Fender James Jamerson 62 Precision - limited run?

[gwangi]

Speaking of "firing the customer"...

GC should fire me and put me outta my misery. I've bought 9 basses off their used site in the past 10-12 years. Returned every one of them for having serious undisclosed problems.

Dear GC,

Please fire this customer (me) once and for all so I won't (can't) be tempted to waste time bargain hunting on your site anymore.

Sincerely,

Anon gear junky.

God I hate Guitar Center!!!!

 

[MIJ Fender Guy]

For $3000 I shouldn't have to file the nut. I shouldn't have to do anything other than tune it and set it up to my liking. Companies get away with this BS only because we let them so let's not do that anymore.

This is why I buy much cheaper instruments, do the non-critical tweaks and then bitch about QC on forums. And I only do that becaue I know how to fix those issues and returning instruments I bought online is too much of a hassle.
But I have returned MIMs that came with critical issues, of course (warped necks, botched electronics, bent tuners).

I just want the bass I want, I know that “teaching fender a lesson” is not something that’s going to happen. So if I want the Jamerson, I’d order the best looking one from Sweetwater, and if it had no critical problems I’d be happy as a clam. Factory nuts are too high and uneven like 100% of the time, so that’s an easy job that will improve the bass. I always take things into my own hand to perfect a bass, so I don’t mind. Returning a bass with easy fixable problems only hurts me if the rest is great. Then I play my bass and stop thinking about Fender the private equity owned company. I got what I wanted.

I just know that getting a perfect bass is hard, so I count my blessings as long as the electronics, finish and especially neck/fret geometry is perfect. Even something like a scratched pickguard is fine with me. But a scratched body or headstock decal?, no way.

 

[GregBass1979]

I don't know about the relicing, but Jason Scheff was one of many celebrity bassists who purchased Jaco and/or Jamerson basses at the time.

I wouldn't doubt it! But my point was more of a dig at Norm for printing up a phony letter of "authenticity" with his company letterhead on it saying it was owned AND relic'd by Jason and there's ZERO evidence of such ever happening. Considering Jason did a video which is still in the archives on Norm's Youtube channel of the ACTUAL Jaco signature bass he DID own with a completely different neck plate and serial number to the one I saw on Craigslist. Why would he own 2 and relic one? yada yada...it's stinks is all. Thanks for the other info..I wonder where those JJ and early Jaco basses are now?

 

[sc_precision]

I decided not to get the James Jamerson bass. It really is too much money (and I don’t like the case at all) when you can get a vintera line up one like the road worn and pretty much play the exact same thing and I bet the pickup is the same one used in the recent limited road worn p bass. There isn’t even any details on Fender’s website if the neck on the James is Canadian hard maple like the American Vintage line.

 

[sc_precision]

God I hate Guitar Center!!!!

I have found a few gems now and then at a good price there tho. I got my Am Pro roasted ash jazz from there and it has been great. Only change was updating the pickup because I didn’t like the VMOD.

 

[nixdad]

I wouldn't doubt it! But my point was more of a dig at Norm for printing up a phony letter of "authenticity" with his company letterhead on it saying it was owned AND relic'd by Jason and there's ZERO evidence of such ever happening. Considering Jason did a video which is still in the archives on Norm's Youtube channel of the ACTUAL Jaco signature bass he DID own with a completely different neck plate and serial number to the one I saw on Craigslist. Why would he own 2 and relic one? yada yada...it's stinks is all. Thanks for the other info..I wonder where those JJ and early Jaco basses are now?

It's definitely an odd story.
The other JJ and Jaco basses are definitely out there. I believe Jason Newsted recently sold his matched pair, and I know some of the basses have been seen in England as well.

 

[Hillbilly Sam]

I decided not to get the James Jamerson bass. It really is too much money (and I don’t like the case at all) when you can get a vintera line up one like the road worn and pretty much play the exact same thing and I bet the pickup is the same one used in the recent limited road worn p bass. There isn’t even any details on Fender’s website if the neck on the James is Canadian hard maple like the American Vintage line.

Don't know if this will help you in any way, but
1) the JJ pickup is a slightly overwound Pure Vintage 60s pickup (10.4k vs 11k). That's the pickup that comes with the AVii 60s PB.

2) Regarding the neck, I don't have a clue about the wood origin but, again, it seems based, if not the same, as the one in the AVii 60s PB: 1.7" nut width and a very shallow (front to back) C profile (the Empire Music video measured it at .80" at first fret and .98" at the 12th. I've found most AVii 60s PB to be a tad thinner at the 1st fret, like ~.78-79", but I've also found such tolerances in other Fender necks supposed to be identical, so there's that).

