Fender Plus Deluxe Club

[JIO]

I'm right with you this period of Fender has had me interested for some time now I also have a Cow Poke bass that really is a killer instrument. I have a list of some of the basses I'm interested in.

The 20 fret, no pickguard (active?) Jazz Bass Special helped set the stage for the next generation 22 fret series of basses. The later Power Jazz Special was in that group. The mid-80's MIJ P/J Bass (Special?) evolved into the JB Special you have posted. Don't know much about the Prodigy- MIJ? It's similar w/no pg and a stretched/modern hs decal like the Plus Deluxe and it appears to have a slimmer headstock shape. Is it active? Knobs look like the Kubicki set-up. The Lyte Deluxe I'm not familiar with either - where's it made? The body looks the same as the Power Jazz Special w/the beveled horns and the bridge looks to be a gold version of the same (Schaller) as on the 4-string Jazz Bass Plus. Is it active? Lot's going on back then.

 

[amper]

It's sort of a crime how underappreciated these basses are. I'm no longer really a member of the club, but for 20 years, my first and main bass was a '92 Jazz Plus V natural finish ash body. Everything I recorded on bass was recorded with that bass. I'm still kind of upset that I had to sell it to GC for quick money a couple of years ago, and market price for one of these at that time was maybe $500-600 in mint condition, so I ended up with only about $300 cash for it. But over the years, my tastes had evolved a bit, and not being in a band anymore, my Jazz Plus V became the bass I could most easily replace in the future.

The Jazz Plus V was Fender's first true 5-string bass, and was their top-of-the-line production instrument, with the ash body costing even more. Here's a picture of me playing it onstage. I think this picture is from the show at the House of Blues in Atlantic City opening for The Psychedelic Furs in 2009? It's hard to remember almost 5 years later.

If you end up owning my old girl, stop by and say hello, hmm?

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[JIO]

It's sort of a crime how underappreciated these basses are. I'm no longer really a member of the club, but for 20 years, my first and main bass was a '92 Jazz Plus V natural finish ash body. Everything I recorded on bass was recorded with that bass. I'm still kind of upset that I had to sell it to GC for quick money a couple of years ago, and market price for one of these at that time was maybe $500-600 in mint condition, so I ended up with only about $300 cash for it. But over the years, my tastes had evolved a bit, and not being in a band anymore, my Jazz Plus V became the bass I could most easily replace in the future.

The Jazz Plus V was Fender's first true 5-string bass, and was their top-of-the-line production instrument, with the ash body costing even more. Here's a picture of me playing it onstage. I think this picture is from the show at the House of Blues in Atlantic City opening for The Psychedelic Furs in 2009? It's hard to remember almost 5 years later.

If you end up owning my old girl, stop by and say hello, hmm?

Thanks for sharing - a really nice story. (and cool pic too!) We get pretty attached to an instrument that we play in such memorable times. I always hoped the basses I had to sell were going to be continuing to give others their own great experiences and memories.

 

[SirMjac28]

The 20 fret, no pickguard (active?) Jazz Bass Special helped set the stage for the next generation 22 fret series of basses. The later Power Jazz Special was in that group. The mid-80's MIJ P/J Bass (Special?) evolved into the JB Special you have posted. Don't know much about the Prodigy- MIJ? It's similar w/no pg and a stretched/modern hs decal like the Plus Deluxe and it appears to have a slimmer headstock shape. Is it active? Knobs look like the Kubicki set-up. The Lyte Deluxe I'm not familiar with either - where's it made? The body looks the same as the Power Jazz Special w/the beveled horns and the bridge looks to be a gold version of the same (Schaller) as on the 4-string Jazz Bass Plus. Is it active? Lot's going on back then.

The Plus Deluxe is active and the Lyte Deluxe made in Japan I think the Prodigy is USA they were throwing a lot on the wall back then hoping something would stick people always complain about Fender not trying to do something different but when they do nobody's rushing out to buy them case in point the new Dimension Bass great basses that aren't selling that well.

 

[SirMjac28]

Thanks for sharing - a really nice story. (and cool pic too!) We get pretty attached to an instrument that we play in such memorable times. I always hoped the basses I had to sell were going to be continuing to give others their own great experiences and memories.

+1 Great story amper I love to read stories about these amazing basses thank you.I think the $500.00 to $600.00 days are over for these basses with the unfortunate death if Mr Kubicki (absolute genius) anything with his stamp on it is going to be rising in price.

 

[JIO]

+1 Great story amper I love to read stories about these amazing basses thank you.I think the $500.00 to $600.00 days are over for these basses with the unfortunate death if Mr Kubicki (absolute genius) anything with his stamp on it is going to be rising in price.

