- Ships to:
- United States
This ad may be a little long, but I want anyone considering this bass to know as much about it as I do so they can make an informed decision. You will not see phrases such as “mint, all original, unplayed” in the description. If you are looking for a collector’s item to hang on your wall or keep safely in the closet - this is not the bass for you. If however, you are looking for a great playing and sounding early 70’s Jazz that you can (and should) play everyday, this is your bass.
I’ve owned this bass for over 30 years and it was my #1 for quite a while, but haven’t played it much for the last 20 years or so. Unfortunately, over the years I developed back and shoulder issues that made it difficult for me to play most basses including anything shaped like a traditional Jazz Bass. I pull this bass out every few months, play it 10-15 minutes, then put it away until next time. It has sentimental value and I love the way it sounds and plays, but the time has come to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it and most of all play it.
When I got this bass in the early 90's it needed some TLC. The frets were worn down to nothing, the nut was cracked, and a small piece of the neck binding had broken off. It was less than 20 years old then, but it was obvious this bass had worked for a living.
Fortunately I had a great luthier who did a re-fret, made a new nut (bone, I believe) and repaired the binding. He does excellent work and it came out great. I never used strings that were abrasive and because I haven’t played this bass regularly for over 20 years the frets have almost no wear.. Truss rod worked fine and still does. The factory finish on the back of neck was quite thick so I also had my luthier do a ‘mini-refin’ on it. This greatly improved the playability as it’s not as sticky. It looks basically the same and you probably wouldn’t know it had been done if I didn’t tell you, but it definitely looks and feels less ‘plastic-y' than it did.
I put a BadAss II bridge on it back in the 90's and it was on it most of the time I was gigging with it. The original bridge, which is included, has a 'shortened' G string screw. As you are probably aware the early 70's Fender basses had long screws on the G for intonation adjustment. This one looks like somebody sawed or broke the extra length off. Maybe they didn't like the way it looked (?). A few years ago I decided to put a traditional Fender ’75 Jazz’ bridge on it purely for aesthetics.
To summarize, here’s what’s original: Body and finish, neck is original save for the work that I previously mentioned, pots and wiring (not pickups) are original and fully functional, and the control knobs. The pickguard is original, but has an extra set of thumb rest holes. The originals are on the treble side for the tugbar and there is a second set of holes on the bass side. I suspect the owner (or store) put a thumb rest on it like the 'new ones' that came after or maybe simply moved the original.
What's changed from original or unknown: The bridge - but original is included, plus the BadAss, plus a mystery bridge I never used. The tuners are Hipshot Ultralight. I have 3 of the originals, plus the 4th which looks like a replacement (chrome, not nickel). Interesting tidbit is that 2 of the original tuners have the little ‘r’ for registered trademark, but one does not. I assume that one was just left over from the previous batch. All four bushings are original. Pickups are Fender Custom Shop ’60's Jazz Bass. I never had the original pickups, but doubt they would sound better IMHO. Control plate is aftermarket, possibly Allparts but so long ago I don't remember. The original plate (included) has some flaking of the chrome around the jack. I also don’t remember which of the two jacks is the original. The strap buttons look like chrome so, maybe replaced. I never had the chrome covers or tugbar.
The hardshell case is old but in very good shape. The interior color is wrong for it to be an official Fender case, plus it has no logo.
We all know 70’s Fender basses can be boat anchors, but not this one. It weighs just under 8.3 lbs. with the 75 RI bridge. With the BadAss it’s a little under 8.6.
Price includes CONUS shipping and insurance. Sorry, but no international shipping. Payment via PayPal.
I have a lot of photos, PM me if you need to see something specific. Also PM with any other questions or offers.
I’ve owned this bass for over 30 years and it was my #1 for quite a while, but haven’t played it much for the last 20 years or so. Unfortunately, over the years I developed back and shoulder issues that made it difficult for me to play most basses including anything shaped like a traditional Jazz Bass. I pull this bass out every few months, play it 10-15 minutes, then put it away until next time. It has sentimental value and I love the way it sounds and plays, but the time has come to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it and most of all play it.
When I got this bass in the early 90's it needed some TLC. The frets were worn down to nothing, the nut was cracked, and a small piece of the neck binding had broken off. It was less than 20 years old then, but it was obvious this bass had worked for a living.
Fortunately I had a great luthier who did a re-fret, made a new nut (bone, I believe) and repaired the binding. He does excellent work and it came out great. I never used strings that were abrasive and because I haven’t played this bass regularly for over 20 years the frets have almost no wear.. Truss rod worked fine and still does. The factory finish on the back of neck was quite thick so I also had my luthier do a ‘mini-refin’ on it. This greatly improved the playability as it’s not as sticky. It looks basically the same and you probably wouldn’t know it had been done if I didn’t tell you, but it definitely looks and feels less ‘plastic-y' than it did.
I put a BadAss II bridge on it back in the 90's and it was on it most of the time I was gigging with it. The original bridge, which is included, has a 'shortened' G string screw. As you are probably aware the early 70's Fender basses had long screws on the G for intonation adjustment. This one looks like somebody sawed or broke the extra length off. Maybe they didn't like the way it looked (?). A few years ago I decided to put a traditional Fender ’75 Jazz’ bridge on it purely for aesthetics.
To summarize, here’s what’s original: Body and finish, neck is original save for the work that I previously mentioned, pots and wiring (not pickups) are original and fully functional, and the control knobs. The pickguard is original, but has an extra set of thumb rest holes. The originals are on the treble side for the tugbar and there is a second set of holes on the bass side. I suspect the owner (or store) put a thumb rest on it like the 'new ones' that came after or maybe simply moved the original.
What's changed from original or unknown: The bridge - but original is included, plus the BadAss, plus a mystery bridge I never used. The tuners are Hipshot Ultralight. I have 3 of the originals, plus the 4th which looks like a replacement (chrome, not nickel). Interesting tidbit is that 2 of the original tuners have the little ‘r’ for registered trademark, but one does not. I assume that one was just left over from the previous batch. All four bushings are original. Pickups are Fender Custom Shop ’60's Jazz Bass. I never had the original pickups, but doubt they would sound better IMHO. Control plate is aftermarket, possibly Allparts but so long ago I don't remember. The original plate (included) has some flaking of the chrome around the jack. I also don’t remember which of the two jacks is the original. The strap buttons look like chrome so, maybe replaced. I never had the chrome covers or tugbar.
The hardshell case is old but in very good shape. The interior color is wrong for it to be an official Fender case, plus it has no logo.
We all know 70’s Fender basses can be boat anchors, but not this one. It weighs just under 8.3 lbs. with the 75 RI bridge. With the BadAss it’s a little under 8.6.
Price includes CONUS shipping and insurance. Sorry, but no international shipping. Payment via PayPal.
I have a lot of photos, PM me if you need to see something specific. Also PM with any other questions or offers.
