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63 Fender Jazz. Need Advice

#41
OP, I'd try and get at least ONE picture before you make the trip. It might turn out to be a 60's Japan model Jazz bass worth about $200...

I've found AMAZING deals on vintage gear, but it doesn't happen often. And I was able to look at pictures before I took the trip. I once drove 5.5 hours each way to go snag a '75 P bass for $600. It was definitely worth it, but I made sure I saw close up shots of the entire bass before I drove out there.

Gold hardware doesnt sound right...

And he's just gonna give it to you so you can take it home and refinish it, and then you guys will split the diff? If someone GAVE me a 63 J (or P bass now? :confused:) I'd probably take it home and play the crap out of it and never give it back.
 
#42
Agree w/ the others. Gold hardware ? I think it`s safe to say that`s not original. "Sanded neck" may mean ruined neck w / no decal, etc. As far as your pots question, I believe Fender went from Stackpole to CTS in `63 (I know they did in Strats, anyway, cause I just sold a `63 Stackpole split-shaft pot), but either should have a "63" in the serial #. If the pups are bad, the PG busted, etc. there is NO money to be made probably, even parting out. And it`s kinda fishy that he says he looked it up on the `Bay and priced it, but doesn`t know if it`s a P or J. And, he`s going to GIVE it to an out-of-town stranger to restore and sell, expecting to get some money back on it ? Ask yourself: if you REALLY had a 60`s Fender (or anything, for that matter), would you give it to someone on CL and expect them to bring you some money later on ? The whole thing sounds crazy...but worth a drive, nontheless. Just don`t get caught in some kind of trap and let emotion override good sense - which is possibly what he is angling for. Good luck and keep us posted !
 
#43
Really good point above. How'd he look it up if he doesnt even know what it is?

I'd bring a friend with me so you don't get chopped up into little pieces and throwin in a freezer somewhere.

Although, I disagree that there is no money to be made off this bass. If it's a 63 Fender Jazz or P neck, you can fetch at least $1k for it. And probably another $1k or less on the body too...but if you don't know what you're looking for, you should bring someone with you who does...
 
#44
Actually gold hardware is possible on a '63. There were several special orders and also the Mary Kay model(ash body with translucent white finish) had gold hardware.

Also, the jazz bass began its transition from stack knob to 3 knob in '61, but became more official in '62. The Fender "'62 Reissue" is actually a reissue of a '60 or '61.
 
#45
If the seller has a car in the driveway with this license plate, RUN AWAY.

95%20Chicks%20Dig%20The%20Buffalobillmobile.jpg
 
#47
Well, as far as emotion getting the best of me, there's been enough red flags for me to go in with caution. Also. I don't have any money. If things are weird I'm getting out. The reason he trusts me is because he's retired military, and I'm in the army. He said in sanding the neck, they removed the logo. His solution was to contact fender and get a sticker. He doesn't quite get it. He's an older gentleman and has a few health issues, so he doesn't have the energy to go seeking out the work that needs to be done on the instrument. According to the emails, he just wants us both to come out ahead from this. If he's on the level, I'll honor the arrangement. We've agreed, if everything actually is on the level, that I'll do What ever work I feel is necessary and sell it for what ever price I think I can get. And he gets 2k after its all said and done, I keep What ever I can get above that. If I can't get 2k, I'm handing the bass right back to him.
 
#48
tomshepp said:
Try this, Link Removed

After you get an idea of what you're willing to pay for it, ask the seller what his asking price is. A restored/refinned 63' Jazz with all original parts would be in the $2500-$3500 ballpark.

I would only have a pro do a restoration, unless I had a lot of experience doing this type of thing.

BTW, an original condition 61' Jazz sold on ebay for just under 10K last week. So, while the market is still down, that's not too shabby.
Click to expand...

I have a dumb question. Every now and again I read this kind of pricing, and I want to believe it, but can you really get a 61 jazz for 10k? What's up with this then?:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Hey calmb4tehpwn, the 'on topic' point of this post is you may be dealing with an instrument with this kind of value, so i'd get an expert opinion before changing anything ;)
 
#49
subscribed ;).

Wow, if it is a special order and all original, even despite any sanding, it's still very valuable.

Sounds like you got your heart in the right place, if he's genuinely trying to find someone to help him sort out a vintage bass and get some money for it, then definitely help him out...you'll earn some great karma.

If however he is deliberately scamming you, the info you've been given sounds like this guy is trying to take you for a huge fool. Sanding the logo off... jeez.

If you can bring an iphone or something and post pics, I bet TB folks will give you answers in about 15 minutes on what you have there.

Wow, good luck!! This is better than twin peaks on DVD.
 
#50
By the sound of it, he just never had any intention of making money off of it. And had no idea the value had gone so high. I've got my trusty Droid at my side And will have dozens of pics as soon as I touch down. If you don't hear from me by 8pm assume I'm in little bits. SPC Michael Spaulding out of fort eustis VA.
 
#51
calmb4tehpwn said:
Well, as far as emotion getting the best of me, there's been enough red flags for me to go in with caution. Also. I don't have any money. If things are weird I'm getting out. The reason he trusts me is because he's retired military, and I'm in the army. He said in sanding the neck, they removed the logo. His solution was to contact fender and get a sticker. He doesn't quite get it. He's an older gentleman and has a few health issues, so he doesn't have the energy to go seeking out the work that needs to be done on the instrument. According to the emails, he just wants us both to come out ahead from this. If he's on the level, I'll honor the arrangement. We've agreed, if everything actually is on the level, that I'll do What ever work I feel is necessary and sell it for what ever price I think I can get. And he gets 2k after its all said and done, I keep What ever I can get above that. If I can't get 2k, I'm handing the bass right back to him.
Click to expand...

