Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass®, Ebony Fingerboard, Texas Tea, (Open-Box) Electric Bass

Quick Product Summary

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass in Texas Tea represents Fender's modern, performance-focused interpretation of the legendary Jazz Bass, combining premium USA construction with advanced electronics, refined ergonomics and an exceptionally versatile active/passive control system.

This Texas Tea model pairs a select alder body with a graphite-reinforced quartersawn maple Modern “D” neck and an ebony fingerboard. A 10"–14" compound radius, Ultra rolled fingerboard edges, medium-jumbo frets and Luminlay side dots give the bass a fast, contemporary playing feel, while the sculpted body contours and tapered neck heel improve comfort and upper-register access.

Two Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass pickups retain the clarity and growl associated with the classic Jazz Bass format while dramatically reducing unwanted single-coil hum. Fender's redesigned 18V preamp adds active/passive S-1 switching, a passive tone control, three-band EQ and selectable midrange frequency for significantly more tonal control than a traditional passive Jazz Bass.

Offered here as an Open Box example, this is an outstanding choice for professional gigging, recording, session work and bassists looking for one premium instrument capable of moving comfortably between classic passive Fender sounds and highly sculpted modern tones.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	American Ultra II
Model	Jazz Bass
Finish	Texas Tea
Condition	Open Box
Body	Select Alder
Fingerboard	Ebony
Neck Profile	Modern “D”
Fingerboard Radius	10"–14" Compound
Scale Length	34"
Pickups	2 x Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass
Electronics	Active / Passive, 3-Band EQ
Bridge	4-Saddle Adjustable HiMass
Factory Case	Deluxe Molded Case
Main Appeal	Flagship modern Jazz Bass versatility with active/passive electronics
Best For	Professional gigging, studio work, funk, rock, pop, fusion and session playing

Open Box Condition Report

Condition: Open Box

This Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass is offered as an Open Box instrument.

The bass has a small cosmetic chip on the headstock, which is clearly shown in the listing photographs.

No other specific faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing.

Please study the product photographs carefully when assessing the exact cosmetic presentation of this individual bass.

For additional reassurance on this premium Open Box instrument, you are also welcome to request a video demo from our team.

What's Included?

• Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass in Texas Tea

• Deluxe Molded Case

No other individual Open Box accessories have been confirmed for this listing.

Condition Notes

There is a small chip to the headstock. This cosmetic mark is visible in the product photographs so that its location and appearance can be assessed clearly before purchase.

No functional issue associated with the chip has been supplied.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this American Ultra II Jazz Bass will be checked by our team for correct mechanical and electronic operation.

Our bass assessment includes:

• Neck and fret condition

• Tuning machine operation

• Nut and string path

• HiMass bridge and saddle function

• Pickup output

• Pickup pan control

• S-1 active/passive switching

• Passive tone control

• Three-band active EQ

• Midrange frequency selector

• Output socket

• General setup and playability

On a bass with this level of electronic flexibility, we also ensure that the active and passive modes and onboard EQ controls operate correctly before the instrument leaves us.

Service / Setup Work

This Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass will be checked and set up before leaving the shop.

The neck, action, intonation and general playability will be assessed as part of our preparation process.

As with any guitar or bass, setup can move slightly during transport because of changes in temperature and humidity. Allowing the instrument to acclimatise after delivery before making further adjustments is recommended.

Why Choose The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass?

Modern “D” Quartersawn Maple Neck

The quartersawn maple neck uses Fender's Modern “D” profile, giving it a slim feel with broader shoulders than a traditional Jazz Bass neck. Graphite reinforcement and Posiflex support rods add stability for players who regularly travel, gig and move between changing environments.

10"–14" Compound-Radius Ebony Fingerboard

The ebony fingerboard begins with a comfortable 10-inch radius near the nut before progressively flattening to 14 inches higher up the neck. This makes lower-position playing feel natural while providing a flatter platform for faster upper-register work and expressive playing.

Ultra Rolled Fingerboard Edges

The fingerboard edges are heavily rolled for a smoother, broken-in feel. Combined with Fender's Ultra Satin neck finish, this gives the instrument a particularly refined feel in the fretting hand.

Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass Pickups

The Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups are designed to retain the articulation, growl and dynamic response players expect from a Jazz Bass while rejecting the unwanted hum associated with conventional single-coil designs.

For stage, studio and effects-heavy setups, that low-noise performance can be a significant practical advantage.

Active And Passive Operation

The S-1 switch allows you to move between active and passive operation directly from the master volume control.

Passive mode provides a more traditional Jazz Bass approach, while active mode brings Fender's full 18V preamp and three-band EQ into play.

Switchable Midrange Frequency

The two-position mini-toggle lets you centre the active midrange control at either 325Hz or 750Hz.

The lower setting is useful for shaping body and low-mid punch, while the higher setting focuses more strongly on definition and the frequencies that help a bass cut through a dense band mix.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

American Ultra II Jazz Bass vs American Professional II Jazz Bass

The American Professional II Jazz Bass keeps things much closer to traditional passive Fender operation, with two V-Mod II single-coils, individual pickup volumes and master tone. The Ultra II moves considerably further into modern performance territory with noiseless pickups, compound-radius neck geometry, active/passive operation, three-band EQ and selectable mids. Choose the Professional II for premium passive simplicity; choose Ultra II when maximum tonal control and modern playability are priorities.

American Ultra II Jazz Bass vs Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass

The Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass offers noiseless pickups and active EQ at a considerably more accessible level. The Ultra II adds premium USA construction, quartersawn maple, an ebony compound-radius fingerboard, Ultra rolled edges, Luminlay markers, sculpted ergonomics and a more advanced professional specification. The Player II Modified is the strong-value active choice; the Ultra II is designed for players looking for Fender's flagship modern Jazz Bass experience.

American Ultra II Jazz Bass vs American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass

The American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass represents almost the opposite Fender philosophy, using vintage-radius geometry, period-style pickups, traditional passive electronics and historically inspired hardware. Choose the American Vintage II when recreating a classic Fender playing experience is the goal; choose the Ultra II when contemporary comfort, low-noise electronics and wide-ranging EQ are more valuable.

American Ultra II Jazz Bass vs American Ultra II Jazz Bass V

The five-string American Ultra II Jazz Bass V offers the same overall performance philosophy with an additional low B string. The four-string version remains the more natural choice for players who prefer traditional 34-inch Jazz Bass range and familiar four-string spacing, while the Jazz Bass V suits musicians who genuinely need the additional extended low register.

Who Is The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass For?

This bass is particularly well suited to:

• Professional gigging bassists

• Touring musicians

• Studio and session players

• Funk and fusion bassists

• Rock and pop musicians

• Players who use slap and fingerstyle techniques

• Bassists who move between active and passive sounds

• Musicians who need a low-noise signal for recording

• Players who prefer slimmer Jazz Bass neck dimensions

• Bassists who value compound-radius fingerboards

• Musicians working with complex pedalboards or modelling rigs

• Experienced Fender players looking for a significant upgrade

• Bassists wanting one highly versatile premium instrument

If you want traditional passive simplicity above everything else, the American Professional II may be the more natural choice. The Ultra II earns its place when you genuinely value the additional tonal flexibility and modern ergonomic refinements.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The American Ultra II Jazz Bass is exceptionally adaptable across funk, rock, pop, soul, R&B, fusion, blues, indie, contemporary worship, progressive music, studio recording and professional session work.

The passive setting allows you to approach it much like a high-end traditional Jazz Bass. Switch into active mode and the three-band EQ gives you much greater control over low-end weight, midrange presence and top-end detail.

The pickup pan control also makes it easy to move from broad two-pickup tones towards the more focused articulation of the bridge pickup or the fuller response of the neck-side pickup.

Active vs Passive Jazz Bass: Which Mode Should You Use?

There is no need to choose permanently between the two. That flexibility is one of the Ultra II's biggest strengths.

Passive mode is ideal when you want direct pickup character, straightforward control and traditional Jazz Bass response. It is particularly useful for classic rock, blues, roots music and situations where the amplifier or pedalboard is already doing most of the tone shaping.

