1962 Fender Jazz Bass Value?

Jamezinski · #1 03-17-2010, 08:51 PM

Hi all -- I'm waiting for a call from an appraiser about this bass I've got - 1962 J Bass. It's in really, really awesome condition. No scratches, and it's not a "Frankenbass" made up of replacement parts...

I don't want to go into the story of how I got this bass, I don't even play bass.
I've got the original case. And there's a warranty card in the case but I'm not sure if the warranty card goes with the amp or not.

I cannot find anything like this bass online and it's almost like it is unreal. I was told at a guitar store they are in no position to buy it, but were glad to see it. I just want it appraised for insurance reasons, really ...

Ballpark, guys. What do you think? Low-ball it, even. My curiosity is killing me now!

pacojas · #2 03-17-2010, 08:59 PM

no pix, no bass!!!

Jamezinski · #3 03-17-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

no pix, no bass!!!

I have pics ... but they aren't very good. The original case is in the garage because it's got mildew that made me sneeze, so it's in a new case FYI --- I guess I should have posted pictures ... I don't know what to take pics of on the bass, really ...

Jamezinski · #4 03-17-2010, 09:15 PM

two more ...

Cannabass · #5 03-17-2010, 10:10 PM

damn nice jazz

waleross · #6 03-17-2010, 11:00 PM

Insurance purposes ? Its almost 50 years old, how about $1999.00...................................

Jamezinski · #7 03-17-2010, 11:00 PM

I feel like I'm taking bass porn ...

I'm really just trying to stress that this bass is in F*CKN crazygonutsbananas great shape.
The only flaw it has is this chip/dent thingie. You guys don't know? No clue? No guess at the value? Is it true Japanese people like to buy our vintage stuff?
Help a girl out here. I'm obsessed until I meet with the appraiser.

Jamezinski · #8 03-17-2010, 11:03 PM

More ...

Jamezinski · #9 03-17-2010, 11:09 PM

It's retarded unbelievable. I only knew that it wasn't an old piece of junk because my ex played and well, you know how you guys are about your instruments. The number stamped on the back is in the 80000's. 86945 or something.
I don't know if it works or not though ...

Jamezinski · #10 03-17-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

Insurance purposes ? Its almost 50 years old, how about $1999.00...................................

That sounds about right ...
Maybe 1999.95

I don't know if I'm going to sell or not. Depends. Anyway, I live in an apartment and I've got renter's insurance, so ...

NO B.S. I'd sell it. Okay? It's stupid that I have it anyway. It's almost unfair - I don't even play. My ex would hate me even more now lol

RD · #11 03-18-2010, 01:45 AM

Jamezinski,
I'm not an expert, but I think you'll be able to get $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 for that bass, if you advertise to collectors and such. Relatively few players will pay that much for a bass, only the very top players in the business. Also, maybe a second appraisal is in order. From maybe George Gruhn or someone like that.
The guys will pull your leg.
be well,
RD

Jamezinski · #12 03-18-2010, 02:06 AM

Thank you! I think you're right about well, everything you said. George Gruhn would be the great to get an appraisal from, that's for sure. I am waiting to meet with an appraiser who was on Antique Roadshow ( oh la la ), but I've been up searching for others in the kansas city area. I might have to branch out, eh? Thank you so much for your response!
-Jamie

RD · #13 03-18-2010, 02:53 AM

I read somewhere that Gruhn will sometimes make appraisals based on photos etc. Good luck!
RD

Caca de Kick · #14 03-18-2010, 02:59 AM

Your best bet is to wait and get a written appraisal from George Gruhn.
Yes people here do have an idea on a 'round about value, but unless you are a paying member we are not allowed to discuss it's value because it turns into a for sale ad, and only paying members get to post sale ads.

As far as your pictures, they're kinda okay.
It's best to use natural daylight and no camera flash, use a table near a window. George is going to want to see big closeup pics, and the neck should be unbolted because the neck's date stamp will be there, and he'll want to see the back of the knob plate.
Load your pics on a www.photobucket.com

MR PC · #15 03-18-2010, 11:39 PM

Don't want to burst any bubbles, but this looks like an "80's reissue.

Be ready to answer questions about the instrument's history/origins and your involvement in it's acquisition. If it really is a 62 and you are looking for top dollar, people are going to want to know.

MR PC · #16 03-18-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

no pix, no bass!!!

No clay dots, no 62!

livinglow · #17 03-20-2010, 01:07 AM

Not all original, if it's a real 62- 62's came with stacked control plates. The neck should have more of a yellowing and the body finish does look more "80's"

kwjohnson4 · #18 03-24-2010, 10:34 PM

You should take the neck off and look at the stamp at the butt of the neck. it will show the manufacture monet and year. I've seen '62s this nice. It might be worth something, but dont' expect to get $15,000 + unless you are a dealer.

Caca de Kick · #19 03-25-2010, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livinglow

if it's a real 62- 62's came with stacked control plates.

No. Most 1962 Jazzes are three knob. The stack knobs were already phasing out during mid-'61.

The 60-63 Jazzes used smaller pan-head screws to hold on the chrome covers, and likewise, the chrome covers do not have bevelled holes since the screws are pan-head.

All 62 reissue J's have this feature wrong and use pickguard screws to hold the covers on which are bigger, and also require the chrome covers to have bevelled holes.
Those coarse thread Kluson tuners are original, not the incorrect reissue fine thread.

Bass Junkie · #20 03-25-2010, 07:20 PM

I have an early '62 all original and it is a 3 knob, just like the other 6 '62's I've owned. In fact, I've never seen a stack knob '62. Not saying they don't exist, just haven't seen one.

Looks like from your pics that it is a late '62 laminate fingerboard. Those are not worth as much as the early '62 slab baords. In this market 9,000 to 12,000, maybe less. 2 years ago it would have been worth 30% more. I saw 2 early Jazz basses on eBay this past week sell for about half what would have sold for 2 to 3 years ago. Not a good time for vintage instruments, unless you're the buyer.