Fender Jazz Bass Review and Demo - Marcus Miller Signature (The Bass Wizard)

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Here is the long awaited and highly requested review and demo of my Fender Jazz Bass Marcus Miller Signature. This is an awesome bass that I have had for many years and have used on many of my videos. A very versatile bass, but one that especially shines when it comes to playing slap bass.
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[@tomt8691]

Definitely one of the greatest basses ever made!It's a must-have.

[@TheBassWizard]

Here is the long awaited review of my Fender Jazz Bass that everyone is always asking about! What do you think of this bass? Leave a comment and let me know!

[@MrPutodickens]

I love this bass!! It´s my main bass guitar and I love the feeling, the sound and it´s beautifull... for me, for the price, it´s one of the best options you can go for. I have a question, is it really passive when the preamp is off? I think its not, but I´m not sure... Thanks for your videos, they are really helpful

[@Alex69eyes]

The Bass Wizard just bought one in mint condition... (really rare here in italy)... I think I'm the happiest man alive!!!! :-)

[@αναστμυλ]

may i ask you what is the best bass to buy with around 300-400 money?

[@shadespider371]

The Bass Wizard what is this price

[@hancyber]

Own one and really not regret a single bit. Japan made is much better than mexico made.

[@Christaffo]

I've just bought an '98 version of this, and it's amazing! Even though the strings are 10 years old, I had people commenting on how great it sounded the first time I plugged it in. This bass definitely deserve all the hype it gets, and it brings smiles and awe around you.

[@luizmelo246]

I have one made in Japan, and I recently have replaced the preamp with a Sadowsky and also the stock pickups with the 4J-HC by Aguilar and the sound is awesome now. In my opinion the stock electronics sounds good but the pickups are too noisy and preamp is not versitle. I have invested this money on it because the bass is very well built, I love the pickguard, and the neck is very confortable.

[@balisaani]

I would agree - I've bought two of these (my ex absconded with the first one), and the preamp is great for funk (MM style) but the pickups are Fender noisy. A different preamp and Aguilar pickups really lifts the instrument into new territory.

[@introxgrunt]

Fender needs to bring them back! It doesn't even have to be endorsed by Marcus! I got mine because I liked the look of the plate!

[@Jason5818UI]

They do need Marcus miller endorsement....That's not a stock bass ...It's Marcus signature bass he had it altered back in the late 1970s to early 1980s ..that bass will forever be associated with Marcus miller

[@prestachuck2867]

@@Jason5818UI True, Marcus's actual personal bass has a Sadowski preamp in it as well. But, he now plays nearly half of his live sets on his Sire basses.

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

I just found a Immaculate 5-string version of this bass I purchased it immediately

[@DiamondLifer]

Great bass. I tour with 2. I actually prefer the MIM version due to the 18V preamp.

[@berk4012]

I keep hearing that American and Japanese versions are better. Is there any difference?

[@joshmcdzz6925]

@@berk4012 The MIM is the best sounding..don't know why

[@balisaani]

@@berk4012 There is no American version (that I'm aware). At first, they were built in Mexico. Quality issues were noticed and subsequently production was moved to Japan. The Japanese MM basses is what you're looking for - if you can find them.

[@ShabaleetoIV]

"Hopefully I don't look terrible in this resolution, it's too clear." XD

[@BoomChockolaca]

awesome bass, I love Marcus Miller tone and the bass itself! cheers for ac/dc chord play, sounds amazing!

[@merqury5]

I clicked on this video because I have respect for your honest opinion. Keep it up!

[@Jason5818UI]

Lol kinda altered?...Marcus had that bass altered alot....if im not mistaken the neck was originally rosewood and it was changed to maple to help brighten his tone..the 2 band preamp was added and the custom pickup plate battery cover that you only see on his bass and the stock bridge was replaced..all together it turned that stock 77 jazz bass into Marcus signature bass and help Marcus shape his legendary tone and style

[@t.c.tomaselli3399]

Marcus, you were gracious enough to message me back (on Talk Bass Forum) regarding this bass when I was shopping for one. You did say it's too bright for anything but slap. I bought one & love it, but also added a passive (only) treble pot where the front output jack is, & moved the output jack to the side. I must say with the treble attenuated all the way it sounds almost as muted & boomy as McCartney's Hofner when we do "Dear Prudence". The Fender stock active preamp is malfunctioning, so I am installing a real Bartolini TCT. They are back & sell well under $100. I have no idea why ash/maple fell out favor in the 80s LOVE this bass--but would seriously consider a Sire before spending extra $ on this!

