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Fender James Jamerson 62 Precision - limited run?

#81
Lowbrow said:
A 'Jamerson' pickup. Someone will have to tell us what this means:...
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That's what I was asking earlier. Apart from measuring voltages (which anyone can do) what else is involved to differentiate the bespoke era/year models? Not saying there isn't a technical difference, but if there are deliberate design approaches, I'd like to hear about them.

Last time I looked at Kloppmann in Germany, he was offering two split P bass pickup models...a '57, and a '63. He had sound samples for each model, with noticeable tonal differences. Apparently, he felt the design differences, and their actual sounds were far enough apart to offer customers a way to decide between them. He mentions Formvar-coated wiring for the '57, at least. But If there's still more to it, he ain't sayin'.
 
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#82
Iridescentone said:
That's what I was asking earlier. Apart from measuring voltages (which anyone can do) what else is involved to differentiate the bespoke era/year models? Not saying there isn't a technical difference, but if there are deliberate design approaches, I'd like to hear about them.

Last time I looked at Kloppmann in Germany, he was offering two split P bass pickup models...a '57, and a '63. He had sound samples for each model, with noticeable tonal differences. Apparently, he felt the design differences, and their actual sounds were far enough apart to offer customers a way to decide between them. He mentions Formvar-coated wiring for the '57, at least. But If there's still more to it, he ain't sayin'.
Click to expand...
I absolutely believe that different P pickups sound different and I've gone through many seeking what i prefer. That said, you can replace any P pickup with a $150 spend being the high end. Having had a reissue with the 63 Pure Vintage pickup, I'd surmise that this darker-voiced pickup would fit a fantasy Jamerson sound profile. Yet for anyone with any depth of Fender experience, it is really tough to be told that a pickup manufactured to have an intentionally dark and woody tone (like the 63 pure vintage) is somehow 'vintage correct.' Indeed, the pickup on Jamerson's bass was probably the same clear and articulate split pickup that all P basses had, just with the tone rolled off and old flat strings.
 
#83
Lowbrow said:
I absolutely believe that different P pickups sound different and I've gone through many seeking what i prefer. That said, you can replace any P pickup with a $150 spend being the high end. Having had a reissue with the 63 Pure Vintage pickup, I'd surmise that this darker-voiced pickup would fit a fantasy Jamerson sound profile. Yet for anyone with any depth of Fender experience, it is really tough to be told that a pickup manufactured to have an intentionally dark and woody tone (like the 63 pure vintage) is somehow 'vintage correct.' Indeed, the pickup on Jamerson's bass was probably the same clear and articulate split pickup that all P basses had, just with the tone rolled off and old flat strings.
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You can get a great P pickup for $150. I've had most of them in that price range, my fave is still a Fralin, standard wind.

But you can spend a whole lot more than $150, too. e.g. the Kloppmanns are priced at EU281, or $323.
 
#86
BassHole1 said:
Anybody know what the KhZ output is on this special P/U? I can't find it for sale elsewhere. As for the rest of it, I have hot rodded Squiers and made '62 clone P basses for way less than the $3K cost of the Jamerson bass.
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Screenshot_2026-06-17-22-51-25-766-edit_com.google.android.youtube.jpg
 
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#87
Lowbrow said:
I absolutely believe that different P pickups sound different and I've gone through many seeking what i prefer. That said, you can replace any P pickup with a $150 spend being the high end. Having had a reissue with the 63 Pure Vintage pickup, I'd surmise that this darker-voiced pickup would fit a fantasy Jamerson sound profile. Yet for anyone with any depth of Fender experience, it is really tough to be told that a pickup manufactured to have an intentionally dark and woody tone (like the 63 pure vintage) is somehow 'vintage correct.' Indeed, the pickup on Jamerson's bass was probably the same clear and articulate split pickup that all P basses had, just with the tone rolled off and old flat strings.
Click to expand...
To me Jamerson sounds like he had the tone all the way up, not off.
The dead flats are obvious. Labellas are very bright out of the pack.
 
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#89
Iridescentone said:
You can get a great P pickup for $150. I've had most of them in that price range, my fave is still a Fralin, standard wind.

But you can spend a whole lot more than $150, too. e.g. the Kloppmanns are priced at EU281, or $323.
Click to expand...
Yep, my choices have come down to Fralin 5% and EMG GZR. The pickup that I've used that I feel is most vintage correct, however, is the Aguilar 4P-60
 
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#90
nixdad said:
This may be a real Fender, but it definitely looks suspect. I couldn't find anything on this bass either.

The only official James Jamerson Tribute bass issued was in 1990/1991. They were built by The Fender Custom Shop and commissioned exclusively by The Bass Centre Los Angeles. Please note the certificates. That's my signature along with James Jamerson, Jr's signature on The Bass Centre cert.

Here's a link to the Jamerson bass #022 originally purchased by Jason Newsted (he purchased a Jaco Pastorius Signature bass from us at the same time.)
trcrandall.com

1991 Fender Custom Shop James Jamerson Signature Precision Bass #22 of 100

1991 Fender Custom Shop James Jamerson Signature Precision Bass in excellent condition. This bass is from the collection of Jason Newsted of Metallica fame, among others. Alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, split single coil pickup. Neck is 1 11/16" wide at the nut, profile is 0.78" at...
trcrandall.com trcrandall.com

Here's the original ad:
View attachment 7516663
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Owned by Newstead who is a Michigan boy and into soul and motown
 
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#91
Oh come on now..... I already have a couple that look JUST LIKE that in most every way. And for $3K???? I can get a used custom shop for that kinda money. I just see them keeping abreast of inflation by rebranding the same old popsicle.
 
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#95
Lowbrow said:
Yep, my choices have come down to Fralin 5% and EMG GZR. The pickup that I've used that I feel is most vintage correct, however, is the Aguilar 4P-60
Click to expand...
That Aguilar 4P-60 pickup is exactly what I have had in my American Professional P-bass for about 9 years. That bass has been played on literally hundreds (probably close to 2,000) gigs and a couple of tours, plus thousands of hours of practice and rehearsals and a couple of recording sessions. It sounds great and plays beautifully to the point that the only other Precision-style bass that I would even consider playing is my new 2026-build Mike Lull P4 model. Many musicians with whom I have played and/or recorded have commented frequently about how great my now-yellowed Olympic White P-bass sounds and how it sits just right in the mix.
 

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#98
"Aged-in Heirloom nitro lacquer coat" = paintroom failures and finishes marked/marred/cracked by various means (sloppy handling, etc.) now sold for top dollar as "aged in." A more subtle and nuanced take on the "relic" process.
 
#99
I saw one in the NYC Guitar Center today..it is a very nice looking bass until you pick it up and realize the weight..
too heavy for me but maybe the weight is part of the secret sauce ??

3K plus close to $300 in tax… hard pass for me.
 
#100
Yahboy said:
I believe the Dusty Hill 51P with reverse headstock will coming soon......

Has FMIC begun to exploit the fame of deceased electric bassists for commercial gain?
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Fender has definitely worked in cooperation with Annie Jamerson on this:
“I recalled saying to James as a teenager that he would be great one day! I am excited and happy those words have become a reality. James has received many awards, but the “P-Bass” is a tangible one. I hope you feel the funk and let the music play on!” said Annie Jamerson. “Thank you Fender, from my family and I, You Rock!”
 
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