Jazz bass players need gear that can handle smooth grooves, complex chords, and solos that cut through the mix.
Picking the right one? Yeah, that’s not always easy.
After trying out a bunch of basses (you know, for research), I’ve put together a list of the 10 best bass guitars for jazz.
Best Bass Guitars For Jazz – Quick Overview
Busy? No worries. Here’s a quick recap of all models mentioned in this article (you can also compare their prices).
| Bass Model | Thomann | Sweetwater |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Fender Vintera II 60s P-Bass | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Harley Benton BZ-5000 II | Thomann | N/A |
| Höfner Ignition Cavern SE | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Squier Affinity P Bass PJ | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Fender Player II Jazz Bass | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Ibanez SR500E | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass | Thomann | Sweetwater |
| Schecter Model-T Session-4 | Thomann | N/A |
Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass MN DK NIT
The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass is pretty much the bass for anyone serious about jazz. Classic looks, killer tones, and enough modern updates to keep things fresh. The V-Mod II single-coil pickups?
They give you all the warmth and clarity you want, but with more punch. You know, the kind of tone that makes you want to keep playing even after everyone’s left the jam session.
Key Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple with a slim „C” profile
- Pickups: 2 V-Mod II Jazz Bass single coils
- Bridge: Hi-Mass bridge for better sustain
- Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone
My Experience:
This bass feels like slipping into your favorite shoes—it just fits. The neck is fast, and the tone is rich. I’m not saying this bass will automatically make you a jazz legend, but it’s definitely not going to hurt your chances.
It’s one of those instruments that make you sound better than you probably are (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone). Oh, and the Dark Night finish? Clean and classy. 👍
Fender Vintera II 60s P-Bass OWT
The Fender Vintera II 60s Precision Bass brings that vintage vibe but without the problems of actual vintage gear.
The split-coil pickup gives you that big, punchy tone that’ll fill any room, and the early ’60s neck profile? It feels just right for jazz. Plus, the Olympic White finish with a tortoiseshell pickguard? Chef’s kiss.
Key Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple with a rosewood fingerboard
- Pickup: Vintage-Style Precision Bass split single coil
- Nut Width: 44.5 mm
- Controls: Volume, tone
My Experience:
This is one of those basses where you play one note, and you’re hooked. The low-end thump is real, and that classic Precision Bass tone?
It’s like butter—smooth, rich, and warm. Perfect for walking bass lines or holding down the groove in a trio. It’s vintage-inspired without the vintage headaches.
You may also like: 5 Best Bass Guitars For Indie Rock
Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL DPB
You don’t need to drop a ton of cash to get a bass that plays well and sounds great. The Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass is proof of that.
Don’t let the price fool you—this thing has tone for days. With Fender-designed AlNiCo single-coil pickups, you’re getting that signature jazz bass sound but without emptying your bank account.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with an Indian laurel fingerboard
- Pickups: 2 Fender-designed AlNiCo single coils
- Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone
My Experience:
Alright, here’s the thing about this bass: it’s Daphne Blue, which means it already looks cooler than most instruments.
But beyond that, it plays incredibly well for the price. The neck is comfortable, and the pickups deliver enough warmth and growl to handle jazz standards or funk grooves. For the money, it’s a steal.
Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT
If you’re into 5-strings, the Harley Benton BZ-5000 II is worth checking out. It’s versatile, thanks to the Tesla Soapbar pickups and active 3-band EQ.
The neck-thru-body design gives it great sustain, and it’s built like a tank. If you need that extra low B string but still want a bass that can handle jazz intricacies, this is your guy.
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany/Ash with a flamed maple veneer top
- Neck: 5-piece Canadian maple/nyatoh neck-thru design
- Pickups: Tesla Soapbars (bridge and neck)
- Controls: Volume (push/pull), balance, bass, middle, treble
My Experience:
This thing is a monster. The low end is tight and focused, and with the active EQ, you can dial in just about any sound you want.
The neck is super comfortable, even for a 5-string, and it doesn’t feel bulky at all. It’s great for jazz, but you could easily take this into any genre and feel right at home. It’s one of those basses that’ll surprise you with how good it sounds.
Höfner Ignition Cavern SE
The Höfner Ignition Cavern SE is all about vintage vibes. It’s a short-scale bass, so it’s easy on the hands, and the hollow body gives it that warm, woody tone that works perfectly in jazz settings.
This is the bass for those looking for that upright feel without lugging around a massive double bass.
Key Features:
- Body: Flamed maple back and sides with a spruce top
- Neck: Maple
- Pickups: 2 Höfner Ignition Staple humbuckers
- Controls: Tea cup knobs for volume/tone
My Experience:
There’s something about playing a short-scale bass that makes you feel like a kid again—in the best way.
The Höfner Ignition is light and easy to play, and the tone is unmistakably vintage. If you’re looking for that smooth, mellow sound in your jazz lines, this is a winner. Plus, it’s a conversation starter every time you bring it to a gig. 😊
Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB
The Squier Affinity P Bass PJ is a fantastic option for beginners or anyone looking for a reliable bass without spending too much.
It’s got the classic Precision Bass feel but with a PJ pickup configuration (a split-coil at the neck and a Jazz Bass single-coil at the bridge), which gives you more tonal versatility. Plus, that Lake Placid Blue finish? Pretty hard to resist.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with a laurel fretboard
- Pickups: PJ configuration (split-coil and single-coil)
- Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone
- Scale: 34″ (long scale)
My Experience:
This bass is a lot of fun to play. The PJ setup gives you a great range of tones, from deep thumpy lows to bright, punchy highs.
It’s beginner-friendly but holds its own in a professional setting too. Perfect for jazz players who want a little extra flexibility. The price point makes it even sweeter, especially if you’re just starting out but still want a bass that doesn’t feel like a toy.
