Fender 1962 concentric reissue Jazz Bass

[hosebass]

Fellow TB'ers

I could use some help
I am interested in a Fender 62 concentric reissue Jazz Bass. I have seen versions with the grounding strip from the bridge pickup to the bridge and some without.
I have also read there are USA versions and Japanese version.
My questions are:
1) which version is better?
2) when were each version released?
3) what release year is better? ( I understand there 80's versions as well as 2012 versions)

Any input would be appreciated

[rootsnfifths]

I have some info for ya....

I have owned both the MIJ '62 RI and the AVRI '62 and the US AVRI is superior. The MIJ does not have concentric controls I beleive but still is a decent bass with very good build quality and sound. The AVRI, IMO has better sound/pickups and a better shaped neck.

The US released the AVRI line in the early 80's and those first 2-3 years were supposedly better. They were made in Fender's Fullerton plant the same way Fender the originals, they say. The Fullertons are also more expensive than non-Fullertons. I have a 2005 AVRI that kicks butt but I hear the nitro finish may be thinner on the latter year AVRI, if that matters to ya.

[Caca de Kick]

Originally Posted by hosebass

I have seen versions with the grounding strip from the bridge pickup to the bridge and some without.

For about two and a half decades Fender was putting the ground strip on the US Jazz. Then around '05/'06 they were just including it in the parts accessory bag. Not sure if they were even including it during the last couple of years.

[D.M.N.]

Yes, the grounding strip was included until the end. I bought a brand new one last July, and it was in the bag, and I installed it, though you can never see it as I leave the bridge cover on.

There are actually 2 Japanese versions. The normal 62ri fram Japan has been around a long time, and it has the traditional 3 knob setup. I think some had the strip, or people may have taken them off of others. But currently there is a limited edition Japanese 62 reissue bass that seems to be pretty much identical to the US version. It has the stacked knob configuration, but I don't know what the finish is (probably poly).

[hosebass]

Thank you! After more research and other bass players opinions, I am leaning towards the Fullerton version. Now I just have to find one at a reasonable price! Any ideas besides e- bay? I know a few vintage bass places. But any input would be appreciated.

[oleskool]

Was looking at these yesterday.
http://elderly.com/vintage/items/55U-4981.htm

[MIMike]

They both came out at the same time in the early 80s (82-83). Most people actually mistake the naming on these. There was no such thing as a made in Japan "62" reissue. The entire line of made in Japan instruments, both basses and guitars, were called "50's reissue" or "60's reissue" guitars or basses. It was the American made versions that were given a specific year of reissue. The made in Japan Jazz bass was called a 60's Reissue Jazz Bass. It had the traditional three knob setup with VVT, and still had the brass grounding strip. I don't think they necessarily came with bridge and pickup covers...can't remember that for sure. It bugged me for many years that people referred to a made in Japan as a 62 reissue...even many dealers did, and there was no such thing. I'm over that now.

[lowphatbass]

I think people refer to the MIJ basses as '62 RI partially because of Fender Japan's model designations, for example "JB-62", etc. They are also often stamped in the pocket and on the heel also.

The Japan "RI" basses of the 80's and 90's aren't actual reissues in the true sense of the word, although they do share some of the attributes, colors and vibe of the era.

[JTE]

There were two distinct series of Japanese reproductions of old Fenders. The ones made for import into the US were called the Reissue Series and were merely the then-current Standard series with dime cosmetic changes to resemble the original instruments. They had yellow poly, bar magnet pickups (at least the Reissue with a capital "R" Strats did), cheapo crappy mini pots and switches, etc. It was a little like a very poor version of what became the "Classic" series.

The more authentic and better-built products for the Japanese market were much more like the US Vintage Series, but I don't know for sure what Fender called them. I know there was a Japanese Vintage Series, much different from the Reissue Series.

That's the reason I avoid using the generic "reissue" when talking of Fender's various reproductions.

John