IMO, the only thing you'd be getting with the JJ signature is the nitro finish + the slight relic. I have no clue if this "Nitro Heirloom" thing is an actual different nitro finish than the one sported in the AVii, or if it's just naming.
The Vintera II road worn comes with a slight nitro relic as well (more checking, less scratching), but the neck on them is quite different to the one on the JJ (a tad wider and even shallower front to back). Also the nitro finish feels quite different to the one on the AVii (although I couldn't tell you the different process behind them).

 

[sc_precision]

Don't know if this will help you in any way, but
1) the JJ pickup is a slightly overwound Pure Vintage 60s pickup (10.4k vs 11k). That's the pickup that comes with the AVii 60s PB.

2) Regarding the neck, I don't have a clue about the wood origin but, again, it seems based, if not the same, as the one in the AVii 60s PB: 1.7" nut width and a very shallow (front to back) C profile (the Empire Music video measured it at .80" at first fret and .98" at the 12th. I've found most AVii 60s PB to be a tad thinner at the 1st fret, like ~.78-79", but I've also found such tolerances in other Fender necks supposed to be identical, so there's that).

IMO, the only thing you'd be getting with the JJ signature is the nitro finish + the slight relic. I have no clue if this "Nitro Heirloom" thing is an actual different nitro finish than the one sported in the AVii, or if it's just naming.
The Vintera II road worn comes with a slight nitro relic as well (more checking, less scratching), but the neck on them is quite different to the one on the JJ (a tad wider and even shallower front to back). Also the nitro finish feels quite different to the one on the AVii (although I couldn't tell you the different process behind them).

“Nitro heirloom” It’s just a Fender fancy name for that model and more then likely the same as the AVii line.

Thanks for the details.

 

[Pier_]

“Nitro heirloom” It’s just a Fender fancy name for that model and more then likely the same as the AVii line.

no, probably it has the new "road worn" relic, that is similar tu the Closet Classic finish of the Custom Shop, a slightly reliced paint that it's not visible from a distance, and you notice the cracks and scratches only near.

 

[bassdude51]

Forgive me, 2nd or 3rd post comment on this threard.

James Jamerson's The Funk Machine was simply a stock 1962 P Bass. It was stolen. Never found. Thus, impossible to duplicate.

The closest we can get to his bass would be to buy a pre-CBS 1962 P Bass. Who of us have that kind of money?

Probably, the 2nd closest we could get to his bass would be to buy a Fender Custom Shop 1962 P Bass. "Who of us have that kind of money?"

Otherwise, IMHO, this signature thing for JJ's P Bass is lame! Just a sales ploy for "you know who".

 

[Iridescentone]

Otherwise, IMHO, this signature thing for JJ's P Bass is lame! Just a sales ploy for "you know who".

View attachment 7535476

I'm starting to sense that you're maybe not gonna buy one?

 

[GregBass1979]

no, probably it has the new "road worn" relic, that is similar tu the Closet Classic finish of the Custom Shop, a slightly reliced paint that it's not visible from a distance, and you notice the cracks and scratches only near.

Yes can confirm you are correct. It's 100% NOT any other finish offered. Here's closer on my Jamerson neck...the cracking is there.

 

[bassdude51]

I'm starting to sense that you're maybe not gonna buy one?

LOL!!!!!!!!! Honestly, you made me laugh out loud!! And thank-you for that.

Yeah, I'd take a JJ P! Ain't gonna buy one though.

Back in the late 80s, I bought my first P Bass from a coworker at UPS. Paid $250 for it.

About 5 years later, I took it apart and low and behold, it was a June 1962 P neck on a 1967 P body with an unknown year preCBS black bottom pickup.

It was a 7UP green lacquer finish. Had it refined 3 tone. I'm 74 yrs old and I still have this bass. I love it! Real deal June 1962 P neck.

A modern day JJ 1962 P? Don't need it!

 

[MIJ Fender Guy]

I decided not to get the James Jamerson bass. It really is too much money (and I don’t like the case at all) when you can get a vintera line up one like the road worn and pretty much play the exact same thing and I bet the pickup is the same one used in the recent limited road worn p bass. There isn’t even any details on Fender’s website if the neck on the James is Canadian hard maple like the American Vintage line.

I would actually agree that in 2026 there is probably not too much difference if you get a good one of each and compare them. USA Fender quality is not what it once was. Getting a "good" one is the challenge though.

