FT/FS Feeler: 1988 Japanese Fretless Fender Jazz

[MistaMarko]

**SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD**



This is a 1988 MIJ Fretless Fender Jazz bass. I snagged this in early 2008 as an impulse buy when someone traded it in while I worked at a guitar shop. It came in great condition, but right when I bought it, I worked with the other techs at the shop and sanded the fretboard (lightly, just to smooth it out), polished, cleaned hardware, put new strings, etc. Since doing that, I have never ever gigged with it once and to be honest, this thing has sat in the gig bag in my closet 99% of the time. I'm mainly selling this because I just never use it and don't have time to learn how to play a fretless properly. The only real playing that has been done was a YouTube video I recorded with it, and I used it to record one song on my band's last album. Somehow this bass looks VERY close to minty in certain parts, but excellent condition overall. I was HIGHLY surprised to find out that this was over 20 years old, looks about 5 to me. I can honestly say there are no dents/chips and hardly any blemishes at all...just a few surface swirls/marks here and there. jack, knobs are all perfectly working, the neck is the typical nice, sleek/thin Japanese neck, and the serial number appears to date it 1988. The only notable thing is that the white pickguard was exposed to cigarette smoke it appears and has a very faint yellow tint to it on one side (super hard to notice, but it's there). The bass currently has Fender nickels (40-100) roundwounds, with low action, gets the classic fretless "mwah" no problem with great growl.

One thing I should note is that the previous owner apparently installed this random metal piece (maybe a grounding piece or something?) that goes from the bridge pickup to the bridge. I really have no idea what this is or does, maybe someone can identify it in pictures below. Also, the pickguard has two screwholes that aren't being used (the two holes to the left and right of the neck pickup), which leads me to believe they replaced the pickguard or did some slight modding of some sort maybe? Honestly have no idea how to tell, just an assumption.

I'd much more interested in seeing what trades I can get, but I will probably eventually sell if I don't get any offers I close on. Selling offers are welcome for now as well aside the selling price listed below. As far as trades, I'm really looking for a solid, good quality 4-string (no active pups please), and I'll look into some 5-string offers as well if you have them, but would prefer a 4-string -- looking to delve into the slap/funk world a bit more. I'm open to any offers:

*EDIT: Decided for now I'd only want to trade, but will possibly sell at a future point in time*

[swpyne]

PM sent!

[MistaMarko]

PM replied

[Cannabass]

i got a MIA 4 string jazz fretted, antiquity II's with series/parallel switch, black/rosewood

if that interests you

[MistaMarko]

Could you PM me pics if you don't mind?

[DanGouge]

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

One thing I should note is that the previous owner apparently installed this random metal piece (maybe a grounding piece or something?) that goes from the bridge pickup to the bridge. I really have no idea what this is or does, maybe someone can identify it in pictures below.

That little strip is for grounding, I think all of these basses had it so it must have been factory-installed. Mine used to have it (I have a 1989 MIJ fretless that used to look almost just like yours) until I stripped the finish and had a hole drilled for a proper grounding wire.

[gnergaard]

yes, that grounding strip going to the bridge is completely original. My g-serial # MIJ fretless twin has the same grounding set up.
Bump for the twin to my first bass and one I'll never sell. If the fingerboard is unfinished (as in epoxy or acrylic) and has only been lightly sanded once then this is in remarkable condition.

[MistaMarko]

Definitely, the neck especially looks brand new, I have no idea how this is as old as it is. Must have sat in the closet a good bit...

Keep the trade offers coming! I'm interested in the offers so far and might go with them but still holding out to see what's out there.

[MistaMarko]

Happy Easter bump!

[Jaymi]

PM replied to

[blipndub]

Originally Posted by gnergaard

yes, that grounding strip going to the bridge is completely original. My g-serial # MIJ fretless twin has the same grounding set up.
Bump for the twin to my first bass and one I'll never sell. If the fingerboard is unfinished (as in epoxy or acrylic) and has only been lightly sanded once then this is in remarkable condition.

Ground strip is deff original I had one of these in white, great bass, hard to find such a nice unlined neck. Sorry to have sold mine.

[krustwell]

i don't know why i'm even considering this one. maybe this free bump will put it on someone else's radar who will take it off your hands before i make yet ANOTHER attempt at fretless...

[bulletbassist]

Sibling bump

WOW! This is the sister to my '91ish Squire J... Right down to the grounding strip.

Must. Resist. GAS.

Don't suppose you would discuss a drastically upgraded Squire VM Jazz bass?

[MistaMarko]

Could you post more info/pics (or PM it to me) -- I'll consider. Not too fond of Squiers though, will take a look however!

Friday bump...I'm DYING to get rid of this, I just need a solid 4-string bass of equal quality. Any Spectors, Warwicks out there? If not I'm definitely interested in all the Fenders as well. I will accept good 5-strings as well.

Been getting nibbles at this thing left and right from both ends but nothing nailed down, so this is still available. If I can't find a decent trade by next weekend I'll just sell.

[rybass309]

PM'd

[MistaMarko]

All PM's responded I believe.

I think I've settled on a current trade, so ONE last bump for any last offers out there. Otherwise, this'll be gone shortly!

[MistaMarko]

This is now SOLD!

Thanks everyone.