Curious as to what exactly you plan on doing with it? I wouldn't refinish it, as it'll be worth a LOT more if you leave the finish, even if it's beat up.

Any parts for this bass (PU's, electronics, hardware) are going to cost some SERIOUS money if you plan on restoring to original...

Although, even if you throw some modern Fender replacement pickups in it, non-matching hardware, the wood alone is worth a bundle. Especially if you have an original 63 neck on your hands...

Have you done any research to know what to look for to identify this as such???
 
#52
I think this is a good lesson in not buying anything vintage, usless you are qualified to know what you are buying. Now, you could give yourself a crash couse in indentifing the component parts. In a few hours, with the correct books in hand, you could know what you are doing. I would not totally rely on information recieved from forums because some who are offering expert "opinions" may not be experts. Buying Vintage instruments is not for the unlearned. Your 1963 dream bass may end up only being worth 1/4th of what you pay for it.
Rocky
 
#55
You may be on the road, but here's my advice, based on the fact that it's very clear that you know NOTHING about vintage Fenders or restoring them. If you did, you would never have asked about replacing the wiring.

Don't do ANYTHING to this bass yourself. Don't change a single screw, don't clean it, don't change even the smallest detail.

If this instrument is worth refinishing at all, it has enough value that ONLY a specialist in restoration should touch it. You should simply find one and ship the bass to that person, with the owner paying the bills. My guess is that a restoration will run more than $1000, but the resulting value - when done by a professional - will considerably exceed that. An amateur trying his first resto on THIS bass would be a major error in judgment and will not have a positive result.

If you want to learn how to refin a bass, buy an old Japanese cheapie or a second-level brand like Squier which is a playable bass but has no substantial value. Learn on that bass, which is essentially disposable. DO NOT DO IT on a '63 J, if that's what it actually turns out to be.

You also need to do your homework on vintage basses - do lots of Internet searches, read restoration threads on TB, etc.
 
#56
I hope all your dreams come true. By the way, did this guy every claim it to be a Fender? I mean, he does not know a Jazz from a Precision and the only way he would have a clue that it was a 63 would be to pull the neck off and check the date. Like I said, hope your dreams come true. Don't take any money with you, just to be safe.
Rocky
 
#57
I shouldn't really add any more negativity to this thread, but, as mentioned, if this guy is sure its a '63 there is no way he could confuse a jazz bass with a P bass...scam city for sure.
I give it about a 2% chance this guy shows up with a vintage fender
 
#58
Pilgrim said:
You may be on the road, but here's my advice, based on the fact that it's very clear that you know NOTHING about vintage Fenders or restoring them. If you did, you would never have asked about replacing the wiring.

Don't do ANYTHING to this bass yourself. Don't change a single screw, don't clean it, don't change even the smallest detail.

If this instrument is worth refinishing at all, it has enough value that ONLY a specialist in restoration should touch it. You should simply find one and ship the bass to that person, with the owner paying the bills. My guess is that a restoration will run more than $1000, but the resulting value - when done by a professional - will considerably exceed that. An amateur trying his first resto on THIS bass would be a major error in judgment and will not have a positive result.

If you want to learn how to refin a bass, buy an old Japanese cheapie or a second-level brand like Squier which is a playable bass but has no substantial value. Learn on that bass, which is essentially disposable. DO NOT DO IT on a '63 J, if that's what it actually turns out to be.

You also need to do your homework on vintage basses - do lots of Internet searches, read restoration threads on TB, etc.
Click to expand...

Agreed 100%
 
#59
Well, my phone was dying when I got there. No pics yet. Plus side. He just handed it to me and told me to look it over and let him know. Its a precision. Old as ****. Both the neck and body have been sanded down. No logo on the headstock. The SN is faded, and a bit sanded but no 63 in the number. Maple fretboard. Chrome tuners, brass pickguard and pots. Two bridges, one chrome one brass. Pics and more info once I'm home. Bout and hour and a half back for me. Once again, no money spent and my hopes aren't up for a 63, he gaurantees me its before 70 though.
 
#60
Pilgrim said:
You may be on the road, but here's my advice, based on the fact that it's very clear that you know NOTHING about vintage Fenders or restoring them. If you did, you would never have asked about replacing the wiring.

Don't do ANYTHING to this bass yourself. Don't change a single screw, don't clean it, don't change even the smallest detail.

If this instrument is worth refinishing at all, it has enough value that ONLY a specialist in restoration should touch it. You should simply find one and ship the bass to that person, with the owner paying the bills. My guess is that a restoration will run more than $1000, but the resulting value - when done by a professional - will considerably exceed that. An amateur trying his first resto on THIS bass would be a major error in judgment and will not have a positive result.

If you want to learn how to refin a bass, buy an old Japanese cheapie or a second-level brand like Squier which is a playable bass but has no substantial value. Learn on that bass, which is essentially disposable. DO NOT DO IT on a '63 J, if that's what it actually turns out to be.

You also need to do your homework on vintage basses - do lots of Internet searches, read restoration threads on TB, etc.
Click to expand...

+100!

First, you need to authenticate the parts you are buying....and from the sound of it, you are buying some parts, which give you a clue as to what the value is in the current condition (the sum of the parts).

Let's say you are looking at all original parts with a bad refin and an abused neck...a sunburst all original '63 JB in VG+ condition goes for ~$10k + . An all original top quality refin by a 'known' restorer ~ $5k.

It'll cost you $500 - $1000 to restore it. You certainly want to make money for your effort...that doesn't leave a lot for the seller.

This is really the kind of thing a pro finds and puts in sweat equity. See an article by Kevin Borden in Premier Guitar here for just such a situation:

Invalid Link Removed
 

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