Help understanding my 1966 Fender Bass

[theduke1]

I did a quick Google search and found non original 66 Fender Jazz bass from $1599.00-$2999.99
It all depends on how much in non-original and can it be restored
Without an actual appraisal you will never know for sure
I am not a Fender guy, or expert in any way
But
Items will only bring what someone is willing to pay
If it was me, I would get an appraisal just so I could put insurance on it
Duke

 

[theduke1]

Well I guess I am a Fender Guy as I play G&L
Lol
Duke

 

[ajkula66]

I did a quick Google search and found non original 66 Fender Jazz bass from $1599.00-$2999.99

That's *way* under the current market, but since the OP stated that they're not intent on selling it may not even matter.
'
I, for one, would like to see the pictures of the bottom of the neck along with the neck joint and the bottom of the pickups and the date codes on the pots..

That neck is likely older than '66. Not quite sure what to make of the body.

 

[Muttleybass]

Look like a '66 Jazz Bass to me. Looks like the only modification is the Badass Bridge. Pick up cover and pull down bar removed.

 

[TomB]

There are a few mysteries here. It's not all-original, whatever the "year". The neck is "unblocked", which would suggest a date no later than mid-65 - except - the dots do not have the brownish tint of old clay dots, and look more like pearl dots. I'm not sure what that says about the neck's vintage. Lots of real experts here on TB might have some insight. A pic of the back of the headstock might reveal more clues about the neck's age.
The serial number on the neck plate puts it in the '67-68 range, though there's lots of variance there. As noted above, the pick guard is a replacement. Needless to say, the blue bridge grounding wire is not a choice Fender would have made.
We could tell you more if you chose to disassemble it and showed us the end of the neck, the neck pocket, and the electronics (which are obviously altered). But that effort would only be needed if you wished to sell it as "vintage". As it is, I'm not sure what "year" to call it - it appears to be a"parts" bass to me. ...which BTW is not meant as a criticism at all. It might be a truly wonderful bass, but it wouldn't ever fetch "vintage" dollars on the marketplace.
I hope that helps.

 

[Zelda123]

Thank you. I don't think we'll go to the bother of disassemble it, it was more out of curiosity. Someone stopped my husband in London's Denmark street when they saw the Bass as they said it was unusual so we were curious to find out. I guess it will remain a mistery!

 

[TomB]

Thank you. I don't think we'll go to the bother of disassemble it, it was more out of curiosity. Someone stopped my husband in London's Denmark street when they saw the Bass as they said it was unusual so we were curious to find out. I guess it will remain a mistery!

What a nice mystery to have. Enjoy it! It looks like a player.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

Don't ever sell it without truly confidently knowing know the year of the bass. If its 1966, then it worth a lot of money.

1966 Fender Jazz Bass goes for $10,000 and up.

 

[Zelda123]

Don't ever sell it without truly confidently knowing know the year of the bass. If its 1966, then it worth a lot of money.

1966 Fender Jazz Bass goes for $10,000 and up.

Thank you. Not really selling it at the moment.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

Thank you. Not really selling it at the moment.

Yeah, I'm just saying in case, in the future (years from now), you decide to sell it.

 

[db59]

Ya'll talkbassers please let me know if my wife ever logs on and starts inquiring into the value of my basses lol

if my wife ever logs on and starts inquiring into the value of my basses,"Club"

 

[Matt O]

Not seeing a router hump in the lower cutout / neck pocket transition, which would mean post '73(ish) body. Dots look late to post 60s to me. Tuners and hootenanny button look 60s. Decal issues…

Without disassembly, it looks like a parts bass to me.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Contact Gruhn Guitars, or Carter's Vintage Guitars in Nashville. They can tell you exactly what you have and how much it is worth .

 

[LP Custom]

These folks would be most helpful in learning about your bass: Guitar Appraisal Online - Vintage Guitar Appraisals

 

[TomB]

Not seeing a router hump in the lower cutout / neck pocket transition, which would mean post '73(ish) body. Dots look late to post 60s to me. Tuners and hootenanny button look 60s. Decal issues…

Without disassembly, it looks like a parts bass to me.

Agreed, but where did you see a hootenanny button? I'm still looking.

 

[ELG60]

It looks like a '66 neck to me. They transitioned to the pearloid dots during '64 and to bound and blocked necks during '66. The decals were emplaced atop the finish until the TV style logos came into use during the latter 60's so they weren't the most resilient as evidenced by the photo of my '64 below.

I've attached a screenshot of what I consider to be the most definitive source: Fender itself, and a link to that source . . .
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Zelda123]

Thank you!

 

[Matt O]

Agreed, but where did you see a hootenanny button? I'm still looking.

Strap button on back of the headstock.

 

[devnulljp]

According to the serial #
Your guitar was made at the
Fullerton Plant (Fender - CBS Era), USA
in 1968
Production Number: 217266

There should be codes on the bottom of the neck that will give a better idea of when the neck was made at least.
like this

 

[roller]

S H A D Y

Has his life insurance recently been upped, too?

Does your husband know you are researching his bass for value?