Fender Japan JBR-80R Jazz Bass 4 String

Description

This is a rare Fender Japan exclusive model produced at the renowned Fujigen factory, the JBR-80R. The serial number of this instrument dates to 1986-1987 with an “F” series serial number, but there was no “JBR” in the catalog I can find at that time. The JBR was added to the lineup in 1990 but appeared as the more commonly found JBR-800, offered under the “Pro-Feel” line. This bass has JBR-80R written on the neck pocket and the back of the neck. Distinctly modern in aesthetics and features for its age, it features all active electronics with gold label Fender jazz pickups, and contoured neck heel to offer extended access to the highest frets. This bass weighs in at 9.4 lbs, but feels well balanced in use and begs to keep being played.

This bass is in very good player’s condition for its age, with surface dings and scratches to be expected on a well-loved instrument. The combo of rosewood and ash offers warm articulation with good brightness, with interesting midrange harmonic complexity, lovely growl, and distinctly “active” authoritative voice, providing a broad tonal palate that can be sculpted to fit most genres or musical needs. The bass control offers good punch and depth, and the treble control adds smooth definition without getting brittle or harsh. All electronics function as intended. The bridge is a unique top-loader design with heavy-duty saddles, model FBT-4C from what I can find.

A comfortable and quick medium depth U-shape, the neck is in fantastic condition and sets up wonderfully. The frets are roughly 70% remaining. The truss rod is in good working order with room for adjustment if needed. The headstock features vintage-style Fender tuners with full-size baseplates and clover buttons, exhibiting nicely even surface patina.

There are a few small dings at the top and side of the headstock, and a few dings on the side of the fingerboard on the 4th string side from the 11th to 15th frets. While the bass has no major damage, there are a number of small dents, scratches and dings on the body. There is some buckle rash on the back of the body, and minor scratches near the bottom strap button. I have done my best to highlight any wear the photos. This bass is unique in that it has EMG-style Fender Hotrod7J covered pickups and an active circuit. Controls are volume, pickup balance, bass EQ, treble EQ. Pickup balance and EQ all feature center detent. The battery snap wiring may have been replaced sometime in the past as there are signs that it has been changed.

The body is ash finished in a very interesting transparent smoky black with hints of brown and green which shows off the grain of the body very nicely. The fingerboard is rosewood, and the maple neck has a lovely vintage amber tint.

This bass will include a brand new Fender gig bag and has been set up with D’Addario EXL strings with dialed-in intonation.

Ask any questions you may have prior to purchase, I’m happy to provide any details I have. I want to make your purchase experience as enjoyable as possible, and never sell any instruments I wouldn’t be proud to add to my personal collection. I take extra care in selection, cleaning, setup, photography, description, packing, and shipping every instrument as if it were my own. I want to ensure you receive the instrument as expected and it’s ready to enjoy for years to come.

Nut width: 1.5 in / 39.0mm
String pitch: 19.0mm
Scale: 34 inch
Year of manufacture: 1986-1987
Country of manufacture : Japan
Serial number: #F006511
Weight: 9.4 lbs / 4.26 kg
Fret: 70% remaining
Truss rod: Good working condition