[@TheBassWizard]

Awesome, thanks for your comment. Glad to hear you are diggin the bass!

[@larniete-puki7651]

These are great bass guitars I have one as well, and its a real shame that Fender have discontinued them for sure

[@PhoenixFlight94]

Marcus left Fender, so they pretty much had to

[@gbvoul]

Made in Japan?

[@michaelmcgarry1]

Great video. When the switch is on passive, the tone controls are not on. Correct? There’s no tone control - just the 2 volume controls. Correct? Thanks

[@6strngbass]

Correct!

[@fireemblemistrash75]

Marcus going for his own brand of Sire might have been the best financial move but after trying 2, they aren’t all that good. Can’t find a thing about them to like

[@balisaani]

Same - great price/quality ratio for students and amateurs. Not fond of their character though.

[@McOuroborosBurger]

is 800 shipped a good price to buy one of these at?

[@sonojon0]

In 2022 yes.

[@cajuare]

thanks a lot Marc, great video. I thought your bass was modified with a preamp (Sadowsky). It sounds great!!

[@TheBassWizard]

Cesar Juarez nah... it's all in the hands

[@leemarsh7280]

Great bass ,fetching some serious money now ,but needs a John East Preamp specially made for the Marcus Fender

[@gioelegentile]

No tone control knob in passive mode?

[@teddygrant5416]

Nice victor wooten quote at 4:25!

[@Ryator08]

I don't know if you have the time man. But I think it would be pretty neat if you did a complete rig rundown of what you use. Both for these videos and live. I notice in most your new live videos you used a Aguilar for back line. I would guess your still on the swr at home.

[@xavierarmendariz7155]

I can't understand why all the great Basses got discontinued. :(

[@ScisaacFisaac]

Donald Trump, agreed. Fender Blacktop Precision Bass, Vintage Special Telecaster Bass, et cetera.

[@flannelcommander]

Resale value

[@ignacyfolusz7784]

@Filosofemsofi It got discontinued because marcus miller has his own brand now. Many signature instruments get discountinued because the players move to a different company for ex. Marcus miller, John Petrucci, Ola Englund

[@blackromulan]

@@ignacyfolusz7784, so my question is are the Marcus Miller Sires as good as the Fender signature series. I tend to see a lot of folks who got great chops and the means opt-in for the Fenders, but those are getting increasingly rare and expensive. Thus, can you get the same bang from out your Sire buck?

[@XCLent0]

@@blackromulan u get more than great value. Sires are the best basses pound for pound for the cost.

[@RoccoSoundTube]

Amazing sound!

[@TheBartostock]

It sounds great. Your playing is great, too! I’m wondering if you’ve tried the Sire basses and if any of them come close to this, in your opinion?

[@paco68it]

Very interesting thx for posting Is your action quite low on that bass, am I right?

[@bustedfender]

I have a ‘91 MM, MIJ. It plays the best of all my basses, but the pre was too harsh and ‘crispy’ for me. Also, I think it is boost only. I found the preamp too inflexible, and preferred the sound in passive mode by far. I had it made full passive, inc a passive tone pot. Eventually I installed a variable mid cut/boost push/pull pot in the ‘spare’ pot’s place for that ‘slap’ tone I use about 1% of the time. Since I didn’t need the switch anymore, I had it rewired to series/parallel, giving a bit of a P/MM flavour. With a Hipshot D tuner, it’s a one stop flexible killer bass. Black pick guard screws and a black pickup cover make it look really slinky. Yes, I did keep all the spare bits so I can restore it to original config if necessary.

[@balisaani]

What about your dishwasher though.

[@rudyzulkarnaen1633]

What do you mean by "bass boosted a little bit and treble cuted a little bit"?. As far as I know this is boost only preamp. Or were your preamp modified?

[@luizmelo246]

Hi Marcelo! I love your videos! Just keep up the good work! But there is a question I would like you answer: Are you Brazilian? I just thought that because Marcelo is a very common name in Brazil and also because your English accent always remind me of a Brazilian Portuguese accent. Hugs!

[@wheresknott]

How would you compare the MIJ MM with an American Fender (Deluxe/standard)? Also do you know if the the MM MIJ parts are made in America and just assembled in Japan? I have a MM MIJ and like it a lot but debate if its worth trading it in the an American Jazz.

[@kriskris4552]

That nice buzzy gritty sound on E string at 5:07 is because of that piece of paper in nut slot or when the paper is removed?

[@mediamunchin]

Thanks for this video Marc. I see a lot of "Made in Japan" Marcus Miller Fender basses online, is this one of those?