Active mode gives you significantly more control directly from the bass. The three-band EQ can add or remove bass, midrange and treble, while the selectable 325Hz or 750Hz mid centre lets you decide whether you want to shape body or more prominent upper-mid definition.

The passive tone control also remains useful as part of the overall system, giving you another intuitive way to soften brighter sounds.

Compatibility And Practical Pairing Advice

Bass Amplifiers

The Ultra II works with virtually any quality bass amplification system.

Its active preamp is particularly useful when running into clean, high-headroom rigs, while passive mode gives you a straightforward starting point for vintage-voiced amplifiers and more traditional setups.

Recording And DI

Low-noise pickups and active/passive operation make this an excellent recording bass.

It can be connected to:

• Audio interfaces

• DI boxes

• Bass preamps

• Amp modellers

• Professional bass amplifiers

• Pedalboards

The onboard EQ can be used to shape the signal before it reaches the recording chain, although recording engineers may also prefer beginning with a relatively neutral bass setting and processing later.

Effects Pedals

Useful pairings include:

• Compressor

• Preamp / DI

• Overdrive

• Fuzz

• Octave

• Envelope filter

• Chorus

• Synth bass effects

The noiseless pickups are especially useful with more complex effects chains where unwanted background noise can become increasingly noticeable.

Strings

The factory specification uses Fender 7250M nickel-plated steel roundwound .045-.105 strings.

Flatwound strings, different materials or alternative gauges can all be used to change the feel and response, although a setup may be worthwhile after a substantial change in string tension.

Looking for advice on choosing between the American Ultra II, American Professional II or another premium Fender bass? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The original Fender Jazz Bass arrived in 1960, giving bass players an offset-body alternative to the Precision Bass with a slimmer neck and two separate single-coil pickups.

Those fundamental ideas remain visible more than six decades later in the American Ultra II: the 34-inch scale, narrow Jazz Bass nut and dual-pickup arrangement are still at the centre of the instrument.

What has changed is how Fender approaches performance. The American Ultra II generation develops the Jazz Bass around modern professional requirements, adding a graphite-reinforced quartersawn neck, compound-radius fingerboard, extensive contouring, noiseless pickups and a redesigned active/passive preamp.

The result is not intended as a recreation of a particular vintage year. Instead, it explores how far the familiar Jazz Bass platform can be refined while remaining recognisably Fender.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	American Ultra II
Model	Jazz Bass
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Texas Tea
Body Material	Select Alder
Body Shape	Jazz Bass
Body Style	Solid Body
Body Finish	Gloss Urethane
Body Contours	Ultra Sculpted Contours
Neck Material	Quartersawn Maple
Neck Shape	Modern “D”
Neck Construction	5-Bolt
Neck Finish	Ultra Satin Urethane
Neck Reinforcement	Posiflex Support Rods / Graphite Reinforcement
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Fingerboard Radius	10"–14" Compound Radius
Fingerboard Edges	Ultra Rolled
Scale Length	34" / 864 mm
Number Of Frets	21
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays	White Pearloid Dots
Side Dots	Luminlay
Nut Material	Graph Tech TUSQ
Nut Width	1.5" / 38.1 mm
Truss Rod	Bi-Flex
Bridge Pickup	Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass
Middle Pickup	Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass
Pickup Configuration	SS
Electronics	18V Active / Passive Preamp
Master Control	Master Volume with S-1 Active / Passive Switch
Pickup Control	Pan Pot
Midrange Control	Stacked Midrange Boost / Cut with Passive Tone
Treble / Bass Control	Stacked Treble Boost / Cut and Bass Boost / Cut
Midrange Selector	2-Way Mini-Toggle
Midrange Frequencies	325Hz / 750Hz
Bridge	4-Saddle Adjustable HiMass
Stringing Options	String-Through-Body or Top-Load
Bridge Mounting	3-Screw Modern
Tuning Machines	Fender “F” Light-Weight Vintage-Paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts
Hardware Finish	Nickel / Chrome
Pickguard	1-Ply Silver Anodized Aluminium
Pickup Covers	Black
Control Knobs	Heavy Knurled Flat-Top
Neck Plate	5-Bolt
Strap Buttons	Locking
String Tree	Vintage-Style Disc
Strings	Fender 7250M Nickel-Plated Steel Roundwound .045-.105
Factory Case	Deluxe Molded Case

Specification Note

Individual instrument weight and serial number have not been supplied and have therefore not been guessed or added to this listing.

