Fender PJ-555 Jazz Bass Special comes from the Boxer series, which was part of the early Fender Japan line. Production took place at the Fujigen factory from 1984-1987, during the period when Fender moved some production to Japan to reduce costs while maintaining high quality. It is an evolution of the earlier "P-J" model from the first Fender Japan catalogs, designed as a hybrid of the Precision and Jazz basses, offering tonal versatility. The Boxer series was aimed at the Japanese and export markets, with an original price of around ¥60,000. Models from the 80s are valued for their precise craftsmanship – Japanese luthiers used better materials than some American counterparts from that era. Black version - the entire instrument in gloss black, including the neck and hardware. After 1987, the series evolved, but the original Boxers from Fujigen are considered the best. In 1989-1990, similar models were produced (e.g., with the "I" series), but in a different factory (Dyna Gakki), with minor changes like a wider neck and different pickups.

Technical Specifications

This bass is a 4-string instrument with a classic construction, but with modern (for the 80s) accents. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Specification:

Body: Alder – light wood providing good resonance and balance, without excessive weight.

Shape: Precision Bass style, but lighter and more ergonomic, with contours for comfort when playing standing up.

Finish: Gloss black polyurethane.

Neck: Maple with a slim C profile (thin, comfortable for fast playing). 38 mm at the nut (like in a Jazz Bass), scale length 34”, radius 7.25”.

Frets: Medium jumbo.

Truss rod adjustment from the body side.

Hardware:

Bridge: Vintage.

Tuners: Clover button type (Gotoh FB30), black.

Other: Black knobs in F-top style with rubber grips, characteristic only for Boxers.

Electronics and Pickups:

Configuration: PJ – split-coil Precision (Hot Rod P-40) at the neck for deep, punchy bass and single-coil Jazz (Hot Rod J-50) at the bridge for clarity and midrange.

Pickup Features: Oversized pole pieces (large magnets) for a stronger signal than in vintage models – hotter wind (stronger winding), providing presence and growl.

Controls: Two volume potentiometers (volume x2), one TBX tone (passive, allowing treble boost or bass cut for twangy tones).

Strings: New Nickel Roundwound 45-105 Daddario.

Characteristic Features and Playability

The PJ-555 is a versatile bass – the PJ hybrid provides tones from deep, warm bass (like in Precision) to bright, aggressive mids (like in Jazz). The light construction makes it comfortable for long sessions, and the slim neck facilitates fast playing. Sound: Punchy and bold, with treble growl – ideal for rock, punk, or metal (Duff McKagan used a similar one). The TBX tone adds uniqueness, allowing "twang" without active electronics. Compared to American Fenders from the 80s, Japanese Boxers have better wood quality and finishes – often described as "fabulous" and better than modern Mexican models. The black version adds a dark, rock look. Users praise the simplicity of setup and durability – after years, the finish can be polished, and the pickups sound "gloriously".

Condition

The instrument is already 40 years old, so it fully deserves the title of a "vintage" guitar, yet it is in really good condition, especially the hardware, which after so many years in black doesn't look as good anymore. Visually, it has signs of use, but nothing that disfigures or draws attention. Technically, everything is functional and works without issues.

This is probably one of the most iconic Japanese Fenders – similar to the Aerodyne. I recommend it!