Rating: 9.3/10 | Street Price: $2,149 | Fender | Bass Guitars

If you wanted to trace the sonic DNA of R&B, soul, and funk bass lines back to their physical source, you would end up holding a Fender Jazz Bass. From Pino Palladino’s contributions to neo-soul classics by D’Angelo and Erykah Badu to Thundercat’s modern innovations, the Jazz Bass has been at the center of the music that matters.

The American Ultra Jazz Bass is the most refined version of this instrument Fender has ever produced.

The Neck

The first thing you notice is the neck. Fender’s Ultra neck — with its compound radius fingerboard and the Modern D profile — is exceptional. It is comfortable for hours of playing and accommodating to a variety of techniques.

For Soul and R&B Players

The Jazz Bass’s voice — tight low end, prominent mid-range, clear articulation — is ideal for finger-style playing that defines soul and R&B bass. Raphael Saadiq plays a Jazz Bass. Thundercat plays a Jazz Bass. Enough said.

Verdict

For soul and R&B bass, there is one instrument. This is it — and this is the best version of it ever made.