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FENDER JAPAN JAZZ BASS - NEED HELP!!!

gmazanero

gmazanero

Guest
Sep 29, 2012
10
0
#1
Hi guys, I'm planning to buy a new bass but my budget is kinda limited and I'm thinking on getting this MIJ. I just wanna know the model and the types of wood. Thought of asking this to the seller but he insists the model is the one described in his pictures (the Fender Japan brochure).

Anyone can confirm this or give me some advice?

Here's the link

Invalid Link Removed

Thanks!
 
#2
Looks like a mid 90's stock Fender jazz bass made in Japan. Body is probably basswood or alder. These basses are generally great quality. Only question i have is what is the story with the string separator on the headstock. Why was it moved? On a sidenote...this bass is NOT the jazz in the photo. This bass is the stock model while the one in the photo is a reissue.
 
#3
If there is a grounding strip from the bridge pickup to the bridge, it's a JB-62, in which case the body is basswood (See the second pic with the three basses - the vintage white on the right, you can see the grounding strip). If the pickups are US made, then it's a JB-62US and the body would be alder.

If it's a standard JB, the body is basswood.
 
#4
purfektstranger said:
On a sidenote...this bass is NOT the jazz in the photo. This bass is the stock model while the one in the photo is a reissue.
Click to expand...

Why are you saying that this isn't the same as in the catalog?
It looks like a JB62-70.

I've got a 89' MIJ PB62-65 and the specs look alike. The truss rod adjustment is on the heel like this one and there's also a strap button on the back of the headstock (there's a hole where it was). It definitely looks like a MIJ 62' RI if it's not one.

The main issue here like you said is that the string tree was moved at some point. Maybe it snapped and has been replaced since.

These are quality basses. My 89' MIJ 62' RI has been my main go-to axe for the past year or so.

1K is kind of steap for this thought. They run at about 600$ these days.
 
#6
Thank you all for your help! So, in the end, is this bass really worth the price? (US$ 800 approx.) I want to have a good-quality bass now and I'm really considering buying this one. Should I get it?
 
#9
@ Altamonte. I don't believe it's a reissue at all. Headstock lettering is wrong, no peg on the back of the headstock and no grounding strip from the rear pickup to the bridge. I suggest it's the bone stock standard model like this one....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FENDER-JAPA...5-/350748152172?pt=Guitar&hash=item51aa38116c
Either way 800 bucks is too much. If you must have it them offer him 450 to 500 max...
 
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#10
$500 if you are based in the states. I get the impression the OP is from South America?

Anyway, I don't think you be able to tell the sonic difference between MIJ basswood and alder. I have a MIJ basswood E-series Jazz and it sounds fab. It'll be a great bass and so I imagine it would be a good purchase.

You can always haggle on the price. The bass is 20 years old and is in great shape. Does that mean it hasn't been played? Some would say that's a bad sign! Anyways you need to play it before you say yes!

Cheers
Davo
 
#11
Yes, I'm from South America. I asked the seller about the model and he told me he didn't know...And he is keeping it at 2600 soles, (US$1000 at present exchange rate).

Thank you all for the help, guys. I think I'll just save for a 2012 American Standard. I hope to get it for a good price :D
 
#16
no grounding strip from the rear pickup to the bridge
Click to expand...

I live in Germany and If I remember correctly I have seen some US made Jazz Basses with a grounding strip during the last years. But about 10+ years ago the MIJ and CIJ reissues didn't have grounding strips. Not even the US '62 reissues sold in Germany had those grounding strips. Had to do with security issues and they weren't allowed in Germany. Conclusion: grounding strips aren't a clear sign to judge if a bass is a real "reissue" or not. At least not in countries outside of the US.
Dirk
 

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