Fender American Professional II Fretless Jazz Bass Rosewood Fingerboard Dark Night
Fretless Jazz Bass with modern refinements and Dark Night finish that brings Jaco's mwah to the American Pro II lineup. Rosewood board, V-Mod II pickups, and enhanced neck heel access make this a contemporary fretless workhorse for players chasing vocal bass expression.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +American-made with V-Mod II Jazz Bass pickups delivers vintage warmth with improved clarity and output versus previous generations
- +Fretless rosewood fingerboard with lined markers provides smooth, singing sustain and that characteristic mwah overtone response
- +Super-Natural satin neck finish on modern 'C' profile feels fast and comfortable for extended fretless playing
- +Upgraded bridge with block steel saddles improves sustain and intonation precision versus vintage bent-steel designs
- +Sculpted neck heel and tapered neck pocket grant easier upper fret access for melodic fretless work
Cons
- −Fretless basses demand precise intonation and right-hand technique—steep learning curve for players transitioning from fretted instruments
- −Rosewood fingerboard will show wear patterns over time from roundwound strings; coated or flatwound strings recommended for longevity
- −At $1,940, you're paying premium versus Squier fretless options ($400-500) for American craftsmanship—diminishing returns for hobbyists
- −Dark Night finish may not appeal to players wanting traditional Jazz Bass sunburst or natural aesthetics
The Verdict
The American Pro II Fretless Jazz is Fender’s modern take on the vocal, singing bass that Jaco made legendary. Those V-Mod II pickups deliver classic Jazz Bass growl with enhanced definition that lets fretless nuances cut through dense mixes without getting lost. The rosewood board is properly radiused and finished for smooth slides and vibrato, and the lined frets help with intonation while maintaining the clean fretless aesthetic. Guitar World’s 4.3/5 rating reflects the reality: this is an excellent fretless instrument, but it’s not revolutionary. At $1,940, you’re competing with Fender’s own Vintera II Fretless ($1,300) and used American Standards—the Pro II upgrades (V-Mod pickups, sculpted heel, upgraded bridge) justify the premium if you’re a serious fretless player. For bassists dabbling in fretless, Squier’s $400 fretless J-bass gets you 80% there. But if fretless is your primary voice and you need American build quality with modern appointments, the Pro II delivers professional-grade expression and playability.
