1976 Jazz Bass in the new condition

[Bassplayer315]

I was about to do just the opposite: sell my 77 jazz and buy a Sadowsky.

I may be mistaken but don't the pot codes on your photos say 13th week of the year 77? If that's the case then it's impossible that the bass had come out of the factory in 1976.

My bass is similar. It's a 76 according to the serial number but the pot codes say 77. Mine has a four bolt neck.

I hear ya, I was about to order a NYC after selling my Merto, but the pots are 76. The 137 is for the manufacture CTS, next 2 number are the year "76" the next 2 for the week 18. CBS had a stock pile of pots in 1966 that lasted almost 10 years. They ran out in 75-76 and this would be the first run of new pots on this bass.

 

[The Bass Clef]

I hear ya, I was about to order a NYC after selling my Merto, but the pots are 76. The 137 is for the manufacture CTS, next 2 number are the year "76" the next 2 for the week 18. CBS had a stock pile of pots in 1966 that lasted almost 10 years. They ran out in 75-76 and this would be the first run of new pots on this bass.

You're right about your pots dating to the 18th week of '76, but that big stockpile of pots Fender bought in '66 didn't last 10 years... more like 4. 1970 was the last year you'll see '66 pots from the factory. Congrats on the '76, it looks mint!

 

[Bassplayer315]

You're right about your pots dating to the 18th week of '76, but that big stockpile of pots Fender bought in '66 didn't last 10 years... more like 4. 1970 was the last year you'll see '66 pots from the factory. Congrats on the '76, it looks mint!

Thanks for the update on the pot stock pile, there is a few places I researched and one of them said 10 years. 4 sounds much more realistic.

 

[jazz Bass 74]

The "official" value on a 76 ranges from between $1,750 and $2,500, but I think one this clean would command a premium.

This is just a personal observation, but of all the three-bolt Jazz Basses from the 70s, I've always thought the 75's and early 76's (prior to the mid year switchover to the 76 headstock serial number) are the best. It seems the factory took more care in installing the micro tilt device in the earliest models. By the later years, as production sped up, it becomes increasingly common to see the neck drilled improperly.

 

[fakeneckplate'65]

Black & maple, pure sex appeal..

 

[Bodeanly]

Simply beautiful...

 

[tbplayer59]

I don't think I've seen this question asked: Are you planning to play it? $4k makes it a collector's item, so playing could possibly devalue it (dings, scrapes, fretwear, etc.)

 

[tbplayer59]

Congrats! Cleanest I've ever seen. You are very lucky to have found one in this condition.

Kinda like my 75 body / 77 neck Jazz bass... only NOS ;-)

I thought 1976 was non-serif font decal with serial number... So when was the change?

The font changed in 1976.

 

[packhowitzer]

In Philadelphia, it's worth fifty bucks.....

 

[Son of Wobble]

It's a beauty, that's for sure. I don't know how well you remember your original '76, but compared to modern Jazz basses they're built like a tank, weight not withstanding.

I should say they are built like tanks, weight included.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Well the seller was an elderly gentleman who was a guitar player and hand issues sidelined him so he started collecting. He purchased this bass from a collector in Nashville before the crash of 2008. He would not tell me what he paid but I think it was a lot more than what I ended up paying. Story of the bass was a guy purchased it new. Played it once a week for six months and slid it under the bed where it sat for 10 years, sell to the Nashville collector when he passed, Nashville guy keeps the bass in a temp controlled room till my guy buys it. The bass has never been played. My first jazz was a black 76. Deal done and I will be playing this and keep till I pass it on to my son.

Curious about the disconnect here.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Well the seller was an elderly gentleman who was a guitar player and hand issues sidelined him so he started collecting. He purchased this bass from a collector in Nashville before the crash of 2008. He would not tell me what he paid but I think it was a lot more than what I ended up paying. Story of the bass was a guy purchased it new. Played it once a week for six months and slid it under the bed where it sat for 10 years, sell to the Nashville collector when he passed, Nashville guy keeps the bass in a temp controlled room till my guy buys it. The bass has never been played. My first jazz was a black 76. Deal done and I will be playing this and keep till I pass it on to my son.

Curious about the disconnect here.

I take it to mean the collector never played it, however the original owner who sold it to the collector did play it occasionally.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I take it to mean the collector never played it, however the original owner who sold it to the collector did play it occasionally.

maybe, but "The bass has never been played" is an absolute statement. Not trying to be contrary, just curious.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Well, we'll just have to wait for the OP to clear that up, then.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Well, we'll just have to wait for the OP to clear that up, then.

I'm pretty sure you are correct and his intent was it was never played after the original owner passed and the bass was sold the first time. My poor old analytical brain, however, goes bl5#4%^%|\!zip when it encounters such anomalies.

 

[silky smoove]

That bass is absolutely stunning. Great find. Hope you dig it.

 

[Mastermold]

The "official" value on a 76 ranges from between $1,750 and $2,500, but I think one this clean would command a premium.

This is just a personal observation, but of all the three-bolt Jazz Basses from the 70s, I've always thought the 75's and early 76's (prior to the mid year switchover to the 76 headstock serial number) are the best. It seems the factory took more care in installing the micro tilt device in the earliest models. By the later years, as production sped up, it becomes increasingly common to see the neck drilled improperly.

Yeah as clean as that one is I'd pay $3,000 personally, assuming it played as well as it looked. Hope the OP gets it and posts more photos.

 

[leonard]

I hear ya, I was about to order a NYC after selling my Merto, but the pots are 76. The 137 is for the manufacture CTS, next 2 number are the year "76" the next 2 for the week 18. CBS had a stock pile of pots in 1966 that lasted almost 10 years. They ran out in 75-76 and this would be the first run of new pots on this bass.

Ok! So my pots are dated 74.

@Bassplayer315 how do you like the Metro compared to a 70's Fender?

 

[basspraiser]

That is unreal.... And gorgeous..

 

[Bassplayer315]

I don't think I've seen this question asked: Are you planning to play it? $4k makes it a collector's item, so playing could possibly devalue it (dings, scrapes, fretwear, etc.)

I do plan on playing it out from time to time, I plan to preserve it and make no mods.