Fender Classic 60's Jazz Bass....Pics

[lostrings]

I just recently purchased this Classic 60's Jazz bass. All the reviews I read were very positive. It definately has a retro vibe to it. At one time I owned a 65' Jazz bass in Sunburst so I know the feel and tone it had... and I can't get over how close this bass matches that one. The pickups were changed from stock to Classic 60's. Are there any TB'ers out there that own this bass, or did own one with any opinions?

 

[SuperDuck]

That's a great looking bass!

Coincidentally, I bought a body that the seller told me was from a MIM bass, though he didn't specify if it was that reissue. My bass body has that same bridge, though, so I think it might be. It's definitely a different bridge than most MIM basses come with.

 

[Craig Garfinkel]

I have one in Oly White...currently being "relic-ed" by my tech. I should have it some time this week. I'm having the CS 60's pickups installed too.

 

[plar]

How are they different from the MIM standards?

 

[lostrings]

That's a great looking bass!

Coincidentally, I bought a body that the seller told me was from a MIM bass, though he didn't specify if it was that reissue. My bass body has that same bridge, though, so I think it might be. It's definitely a different bridge than most MIM basses come with.

I can tell you that if the pickguard is off there is no route in the body like the standard MIM body's have...Very Cool. Also, the bridge that is used is the vintage bridge with the threaded saddles.

 

[lostrings]

I have one in Oly White...currently being "relic-ed" by my tech. I should have it some time this week. I'm having the CS 60's pickups installed too. [/QUOTE

The CS 60's pickups sound great. You will love them. Post a picture when you recieve your bass.

 

[Mr Venus]

I have a Custom Shop 64 RI in sunburst (NOS), which is absolutely the nicest bass I've ever played... don't need 5 or 6strings, or active electronics...

 

[Craig Garfinkel]

Back from the relic-ing.

 

[SwitchGear]

I have one same as yours Lo. Sunburst. Buying mine used, a previous owner replaced one of the pickups!?, so there was a big mismatch between the two, tone and volume wise. I bought and installed a set of Fender 60's Original Jazz pup's in her along with Ernie Ball med-light flats and it is my main player. Great tone.

These basses have a meaty neck, small frets and a nice arc in the fretboard. Nice amber tint and reverse tuners also. I love it. I sanded down the back of the neck's glossy finish a bit with a scratchy for a smooth feel. The neck is what really makes this bass, IMO.

The only negative for me is the poly coat body. Perhaps the darkish tort pickguard also. Subjective things though.

But don't read me wrong, these basses have most of the 60's Fender thing goin' on for a fraction of the cost of the remaining originals.

 

[SwitchGear]

Back from the relic-ing.

That looks great Craig. About how much ching (us dollars), did that set you back?

 

[Craig Garfinkel]

That looks great Craig. About how much ching (us dollars), did that set you back?

I paid my tech $500 for the relic job, full setup, installation of CS 60's pickups and Sadowsky onboard preamp (which required routing of a battery compartment under the pickguard and copper shielding of the control cavity).

The Sadowsky pre makes this bass's tone just ridiculous. What's really cool is I now have a classic-looking Fender J that sounds (but doesn't feel, unfortunately) pretty close to my Sadowsky. Best of both worlds.

All in, including parts, labor and the cost of the bass I've spent about $1500.

 

[Bernie Connors]

I just recently purchased this Classic 60's Jazz bass. All the reviews I read were very positive. It definately has a retro vibe to it. At one time I owned a 65' Jazz bass in Sunburst so I know the feel and tone it had... and I can't get over how close this bass matches that one. The pickups were changed from stock to Classic 60's. Are there any TB'ers out there that own this bass, or did own one with any opinions?

That's a beautiful bass. One of the all time classic looks.

 

[SuperSnake2012]

Beautiful burst on that bass. Do they still make these? I couldn't find it on Musician's Friend.

 

[SwitchGear]

Beautiful burst on that bass. Do they still make these? I couldn't find it on Musician's Friend.

They pop on for sale on ebay all the time. Great basses, IMO.

 

[lonote]

I think the Classic Series 60's Jazz and 50's Precision Basses are excellent instrumrnts. They capture the sound, feel and look of the originals at a fraction of the price of the USA reissues. I own a 50's P and have played a number of the 60's J-basses and I am very impressed by all of them; they are consistently excellent...especially for the price.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

I know this thread is old, but I feel that it is worth mentioning. I love, love, love this bass. I week ago I made the mistake of trading it away for a new American standard. The fault was not in the new bass, but the trade of the old. The 60's Mexi is a bit heavier than the AS, but it is really great to play. The neck does have a gloss finish, but I find it a joy as compared to a $2000. Rick (4003) which I tried and couldn't get past the neck.

This is what some might call my 'low end" bass, but it's the first one I go for all the time. The standard fender strings were fine by me, they provide a punch that I so like hearing. Even though my American Standard is a well constructed bass and sounds fantastic. I feel that my Classic 60's can hold it's own. It make for a great back up as well as a great primary (Go MEXICO!)

BTW, I too have the sunburst model pictured above. The finish is gorgeous.

 

[Leon11]

I just bought one of these (i.e. a classic series jazz bass) a few weeks ago for travelling. I was looking for a four string passive bass in the $600-$1000 range. I was surprised at how light it is for a MIM bass. The trick with finding one of these is to play about two dozen of them until you find one that has a straight neck and a light body. I played everything I could get my hands on in the L.A. area before choosing this one. Once I got it set up, I absolutely fell in love with it. It is the least expensive bass I own, yet I love it to death....

 

[lostrings]

I just bought one of these (i.e. a classic series jazz bass) a few weeks ago for travelling. I was looking for a four string passive bass in the $600-$1000 range. I was surprised at how light it is for a MIM bass. The trick with finding one of these is to play about two dozen of them until you find one that has a straight neck and a light body. I played everything I could get my hands on in the L.A. area before choosing this one. Once I got it set up, I absolutely fell in love with it. It is the least expensive bass I own, yet I love it to death....
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Congratulations on your bass. They are very nice basses...Just play the heck out of it and enjoy it...

 

[Single Coil]

I also have one of these basses (in sunburst).

When I bought it, I went through five music stores in my area and played every jazz bass they had. Even though mine is not lightweight, it easily beat every other jazz I played, including some Geddy Lee's and all the American Standards.

When I gig, I take my 60's Jazz and my Ric 4003. I love them both very much, but 80% of the gigs are done with the 60's Jazz.

To go for maximum visual appeal, I removed the pickguard. It looks, plays, and sounds sweet. I am considering a 50's P reissue because of my experience with this Jazz.

 

[motleystew]

I think the Sunburst Fender Jazz in the opening pics captures the essence of the bass guitar. This is what basses are supposed to look like IMO..Perfect pics that really highlight the instrument. (don't hate on me..I do not even have a Fender!) Nice bass!