Fender Flea Jazz bass ?

[MattC6E9]

I just got one of these as a gift and after a good setup it’s not a bad machine.

But… I thought a few thing were weird and wondered what others thought/did.

1 The tone sweep seems to be lacking ? Maybe different cap values ?

2 The body isn’t drilled for the thumb rest or covers ? The guard is … just wonder if others noticed this or is this normal ? The guard is drilled

3 it’s has a bent tuner ear … road worn ? or shipping damage ?

Thanks in advance for your insights

 

[murphy]

Shipping damage..

You have to drill holes if you want to add thumb rest ,etc.

 

[murphy]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-flea-road-worn-jazz-bass-club.1443156/

 

[Ghastly]

Photos?

 

[Pet Sounds]

I just got one of these as a gift and after a good setup it’s not a bad machine.

But… I thought a few thing were weird and wondered what others thought/did.

1 The tone sweep seems to be lacking ? Maybe different cap values ?

2 The body isn’t drilled for the thumb rest or covers ? The guard is … just wonder if others noticed this or is this normal ? The guard is drilled

3 it’s has a bent tuner ear … road worn ? or shipping damage ?

Thanks in advance for your insights

I owned one of these for awhile. To answer your questions:
1. I can't remember how the tone sweep was on my bass, but IME it's not uncommon for it to be limited on some basses. It's like it's either on or off, with little range in the middle.
2. It's normal that holes aren't drilled in that model.
3. Shipping damage or some other kind of unintentional damage.

 

[Relsom]

Are the tuners the reverse type? You will want to know that when you order a replacement.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

Photos?

Or it doesn't exist

 

[DrBnz]

That's all that's bothering you.... oh stop. That aint so bad. I have a bass with a bent tuner key too. I don't remember which one. See my point..... Ya don't want holes until you need holes. So that's a good thing...... Tone sweep - I suppose if you don't like it. I think I do must of my blending with pedals. I have the same thoughts with active basses all those knobs. Once I set em (probably at flat) I don't tough em much. I never held a Flea J-bass though. Sounds like fun. Enjoy it.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

The volume and tone controls on a Jazz have always been "interactive" and quirky, but I never had a problem getting a sound out of one - just don't overthink it.

I would inspect the harness wiring though, there's always a possibility somethings out of whack....
You can find wiring diagrams online.

Also, bent tuners aren't part of the relicing. If it's new, contact the seller or Fender.

2 The body isn’t drilled for the thumb rest or covers ? The guard is … just wonder if others noticed this or is this normal ? The guard is drilled

Not being pre-drilled for hardware is common on several models.
My Flea now also sports the individual mute holes.

 

[REV]

My experience with the Flea Jazz Bass was similar to yours. The tone controls didn't do all that much. As far as the bent tuner goes, use some pliers and bend it back.

 

[flatwound62p]

Sadly I don't have a Flea Jazz anymore But I recall the stack knob volume and tone controls taking some getting used to and being very interactive between pickups. Even more so if a previous owner has modified the wiring to the original early 60s configuration.

 

[JMarkD]

The tone control issue is related to the stack knob arrangement. They interact in odd ways. Many don't like them for that reason. Myself included.

 

[Skeet6]

Find out where the gift came from, and give them a call regarding the bent tuner. If you have to call Fender, I am sure they'd take care of it. Either way it's worth it to get a new one. That'd make me nuts to look at.
Mike B

 

[InhumanResource]

I like these but it bugs me that they didn’t bother to put a ground strap like the old ones had.

 

[mikeswals]

The stack knob Jazzes have two tone knobs: one per pickup.
Takes a bit to get used to dialing that in.

 

[micguy]

The tone control issue is related to the stack knob arrangement. They interact in odd ways. Many don't like them for that reason. Myself included.

I don't like the way a normal VVT setup works (the volume controls aren't really volume controls), adding the second tone control just makes the whole thing a bit weirder. I do like how Gibson does it - the tone controls, at least when you have one pickup soloed, each have a point, and they (and the volume controls) work well in those situations.

 

[squish]

My Flea bass is has been my #1 for five years (with a six month middle break for a PBass). The tone is unique to my other Jazzes. Interactive is a great way to describe it. The pickups and stacked knobs make this bass stand out. It has the typical scoop, but within one tone/pickup setting I can play deep supportive tones and then rip a grinding slap line that cuts through. I love it!

Hope you've kept the bass and fixed the tuner.