Fender 60th Anniversary Jazz Bass

[Frovan]

Well, the Originals are supposed to be Fenders early 60s reissues. Even though they have Alnico 2s instead of 5s. I also have an American Original 60s J and the Pure Vintage 64 pickups in that nail the early 60s tone a bit better IMO, than any other "60s" pickup out there, but the Originals have some qualities of that tone too. But yeah, to market them as something else, especially after the PV64s were so awesome, is pretty lame. I definitely expected a new revamped 62 reissue pickup.

I ended up ordering a set of the CS 60s pickups tonight for that bass lol. I've been on the fence about the stock Originals for a bit now because of the huge difference in output compared to my other basses. I haven't had a set of CS 60s in like 15 years so I'm excited to hear them again.

 

[TB24]

I ended up ordering a set of the CS 60s pickups tonight for that bass lol. I've been on the fence about the stock Originals for a bit now because of the huge difference in output compared to my other basses. I haven't had a set of CS 60s in like 15 years so I'm excited to hear them again.

Good for you. I say if it was on your mind that much, you did the right thing to order them and give them a try.

 

[Dynacord]

That’s funny, I guess it just reinforces why they make all different kinds and all different colors. Those exact things are what drew me to it. I love the arctic pearl white with the gold flakes in it. It’s even better in person.

Looks good to me - and I love, love, love binding and dots on Jazz Basses!

Thanks for sharing. Agreed, not bad pickups, just disappointing when the marketing department takes “creative liberties”. I bought this bass mostly for the look of it and the concentric volume / tone stack which was only made for year (1961 - 1962).

Minor pedantic correction - the original stacks were mid 1960 through mid 1961.

 

[Frovan]

Got the CS 60s installed and I'm really happy with the decision. They're much darker than the PV 62s (aka Originals), but the higher output is what this bass needed. They're actually pretty close to the PV 64s in my American Original. Not quite the same voicing, but that's what I was hoping for.

 

[TB24]

Looks good to me - and I love, love, love binding and dots on Jazz Basses!



Minor pedantic correction - the original stacks were mid 1960 through mid 1961.

Thanks @Dynacord you are correct, appreciate the correction my friend.

 

[R Briere]

@Pet Sounds, I’m really enjoying the bass now that I’ve had a chance to play it. I’ll break down your question:

Build-The build quality on mine is great. There have been some tb’ers reporting that the one’s they looked at had a pretty bad gap at the neck pocket, but mine doesn’t have any of that. There is a tiny space between the E-side of the neck neck and body, but it’s no worse than any of the other Fender basses I’ve owned, and nothing like some have reported. The nitro finish is just about as perfect as I’d hope for with the exception of the previously pictured under-pg area. I’ll try to clean it up when I do my first string change. The nitro finish on the neck is smooth and not sticky at all. It surprised me, as I normally prefer a satin finished neck. The binding is flawless, with no bumps or high/low spots. There are no felt discs between the strap buttons and body, but I don’t think my American Original had them either. I was able to set the action medium-low without any issue, and the neck has not needed any adjustment. I haven’t pulled the control plate to check the wiring/shielding, but I don’t hear any noise other than the standard 60-cycle hum when soloing the pickups. The bass weighs a little over 9lbs.

Playability-I prefer a wider nut and/or thicker neck, as it’s more comfortable for me, and the bass has a great “U-shape” neck profile. Combined with the 7.25” neck radius, it feels nice and chunky and sits well in my hand. If you prefer the flatter 9.5” radius and/or a less thick-feeling neck, the American Original 60’s may be a better fit for you. The “tall narrow” frets are polished nicely and feel good, but I don’t have a preference when compared to other fretwire, tbh.

Tone-The tone, to me, is the best part of the bass. Harmonics pop and ring nicely, fretted notes have great sustain, and there are a ton of tones that can be pulled out of it with the stacked knobs. I find the bass can sound burpy, warm, bright, and anything in-between. Thick-sounding neck tones are Only a couple turns away, and I even found that the solo’d bridge pickup can be thickened up nicely just by playing around with the bridge tone control. I don’t know if it’s the Custom 62 pups, the stack knobs, a little bit of the placebo effect, or all of the above, but it really is a great sounding and playing bass.

