JB 61
The JB 61 Set represents the early years of the Jazz Bass. It delivers full-voiced grumble and a fat, low midrange tone which has enthused its fans in the diverse musical genres: Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ladi Geisler (Bert Kaempfert Orchester with the slapping bass tone from a Twin Reverb using a felt plectrum) or the unbelievably masterful Jaco Pastorius. Further Jazz Bass icons: the 16 year-old Bootsy Collins, who played with James Brown and others who provided driving musical foundations for legendary bands are of course, Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).

JB 71
Following the sale of Fender to CBS budgets and expenditures were cut. As with the Stratocasters and Telecasters the pickups for the Jazz Bass were wound with less wire. The result was a different but by no means inferior sound. The sound of the JB 71 Set is somewhat wiry, lighter and a little airier. The midrange is not as powerful or far-reaching in bass as the JB 61. Lower bass and highs have more room to unfold. A typical example of the 70s bass sound is Marcus Miller.