Fender 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass

[colicchio]

I hardly doubt this. Would be interesting to ask a Fender Tec: what exactly was the difference between a '62 and a '63 JB Pickup?
Are you sure, they are discontinued? They are on the Flea Jazz (the Mexican copy of his old JB) and on the American Originals 60s Jazz. I own two AVS '64 Jazz and love them.

Good point. I know you can still get the '64s in those models, but I don't believe you can purchase separately anymore. I have them in my AVS '64 as well and have no desire to change, just curious as to how they compare. I'm no expert on JB history, but I don't recall any major changes, so it seems a bit odd to create a new line if the differences are minor. Maybe Alnico 2 vs 5?

 

[Pet Sounds]

Yes.

Edit, UK link but looks like these are in nitro as well - and a good deal cheaper than the Arctic Pearl version:
Fender 60th Anniversary Road Worn '60s Jazz Bass Olympic White | PMT Online

Do I read this correctly that the MIM version is 12.65 pounds?

 

[Dynacord]

Do I read this correctly that the MIM version is 12.65 pounds?

I did see that and did wonder - I'd guess total shipping weight with packaging but would ask before buying if buying... I have seen Jazz Basses that heavy before.

 

[colicchio]

The PV 62 pickups sound thicker and fuller than PV64, like Booster Version of PV64.

Are you basing your opinion on how they sound in this video? Or have you compared them directly? I've been curious about the difference between the two but haven't found any info on them.

 

[Tbone76]

Are you basing your opinion on how they sound in this video? Or have you compared them directly? I've been curious about the difference between the two but haven't found any info on them.

My personal experience between the PV62 and PV64 pickups is this: the 62’s have slightly more bottom, but it noticeably thickens up the overall tone when compared to the PV64’s. They both sound great, but I prefer the added depth to the bridge pup. It’s still has plenty of bark and burpiness, but it’s more pleasing to me. For reference, I had an American Original 60’s Jazz Bass with the PV64’s prior to picking up the 60th Anniversary Jazz. I’m also willing to concede that the different tone control configuration may be contributing to the sound I’m hearing. In any event, though, I absolutely love how the 60th plays and sounds.

 

[jd50]

Any idea how many of these are being made? I have an AO 60s jazz in Oly white that I love but this thing is calling my name!

 

[Tbone76]

Any idea how many of these are being made? I have an AO 60s jazz in Oly white that I love but this thing is calling my name!

The Fender site only says that its “being produced in limited quantities until the end of 2020”, but there’s no hard number attached to it. I don’t imagine there’ll be a ton of them out there, though, so if you’re considering it, you should probably act sooner than later. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the differing specs between the AO 60’s and the 60th Anniversary model. I know the neck radius and profile is a personal thing, and the AO 60’s has a noticeably different feel compared to the 60th Anniversary. I like a chunkier neck on Jazz Basses, so the 60th Anniversary model feels better to me. The AO 60’s Jazz neck is the thinner thinner front-to-back “C-shape”, while the 60th Anniversary is their “U-shape” profile. FWIW, I made the same change you’re considering, and I’m happy I did. The AO is a great, well-made bass in its own right, so you can’t go wrong either way! Good luck with the choice.

 

[tombowlus]

Any idea how many of these are being made? I have an AO 60s jazz in Oly white that I love but this thing is calling my name!

I was told 2,000 for the 60th Anniversary, and enough to fill orders through the end of the year on the Road Worn basses.

 

[colicchio]

My personal experience between the PV62 and PV64 pickups is this: the 62’s have slightly more bottom, but it noticeably thickens up the overall tone when compared to the PV64’s. They both sound great, but I prefer the added depth to the bridge pup. It’s still has plenty of bark and burpiness, but it’s more pleasing to me. For reference, I had an American Original 60’s Jazz Bass with the PV64’s prior to picking up the 60th Anniversary Jazz. I’m also willing to concede that the different tone control configuration may be contributing to the sound I’m hearing. In any event, though, I absolutely love how the 60th plays and sounds.

I sent a message to Fender support asking about the differences between the '62 Pure Vintage, '64 Pure Vintage, and the "60th Anniversary" pickups, which are used in the Road Worn versions. Not a big deal, just makes me scratch my head why they have all of these variations out there with no specs detailed anywhere. I'll report back if I hear anything.

 

[jd50]

The Fender site only says that its “being produced in limited quantities until the end of 2020”, but there’s no hard number attached to it. I don’t imagine there’ll be a ton of them out there, though, so if you’re considering it, you should probably act sooner than later. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the differing specs between the AO 60’s and the 60th Anniversary model. I know the neck radius and profile is a personal thing, and the AO 60’s has a noticeably different feel compared to the 60th Anniversary. I like a chunkier neck on Jazz Basses, so the 60th Anniversary model feels better to me. The AO 60’s Jazz neck is the thinner thinner front-to-back “C-shape”, while the 60th Anniversary is their “U-shape” profile. FWIW, I made the same change you’re considering, and I’m happy I did. The AO is a great, well-made bass in its own right, so you can’t go wrong either way! Good luck with the choice.

