Fazley Bass Guitar

Discover if the Fazley Bass is Right for You

Fazley bass guitars have become a popular choice among bassists over the last few decades. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and diverse range of models, Fazley produces bass guitars suitable for beginners to professionals. This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know about Fazley basses to determine if one of these instruments is right for your music.

What is a Fazley Bass Guitar?

Fazley is a bass guitar brand started in South Korea in the 1970s. They are known for making high-quality, handcrafted bass guitars at affordable prices. Fazley offers both mass-produced and fully custom shop bass guitar models.

Some key features of Fazley basses include:

• Traditional bass guitar shapes and styling
• Wide range of wood types used, like ash, alder, maple, mahogany
• High-quality hardware and electronic components
• Precision and Jazz bass-style pickup configurations
• Excellent fit and finish with smooth necks and fretwork
• Crafted by experienced luthiers and builders
• Diverse lineup from basic to professional-grade basses

Fazley basses cover the gamut from traditional P and J-style designs to more modern and ergonomic shapes. They offer options for 4, 5, and even 6-string models. This diversity makes them suitable for many different genres and playing styles.

Are Fazley Bass Guitars Good for Beginners?

Fazley makes excellent bass guitars for beginners. Many of their lower-priced models offer high-end features and quality in an affordable package.

Beginner-friendly aspects of Fazley basses include:

• Playability: Necks and fretboards are crafted for comfort and easy playability. The bass feels great right out of the box.
• Quality components: Even cheaper Fazley models have good tuners, pickups, and electronics to get excellent tone.
• Lightweight: Many starter and mid-range models have lightweight, basswood bodies ideal for new players.
• Versatile sounds: The combination of electronics and hardware can produce both vintage and modern bass tones.
• Value: Prices run lower than major American brands while providing great quality and features.

The well-crafted necks, great fit and finish, and variety of options make a Fazley a wonderful first bass guitar. Models like the FB500 or FB600 are perfect starter instruments.

How Much Does a Fazley Bass Guitar Cost?

Fazley bass guitars range in price from under $200 for basic starter models to over $2000 for high-end custom shop basses.

Here is an overview of Fazley bass guitar pricing:

• Under $300 – Basic “beginner pack” models like the FB350P. No-frills bass for new players.
• $300-$800 – Bread and butter of the Fazley lineup. Good mid-range options like the FB500, FB600, and FB700 series offer great value.
• $800-$1500 – Pro-level instruments with premium woods, components, and appointments. Models like Fazley Artist Series.
• $1500-$2500 – Full custom shop basses. The pinnacle of the brand, offering tailored woods, electronics, and aesthetic options.
• $2500+ – Top of the line signatures and collectible limited edition custom shop Fazleys.

The product range means there’s a bass guitar for nearly every budget. Expect to pay between $400 to $1200 for a very good quality Fazley model based on your needs and specs.

What are the Best Fazley Bass Guitars Available?

With the wide selection of Fazley basses, here are 5 of the top models spanning different price points and categories:

• Fazley FX500 – A nice mid-range bass with versatile sound at around $600. Great for rock, pop, or jazz.
• Fazley FB700 – Affordable pro bass with bartolini pickups, going for $850-$1000. Excellent for gigging.
• Fazley AcoustiCarve – A unique semi-hollow acoustic-electric bass guitar for under $900. Provides beautiful warm acoustic tones.
• Fazley Journeyman – High-end professional 5-string with premium tonewoods for around $1600. One of their flagship pro basses.
• Fazley Custom Shop – Full custom bass shop models letting you tailor everything. As personalized as you can get starting around $1800.

These represent some of the best Fazley models that provide great value with professional sound and craftsmanship. From the sub-$1000 FX500 to the fully custom, you’ll find the perfect Fazley bass guitar for any budget.

Where Can I Buy a Fazley Bass Guitar?

There are several options for purchasing a new or used Fazley bass guitar:

• Online retailers – Many big music shops like Musician’s Friend and Guitar Center carry Fazley instruments on their website. Amazon and eBay also have many new and used Fazleys for sale.
• Local music stores – Check with local guitar shops and retailers, especially ones that focus on bass guitars. They may have one or two Fazley models in stock.
• International dealers – As Fazley is manufactured in Korea, they have authorized dealers in many Asian countries that stock full product lines.
• Used marketplaces – Reverb.com and Craigslist often have used and vintage Fazleys for sale at nice discounts.
• Direct from Fazley – The company website has a “Dealer Locator” tool to find authorized sellers near you. Or order a custom shop bass direct from Fazley.

Shop smart by reading reviews and comparing prices between retailers. With a mix of online, local, and used sources, you can find the ideal Fazley model for your budget and needs.