It's true - I've never seen so many Factors on ebay lately, all around the 2K territory. Pro sellers who may know nothing in general about a particular instrument but they keep track of key "tags" for what they're selling. "Kubicki" is now one of those tags.

 

[SirMjac28]

I've noticed that also there seems to be a flood of them on eBay I've also noticed a large number of people who have no clue what they have or how much it's worth I've politely corrected three listings this month alone it's getting crazy.

 

[JIO]

I've noticed that also there seems to be a flood of them on eBay I've also noticed a large number of people who have no clue what they have or how much it's worth I've politely corrected three listings this month alone it's getting crazy.

Ha! I've done that before! And when I have, some sellers are a-holes but most are really appreciative because they are, as you say, clueless. The best tact when dealing w/people on-line is to be polite and respectful and helpful. It's contagious!

 

[JIO]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Fender...cs-/291086574074?ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:3160

(no affiliation) - '91 sunburst V in near mint condition w/hs case currently on ebay. (fair price for this one)
I noticed from the hs detail that Fender used the same black (plastic?) strap buttons that were used on Factors, but as string trees (2). The copy says it's not an original case, but pics show it as the proprietary moulded Fender case these basses came in (?)

 

[SirMjac28]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Fender...cs-/291086574074?ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:3160

(no affiliation) - '91 sunburst V in near mint condition w/hs case currently on ebay. (fair price for this one)
I noticed from the hs detail that Fender used the same black (plastic?) strap buttons that were used on Factors, but as string trees (2). The copy says it's not an original case, but pics show it as the proprietary moulded Fender case these basses came in (?)

Man is that gorgeous!!! I would sell mine to get that one love that burst I love those string trees and that case might not be original to that bass but it's original to that model for sure.

 

[SirMjac28]

Ha! I've done that before! And when I have, some sellers are a-holes but most are really appreciative because they are, as you say, clueless. The best tact when dealing w/people on-line is to be polite and respectful and helpful. It's contagious!

I also collect guitars and I politely tried to tell a guy that his "very rare" guitar was just a inexpensive Japanese import that Kay slapped about three or four different names on for different customers he is asking a price that he will never ever get people mistake "rare" for "valuable" then the other day a lady tried to pawn a MIM marcus Miller for a MIJ model I let her know and she was very thankful I was just looking out for the potential buyer.

 

[JIO]

I also collect guitars and I politely tried to tell a guy that his "very rare" guitar was just a inexpensive Japanese import that Kay slapped about three or four different names on for different customers he is asking a price that he will never ever get people mistake "rare" for "valuable" then the other day a lady tried to pawn a MIM marcus Miller for a MIJ model I let her know and she was very thankful I was just looking out for the potential buyer.

Reminds me of a number of years ago, a very low number seller (maybe first timer, I can't recall) posted a '66 sunburst Jazz bass (his fathers who had passed away) for very (way too) cheap. I saw it and freaked because I knew he probably needed the money and had no idea what it was worth. I quickly clued him in and he removed it immediately.
There's a difference between getting "a good deal" and stealing from someone who just isn't aware of how inflated this stuff is. As much as I could have straight-out bought it I wouldn't have been able to feel good about it. Most people wouldn't have a problem stealing it and boast about it for the rest of their lives - I'm just not wired that way.

 

[JIO]

I finally am able to post pics again after a overly long ordeal getting used to my new Mac. I was under the illusion that something new meant easier/better but in fact it means more complicated/convoluted. It's like playing a new bass but instead of a 4 string it's a 6 string - same game but a whole new ballpark. (maybe that's not a great analogy...) Anyway, so here's a few pics of my '93 Jazz Plus that I've been meaning to post here. Love this Midnight Wine colour as it really takes on different hues depending on the available light. The top and bottom pics are natural daylight, and the case shot is a flash. In a very dark/low light situation, it actually looks black!

Oh, and I did buy the ebay case for $100. For the record, both 4 & 5 string P's and J's of this series fit this same case. I think it also fits the later American Deluxe series as well. It needed a bit of leg-post repair (which I was aware of) and being a dyed-in-the-wool DIY guy, it was an easy fix. In fact, if anyone has these molded hs cases w/smashed-in feet-problems, I'll help you remedy it.

And as a side note, I have just started a new build thread in Luthiers Corner http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/supernova-bass-project-1057545/

It may be of interest to those who appreciate Fenders late 80's/early 90's period as my new project bass is 'based' on my '93 American Standard "boner" J.

 

[JIO]

The Plus Deluxe is active and the Lyte Deluxe made in Japan I think the Prodigy is USA they were throwing a lot on the wall back then hoping something would stick people always complain about Fender not trying to do something different but when they do nobody's rushing out to buy them case in point the new Dimension Bass great basses that aren't selling that well.

