With three signature models, two limited editions and five regular basses, Fender concentrates on quality, rather than quantity of the introduced models.
At this year`s NAMM, Fender was concentrated on representing a set of high quality instruments which bring innovation and novelty, instead of flooding the market with truckloads of new models with barely anything fresh and exciting about them. With electric guitars already covered in a couple of articles, the review of the four and five-string novelties will fit into one. Ten electric models are being introduced into the catalog – three signatures, two limited editions and five regular models. The signatures are: Steve Harris Precision Bass, U.S. Geddy Lee Jazz Bass and Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass. Bass side of the Sandblasted Limited Edition is made up of two models, a Sandblasted Precision Bass and a Sandblasted Jazz Bass. Three Deluxe series and two Standards make up the rest. Deluxe Active Jazz Bass Okoume, Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V Okoume and Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special Okoume are the Deluxe series updates, while the Standard Dimension Bass IV and Standard Jaguar Bass make their debut within the Standard series ranks.
As usual, we`re opening the review section with the signatures or otherwise most distinguished novelties. This time around, the fantastic Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass kicks off the reviews. Dee Dee`s Precision comes with a white-clad alder body, bolted maple neck with a 20-fret maple fingerboard and the Standard series P pickup in the middle position. For a more comprehensive review, check the Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
Next on the menu, we have the refreshed, updated and revitalized Steve Harris Precision Bass. Olympic White outfit with West Ham Utd crest nestled above the bridge replaces the sparkly blue one rocked by the previous model. Underneath the sleek paint job, maple body is found. It is equipped with a Hi Mass bridge and Steve`s signature Seymour Duncan P pickup. Neck, headstock and fingerboard follow Fender traditions and standards. For a more comprehensive review, check the Steve Harris Precision Bass detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
The third and final signature four-stringer reviewed in this article is also a three-in-one model, itself. U.S. Geddy Lee Jazz Bass is a mix of Mr. Lee`s own original `72 Jazz Bass and two Fender Custom Shop models made for him. Alder body clad in black, bolted maple neck with a maple fingerboard on top, Geddy Lee High Mass bridge and Custom Voiced Vintage `70s Geddy Lee pickups make up this mind blowing four-stringer. For a more comprehensive review, check the U.S. Geddy Lee Jazz Bass detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
Moving on to the non-signature side, we`ll first take a look at the bass side of the limited Sandblasted series. First up is the Limited Edition Sandblasted Precision Bass with Ash Body. High quality ash body of this four-string marvel is offered in Crimson Red and Sapphire Blue Transparent variants with black plastics and chrome hardware. American Standard series electronics and all-maple neck/fingerboard construction complete this gorgeous instrument. For a more comprehensive review, check the Sandblasted Precision Bass detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
Sandblasted series was introduced with two six-string and two four-string models, and Limited Edition Sandblasted Jazz Bass with Ash Body is its fourth and final model. It rocks pretty much the same specs as the reviewed Precision, with main differences found in the electronics department. Instead of the lone P pickup, the Sandblasted Jazz rolls with a pair of American Standard Jazz single-coils. For a more comprehensive review, check the Sandblasted Jazz Bass detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
This year, the great deluxe series has received three models with exotic okoume bodies replacing the omnipresent alder. The first one of two Jazz models (there`s also one Precision) is officially named Deluxe Active Jazz Bass Okoume. Natural-finished okoume body with black plastics and chrome/nickel hardware, bolted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and Standard series electronics are featured on this active four-stringer. For a more comprehensive review, check the Jazz Bass Okoume detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
Take the previous model, add an extra string, extended range Jazz pickups and the fifth tuner, shake it (don`t stir) and voila, you`ve got yourself a Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V Okoume. Solid and flat Jazz Bass body is entirely made of okoume and is paired with a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard on top. Deluxe series electronics and standard hardware features are also included. For a more comprehensive review, check the Jazz Bass V Okoume detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
The second trio covered in this article, the Deluxe series trio, is completed with an elegant four-stringer which goes by the name of Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special Okoume. Solid and double-cut okoume body with flt top and natural finish, bolted maple neck with C profile, Deluxe series J/P pickups with standard electronics and wiring, Fender hardware and 20-fret fingerboard form the base of this attractive Precision.
With five models in the six-string section and two basses, the Standard series has got the largest piece of the new models cake. The first of two basses on the review list is the modern Standard Dimension Bass IV. Standard selection of color options, double-cut alder body, bolted maple neck with 34” scale, Dimension humbucker pickup at the driver`s seat and 21-fret fingerboard make up for one of the best Standard series basses introduced in recent years. For a more comprehensive review, check the Dimension Bass IV detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
The seventh spot among the new Standard series models and the tenth in the review section of this article are reserved for the not-so-reserved Standard Jaguar Bass. This in-your-face long scale rebel comes with the classic alder/maple construction, Standard series J/P pickups, and Fender hardware (four-saddled vintage bridge and open-gear tuners) and wiring. As all 2015 Standards, it`s offered in Olympic White, Black and Ghost Silver. For a more comprehensive review, check the Standard Jaguar detail page on our site or Fender`s official page.