[@balisaani]

At first, they were built in Mexico. Quality issues were noticed and subsequently production was moved to Japan. The Japanese MM basses are what you're looking for - if you can find them.

[@leandrocastillo8811]

Please make a review of your Musicman stingray 5 :)

[@BassMonstrum]

Hi! Nice review! Is the neckplate with three screws and if so, how is the stability as opposed to basses with four (or even six) bolts?

[@EliteJovenAgent]

Would you like to do a video of a bass guitar battle or something like that between the Fender Jazz Marcus Miller signature and the Sire Marcuss Miller Jazz Bass?

[@TheBassWizard]

I can't because I don't have a Sire.

[@AdamR]

Great demo!

[@marcussugg6767]

Mine has 2 Switches for pick ups. Can you tell me more about that?

[@thierryfidaleo9681]

I ´m agree with Marcelo, l’ve a Squier jazz bass 70 everything it’s ok except the neck too much Variation impossible to fix low action. I think that Wood is cheap I bought a Marcus Miller japan 2003´s Everything is great a very good bass for Life

[@luizzdea]

Nice! always wondered what was thats switch for

[@mghoelen81]

It's an active/passive switch

[@SQuaresma]

Hello. I do not know if you tried the bass marcus miller V7 sire. But ... what is your impression of this bass?

[@prestachuck2867]

I have a fretless V-7 Gen2. The stock shielding paint doesn't work very well. There was some buzzing/humming before I shielded it. After beefing up the shielding with copper foil, it's very quiet. 30 minutes of my time well spent. The stock tuners worked well, but I upgraded them and not only got better tuners, it shed a noticeable amount of weight in the process. The neck is very, very nice. The fit and finish are flawless. The stock preamp and pickups sound incredible. Very bright and edgy if you like, or nice and round if you like. Don't listen to the Sire haters. They are often a little disgruntled about affordable imports that are built really well. My Pedulla now stays in the studio, and I take my V7 as my go-to Fretless for live shows. It really is that good.

[@fadbass7111]

Hello What is the height of the bridge and neck pickups? and what is the height of the strings on the 12th fret? What are the strings? thank

[@Ted_DiSanti]

It's a shame people can't recognize Marcus Miller's bass

[@thereaper9083]

Teddy DiSanti IKR

[@airworthy777]

Can't blame Marcus Miller, He was in Osaka, Japan but his friend from Korea introduced him to Sire, Marcus said that he was a Fender guy, but his friend insisted him and try Sire Bass and Marcus like the sound and now he has 2 brand but Sire is just a "entry level," but Fender responded that Marcus choose 1 company and Marcus said he had almost 20 years in fender so he gonna try Sire, and Fender was chill and never contacted Marcus again. I was disappointed, Fender is legendary but replacing with a newbie haha no, if I was him I will stick to Fender.

[@Punkhawkyrtl]

@@airworthy777but you’re not him. Simple as that, he went with a company that produces quality instruments for amazing prices.

[@TheDownbeatruler]

Marcelo, have you ever played a Modulus with a carbon fiber neck?

[@azizbassman]

Hey thanks for this video by the way what strings do you use maybe you can do a video on different types of strings which ones suits serton types of music please and could you make a video displaying all your basses and equipment you use Big thanks god bless you Mr Wizard. .....

[@TheBassWizard]

Aziz Mehmet my time has been really limited lately and these videos take a lot of time to make, but I'll see what I can do!

[@YatrikShahisAwesome]

Great video, thanks!

[@judechery98]

I just bought the same bass... Which string set are you using?

[@mattiameis3300]

Fantastic Sound!!!

[@EnduranceJoel-i2f]

Nice...but my pick up switch is not working when switch it down.....pls hw can I fix it

[@massimoghera2828]

Perfect review

[@jimmyneco6284]

that s a nice bass Marcous I am a bassist to

[@dalldeisel4143]

Hello red-hot

[@TizianoBasile]

A friend of mine used to play this bass. Could you please review Sire V7 Marcus Miller as well? I'm very curious about that bass but I can't find it in any store to give it a try :(

[@fernsn.2272]

Tiziano Basile get the bass dude. feels, looks, and plays amazing. Got mine maybe 3 months ago. Cheap price too!

[@TheBassWizard]

Tiziano Basile I would, but I don't have one to do a review with. I've never tried one for the same reason, no place has them.

