifications and aesthetics of mid-sixties instruments. Part of the American Vintage II series, it features period-accurate appointments such as a 1966 'U' shape neck profile and a bound rosewood fingerboard.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is an instrument crafted with a focus on historical accuracy and build quality. It is constructed with an alder body, a tonewood traditionally selected for its durability and balanced resonance. The Olympic White finish is a classic aesthetic choice, often paired with a matching headstock and a bound fingerboard to reflect the high-end appointments typical of the 1966 production year.

The instrument is designed for professional use, combining vintage ergonomics with modern manufacturing precision. Every component, from the bridge to the tuners, is intended to evoke the feel of a golden-era Fender instrument while providing the reliability required by contemporary performers.

Construction and Playability

The neck of the American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is carved from maple into a substantial 1966 'U' profile. This profile is thicker than modern 'C' shapes, providing a period-correct feel that supports the hand during extended performances. The neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard, known for its smooth texture and comfortable glide.

Key structural features include: * Alder Body: Provides a sturdy foundation with a focus on low-end response. * Maple Neck: Adds structural rigidity and a touch of brightness to the overall tone. * Rosewood Fingerboard: Offers a traditional aesthetic and a warm tactile response.

Electronics and Sound Character

This model is equipped with two Pure Vintage '66 single-coil pickups, specifically voiced to capture the growl and clarity of the mid-1960s Jazz Bass. The sound character is defined by a punchy midrange and a robust low-end, courtesy of the alder body, balanced by the 'sparkle' and high-end clarity provided by the maple neck.

Because it utilizes two single-coil pickups, players can blend the neck and bridge signals to achieve a variety of tones, ranging from deep, woolly sounds to sharp, articulate leads. This versatility has made the Jazz Bass a staple across genres, from rock to funk.

Target Audience and Comparison

The American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is primarily aimed at professional musicians and collectors who desire a vintage-spec instrument without the volatility or cost of a true pre-CBS or CBS-era vintage bass. Its typical price point of £2,149 reflects its status as a high-tier, American-made instrument.

Compared to entry-level alternatives like the Squier Classic Vibe or the Gear4Music Chicago series, this Fender offers superior hardware, tonewoods, and historical accuracy. It also sits above the Fender Player II series in terms of specification, offering a more traditional 'U' neck profile compared to the modern 'C' shapes found on the Player and American Professional II ranges.

Notable Users

The Jazz Bass platform has been utilized by legendary musicians across the spectrum of popular music. Notable figures associated with the Fender Jazz Bass sound include Sting, the pop icon Falco, and James Hetfield of Metallica. These artists demonstrate the instrument's ability to transition from melodic pop lines to aggressive rock textures.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass?: The body is carved from alder, a sturdy tonewood frequently used for bass guitars due to its excellent low-end response and punchy midrange.
What neck profile does this specific model feature?: It features a 1966 'U' profile, which provides a period-accurate feel designed for comfort and minimal hand strain.
Which pickups are installed in this bass?: The instrument is loaded with two Pure Vintage '66 single-coil pickups, designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics of that era.
What tonewoods are used for the neck and fingerboard?: The neck is made of maple for brightness and clarity, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood for a smooth playing surface.
What is the typical price for this instrument in the UK?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £2,149.
How does the Olympic White finish contribute to its look?: The Olympic White finish is a classic Fender colour that gives the instrument a vintage aesthetic, often complemented by a matching headstock.
Is the American Vintage II series made in the USA?: Yes, the American Vintage II series is manufactured in Fender’s United States facility by skilled guitar makers.
How does the sound of alder compare to other woods in this bass?: Alder provides a balanced tone with a strong low-end and punchy mids, which is then brightened by the maple neck's sparkle.
What makes the 1966 model different from other Jazz Basses?: The 1966 model is distinguished by its specific 'U' neck shape and period-correct appointments like fingerboard binding that were prominent during that year.
Which famous artists are known to use Fender Jazz Basses?: Prominent users of the Jazz Bass platform include Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield.
How does this model compare to the Fender Player II Jazz Bass?: The American Vintage II is a more premium, historically accurate recreation with higher-end pickups and a different neck profile compared to the more modern Player II series.
Is this bass suitable for professional recording?: Yes, its high-quality Vintage '66 pickups and balanced tonewoods make it an ideal choice for professional studio environments and live performances.