I had a Vintera II 60s Precision for a few days, and an AVII for a few days as well (both had to be returned due to problems). Not really too much different, to the benefit of the MIM. That doesn't mean the MIM was as good as the USA. It means the USA was as bad as the MIM. Super grindy tuners, bad neck geometry and finish issues.

I've used, kept, bought, sold, traded or returned at LEAST 20 new Fenders since Covid, so I have noticed a thing or two.

 

[DTF]

Forgive me, 2nd or 3rd post comment on this threard.

James Jamerson's The Funk Machine was simply a stock 1962 P Bass. It was stolen. Never found. Thus, impossible to duplicate.

The closest we can get to his bass would be to buy a pre-CBS 1962 P Bass. Who of us have that kind of money?

Probably, the 2nd closest we could get to his bass would be to buy a Fender Custom Shop 1962 P Bass. "Who of us have that kind of money?"

Otherwise, IMHO, this signature thing for JJ's P Bass is lame! Just a sales ploy for "you know who".

View attachment 7535476

God , I love Ray

 

[sc_precision]

I would actually agree that in 2026 there is probably not too much difference if you get a good one of each and compare them. USA Fender quality is not what it once was. Getting a "good" one is the challenge though.

I had a Vintera II 60s Precision for a few days, and an AVII for a few days as well (both had to be returned due to problems). Not really too much different, to the benefit of the MIM. That doesn't mean the MIM was as good as the USA. It means the USA was as bad as the MIM. Super grindy tuners, bad neck geometry and finish issues.

I've used, kept, bought, sold, traded or returned at LEAST 20 new Fenders since Covid, so I have noticed a thing or two.

Same here. Been on a GAS run since 2020 too. Chasing that tone. I might look at getting a fretless.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

God , I love Ray

way of the road

 

[fred2720]

Could be, I know he did but, I don’t have knowledge about that. A lot of folks used them back in the day

Have to admit, I've generally no interest in signature models (irrespective of brand), and I don't pay attention to what most brands are doing (with the possible exception of Music Man, and Rickenbacker), so I've genuinely no idea if Fender has ever done a signature model for a previously deceased artist.

Has that happened before?

I did not buy the JJ because it was a “signature model”; I bought it for the specs & because it had the pickup & bridge cover pre-installed (including the foam mute strip). I already own a real 1962 Precision that is immaculate except for the lower bout finish & slight, stable body seam separation as a result of capillary water damage from being in a case on a damp surface…the bass has remained stable & remarkable over the 25 years I have owned it. It is Olympic White, before Fender started clear coating,and remains white with no yellowing. I have been jonesing for a 3 color sunburst ever since I sold my 1966 Sunburst about 10 years ago. P basses were pretty consistent throughout the ‘60s. Unfortunately, the prices for ‘60s pieces with rosewood boards; even refinished have soared. I had some cash from selling off some gear about the time the JJ was released. When I saw the JJ specs, I rolled the dice & ordered directly from Fender. I was very happy & feel it is a winner. I have zero complaints about any aspect of my transaction or the condition of the instrument. I am a happy fellow.

 

[The Golden Boy]

I did not buy the JJ because it was a “signature model”; I bought it for the specs & because it had the pickup & bridge cover pre-installed (including the foam mute strip). I already own a real 1962 Precision that is immaculate except for the lower bout finish & slight, stable body seam separation as a result of capillary water damage from being in a case on a damp surface…the bass has remained stable & remarkable over the 25 years I have owned it. It is Olympic White, before Fender started clear coating,and remains white with no yellowing. I have been jonesing for a 3 color sunburst ever since I sold my 1966 Sunburst about 10 years ago. P basses were pretty consistent throughout the ‘60s. Unfortunately, the prices for ‘60s pieces with rosewood boards; even refinished have soared. I had some cash from selling off some gear about the time the JJ was released. When I saw the JJ specs, I rolled the dice & ordered directly from Fender. I was very happy & feel it is a winner. I have zero complaints about any aspect of my transaction or the condition of the instrument. I am a happy fellow.

I bought a Noel Redding signature Jazz Bass because it was supposed to be a copy of a 65 Jazz Bass, not because it was a Noel Redding sig. This was in the mid 90s, and although my 65 Jazz Bass was a beater, and not worth a whole lot- I was a lot more comfortable with bringing a new MIJ bass instead of my 65. Unfortunately, that bass had a P neck on it- and not a 1.5" nut.

 

[nonohmic]

Played one of these today. The checking was crazy, even checked all the way up and down the neck.

Loved the neck profile..is that what a '62' profile is? Cause i really dug it.

Rest of the bass felt great. However far too much thump for mine, especially with the foam tucked under the ashtray.