70's reissue Jazz Bass

[L.L.Elwood]

Hey there.. I own one of the sunburst 70s jazz reissues (mexican). I actually bought some of the Highly appraised Custom Shop 60s jazz pickups to replace the originals, but just couldn't because the original "vintage Style" AlNiCo fender pick ups KICK ASS. They sound better than the custom shop pickups..

Does anyone know anything about the stock pickups in this bass? Are the American pickups? Mexican? Damn do they sound good.

 

[L.L.Elwood]

Man, I would agree..I know this is an old post but, I just replaced my main gigging 75 reissue with one of these 70s classics, sunburst. I did throw hipshot tuners and bridge on it (although, i was really impressed with the stock stamped fender tuners) The hipshot vintage tuners were just a little heavier duty, but lighter in weight actually. This bass weighs in at about 9 lbs and sounds AMAZING. WAYYYY better than my 75 reissue. I love it and cant stop practicing. The pickups are so musical, growly, punchy, subtle very very nice sounding bass.

 

[hypercarrots]

the pickups are the same ones found in the highway ones and classic 60s.

 

[ChronicPyromaniac]

I love mine as well. It's my number one. Is it just me or does that tiny difference in bridge pickup placement make all the difference in the world?

 

[RS]

I love mine as well. It's my number one. Is it just me or does that tiny difference in bridge pickup placement make all the difference in the world?

I would venture to say it does, if you are very accoustom to jazz bass tones.

I have had 3 MIA 75 RIs, and I like my 70s Classic better.

 

[L.L.Elwood]

the pickups are the same ones found in the highway ones and classic 60s.

Thanks Hypercarrots!

 

[L.L.Elwood]

These 70s Classic Jazz basses are a steal right now.. You can pick them up on Ebay between $500 and $600.

 

[funkout5]

a couple of the reviews on MF say the neck feels thicker then an average jazz neck...

 

[ChronicPyromaniac]

When compared to my brother's 60's CV Squier Jazz, yeah, it does. But I was playing P-Basses and a Epi T-Bird before, so it was noticably thinner for me.

 

[SwitchGear]

I recently scored a black 70's classic jazz like new. 8.8 lbs with a great neck. I stuck a black 75 reissue Fender guard and a thumbrest on her. No pics, but you all know what it looks like. Sweeter than the 1976 Fender jazz I bought new. Very nice bass with a 4 bolt neck.

 

[your idol]

now if only they had maple boards

 

[Kenny Allyn]

Just played one today ...

NOT an exact replica as it has a bullet truss rod but with a 4 bolt neck. But the neck size and shape is pretty right on, as compared to the early 1975 I had (4 bolt neck old style trussrod) and my current 1973.

... The early to mid 70s J Bass did have a little thicker neck in my experience, my old 76 was thinner like a Geddy Lee.

 

[electracoyote]

That bass does things to me...psychologically. But why, oh WHY doesn't Fender offer these RI basses with an ash body option? They did the same thing with the FSR 70s RI, alder only. Ash would seal the deal, I'd sell a kidney.

As it stands, I have to get these CIJ from the Ishibashi Music Store in Tokyo.

 

[Atlanta Dave]

I picked up one of the black 70s reissue Classic Jazz basses a few weeks ago and it really does sound great and sure feels good. The neck is a bit thinner than the late 90's USA Jazz I have, and plays fast. Those block inlays are sweet looking too. I think Fender hit it on the money with this rig.

 

[Shadi]

Hey guys-

I was gassing for this terribly right after they came out, and I got one through MF. It was gorgeous, sounded good, but even with a pro set up, I just couldn't get the action how I like. I sold it on ebay earlier this year.

 

[Gbass75]

I'm typically a P-Bass player, so the thicker neck didn't phase me at all. Though, I did start out on a Jazz Bass many years ago... so, I understand what all the J-Bass players are talking about.

I was going to drop a set of Fralins into this bass, because I was skeptical of what the stock pickups would sound like. However, I've got to say I think I may have changed my mind. I, too, think these pups are pretty tight... and, of course, I'm pleased not to spend another $160 on pickups.

I have no problem with the 9.5 lbs... I used to play a '78 Precision bass that was an absolute TANK. It sounded amazing... but, boy oh boy, my spine has paid the price!

Back to the neck... it's funny... I have a MIJ '62 P-Bass and I think the neck may actually be thinner than the '70s Jazz!

Anyway... I think this is an excellent bass... of course, I would play before you pay; but, I am VERY PLEASED with this instrument. A few mods, and this may become my primary bass!

Cheers!

 

[Mastermold]

I've played several of these at GC and have yet to play one I didn't like.

 

[hypercarrots]

I have two of these and both sound great. To the black one I added a maple block and bound allparts neck and the original rosewood neck went to another jazz. The sunburst is stock. I really like the pickups in these basses.

 

[SlingBass4]

NICE stable of Fender basses, hypercarrots!

I have a dead mint 70's reissue black body that I'm not going to do anything with (afterall) IF anyone is interested. PM me for info/price/trade possibilities.

 

[L.L.Elwood]

Hey guys-

I was gassing for this terribly right after they came out, and I got one through MF. It was gorgeous, sounded good, but even with a pro set up, I just couldn't get the action how I like. I sold it on ebay earlier this year.

Yeah, I had some trouble with upper fret buzzing. I tried shimming the neck that didn't really work as i would like, ended up taking the shim out and filing the 20th and 21st frets. now it plays beautifully.