Guide / SELECTED VINTAGE GUITARS
Jazz Bass from Japan: Fender and Tokai as alternatives to a new bass
Two pickups, a slim neck and many useful tones. We explain why, in our opinion, a serviced Japanese Fender Jazz Bass or Tokai Jazz Sound is an excellent choice instead of a new mid-range instrument.
Jazz Bass: one instrument, several musical personalities
The Jazz Bass is an excellent starting point for a bassist who wants one instrument for different jobs. It can provide soft accompaniment, a distinct bridge-focused line and a springy slap attack. Much of this variety comes simply from pickup balance and right-hand technique.
In our view, a well-prepared Japanese Fender or Tokai Jazz Sound is often a better purchase than a new mid-range bass. You get a proven design, the individual instrument’s character and completed workshop work. Try that combination at rehearsal and in a recording before allocating your budget to a new instrument.
From the 1960 model to Japanese interpretations
Fender introduced the Jazz Bass in 1960. Its distinguishing features were an offset body, a tapered neck and two single-coil pickups. Despite its jazz-oriented name, the design quickly found uses in many genres. Its enduring strength was tone shaping without elaborate electronics.
Japan’s bass-building tradition includes both original interpretations of classics and production for Fender. Fujigen records the start of its manufacturing relationship with CBS Fender in April 1982. Our Tokai Jazz Sound dates from 1981, while the two Fenders below are from the 2000s. These represent different periods of Japanese craftsmanship worth experiencing first-hand.
How to use two pickups
The classic passive Jazz Bass circuit has separate volume controls for each pickup and a shared tone control. Start with both pickups fully up, then gradually reduce one. The neck position usually gives a fuller, rounder sound; the bridge emphasises focused mids and articulation. A small change in the balance can make a big difference in a band.
Listen separately to how the electronics behave. Classic single coils can pick up hum, particularly when only one pickup is in use. In a typical reverse-wound, reverse-polarity pair, using both together helps reduce it. Shielding the cavities is another aspect of preparation; assess its effect alongside connection quality and the listening environment.
1981 Tokai Jazz Sound JB45
Our black Tokai JB45 has an alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and a 38 mm nut. Two Tokai Japan pickups run through a passive volume-volume-tone circuit. A tortoiseshell pickguard and an aftermarket bridge with threaded saddles have been fitted.
At Guitar Lab we levelled and polished the frets, copper-shielded the electronics cavities, performed maintenance and adjusted intonation. Signs of use remain on the black finish. For us, it is a very attractive combination: a classic early-1980s Jazz Sound prepared for regular playing, with clearly documented hardware changes.
Fender JB62-75US: Japanese construction, American pickups
The 2004 Fender Jazz Bass JB62-75US in 3-Tone Sunburst has an alder body and two Fender USA Vintage Jazz pickups. Its rosewood fingerboard has a 7.25-inch radius and the nut is 38 mm wide. It suits players who enjoy traditional dimensions and looks inspired by the 1962 model.
Preparation included fret polishing, fingerboard conditioning, action adjustment and intonation. The instrument weighs 4.23 kg and shows wear and patina on the hardware. Try it on your own strap: comfort over a longer session matters as much as the first impression of its sound.
JB62 Daphne Blue: a similar direction, a different instrument
The second Japanese Fender JB62, dated 2006–2008, has a basswood body and Fender Japan Vintage pickups. It retains graphics hand-applied by the previous owner over the Daphne Blue finish. We polished the frets, copper-shielded the cavities, cleaned the controls and jack and completed a full setup.
Compare the two JB62s directly. They share a similar starting point but have different equipment and their own histories of use. This helps you choose a bass for your articulation rather than assuming the model name alone determines the result.
What to check before choosing a Jazz Bass
Play a simple groove with both pickups, then each separately, matching listening volume. Check sustained notes across the neck, smooth control operation and clarity of the E string. Also try your usual right-hand position — the string behaves differently near the neck and near the bridge.
Finally, settle on your intended strings, tuning and action. A new bass also deserves adjustment to your preferences. In our view, a carefully prepared Japanese Jazz Bass is an outstanding alternative: classic functionality and practical value for everyday musical work.
Compare it with a Precision Bass ↗
Explore the history of Fender Japan ↗
Further reading
Fender’s resources explore Jazz Bass history and its construction differences from the Precision. Fujigen’s timeline describes Japanese production, while Seymour Duncan’s article introduces different pickups. The setup guide expands on neck, bridge and electronics adjustment. Work on our individual instruments is also documented in their service records.
Fender — the origins and construction of the Jazz Bass ↗
Fender — differences between Jazz Bass and Precision Bass ↗
Fujigen — timeline, working with CBS Fender since 1982 ↗
Seymour Duncan — Jazz Bass pickup designs and characteristics ↗