Dating 1973(?) Fender Jazz

[Wisebass]

Those tuners became standard by June '76. ;-)

And are also known as "Schaller open backs"

Wise

 

[JW56789]

I did.

But this question occurs pretty regularly, and not always with the same set of circumstances. I just hate to think somebody later finds out . . . . . that everything is NOT what it seemed or was described correctly. I tried to word my post about these questions in general, not just this one; if I failed to get that across, 'scuse me.

 

[Wisebass]

I failed to get that across, 'scuse me.

No worries! I just thought it was funny!

 

[okabass]

No holes for thumb rest in the upper part of the body. I think the thumb rest (holes) were "down" untill '73, then up. So its older than '74.

 

[bearhart74]

I'd rather date a woman than a bass.. but the bass would probably be less maintenance...screw it date the bass but dont pay for dinner.

 

[AidanE]

the tuning keys have been replaced. they were originally nickel and this type :

View attachment 3823330



they didn't use the chrome ones with the removable worm gear until about 1976.

..... and the body looks more like alder to me (which 1973 was the last year that they used alder and switched to heavy ash). do you know how much the body weighs?

Thank you. I see, so not original tuners either, possibly still 70's ones. The spec sheet from the dealer says it is indeed an Alder body, so if true that would confirm the body is a 73. Total weight from their spec sheet is 8lbs 15oz, but no weight on just the body and I don't have a scale otherwise I'd weigh it for ya

 

[AidanE]

Or stamped together with a whole bunch of others (not enough ink on the stamp)

There are a lot of early 70s basses without or barely legible stamps.

Just one example:

View attachment 3823303

greetings

Wise

Good look, and a bit more reassuring that it could be the original neck

 

[AidanE]

I did.

But this question occurs pretty regularly, and not always with the same set of circumstances. I just hate to think somebody later finds out . . . . . that everything is NOT what it seemed or was described correctly. I tried to word my post about these questions in general, not just this one; if I failed to get that across, 'scuse me.

Yes, essentially I'm trying to confirm how accurate the seller's description of this instrument was, and if it adds up to price paid. In this particular case, I knew that the bass had some refinishing work, and did not have original components.it was priced as such (not a collector's price because its not really collector's bass with the lack of original components) but I'm pretty happy with the way it plays and sounds. I really appreciate the TB er's who've helped me so far and in such a quick time, because of the seller's return policy. If I were to discover either the body or the neck was not original, I might return it!

But so far it seems as though we've determined the body is an original fender from 73 refin , and the neck although somewhat ambiguous, in the opinion of several of the other posters, seems to also be a 70's fender neck and likely the original (not sure on the refin status). We've also determined the reroutes for pickups and the non original, but still vintage tuners.

I'm feeling more confident that it is indeed the original neck and body. Thank you to everyone who contributed, especially Wise and John K.

 

[johnk_10]

8lbs 15oz would verify that it's alder.
the badass inlaid bridge route is also a mod to the body (and IMO, the worst of the mods), but i'm certain that the neck and body are an original 1973 fender jazz bass that have both been refinished (but nicely done). you could have that route filled with alder and reshoot the bass an original color to bring it back to spec. or you could just play it as is and it's still a nice jazz bass.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I come to these threads for the inevitable "dinner and a movie" post(s) - I'm never disappointed!

 

[Wisebass]

Salut Aidan

I'm pretty happy with the way it plays and sounds.

That's the most important part!

If I were to discover either the body or the neck was not original, I might return it!

I will join johnk_10 for the final 'verdict'

I have no doubt that both are original! The neck as well as the body!

I think (like I posted before) that the body had two refins. I don't think that black was the original color.

The neck pocket would look different.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, especially Wise and John K.

The pleasure was mine! It's nice to 'date' a 73 Fender btw...

...here is mine! The headstock is my avatar.

greetings

Wise

P.S. no I will not post the 'hot shower" pic again

 

[blastoff]

to be clear though, thats not a route between cavity and neck pickup, thats a strip of copper, right?
looks good btw! reminds me of mine

maybe yours was originally mocha too! (or walnut or whatever). also i diddnt know about those nail holes on the back. very cool, you learn a little something everyday

 

[Killing Floor]

Couple things...
Looks like a nice bass. Maybe doesn't have a ton of collector value but IMO you can find better things to invest in. So play the heck outta it.

 

[DennisM]

IMO, it's a vintage fender and the neck has definitely also been refinished. it's appears to be a '73 or '74 to me. someone added a route in the body from the neck (middle) pickup to the control cavity though since they didn't have a route like that.

Looks like a 74. I owned one and with 4 bolt neck plate, I would say 74.

 

[johnk_10]

to be clear though, thats not a route between cavity and neck pickup, thats a strip of copper, right?

you're right. looking closer, that does look like a strip of copper. good eye.

 

[johnk_10]

Looks like a 74. I owned one and with 4 bolt neck plate, I would say 74.

in '74 the were ash (not alder) and had the thumbrest on the bass side. it's definitely a 73.

 

[johnk_10]

also, as far as the paint goes. the black ones did have a white primer coat under the black paint but it's hard to tell if this one was actually a black one originally.

 

[AidanE]

8lbs 15oz would verify that it's alder.
the badass inlaid bridge route is also a mod to the body (and IMO, the worst of the mods), but i'm certain that the neck and body are an original 1973 fender jazz bass that have both been refinished (but nicely done). you could have that route filled with alder and reshoot the bass an original color to bring it back to spec. or you could just play it as is and it's still a nice jazz bass.

I agree, Sinking the badass into the body of the instrument is a strange and somewhat ugly choice.

 

[AidanE]

Salut Aidan



That's the most important part!



I will join johnk_10 for the final 'verdict'

I have no doubt that both are original! The neck as well as the body!

I think (like I posted before) that the body had two refins. I don't think that black was the original color.

The neck pocket would look different.



The pleasure was mine! It's nice to 'date' a 73 Fender btw...

...here is mine! The headstock is my avatar.

View attachment 3823865

greetings

Wise

P.S. no I will not post the 'hot shower" pic again

Phew! Good to know it seems original. Yes I understand now, it was most likely natural to begin with, was refinished and painted over, and then refinished again and restored to natural IYO. Your bass is a beaut btw.

 

[AidanE]

to be clear though, thats not a route between cavity and neck pickup, thats a strip of copper, right?
looks good btw! reminds me of mine
View attachment 3824147
maybe yours was originally mocha too! (or walnut or whatever). also i diddnt know about those nail holes on the back. very cool, you learn a little something everyday

Nice bass! I didnt know they made them in that color, very cool. Yes you're correct. I double checked and its just a strip of copper between the neck pickup and the control panel.