• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

60th Anniversary Jazz Bass

C

Cheshirecat83uk

Mar 19, 2007
25
0
43
Durham, North East UK
#1
Hello ladles and jellyspoons!

Gotta make a first post somewhere so figured I'd try this out. I've been looking to get a new bass and I want a good ol' Fender Jazz. I've seen a few around and the 60th Anniversary one certainly feels great.

But I wanna get your opinions on it. Anyone here played one? Own one? Wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole? And what're the main differences between that and an American Standard or something?

All thoughts welcome, so let's hear it! Cheers!

Chesh :D
 
#2
I saw one a while back in a music store. If I remember correctly, it has a little emblem or something on the headstock, with a diamond or fake diamond inlaid. Other than that, it's probably very similar to the American Series (I might be wrong, I don't know the specs off hand). Unless you find one that has that certain feel and sound that can't be beat, I'd go for the regular American Series and save a little $$.
 
#3
It's nothing more than a regular Jazz bass with a 60th anniverssary emblem and I think they have a couple of colors and other cosmetics things on them that are just for the anniversary additions. Other than that they are same thing as a regular Jazz.

Unless you really have to have one of the 6oth models you can get any MIA Jazz with the same features and it will be the same thing.

I have seen some MIM guitar models that are being marketed by Fender as "special 60th anniverssary" models as well. They were nothing more than a MIM Strat with a silver paint job.
 
#6
I have owned 2 60th Anniversary Fenders. An American Deluxe Jazz and an American Deluxe Precision. The only difference I have seen is the little emblem on the back of the headstock. Cases are the same cruddy plastic ones that come with the non-anniversary basses.
 
#7
So the general concensus so far is that they're pretty much the same apart from some aesthetic aspects - eg. the diamante stud on the headstock, the little emblem on the back of the headstock and a specially etched neckplate at the back.

As for sound - has anyone actually tried the two? I plan to head out tomorrow and do it myself, as I know my local music shop has them both in. Is it really just a MIA with a little glitz dashed on it? Surely the difference between the American Vintage '62 pickups and the standard MIA fitted ones is audible?

Keep the feedback coming - I'm happy to hear it! Cheers all,

Chesh :D
 
#10
RevMachineBass said:
I believe there is a "Limited Edition" 60th Anniversary Series that comes with an actual diamond inlaid in the headstock and it came with a "Limited Edition" Silver Tolex Case.
Click to expand...

I knew it! The one I saw had a silver slab case, not the black plastic.

OK. so you actually get what you pay for, some cool extras.

Cheshirecat83uk said:
So the general concensus so far is that they're pretty much the same apart from some aesthetic aspects - eg. the diamante stud on the headstock, the little emblem on the back of the headstock and a specially etched neckplate at the back.

As for sound - has anyone actually tried the two? I plan to head out tomorrow and do it myself, as I know my local music shop has them both in. Is it really just a MIA with a little glitz dashed on it? Surely the difference between the American Vintage '62 pickups and the standard MIA fitted ones is audible?

Keep the feedback coming - I'm happy to hear it! Cheers all,

Chesh :D
Click to expand...


No, I haven't tried them. Can't afford them anyway (everything I currently own was bought used at rock bottom prices). You'll just have to try them out yourself. A cheaper bass with standard pickups just might sound and feel better than one with an inlaid diamond and '62 RI pickups.

And, the glitz of the more expensive one probably won't add a lot to resale value, IMO. But that slab case was cool.
 
#11
Cheers for all the feedback folks! And this afternoon - here in England, anyway - I get to speak from experience...

Okay - it seems that the 60th Anniversary one looks a bit snazzier. It's got the little limited addition extras, but other than that they appear very similar stood next to each other.

The sound - that's a bit different. The American Standard seems to have a punchier tone set flat, while the 60 Ann. one has a rounder sound than the AmStd. Also, the neck on the 60 Ann. one is finished different - your fingers slide much easier up and down the neck.

I think if you want more thrum, it's the 60's one, and if you fancy more punch, it's the AmStd. Cheers for all the feedback, guys.

Chesh :D
 
#12
Very funny that you posted this as I literally just walked in the door with my newest bass..... The afformentioned 60th Jazz!:hyper:

Here is exactly what you get and what comes with it. I haven't even plugged it in at home yet.

BTW, I went to buy a Highway 1 P or J and ended up loving this thing. It sounds and plays amazing. I got a great deal and only paid about $50 more than a standard USA model.

DSC01961.jpg


DSC01962.jpg


DSC01968.jpg


DSC01964.jpg


DSC01966.jpg


DSC01965.jpg


DSC01967.jpg
 
#15
Cheshirecat83uk said:
Cheers for all the feedback folks! And this afternoon - here in England, anyway - I get to speak from experience...

Okay - it seems that the 60th Anniversary one looks a bit snazzier. It's got the little limited addition extras, but other than that they appear very similar stood next to each other.

The sound - that's a bit different. The American Standard seems to have a punchier tone set flat, while the 60 Ann. one has a rounder sound than the AmStd. Also, the neck on the 60 Ann. one is finished different - your fingers slide much easier up and down the neck.

I think if you want more thrum, it's the 60's one, and if you fancy more punch, it's the AmStd. Cheers for all the feedback, guys.

Chesh :D
Click to expand...

They sound different, because they have different pickups, as I mentioned before.

The 60th Anniverasary editions basses, like the one pictured, have the American 62 Re Issue pickups, not the standard MIA "American Series" pickups.
 
#17
Wow, that looks fantastic - very nice indeed. I've played the bass against an AmStd and I prefered the 60th Anniversary one - so I'm buying mine up today.

Strange you mentioned that you only paid an extra $50 for it over an MIA, because that's the same sorta deal I'm getting at the local music store, only it's an extra £50 (the UK get ripped off soooooo much on prices).

Cheers for sharing!

Chesh :D
 
#19
man...to be honest with you, i work in a music instrument store. and we can't get rid of the damn thing. the one selling point we have is that it says 60th aneversary on it. If you get one make sure you get one that's made in America. They ahve the best quality everything. You could just spend your money on an American Jazz bass and have a better value int he long run. but then again that's your choice brosef.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back