What Materials Are Fazley Bass Guitars Made Of?

Fazley utilizes several high-quality tonewoods and components to construct their bass guitars:

• Bodies: Basswood, mahogany, swamp ash, alder and maple are commonly used. Basswood is very popular for mid-range models while swamp ash or alder are used on higher end instruments.
• Necks: Maple, mahogany, wenge, and occasionally multi-ply woods like maple/bubinga are typical neck woods. Maple is a very common neck material across the lineup for its strength and bright tone.
• Fingerboards: Rosewood and maple are the most widely used fingerboard woods for their playability, warmth and clarity. Ebony is sometimes seen on high-end models as well.
• Hardware: Chrome-plated alloy is used for tuning machines, bridges and other hardware. Some pro models have upgrades like graphite nuts or high-mass bridges.
• Electronics: Bartolini and Nordstrand pickups are common for premium sound in the higher series. Affordable bass models utilize Fazley’s own pickups.

This combination of select tonewoods and pro-level components allows Fazley to produce great sounding, quality instruments at reasonable prices. Even their budget friendly basses utilize good materials for the price point.

Are Fazley Bass Guitars Suitable for Professional Players?

Yes, Fazley bass guitars are more than suitable instruments for professional bassists playing live and recording. Some key reasons why:

• Build quality – Their high-end pro models compare to top American brands in craftsmanship and attention to detail. Made to withstand the rigors of touring and regular use.
• Component quality – Bartolini, Nordstrand and Aguilar pickups or tubes preamps give premium tone that competes with any professional bass guitar on the market.
• Sound versatility – Pickup configurations and active/passive electronics options allow for vast tonal possibilities from modern to vintage.
• Diverse models – The wide catalog has specialty pro models like fanned-fret, multi-scale, acoustic-electric and extended range basses.
• Custom options – Their custom shop offers tailored instruments hand-built to match individual playing styles and preferences.
• Affordability – Pro models cost thousands less than comparable American made instruments. More bang for the buck.

With robust construction, customized sound, and high-end components at great prices, Fazley basses are absolutely stage and studio-ready for any professional player.

What is the Sound Quality of a Fazley Bass Guitar?

The sound quality of Fazley basses is very clean, well-balanced and versatile thanks to quality electronics and thoughtful construction techniques that reduce unwanted noise and feedback.

Some key characteristics of a Fazley bass guitar tone:

• Clear, deep lows that are punchy but smooth – neither too boomy nor overly bright. Nice defined fundamental notes.
• Balanced mids that cut through a mix but aren’t harsh or nasal sounding.
• Bright but not overly zingy highs – just enough for string definition and presence.
• The combination of tonewoods and construction gives a very resonant, singing sustain.
• Active electronics on higher models provide powerful, full tones with tonal shaping control.
• Passive electronics on mid-range models offer dynamic vintage-style tones.
• Very little fret, string or electrical noise comes through. Excellent shielding and grounding.

Overall, Fazley basses achieve rich, musical tones whether using passive or active electronics. This makes them extremely versatile instruments that work for various genres and playing techniques.

Do Fazley Bass Guitars Come With Accessories?

Fazley generally packages their bass guitars with useful accessories to help new buyers get started:

• Gig bags or hardshell cases for safe transport and storage
• Strap for playing standing up
• Extra strings – usually Fazley branded strings installed +1 extra set
• Polishing cloth for cleaning and care
• Hex wrenches for saddle height and truss rod adjustments
• Some models include free mini amplifier or headphone amp
• Instructional DVD/CD covering setup and playing basics
• 2-3 year limited manufacturer’s warranty

Higher priced Fazley basses generally come with more accessories – the full custom shop models include premium padded cases, custom straps, pro setup tools and care kits.

While no pedals, amps or cables are included, the handy accessories that do come standard make it easy to start playing your new Fazley bass right away.

How Do Fazley Bass Guitars Compare to Other Brands?

Here is how Fazley bass guitars stack up against other popular bass guitar manufacturers:

• Sound: On par with top brands like Fender, G&L and Warwick for great tone. Not as many onboard preamp/EQ options as active brands like Spector or Ibanez.
• Build Quality: Comparable craftsmanship and materials to G&L USA and mid-tier imports like Schecter or Sterling. Not as lush as boutique makers like Sadowsky but costs much less.
• Components: Bartolini and Nordstrand pickups stand with EMG, Seymour Duncan and Delano. Hardware matches Schecter, ESP LTD and Warwick quality.
• Value: Much better price-to-performance ratio than big names like Fender USA, Rickenbacker or MusicMan. Great bang for the buck.
• Selection: Nearly 200 different bass models is more diverse than Cort, Sterling or G&L’s lineups. But not as broad as huge brands like Fender or Ibanez catalogs.
• Playability: Smooth, fast necks and low action similar to classic players like Fender Jazz and P basses. Not quite as fast as shred-friendly Ibanez Soundgear necks.

