Fender Jaco Pastorius Relic Jazz Bass  

I didn't plan to buy this bass, just checked it out at Guitar Center in Manhattan. But as soon as i played a few lines, i knew i was 'doomed'. Such a sweet and yet potent sound, have not been able to leave it in it's case since. I am wary of 'Custon Shop' instruments these days, but this one hits the spot. If you can handle the price, then you will be thrilled. Mine is about 4 years old. I don't even know if it's still being sold by Fender.

I have been a bassist for 25 years, once professionally, now a hobbyist.  I have had he latest and greatest, the oldies but goodies, the tried and trues, but when I received this as a gift from a great friend - I was blown away.  This is all that is good in a bass, with nothing else there.  It sings, it challenges, it is alive in your hands.  Never have I seen such a beautiful thing as the neck on this bass.  Don't be put off by the "relic" treatment, you will not find a shiny new bass that is as playable as this one.  All of my other basses are gathering dust, and I am becoming obssessed with mastering this fine bass.

So I go into guitarcenter, and plug this sucker up, expecting a pretty fantastic instrument.  My jaw dropped, (and not at the staggering price.)  the best tone I've ever heard.  I was astounded at the deep, throaty, growling sound that Jaco was famous for.  Then, with the turning of a few knobs, I had the watery, synth sounding natural wah that comes with only the best fretless basses.  (yet another tone that Jaco extensively used.)  I also played a few harmonics on it, and got the brilliant, bright, clear response that many (who have listened to Jaco's Portrait of Tracy) have come to know.  The tone isn't the only thing that is outstanding, though.  The finish, (holes, worn spots, and dings included,) is absolutely incredible.  I say incredible because of the closeness to the actual bass of doom in it's hayday. (and personally, I like worn finishes much more than brand new ones.)  And the neck, man, I could go on and on and on about it.  THE most comfortable, thin, and fast neck I've ever played on. (although I'd like frets on it, but then again, that would just be ruining what makes Jaco's bass Jaco's.)  Overall, I was dumbstruck at the great quality, attention to detail, and playability of this beast.  Even if the price tag is a bit too high.

The bass itself plays beautifully. the neck is worn down and feels surprisingly comfortable. The sound is pretty goos to, but the price tag is exceptionally high. Its a great replica, but if youre gonna buy a bass, you should wear it down yourself, not let some guy artificially age and bang up a perfectly good bass for you. I like this bass, but I wouldnt buy it, ever.

Just bought my new Jaco bass. It's a left handed edition but it's sheer quality precision sound. I'm not left handed and I'm playing it upside down. I could get the strings swapped around or swap it on the internet for a right handed one. But where's the originality in that? My advice to anyone who has the opportunity to get a hold of one though is that they should get it before it goes up in price. It's a collectors item and will skyrocket in a few years.