I agree - Fender gets typecast. My own complaint is more specifically focused on Fender developing their own "trademark" look. Like a Ford looks like a Ford, and a BMW a BMW. As much as I applaud Fender for the new Dimension series, it is Fender making a Gibson G&L. I want Fender to make a new Fender. One that riffs off their own design identity. I'm not bragging here but that is what I am doing/attempting to do w/my Supersonic Bass and now the Supernova. But mine is a tiny tiny voice in a sea of middle-grounded myopic-ness. Off my soap-box and aside from that, I also am aware of the consumer mentality which I'm sorry to say is very, very conservative and unimaginative. If Fender actually developed a cool new Fender design riffing on their own design history - the consumers would not buy it. Sad, but true. Because of this, mediocracy is the target audience.

I feel that the Jaguar and now Starcaster hollow-body are the best examples of truly inventive thinking on Fenders part. Both are design concepts ingrained into Fender followers psyche - neither had existed as a production bass. They in essence "created" those 2 basses anew. Whoever was behind those decisions deserves a raise. Think about it - it was almost to obvious to miss. Mark my words - Fender will eventually mine the 80's/90's for inspiration and the gutsy Performer will live again.

 

[JIO]

I just bought a excellent condition set of these 80's Deluxe tuners on ebay (and for a good price - $103.33!) I expected a bidding war but there was only one other last second bid! These are super rare - you can buy the flat-paddle version new today for around what I got these for! They are the same type as on the Jazz Plus. I'm going to swap out the flat-paddle ones on my boner with these and move those over to another bass I have that I wanted the tuners off for my new project. (musical chairs )
Makes up for the times they get away!

 

[SirMjac28]

I finally am able to post pics again after a overly long ordeal getting used to my new Mac. I was under the illusion that something new meant easier/better but in fact it means more complicated/convoluted. It's like playing a new bass but instead of a 4 string it's a 6 string - same game but a whole new ballpark. (maybe that's not a great analogy...) Anyway, so here's a few pics of my '93 Jazz Plus that I've been meaning to post here. Love this Midnight Wine colour as it really takes on different hues depending on the available light. The top and bottom pics are natural daylight, and the case shot is a flash. In a very dark/low light situation, it actually looks black!

Oh, and I did buy the ebay case for $100. For the record, both 4 & 5 string P's and J's of this series fit this same case. I think it also fits the later American Deluxe series as well. It needed a bit of leg-post repair (which I was aware of) and being a dyed-in-the-wool DIY guy, it was an easy fix. In fact, if anyone has these molded hs cases w/smashed-in feet-problems, I'll help you remedy it.

And as a side note, I have just started a new build thread in Luthiers Corner http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/supernova-bass-project-1057545/

It may be of interest to those who appreciate Fenders late 80's/early 90's period as my new project bass is 'based' on my '93 American Standard "boner" J.

Man is she beautiful love that color.

 

[SirMjac28]

I just bought a excellent condition set of these 80's Deluxe tuners on ebay (and for a good price - $103.33!) I expected a bidding war but there was only one other last second bid! These are super rare - you can buy the flat-paddle version new today for around what I got these for! They are the same type as on the Jazz Plus. I'm going to swap out the flat-paddle ones on my boner with these and move those over to another bass I have that I wanted the tuners off for my new project. (musical chairs )
Makes up for the times they get away!

Sweet score I think these are the best tuners available.

 

[JIO]

Man is she beautiful love that color.

thanks - me too! I keep seeing cars that are in this range, like a BMW convertible that looked to be the same colour. I want to see more Plus/Deluxe basses in more colours! So far I'm familiar w/lipstick red, black, sunburst, aqua blue-green/turquoise, midnight wine, black pearl-burst, blue-burst... anyone have other colours?

 

[JIO]

Just in case you ever wanted to see the size difference in these three Fender Jazz basses; (sorry for the crumpled brown wrapping paper)

red = 22 fret late 80's/early 90's American Standard (boner) J
black = 20 fret original J (1960-)
blue = 22 fret early 90's Jazz Plus / later 90's American Deluxe J

(all aligned at the neck pocket)

 

[SirMjac28]

Just in case you ever wanted to see the size difference in these three Fender Jazz basses; (sorry for the crumpled brown wrapping paper)

red = 22 fret late 80's/early 90's American Standard (boner) J
black = 20 fret original J (1960-)
blue = 22 fret early 90's Jazz Plus / later 90's American Deluxe J

(all aligned at the neck pocket)

Wow I didn't think it was that much of a difference very interesting thanks for posting that.