I hope this helps, and if you’re in the market, I recommend checking it out. Thanks for asking!

 

[R Briere]

@Pet Sounds Wonderful Review...... If you'd be so kind, I'd love to know where you bought it. If you feel uncomfortable stating that info here, would you mind DM-ing me? Thanks. #bassilicious

 

[R Briere]

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

I think I just pee'd myself. (Rich looks down at the Leg of his Jeans...YUP! I did!) You found a NEW 60th Anniversary Arctic White Jazz Bass for $1490 ???? While I go put my Jeans in the Washer would you let me know where you found such a price? Thanks. DM if you'd like.

 

[Pet Sounds]

@Pet Sounds Wonderful Review...... If you'd be so kind, I'd love to know where you bought it. If you feel uncomfortable stating that info here, would you mind DM-ing me? Thanks. #bassilicious

I wish I could take credit for that review, but that was the work of @Tbone76!

 

[R Briere]

I wish I could take credit for that review, but that was the work of @Tbone76!

Yup...You're absolutely Correct. I've only been back for a Day following a long absence so my brain is a bit rusty.. However...Your posts are absolutely Bassilicious and you seem like a really nice guy. Thanks for the reply.

 

[TB24]

I think I just pee'd myself. (Rich looks down at the Leg of his Jeans...YUP! I did!) You found a NEW 60th Anniversary Arctic White Jazz Bass for $1490 ???? While I go put my Jeans in the Washer would you let me know where you found such a price? Thanks. DM if you'd like.

Lol, that's funny. Hope your jeans washed ok lol. I replied to your DM.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Matching headstock in for the win!

 

[TB24]

Matching headstock in for the win!

Agreed, especially in the Artic Pearl Glitter. Looks pretty killer (to me)

 

[TB24]

Correct, every GC employee gets a "Friends & Family" 20% off coupon. They get one a month that they can give to anybody.

@Rich_Briere - To your question. Not sure if you are in the United States, if so, pop on in and make friends with your local Guitar Center Salesperson.

 

[R Briere]

@Rich_Briere - To your question. Not sure if you are in the United States, if so, pop on in and make friends with your local Guitar Center Salesperson.

Did I misread your first post? Did you get the Bass (I can't look cuz it's too Beautiful ) from Guitar Center or did another Dealer match their Price? That Bass costs the Dealer $1430.

 

[R Briere]

Good for you. I say if it was on your mind that much, you did the right thing to order them and give them a try.

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to stumble across your post. I was able to cancel my order for the 60th Anniversary Jazz and I won't buy another Fender product for the Remainder of my time on Earth.

 

[R Briere]

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to stumble across your post. I was able to cancel my order for the 60th Anniversary Jazz and I won't buy another Fender product for the Remainder of my time on Earth.

I changed my mind. I'm getting that bass today.......I could get hit by a Bus tomorrow. If there are any dealers out there who'd like to sell me one....kindly contact me NOW. That BUS could come by any minute!

 

[R Briere]

I changed my mind. I'm getting that bass today.......I could get hit by a Bus tomorrow. If there are any dealers out there who'd like to sell me one....kindly contact me NOW. That BUS could come by any minute!

So....They say that Everything Happens for a Reason. When first I went to work for Fender in 1989 I purchased a P-Bass with a Lacquer Neck and a Jazz Bass with a Lacquer Neck. We really didn't have much in basses at that time. I kept each of them for a couple of weeks and then grew tired of playing Sticky Necks. So, I knew that this 60th Anniversary was gonna need a Neck Shave.....but I wanted one....BAD!!!