[@Spazzsticks]

Tiziano Basile you cant buy it anywhere. You have to order it from the company. Its a thing they do inorder to cut the price by eliminating the middleman and stuff. XD a professional bass for the price of a low end one they say xD

[@jerryada]

Hi, thanks for the review. How did you get rid of the classic single coil hum?

[@johndaniel4597]

Jerry Wang you can't

[@bassoelettrico]

Great bass!

[@crismej913]

6:40 Where is this video? Or have you not made it yet?

[@djslapbass]

How come there is no tone knob for this bass?

[@mrbungle7586]

There is two, the bass and treble tone controls. Only work in active mode.

[@mrBassArte]

Hi, which strings you used in this video? Thx in advance!

[@therandomsocietyrecordings4025]

Pretty awesome stuff - TRS-Records

[@patricknewhartsf]

Hi What gauge strings are you using?

[@collinrrucker]

Your shots are always very impressive, not a fan of fender myself but you're making me want to give them another shot! Haha

[@2121toso]

Is that bass made in America or Japan? Always wondered which to buy?

[@TheBassWizard]

2121toso Japan

[@2121toso]

Thanks. I have always wanted one, but the American ones were quite expensive. The Japanese seem to be very high quality. Thanks. Yours sounds great!

[@mike_ward69]

I sold mine about 10 years ago, biggest mistake I've ever made :(

[@pierrelefebvre1608]

Is this the one made in Japan or Mexico? Would they be same quality?

[@balisaani]

At first, they were built in Mexico. Quality issues were noticed and subsequently production was moved to Japan. The Japanese MM basses is what you're looking for - if you can find them.

[@adhikm1885]

Dude, it's not that hard to find Marcus Millers bass, go find SIRE Marcus Miller V7 and you'll know what I mean. And it much cheaper too... have a really great tone.

[@TheBassWizard]

This is a review of the Fender bass, so obviously Fender is what I am referring to when I say that it is hard to find, not other brands.

[@adhikm1885]

Yea I knew that, my comment actually refer to Larnie Puke, but it ended as a new comment... and not to mention you sir. We good? I like your vlog and that's why I subscribed it.

[@TheBassWizard]

Adhi Muljana awesome, thanks for subscribing!

[@motivation89742]

Is 9lbs 14 ounces to heavy for one of these

[@AmatriceBand]

Is this MIJ or MKII MIM ?

[@estebancuello5137]

Yaaa!!! Toca el maldito bajo!!!!

[@candrabalimirage]

Thanks 4 Ur good video bro 👍

[@joelebosi6168]

nice one!

[@anantyoar]

8:55 song name? I need to hear that :))

[@diegodelacuadra2617]

Victor Wooten - isn't she lovely

[@ademiroliveira7259]

Fender Marcos Miller o baixo de verdade o melhor

[@boazbazter5171]

how much the bass weighs?

[@nitipoom6300]

Does it operate in passive mode without battery?

[@balisaani]

Yes of course.

[@nitipoom6300]

@@balisaani thx a lots.

[@nancy18901]

Nice review! I own one, and will never part with it.

[@balisaani]

Wise decision.

[@wisecountryman49]

Marc, how come a profesional player like you, dosen't have a P bass in his arsenal?

[@luisantoniosancheznavarro2910]

Mr. Cod no one likes p bass

[@wisecountryman49]

I'm sorry I'm from planet earth, where most legendary artists and bands play the P bass for decades. Maybe on your planet there aren't any legends.

[@luisantoniosancheznavarro2910]

sure hahaha

[@garyzito1860]

Andras is right but a P bass isn't as good for slap as a Jazz or MM Stingray. This guy does a lot of slap.

[@biconditionals]

Gary Zito exactly. You can slap on a Precision, but it will never be as good a a dedicated Jazz for slap.

[@motivation89742]

Is 9.9lbs too heavy for one of these basses?

[@cooleyballs1]

Light actually.

[@balisaani]

It's not super light, but I'm 6'2" and I was ok standing with it for 2-3 hours.

[@greenbrothersuk]

Is there no tone control in the passive mode - just the two volumes?? Only the pre amp seems to have tone controls ? What happens if battery dies - can you just go to passive mode?

[@ronigjura689]

made in ?

[@freakbass]

Japan

[@MaxsmitH.]

ญี่ปุ่น

[@sifu6632]

Ronald Gjura i

[@terencefoggie3]

Is it American made or Japanese

[@balisaani]

At first, in Mexico. Quality issues were noticed and subsequently production was moved to Japan. The Japanese MM basses is what you're looking for - if you can find them.

[@DeadMan-zx8uv]

Probably because Markus Miller is lending his name to Sire bass.