Power Requirements

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass features an 18V active bass preamp and therefore requires battery power when using its active electronics.

The S-1 switch allows the instrument to change between active and passive operating modes.

Always disconnect the instrument cable when the bass is not in use to help avoid unnecessary battery drain from active bass electronics.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass is one of the strongest options in Fender's range for players who want the fundamental character of a Jazz Bass without being restricted by traditional electronics or vintage neck specifications.

The combination of the compound-radius ebony fingerboard, Modern “D” quartersawn neck, Ultra II Noiseless pickups and redesigned active/passive preamp makes this a particularly powerful stage and studio instrument.

The Texas Tea finish and silver anodized pickguard also give this version a sophisticated appearance that suits its flagship specification.

Best suited for: Professional, gigging and recording bassists who need modern playability, low-noise operation and extensive tonal flexibility.

Customers usually upgrade from: Fender Player, Player Plus, Player II, American Performer and American Professional Jazz Bass models.

Most commonly paired with: Professional bass amplification, compressor, DI/preamp systems, octave, envelope filter and quality recording interfaces.

Our tip: Start by setting the active EQ flat and learning the pickup pan and passive tone controls first. Once you understand the underlying pickup response, use the 325Hz/750Hz mid switch and active EQ to fine-tune the bass for different rooms, amplifiers and mixes.

Showroom feedback: The neck is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Ultra II. The narrow Jazz Bass nut remains familiar, but the compound-radius ebony fingerboard, rolled edges and Ultra Satin finish make the upper register noticeably easier to access than on more traditional Jazz Bass designs.

Why Buy Open Box From Fair Deal Music?

Open Box equipment can be an excellent way to access premium instruments while making your budget work harder.

Every Open Box instrument we sell is individually handled and checked by our team before leaving the shop, giving you the reassurance of buying from an established independent music retailer.

We also make a point of identifying known cosmetic imperfections clearly so you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

For a premium bass such as the American Ultra II, you can also contact our team for additional advice or request a video demonstration of the individual instrument.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps customers choose guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, drums, studio equipment and much more.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned, Open Box and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience with new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

Considering a premium Fender bass and want to compare the American Ultra II with another Jazz Bass before buying? Speak to our team by phone, online or in-store for practical musician-to-musician advice.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, bass, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the American Ultra II Jazz Bass be played passively?

Yes. The S-1 switch allows you to move between active and passive operation, giving you access to a more traditional passive Jazz Bass approach as well as the full onboard preamp.

What does the switchable midrange frequency do?

The mini-toggle changes the centre frequency of the active midrange control between 325Hz and 750Hz. The lower frequency affects more of the bass's body and low-mid character, while 750Hz focuses more strongly on definition and presence.

Are the Ultra II Jazz Bass pickups noiseless?

Yes. They use Fender's Ultra II Noiseless Vintage design, which is specifically intended to retain Jazz Bass-style response while rejecting the hum associated with conventional single coils.

Is the ebony fingerboard good for slap bass?

Yes. The flatter upper section of the compound-radius fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets provide a comfortable modern platform for slap, fingerstyle and faster technical playing. Technique and setup will still have a much greater influence than fingerboard material alone.

Can I use the bass without the active EQ?

Yes. Passive mode is available through the S-1 switching system, so you are not forced to use the active preamp for every sound.

Can the HiMass bridge be top-loaded?

Yes. The bridge supports both top-load and string-through-body installation, allowing players to choose their preferred stringing arrangement.

Are Luminlay side dots useful on stage?

Yes. They are designed to remain easier to see in low-light environments, which can be particularly helpful on dark stages where conventional side markers become difficult to locate.

Is the Ultra II worth choosing over the American Professional II?

Choose the American Professional II if you prefer a traditional passive Jazz Bass with premium USA construction. The Ultra II is the better fit when a compound-radius neck, noiseless pickups, active/passive switching, three-band EQ and advanced ergonomics are features you will genuinely use.