Ordered one from a Fabulous Dealer LAST April or May!!! Paid for it in full. Every couple of Weeks I'd call old buds at Fender and ask what the ETA was. Each time the story Changed. "A Month, Rich".... "Three Months, Rich"...."Two Weeks, Rich!!!!". Two Weeks, said Rich??!! I was flying high!!! Two days later I got THE Call. "Rich....I just got an Update on Your Bass from our Rep...You sit-in' Down?"..It's gonna be here in Late June"...... #crickets ........I recall sitting quietly, Smoke curling up from my Ears.... and remembering that Old bit of Americana...... "Everything Happens for a Reason". Two words left my Lips... ...and Laughter ensued on both ends of the phone... The Refund was in my Bank Account ten minutes later and in TWO DAYS I was the proud owner of an INCREDIBLE, FULLY LOADED, Top of the Line Apple Air Computer.....No Neck Sanding Required and I even had $$$ left over for a New Hat!!!.... Thanks B&H !!!!

 

[TB24]

Glad to see your ability to find the positive in the situation. Sounds like more than anything, The timing of when you chose to purchase the bass might have been in the latter months/week/days of its availability.

The reason I say that is because when it first came out, it was available at several major outlets, with no waiting. Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Musicians Friends, Chicago Music Exchange, and others all had the bass available. When I bought mine it arrived five days later. For me, my approach is always to buy something as soon as it’s been on my mind more than a few days from a place that has a generous return policy. I know a lot of people like to take their time and think about certain pieces of gear, to research it, wait for a few reviews to come on the marketplace, etc. Then when they finally decide to pull the trigger, the bass is hard to find.

I have learned and if you have an ion something that is a limited model as a 60th anniversary jazz bass is, you’re better off buying it and returning it, and waiting and waiting and waiting to catch a cell or a few more YouTube videos before you pull the trigger..

That being said, getting a new Apple laptop sounds fun. I hope able able to do some fun things like set up your own recordings with an audio interface and they’re free software that comes with it Garageband. Love the hat!

 

[R Briere]

Glad to see your ability to find the positive in the situation. Sounds like more than anything, The timing of when you chose to purchase the bass might have been in the latter months/week/days of its availability.

The reason I say that is because when it first came out, it was available at several major outlets, with no waiting. Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Musicians Friends, Chicago Music Exchange, and others all had the bass available. When I bought mine it arrived five days later. For me, my approach is always to buy something as soon as it’s been on my mind more than a few days from a place that has a generous return policy. I know a lot of people like to take their time and think about certain pieces of gear, to research it, wait for a few reviews to come on the marketplace, etc. Then when they finally decide to pull the trigger, the bass is hard to find.

I have learned and if you have an ion something that is a limited model as a 60th anniversary jazz bass is, you’re better off buying it and returning it, and waiting and waiting and waiting to catch a cell or a few more YouTube videos before you pull the trigger..

That being said, getting a new Apple laptop sounds fun. I hope able able to do some fun things like set up your own recordings with an audio interface and they’re free software that comes with it Garageband. Love the hat!

Glad to see your ability to find the positive in the situation. Sounds like more than anything, The timing of when you chose to purchase the bass might have been in the latter months/week/days of its availability.

The reason I say that is because when it first came out, it was available at several major outlets, with no waiting. Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Musicians Friends, Chicago Music Exchange, and others all had the bass available. When I bought mine it arrived five days later. For me, my approach is always to buy something as soon as it’s been on my mind more than a few days from a place that has a generous return policy. I know a lot of people like to take their time and think about certain pieces of gear, to research it, wait for a few reviews to come on the marketplace, etc. Then when they finally decide to pull the trigger, the bass is hard to find.

I have learned and if you have an ion something that is a limited model as a 60th anniversary jazz bass is, you’re better off buying it and returning it, and waiting and waiting and waiting to catch a cell or a few more YouTube videos before you pull the trigger..

That being said, getting a new Apple laptop sounds fun. I hope able able to do some fun things like set up your own recordings with an audio interface and they’re free software that comes with it Garageband. Love the hat!

So...The Bass was introduced the end of January of 2020...... I ordered mine 8 or 10 weeks later. The Bass ships in June or July of 2021 to a very good dealer? MAYBE??? A YEAR Later??? Nah. I'll stick with Music Man Bongos and RIC's......and, of Course, Apple Computers!