Genuine Fender J-Bass?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by jeremyblountFAN, Apr 23, 2012.

  1. jeremyblountFAN

    jeremyblountFAN

    Apr 23, 2012
    Hi all, first post although I've been an avid reader for years. This is the first time I've actually found the need to post anything, however, since my question wasn't answered by reading others'. I have what I think is a genuine Fender J-Bass body, but I just can't be sure.

    The story is, I got the body of the bass for free from my best friend's brother, who said he bought it in the mid-to-late 90s as an actual Fender Jazz, but the headstock was broken off in a car accident. He didn't still have the headstock, but (what was left of) the rosewood neck was still attached. I took the body, added a maple Mighty Mite replacement neck, a Fender Jazz Bass decal and called it a day, because the tone of the thing sounded superb regardless of its authenticity.

    However, as I was changing the tuning pegs today to the standard-issue Fender pegs, I got curious as to whether I could figure out if this thing was actually a legit Fender or not. So, I did some online research, and, using the serial number located on the body under the neck, I went to

    The Guitar Dater Project - Fender Serial Number Decoder

    which stated that, since I guess my serial number has no letter prior to the five digit number, the site assumed...

    Your guitar was made at the
    Fullerton Plant (Fender - Pre CBS Era), USA
    in the Year(s): 1960 - 1961

    However, I find this hard to believe, as the date under the serial number is 1995, as goes along with the original story of the bass.

    I also know that the volume knobs aren't usually this style on the Fender Jazz Basses, numbered and such; what's normal is the black knobs with the white line. However, I also know that some of the 80s and 90s model J-basses were issued with these knobs, so maybe it's accurate? I really have no idea, so I need your help, fellow TalkBass members!

    I've included pictures of both the bass and the stamping of the serial number/date on the body, so any help would be appreciated!

    :)
     

    Attached Files:

  2. spaz21387

    spaz21387

    Feb 25, 2008
    Portland oregon
    judging by the pickguard id say its a mexican fender only because its a one piece usually the control plate is seperate. and the knobs are accurate for an mim.
     
  3. JavierFarias

    JavierFarias

    Feb 9, 2011
    Chile
    I'm thinking that, due to the knobs and 1-ply pickguard, the body is a 90's MIM (squier series)

    IMG_1098.jpg
     
  4. Fitz

    Fitz

    Oct 20, 2009
    Correct on the 90's MIM body. The neck is interesting though. Judging by the gloss and the location of the decal it looks to be a legitimate American J bass or maybe even some sort of a special run MIM neck, but then the tuners are all wrong. You have yourself a parts bass, but the question is whether or not the neck is genuine Fender.

    EDIT: Disregard what I just said about the neck.
     
  5. bjabass

    bjabass

    Jan 10, 2011
    Mountain South
    Congrats, you have a nice low cost Frankenfender. Looks great!

    (Not personally fond of Gotoh's on Fenders, but hey, each to his own!)
     
  6. I am no expert, but surely the tuners' holes are for the Gotoh minituners diameter, while Fender normally has larger holes on the 4 string basses. In addition, after the nut you can see what seems to be some sort of screw, maybe used to hold in place the truss rod adjustment cover that Fender never uses. This neck seems a fake...

    For the body: 22 AGO 1995 is that right? Shouldn't it be 22 AUG 1995, instead, even if made in Mexico? I mean: in english it is "August", but in spanish it is "Agosto"... but the bass is sold by an USA company anyway...
     
  7. Matthijs

    Matthijs Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2006
    Amsterdam
    I'm impressed: The experts have accurately determined your mighty mite replacement neck as a non-fender neck! :D
     
  8. Dark Horse

    Dark Horse Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2008
    Austin, TX

    Re-read the original post, especially where it says ...


    :D
     
  9. Dark Horse

    Dark Horse Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2008
    Austin, TX

    :D:D:D
     
  10. read again:

    :rolleyes:

    ok, ok...... (damn you!!!) :spit:
     
  11. Fitz

    Fitz

    Oct 20, 2009
    Woops. I totally didn't read the OP. Good on you for not being rude in correcting me.