Felix Pastorius: Teacher, Author and Master of the Low End

A phenomenal bassist, teacher and author with an extensive list of credits to his name – including a run with the legendary jazz-fusion band Yellowjackets – it’s safe to say Felix Pastorius is a master of the low end. While he may be the son of Jaco Pastorius – one of the most influential bass players in modern music – Felix has done more than follow in his father’s footsteps. He’s blazed his own trail. And it all started on a Fender Jazz Bass.

“I’ve been playing Jazz Bass since I was 10 years old,” he says. “For me it’s the most natural bass to choose for almost any situation based solely on the fact that I’m comfortable with it – but I can also get almost any sound out of it.” From his early days playing small clubs in Miami with his twin brother, Julius, to a three-year run with the Yellowjackets, touring as a member of rapper A$AP Rocky’s band and writing and performing in his own New York City-based punk/jazz band, Hipster Assassins, Felix Pastorius is the embodiment of versatility. And the American Ultra II Jazz Bass is the perfect match for his intuitive playing style and incredible sonic range.

“The difference between a bridge pickup and a neck pickup and then the blend between the two is paramount to my ability to find what I’m looking for in any playing situation,” he notes. “In any gig or any opportunity to play, I can almost always hear what I would do with a Jazz Bass first.”

From our fastest-playing necks to new Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Jazz Bass pickups, the Ultra II Jazz Bass both advances the state-of-the-art and stands the test of time. In a new video, Pastorius shows what’s possible when style, versatility and innovation meet. “This is the culmination of years and years of Fender holding themselves accountable for what it is that they expect from themselves. And trying to tie it all together into one thing. There’s attention to detail in all parts of it. And I appreciate that.”

Watch Pastorius show off the Ultra II Jazz Bass and check out the complete Ultra II lineup here.