Overall, Fazley basses provide comparable quality and sound to brands costing 2-3x more. The excellent value makes them stand out against famous American bass companies.

What are the Most Popular Fazley Bass Guitar Models?

Some of the best selling and most acclaimed Fazley bass guitars include:

• FB700 – The top-selling mid-priced model, provides incredible bang-for-buck across many genres.
• FX500 – A favorite for rock and metal thanks to its aggressive styling and active pickups.
• AcoustiCarve – Their beautiful hollowbody acoustic-electric bass.
• Custom Shop Fazzilla – Highly coveted custom shop beast with exotic woods and custom electronics.
• Journeyman – Flagship professional 5-string perfect for touring and recording.
• FB350P – Best selling beginner package for new bassists.
• Signature models – Artist collabs with top players like the Cliff Williams signature.
• Limited Edition models – Special runs like the Blood Moon series with exotic inlay work.

With nearly 50 years of bass craftsmanship spanning beginner to high-end instruments, Fazley has a model to satisfy any player’s needs and budget.

Are Fazley Bass Guitars Durable?

Yes, Fazley bass guitars are built to last thanks to their quality components and solid construction. Here are some reasons they stand up well:

• Seasoned wood – Fazley uses properly dried and cured tonewoods less prone to warping and structural issues.
• Robust bodies & necks – Made of solid woods, not cheap plywood, with woods like swamp ash selected for grain strength. Polyester finished prevent wear.
• Quality hardware – Tuning keys, bridge plates and other hardware are chrome-plated and reinforce stress points against damage.
• Fretwork – Frets ends are carefully finished to avoid snags and properly seated to prevent lifting. Smooth fretboard edges last against play wear.
• Electrical shielding – Proper shielding and grounding in the electronics cavity reduces buzz and noise issues over years of playing.
• Plek’d fretboards – Higher end models have Plek machine aided fret leveling for super consistent fret height and longevity.

While any instrument requires care and maintenance, Fazley basses are built to handle years of regular playing and transportation for touring musicians. Their attention to detail contributes to a durable, road-ready bass guitar.

Does Fazley Make 4-String or 5-String Bass Guitars?

Fazley manufactures both 4 and 5-string bass models to fit different playing needs:

• 4-string basses – The majority of their lineup, including signature and standard models, are 4-string instruments. Available in Precisions, Jazz, and exotic body styles.
• 5-string basses – Fazley makes many 5-string options like the Journeyman and FB705. Ideal for genres needing that extended low B string like rock, metal and fusion.
• 6-string models – A handful of specialty 6-string basses offered for maximum range and expressiveness.

While 4-string instruments make up most of the Fazley catalog, they ensure to provide quality 5 and 6-string models required by today’s bassists. Whether you are a traditional P-bass player or need the modern edge of a 5er, Fazley has you covered.

Are there Left-Handed Fazley Bass Guitars Available?

Fazley does produce select left-handed bass guitar models for southpaw players:

• Left-handed versions of some standard models like the FB600L and FX500L
• Left-handed Journeyman and FB705 5-string basses
• Custom shop offers left-handed builds

However, the selection is much more limited compared to right-hand instruments. Only their most popular models get left-handed production runs in smaller quantities.

used lefty Fazley basses are harder to find as well. But the custom shop is an option for a completely tailored left-handed Fazley built to your specs if you can’t find the standard model you want.

So while not ignored, lefties have fewer readily available choices. It is best to contact Fazley directly about current lefty models on offer if you wish to try one out.

Can I Get a Fazley Bass Guitar in Different Colors?

Fazley produces their bass guitar models in both classic and exotic finishes:

Popular standard colors include:

• Classic black
• Sunburst
• Natural gloss and satin
• Crimson red
• Sapphire blue
• Emerald green
• Transparent amber

Some special edition colors:

• Stained quilted maple tops
• Sparkle metalflake finishes
• Flip-flop and colorshift paints
• Neon and pastel colors
• Unique hydrographic graphic finishes

Fazley also offers completely custom color and finish options through their custom shop. This includes painted artwork, laser etching, exotic veneers, staining, relic’ing and more.

So whether you want a traditional bass hue or something wild and one-of-a-kind, Fazley has finish options to give your bass a unique look.

What is the Weight of a Fazley Bass Guitar?

On average, most Fazley 4-string bass guitars weigh between 7.5 – 9.5 lbs, with weight varying based on model and wood types used.

