What body wood is used in the Fender Player II Jazz Bass?

The guitar features a contoured alder body, which is selected for its balanced tone and durability.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with two Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Jazz Bass pickups designed for powerful and dynamic performance.

How does the neck feel on the Player II series?

The neck has a Modern 'C' profile with a silky satin urethane finish on the back for a smooth, fast playing experience.

What is the fingerboard radius of this Jazz Bass?

The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a standard modern Fender specification for comfortable playability.

What are rolled fingerboard edges?

Rolled edges involve rounding off the sharp corners where the fingerboard meets the neck, providing a broken-in, comfortable feel for the hand.

What hardware is used for the bridge and tuners?

The bass uses a 4-saddle bridge with single-groove steel saddles and classic open-gear tuners for tuning stability.

Is this bass suitable for professional stage use?

Yes, Fender describes the Player II Jazz Bass as a stage-ready instrument due to its durable construction and high-quality Alnico V electronics.

What is the typical price for this specific model in the UK?

The Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN in Polar White typically retails for approximately £805.

How does the maple fingerboard (MN) affect the sound compared to rosewood?

Maple fingerboards are generally associated with a slightly brighter tone and a snappier attack compared to the warmer character of rosewood (RW).

Does this model include active or passive electronics?

This specific model features passive Alnico V single-coil pickups, unlike the 'Modified Active' versions in the Player II range.

What genres is the Player II Jazz Bass suitable for?

Due to its versatile pickup blending capabilities, it is suitable for almost any genre, including rock, jazz, funk, and blues.

How many strings does this model have?

This is a standard 4-string bass guitar. Players looking for more range might consider alternatives like the Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass V.

Gear article

Fender Player II Jazz Bass (MN, Polar White)

The Fender Player II Jazz Bass is a contemporary four-string electric bass guitar that merges traditional aesthetics with modern performance enhancements. Featuring a classic alder body and Alnico V single-coil pickups, it is designed to provide the versatile 'growl' and punch characteristic of the Jazz Bass lineage.

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Background and Design

The Fender Player II series represents an evolution of Fender's core Mexican-made line, succeeding the original Player Series. This specific iteration in Polar White maintains the classic offset waist body shape that has defined the Jazz Bass since its introduction in 1960. The construction utilises a contoured alder body, a choice known for its balanced tonal properties and physical durability. The 'II' designation introduces refinements aimed at improving tactile comfort, most notably the inclusion of rolled fingerboard edges, which were previously typically reserved for higher-tier American-made models.

Hardware and Playability

This model features a maple neck with a Modern 'C' profile, finished in a silky satin urethane on the back to reduce friction during movement. The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, providing a familiar feel for both vintage enthusiasts and modern players. Tuning stability is managed by standard open-gear tuners and a four-saddle bridge equipped with single-groove steel saddles, ensuring precise intonation and reliable performance under stage conditions.

Electronics and Sound

The sonic character of the Player II Jazz Bass is driven by a pair of Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups. These units are voiced to deliver a wide frequency response, including clear, sweet highs, mid-range growl, and deep, resonant lows. The dual-pickup configuration allows players to blend the bridge and neck signals, offering a palette of tones ranging from the bright, percussive 'bridge-only' sound to the warmer, rounder tones associated with the neck position.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned at a typical price point of approximately £805, the Player II Jazz Bass serves as the mid-level standard in Fender's global catalogue. It sits above entry-level options like the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass V, which offers five strings and a laurel fingerboard, but remains more accessible than the American Professional II series. Compared to the Fender Geddy Lee signature model, the Player II offers a more standardised modern neck profile rather than the specific thin-taper neck found on the artist model. For players seeking a different aesthetic or active electronics, alternatives within the same family include the Player II Modified Active Precision Bass or versions featuring rosewood fingerboards and alternative finishes like Birch Green.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Fender Player II Jazz Bass?: The guitar features a contoured alder body, which is selected for its balanced tone and durability.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with two Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Jazz Bass pickups designed for powerful and dynamic performance.
How does the neck feel on the Player II series?: The neck has a Modern 'C' profile with a silky satin urethane finish on the back for a smooth, fast playing experience.
What is the fingerboard radius of this Jazz Bass?: The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a standard modern Fender specification for comfortable playability.
What are rolled fingerboard edges?: Rolled edges involve rounding off the sharp corners where the fingerboard meets the neck, providing a broken-in, comfortable feel for the hand.
What hardware is used for the bridge and tuners?: The bass uses a 4-saddle bridge with single-groove steel saddles and classic open-gear tuners for tuning stability.
Is this bass suitable for professional stage use?: Yes, Fender describes the Player II Jazz Bass as a stage-ready instrument due to its durable construction and high-quality Alnico V electronics.
What is the typical price for this specific model in the UK?: The Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN in Polar White typically retails for approximately £805.
How does the maple fingerboard (MN) affect the sound compared to rosewood?: Maple fingerboards are generally associated with a slightly brighter tone and a snappier attack compared to the warmer character of rosewood (RW).
Does this model include active or passive electronics?: This specific model features passive Alnico V single-coil pickups, unlike the 'Modified Active' versions in the Player II range.
What genres is the Player II Jazz Bass suitable for?: Due to its versatile pickup blending capabilities, it is suitable for almost any genre, including rock, jazz, funk, and blues.
How many strings does this model have?: This is a standard 4-string bass guitar. Players looking for more range might consider alternatives like the Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass V.