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Calling Vintage Fender Experts: 1961 Stack Knob Jazz

PolkaHero

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,645
3,299
Michigan
#1
I myself own a '61 Fender Jazz that I partially restored. Came upon this Reverb listing today for this "original" 61 Jazz which happens to be a stack knob model. Neck date is written "10/61". I thought Fender had switched over the 3 knob configuration by the end of 1961? I had to replace the electronics in mine and had a hard time deciding which configuration to go with as my neck is from 7/61 which was around the time they made the transition to the 3 knob layout. I decided to go with the 3 knob based on more familiarity and a more open tone according to people who have used both.

What say ye, vintage Fender experts?

Fender Jazz Bass 1961 | Damnfine Inc
 
#2
The stacked-knob configuration lasted till 1962. Jaco's famous Bass of Doom was a '62 model and originally had the stacked knobs, but shortly after he got it, he had it converted to the standard three-knob configuration (he preferred it, apparently, said it had more "punch"). There was a small period between late '61 and early/mid '62 where both configurations were being made while Fender used up parts for the stacked knobs
 
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#5
How do you know the body has been refinished? Did they not offer 3-tone sunburst finishes back in the day? Yeah, that bass is only worth half of that amount if it's a refin, you would think the seller would disclose that important piece of information.
 
#7
PolkaHero said:
How do you know the body has been refinished? Did they not offer 3-tone sunburst finishes back in the day? Yeah, that bass is only worth half of that amount if it's a refin, you would think the seller would disclose that important piece of information.
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It wasn't refinished, clearly it was stripped of it's original sunburst finish, though. Another misguided hippy probably... :)

Also, it would only be worth maybe half that asking price if it was sent away and properly restored by someone like John Kalas.
 
#9
king_biscuit said:
It wasn't refinished, clearly it was stripped of it's original sunburst finish, though. Another misguided hippy probably... :)

Also, it would only be worth maybe half that asking price if it was sent away and properly restored by someone like John Kalas.
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I wouldn't say it was "stripped of its finish." The original sunburst is still there under the pickguard and there is still finish apparent on the back of the body. This bass has quite a bit of use on it. It's just not "well cared for."
 
#10
iammr2 said:
I wouldn't say it was "stripped of its finish." The original sunburst is still there under the pickguard and there is still finish apparent on the back of the body. This bass has quite a bit of use on it. It's just not "well cared for."
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There is still gloss on the back of the neck, the fretboard and frets look almost untouched, and I can see sanding marks all over the body. Maybe whoever stripped it left the pick guard on. Unless you think someone managed to play the finish off of the heal of the neck pocked but didn't dint the finish on the neck in the same area.
 
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#11
Very cool bass.

Finish is stripped everywhere, except under pickguard (strange?)

A stripped finish is essentially a refin (both are unoriginal), and should be priced accordingly.

A fair price is probably around $8,000 (IMO)

The rosewood on that neck looks awesome.
 
#14
They probably used that utility knife razor blade tucked in the neck pocket as a shim, to scrap the finish off :)

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#20
Elusive1 said:
The stacked-knob configuration lasted till 1962. Jaco's famous Bass of Doom was a '62 model and originally had the stacked knobs, but shortly after he got it, he had it converted to the standard three-knob configuration (he preferred it, apparently, said it had more "punch"). There was a small period between late '61 and early/mid '62 where both configurations were being made while Fender used up parts for the stacked knobs
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No, the '62 BoD was always a 3 knob bass. Jaco's '60 fretted bass was originally a stack knob that he changed to a 3 knob because it had a lower output from the '62.

Bassically, Michael
 
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