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW BCG
The Fender Player II Jazz Bass is for those who want modern reliability with a nod to the classics. This model comes with Player Series Alnico 5 pickups, giving you that unmistakable Jazz Bass sound—clear, defined, and punchy.
The Modern C neck is smooth and fast, making it easy to glide through fast runs or intricate jazz lines.
Key Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple with a Rosewood fingerboard
- Pickups: 2 Player Series Alnico 5 single coils
- Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone
- Bridge: Standard 4-saddle bridge
My Experience:
This bass just feels right in your hands. The Alnico 5 pickups offer that classic jazz bass growl, but with enough clarity to handle more delicate, nuanced playing.
It’s versatile enough for jazz but can easily cross over into funk, rock, or even pop. I played this at a couple of gigs, and it held its own in every genre.
Ibanez SR500E-BAB
The Ibanez SR500E is all about speed and comfort. With its slim neck and lightweight body, this bass is perfect for players who like to move around the fretboard fast.
The Bartolini humbuckers provide a wide range of tones, and the 3-band EQ allows for fine-tuning your sound to suit any jazz setting. Plus, the Black Aurora Burst finish? Yeah, it’s a looker.
Key Features:
- Body: Okoume
- Neck: 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut
- Pickups: 2 Bartolini BH2 humbuckers
- Controls: Volume, balance, bass, mid, treble with an active/passive switch
- Bridge: Accu-cast B505 bridge
My Experience:
I’ve always liked Ibanez basses for their playability, and this one is no exception. The neck is thin, fast, and easy to navigate, making complex jazz lines a breeze.
The active/passive switch gives you even more tonal options, which is a nice touch when you need versatility on stage or in the studio. This is the kind of bass that makes you feel in control of your sound, whether you’re playing fast bebop or a laid-back jazz ballad.
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BK
The Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass is about as unique as it gets. With its semi-hollow body and short scale, this bass delivers a warm, round tone that’s perfect for jazz.
It’s lightweight, comfortable, and the Lipstick pickups give it a distinct vintage sound. You’re not going to blend into the background with this one—both in tone and appearance.
Key Features:
- Body: Semi-hollow with a Poplar frame and Masonite top/back
- Neck: Maple
- Pickups: 2 Lipstick single coils
- Scale: 30″ (short scale)
- Controls: 2 stacked volume/tone controls
My Experience:
This bass is fun. There’s no other way to describe it. The Lipstick pickups give you that jangly, retro tone, but with enough bottom end to hold down a jazz groove.
It’s super lightweight, which is perfect for longer gigs, and the short scale makes it incredibly easy to play. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this is it.
Schecter Model-T Session-4 ANS
The Schecter Model-T Session-4 is a beast. With its swamp ash body and EMG pickups, this bass delivers clear, punchy tones that can easily cut through any mix.
The active 2-band EQ gives you control over your sound, making it perfect for jazz, but versatile enough to handle pretty much any genre.
Key Features:
- Body: Swamp ash
- Neck: Maple with an ebony fingerboard
- Pickups: EMG J (bridge) and EMG P (neck)
- Controls: Volume, tone, 2-band active EQ
- Bridge: Schecter custom bass bridge
My Experience:
This bass means business. The EMG pickups give you that clean, punchy sound that’s perfect for cutting through a mix in a live setting.
The neck is comfortable and fast, and the 2-band EQ lets you really shape your tone. This bass is versatile, but it really shines when you need that clear, precise sound for jazz.
My Top Pick: Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass
After going through all of these incredible basses, the Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass stands out as my top pick.
Why? It’s simple: this bass delivers on every level.
The V-Mod II pickups give you that classic Fender tone with a bit more punch, and the Hi-Mass bridge helps with sustain and clarity. It’s comfortable, reliable, and sounds fantastic in just about any jazz setting!
Our Backing Tracks For Bassists
Looking to sharpen your skills and try out these basses with some real jam tracks? Head over to our YouTube channel, where we’ve got a wide range of bassless backing tracks ready for you to groove along to!
Save this link, because you’ll probably end up with a new bass in your hands, right? 🙂
FAQ
1. Are short-scale basses good for jazz?
Yes! Short-scale basses, like the Höfner Ignition Cavern SE, offer a warmer, more rounded tone that works really well for jazz. Plus, they’re easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
2. What’s the difference between active and passive pickups?
Active pickups, like the ones on the Harley Benton BZ-5000 II, offer more output and tonal control, making them great for versatile playing. Passive pickups, like the ones on the Fender Vintera II 60s P-Bass, give a more traditional, organic sound.
3. Can I play jazz with a 5-string bass?
Absolutely. A 5-string bass like the Harley Benton BZ-5000 II gives you more range, especially with that low B string. It can add depth to your playing, which is great for jazz.
4. Do I need an expensive bass to play jazz?
Not at all. There are affordable options, like the Squier Affinity P Bass PJ, that sound great for jazz. The key is finding a bass that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
5. What strings should I use for jazz?
Flatwound strings are a popular choice for jazz because they offer a smoother, warmer tone. However, roundwound strings can also work if you want more brightness and bite in your tone.
6. Is a P Bass or J Bass better for jazz?
Both are great! A Precision Bass (P Bass) offers a fat, punchy tone, while a Jazz Bass (J Bass) provides more clarity and brightness. It really depends on your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bass for jazz comes down to personal preference and the kind of sound you want to achieve.
Whether you’re looking for the classic tones of a Fender Jazz Bass or something more unique like the Danelectro 58 Longhorn, there’s a bass on this list that will help you groove through any jazz gig.
Hope this article was helpful! For more tips feel free to check out my YouTube channels Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar.