Factors affecting a Fazley bass weight:

• Solidbody vs hollowbody: Solidbody instruments are lighter – hollowbodies can weigh over 10 lbs.
• Basswood bodies tend to be lighter – denser woods like mahogany are heavier.
• More premium components add weight – e.g heaviest tuners, bridge.
• Exotic top woods and finishes add a small amount of weight.
• Typical 4-string Fazley is 8-9 lbs – comparative to Fender Precision.
• Typical 5-string is 9-10 lbs – the low B boosts weight slightly.

While not the featherweight choice, Fazleys are in line with the general weight range of quality bass guitars. The materials and construction keep weight reasonable for the high build quality.

How Do I Care for and Maintain a Fazley Bass Guitar?

Here are some tips for keeping your Fazley bass guitar in top playing condition:

• Keep the bass clean by wiping down with a microfiber cloth after playing to remove fingerprints, dirt and grime.
• Polish frets and condition fingerboard every few weeks to prevent buildup and reduce wear.
• Check neck relief and adjust truss rod if needed to match your string gauge and playing style.
• Oil the fretboard with lemon oil products every 3-4 months to prevent drying out.
• Avoid exposing your bass to extreme temperatures and humidity changes. Keep stored in climate controlled areas.
• Replace strings regularly – coated strings last longer but still need changes every few months.
• Inspect electronics – solder any loose wires, swap out bad pots, clean controls with contact cleaner.
• Adjust bridge saddles and tighten any loose hardware as needed. Lubricate tuners if sticky.

With some simple regular care and maintenance, a quality Fazley bass guitar will last many years and remain gig-ready.

Are There Any Discounts or Deals on Fazley Bass Guitars?

Yes, you can sometimes find discounts, sales and special deals on new Fazley bass guitars:

• Check music retailers for holiday sales around Christmas, Black Friday, etc.
• Buy during the summer slow season when stores are clearing older model year stock.
• Look for online coupon codes which can take 5-10% off your order.
• Buy used – great deals on mint condition pre-owned Fazleys, sometimes nearly half off.
• Check Guitar Center’s Used section – they carry used Fazleys often at nice prices.
• Sign up for Fazley’s newsletter for new product announcements and discount offers.
• Consider B-Stock – small cosmetic flaws lead to big discounts direct from Fazley.
• Buy a 2020 factory seconds model – save on discontinued colorways and minor defects.

Seek out sales holidays, used deals and promo offers to land big savings on your next Fazley bass guitar purchase.

What Do Customer Reviews Say About Fazley Bass Guitars?

Overall, Fazley bass guitars are very highly regarded based on customer reviews:

• Many praise the excellent quality and craftsmanship given the reasonable price points.
• The wide selection of models is appreciated, from inexpensive starter basses to pro instruments.
• Tone is consistently described as fantastic – rich lows, clear mids, and singing sustain.
• The neck feel and playability out of the box earns a lot of positive feedback. Necks described as fast, comfortable and smooth.
• Hardware, electronics and components perform reliably even on more affordable models. Quality parts throughout.
• Fazley’s customer service team is complimented for being very responsive and helpful.
• Most say the bass guitars represent an amazing value compared to bigger American companies.

Across different price tiers, Fazley is repeatedly called out for offering quality bass guitars with amazing tone that exceed expectations. This consensus explains their growing popularity with bassists.

Are Fazley Bass Guitars Good for Rock, Jazz, or Funk Genres?

Thanks to their tonal versatility, Fazley basses work extremely well for various music genres:

Rock – Models like the FX500 with active EMG-style pickups have the punch and cut needed for hard rock. The snap and mid-range boost cuts through dense guitars.

Jazz – The deep warm tone of their acoustic-electric bass guitars and hollowbodies are perfect for smooth jazz. Passive Fazleys also have great dynamic and acoustic-like tone.

Funk – Five string Fazleys can thump out funky grooves all day long. Their sustain and attack on slapping and popping techniques really makes them funk-friendly.

The combination of diverse body shapes, pickup configurations, and electronics means Fazley caters well to bassists across all genres. From stage-shaking rock to nuanced jazz performances, a Fazley bass guitar will get the authentic genre-appropriate sounds sought after.

The Verdict: An Amazing Value Bass Guitar

Fazley may fly under the radar for some, but their offerings stand up impressively to giants of bass like Fender and Warwick. Top notch craftsmanship, pro-grade materials and components, and astounding tonal range make Fazley basses hidden gems. Models consistently punch above their weight class in terms of value.

Whether buying your first starter bass or investing in a lifetime custom instrument, Fazley deserves strong consideration. With knowledge of their diverse catalog and pricing, bassists can find the perfect Fazley to match their budget and needs. If seeking high quality bass tone and construction that transcends its price tag, discover your perfect match within the impressive Fazley lineup.