Introduction
The Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass is a versatile instrument designed for clarity and powerful tone. It features Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups and a 3-band active EQ for precise sound shaping. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your instrument.
Key features include:
- Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups
- Three-band active EQ with active/passive toggle
- Four-saddle HiMass bridge for sustain and intonation
- 12-inch radius fingerboard with rolled edges for comfortable playability
- Modern "C" neck shape
Image: Angled front view of the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass in Aged Candy Apple Red with a maple fingerboard and tortoise shell pickguard.
Setup
1. Unboxing and Inspection
Carefully remove the bass from its packaging. Inspect the instrument for any visible damage. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or storage.
Image: Full front view of the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass, showcasing the body, neck, and headstock.
2. String Installation and Tuning
The bass comes with strings installed. For optimal performance, ensure they are properly seated in the bridge saddles and nut slots. Tune the bass to standard E-A-D-G using an electronic tuner. Gently stretch new strings to help them settle and hold tune.
Image: Close-up view of the headstock, showing the tuning machines and Fender logo.
Image: Close-up view of the four-saddle HiMass bridge and Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups.
3. Connecting to an Amplifier
Use a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable to connect the output jack on the bass to the input of your bass amplifier. Ensure the amplifier's volume is set to a low level before powering it on.
4. Battery Installation (for Active Electronics)
The Player Plus Jazz Bass features active electronics requiring a 9V alkaline battery. The battery compartment is located on the back of the instrument. To install or replace the battery:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the bass.
- Open the cover.
- Insert a fresh 9V alkaline battery, observing correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the compartment cover securely.
Image: Rear view of the bass body, highlighting the battery compartment for the active electronics.
Operating Your Bass
Controls Overview
The Player Plus Jazz Bass features a control layout designed for intuitive tone shaping.
Image: Close-up of the control plate showing the knobs and active/passive toggle switch.
- Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of the instrument.
- Pan/Blend Knob: Blends the output between the neck and bridge pickups. Turning it clockwise favors the bridge pickup, counter-clockwise favors the neck pickup.
- 3-Band Active EQ Knobs:
- Treble: Adjusts high frequencies.
- Mid: Adjusts mid-range frequencies.
- Bass: Adjusts low frequencies.
- Active/Passive Toggle Switch: This switch allows you to select between active (powered by battery, utilizing the 3-band EQ) and passive (traditional tone, no battery required for basic function, EQ knobs are bypassed) modes.
Playing in Active Mode
In active mode, the 3-band EQ provides significant tonal flexibility. Experiment with the Treble, Mid, and Bass controls to shape your sound. This mode requires a 9V battery to function.
Playing in Passive Mode
Flipping the toggle switch to passive mode bypasses the active EQ circuit. In this mode, the bass operates like a traditional passive Jazz Bass, and the EQ knobs will not affect the tone. The volume and blend controls remain functional.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning
- Body and Neck: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the body and neck after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish or cleaner sparingly.
- Fingerboard: For maple fingerboards, a damp cloth can be used to remove grime. Avoid excessive moisture. Periodically, a specialized fretboard cleaner can be applied.
- Hardware: Wipe down bridge, tuners, and control knobs with a dry cloth.
2. String Replacement
Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on playing frequency and personal preference. Old strings can lose their tone and intonation. Replace one string at a time to maintain neck tension.
3. Battery Replacement
If the sound becomes weak or distorted in active mode, or if there is no sound at all, the 9V battery likely needs replacement. Refer to the "Battery Installation" section under Setup for instructions. Always remove the battery if the instrument will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
4. Storage
Store your bass in a climate-controlled environment, ideally in a gig bag or hard case, to protect it from temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can affect the wood and finish.
Image: Full rear view of the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass, showing the neck and body from behind.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound or weak signal |
|
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| Buzzing or humming noise |
|
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| Poor intonation |
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Specifications
- Brand: Fender
- Model: Player Plus Jazz Bass
- Model Number: 0147372370
- Color: Aged Candy Apple Red
- Body Material: Alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Radius: 12 inches (with rolled edges)
- Neck Shape: Modern "C"
- Pickups: Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass (S-S configuration)
- Electronics: 3-band active EQ with active/passive toggle switch
- Bridge: Four-saddle HiMass bridge (Hard Tail)
- Number of Strings: 4
- String Material: Nickel
- Finish Type: Satin Finish (neck)
- Battery Type: 9V Alkaline (for active electronics)
- Item Weight: 12.65 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 45 x 15 x 4.6 inches
Warranty and Support
Fender instruments typically come with a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For specific warranty terms and conditions applicable to your Player Plus Jazz Bass, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Fender website.
For technical support, service, or parts inquiries, please contact Fender customer service through their official website or authorized service centers. When contacting support, have your model number (0147372370) and serial number ready.
Fender Official Website: www.fender.com