[@jakestevens1270]

Nearly at 50K

[@kripticjazz]

My school actually owns a Marcus Miller bass

[@erkundfx]

This one made in japan or usa ?

[@nathang8716]

these were either made in mexico or japan

[@mghoelen81]

The standard ones were made in Japan but some later models were made in Mexico. Fender did make a custom shop model but it was over 9 grand.

[@7oneger]

Great guitar bass but a bit heavy on the spine ;]

[@balisaani]

It's really not that bad - depends on how tall your are, and on your spine I guess.

[@Ap-lc4ry]

Can I play metal on that Metallica Led Zeppelin and pop punk ?

[@matthewheinecke2621]

Yep. It has the same notes on this bass, stock.

[@sofienkesraouikhayel]

marcus change preamp sadowsky in this bass

[@farelferdinand1089]

hahaha nice intro man

[@Luis-yr6fj]

4:13 song?

[@TheBassWizard]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6O6g6Ole51jY9E

[@franckmuller-astruc5673]

@@TheBassWizard hi, I know this riff @ 10:58 but I can't bring back the tune ?

[@peixecobain]

Low 80% and High 60% ????

[@TheBassWizard]

Guilherme Sobreira something like that

[@Spazzsticks]

You should have played the chicken by jaco XD

[@TheBassWizard]

The chicken is not by Jaco, but his playing on it is amazing ;)

[@isaiss9936]

por lo menos una limpiada rapida le hubieses dado dx

[@davidvelasquez4807]

First

[@markbass354]

Marc if Fender made this bass once again many people would buy it again. Screw that Sire bass it's cheap nothing but hype.

[@aemilianusmartinus5472]

What the fuck dude! Try one by yourself, those things are AWESOME for the price.

[@bak1386]

I gotta sire and it's awesome as hell. Especially for those of us who, u know, have a tight budget and can't drop a grand for a bass. Love my sire, it's definitely not cheap in terms of quality

[@pabloessgalhardo5317]

not only for the price

[@1966kairo]

Evidently you've never even held the Sire v7 in your hands never mind been in the same room with one. hahahahaha. THE SIRE IS AWESOME. I own the Fender miller and the Sire and their both great basses... its not the bass that sucks trust me on that...

[@gbvoul]

Well Marcus has an ownership stake in Sire, so that aint happening lol

[@topcturvee1]

We all know what a fender Jazz Bass, can do!!!!! All the signature basses, are overpriced hype!!!!!!

[@joekao192]

Japan made Fender just doesn’t have soul, so does this one. Play great, sounds good, but no soul.

[@ponchers1720]

Joe Kao What do you mean by soul? I think his playing is fantastic and frankly, better than anything you and I could play so what could soul mean in the context of your comment? It couldn’t possibly be his gear, I hate reading comments like these because it’s mainly people who own American Fenders and want people to feel like not owning one is holding them back but not everyone can spend over a grand on an instrument. For example if one were to have a gig with a 500 dollar bass and plays a show it won’t sound much different (TO YOUR AUDIENCE) if the next guy on stage plays a 1500 dollar bass considering effects aren’t taken into account. If you have an American Fender, great! Good for you! But should you discredit other instruments for not being American made? Of course not, in many cases they are made BETTER.

[@joekao192]

@@ponchers1720I have not said anything about this playing, read again! I am talking about Japan bass. It's fine if you like Japan bass for anything you like, but in my opinion, most Japan bass is not as good as us made or some Europe made. You paid what u get. People are not fool, check the 5 strings M.miller fender bass.....I don't like people to talk about they doesn't like OOXX, and thought himself got the right idea. You don't.

[@mrbungle7586]

@@joekao192 You seem to know very little on the subject. I have a Fender MM 2004 MIJ and it's fantastic. Another friend has the MIA and some of the finishing, build quality is not as good. As far as sound goes and I've owned a fair share of JBs, it has plenty of soul. Equal to the USA model. Maybe there's no soul in your hands? Between Fenders USA, Japan and MIM factories, it can be luck of the draw as to quality. Cheers

[@jimmyneco6284]

that s a nice bass Marcous I am a bassist to

[@TheBassWizard]

Jimmy Neco cool! That's explains why you are watching bass videos ;)

[@jimmyneco6284]

Thanks man

[@jimmyneco6284]

The Bass Wizard

[@1964danielito]

made in?

[@balisaani]

At first, in Mexico. Quality issues were noticed and subsequently production was moved to Japan. The Japanese MM basses is what you're looking for - if you can find them.