Cool, thanks for the info. I do love the neck and feel of the AO 60's, but I also have an AO 70's that (I believe) has a U shaped neck, which I also like. I guess my biggest dilemma is that I generally stay away from buying new basses, I only buy when I can get a good deal on a used bass. For example I got my AO 60's for 1150 about 7 months ago. If this bass is a limited run I doubt the used market will be much of a discount.

 

[jd50]

I was told 2,000 for the 60th Anniversary, and enough to fill orders through the end of the year on the Road Worn basses.

Good info thanks. Only 1 guitar center in the DC/Baltimore area had one of these in stock last week. I was going to go check it out this week but it already sold. The one time I bought a new bass from them it was because I got them to give me a 20% discount, probably would have walked out with this bass if I could have done the same. I hit up the GC online chat to see if they planned on restocking any time soon but they were of no help, they just told me to order online and do ship to store...

 

[colicchio]

I sent a message to Fender support asking about the differences between the '62 Pure Vintage, '64 Pure Vintage, and the "60th Anniversary" pickups, which are used in the Road Worn versions. Not a big deal, just makes me scratch my head why they have all of these variations out there with no specs detailed anywhere. I'll report back if I hear anything.

Okay, I heard back from Fender Support regarding the pickup differences:

Pure Vintage '62
Alnico 2 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.2K Bridge 7.5K

Pure Vintage '64
Alnico 5 Magnets, .063 Formvar wire. Neck 6.7K Bridge 7.3K

Pure Vintage '74
Alnico 5 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.7K Bridge 8.6K

Still looking for an answer on the "60th Anniversary" pickups that are in the Roadworn version.

 

[Tbone76]

Okay, I heard back from Fender Support regarding the pickup differences:

Pure Vintage '62
Alnico 2 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.2K Bridge 7.5K

Pure Vintage '64
Alnico 5 Magnets, .063 Formvar wire. Neck 6.7K Bridge 7.3K

Pure Vintage '74
Alnico 5 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.7K Bridge 8.6K

Still looking for an answer on the "60th Anniversary" pickups that are in the Roadworn version.

Thanks for the update. Now we know that there are construction differences between the 62 and 64 (and 74) pickups. Interesting that they use different magnets between the 62 and 64. It also looks like the 62’s are a bit hotter than the 64’s, as well. Good info for TB’ers!

 

[TB24]

Beautiful bass. Love the matching headstock and I actually really like the bound neck with dots, you don't see that combo very often. Not enough GAS to shell out $2k for it, but it's definitely a good looking instrument.

I found one new for $1490 (20% off sale plus coupons) was so worth it for that price!

 

[TB24]

Okay, I heard back from Fender Support regarding the pickup differences:

Pure Vintage '62
Alnico 2 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.2K Bridge 7.5K

Pure Vintage '64
Alnico 5 Magnets, .063 Formvar wire. Neck 6.7K Bridge 7.3K

Pure Vintage '74
Alnico 5 Magnets, #42 Plain Enamel wire. Neck 7.7K Bridge 8.6K

Still looking for an answer on the "60th Anniversary" pickups that are in the Roadworn version.

I love knowing technical specs like this. Thanks for checking @colicchio, especially since I just bought one!

 

[TB24]

That was the Candy Apple one, right? Absolutely gorgeous! I'm really more into P-basses but CAR + Jazz Bass is one of my absolute favourites! I've got an Original 60s which is a great bass but the lack of a matching headstock is slightly disappointing. CAR needs a matching headstock!!

I like this white one too but it would have been even nicer in Olympic White IMO.

I thought the same, but man the Artic Pearl gold flake does look killer under certain lights!

 

[colicchio]

I love knowing technical specs like this. Thanks for checking @colicchio, especially since I just bought one!

You're welcome!

In case anyone was still wondering about the Roadworn 60th Anniversary pickups; the spec appears to be identical to the Vintage '62s but with slightly lower output on the neck pickup (7.0K vs. 7.2K). I have no idea why Fender did it this way...

 

[Pet Sounds]

@TB24, I also bit the bullet and got one at 20% off. I've been loving it, and I agree that the Arctic Pearl is surprisingly spectacular.

 

[jd50]

Where are you guys finding 20% off? I used to be able to get that at Guitar Center if the instrument was in the store but no one around me has these in stock.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Where are you guys finding 20% off? I used to be able to get that at Guitar Center if the instrument was in the store but no one around me has these in stock.

A friend at my GC offered me his 20% coupon and I ordered it in from another store.