Help with a Japanese Jazz Bass value

[godofthunder59]

I just sold a 2005 CIJ 60's Jazz just like this for $825, it was in nicer shape though. These are great basses.

 

[jamro217]

As with most of these questions, the decision depends. First, how much do you like the guitar? Is it worth $400 and easily replaced? If you love the guitar, don't trade it. Second, is this the bass you would buy outright if no trade were involved? Don't just make a deal because one is offered. Third, have you inspected the bass to make sure the truss rod is working? (No to the third question, but I threw it in just to keep you on your toes and remind you that buying/trading an instrument isn't something to take lightly.) That said, the Japanese Fenders from that era are fine instruments rivalling their American made counterparts. This particular specimen looks like it was modded, used and loved. Not a bad start. Lefties are usually higher in price than right handed models (if you can even find one). The specs are based on an early '60's Jazz including the grounding strip from the bridge to the bridge pickup cavity. A rosewood dot neck is correct as is a tort guard. I'm not sure, but the "A" in the serial number may indicate an A neck (Fender's code for a 1.5" nut width). This is also true spec for that instrument. In summary, if the guitar to be traded wasn't one highly valued by you (one with sentimental value), I'd jump on this in a heartbeat.

 

[bobdabilder]

I think the rule is to cover non-members trying to sell. Not what's going on here. I'm sure a mod will drive by.

Talkbass rules state that you have to be a supporting member to ask about a bass’ value, but yes this seems like a good deal. Needs lots of love (that stringing job is horrendous) but good deal.

Looks like a JB-62? What is the serial no. prefix?

 

[GreyBeard]

Some of the best basses I've owned have been from Japan. This looks like a good deal to me.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

View attachment 4314898 View attachment 4314899 View attachment 4314900 View attachment 4314901 View attachment 4314902 Once again I'm turning to the sages on this forum for some help.
Someone wants to trade my guitar valued at $400 for this bass.
I looked up the serial number and it appears to be a 97 - 98 Japanese bass. He's saying that it still plays well but I'm a bit concerned about the overall condition. Bridge, the stripe in the center by the pickups and some other things in the pics.
I haven't seen it yet but before I go just want to get some opinions from the best.
Thanks in advance!

Well this is EatS and I’d say run and get that bass!! Owned a 97. Looks like the real deal!,

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Can’t say I’ve ever played a bad Japanese Fender. Their builds are always top notch, but I will concede that the lower and mid range models typically need a pickup swap. Otherwise, they’re a great platform to springboard from. Definitely above any MIM Fender and usually at least as good as a MIA.

 

[whero]

Looks like a decent enough bass, but I'd take $10 off for the horrendous stringing job and another $50 off for a previous owner wedging lit cigarettes under the strings.

 

[Fat Fret]

In Europe I recently paid 900usd for the same model. A 90/91 year though with old Kent Armstrong pups in it. Including shipping. It's a great bass; I would definately say go for it!

 

[Fat Fret]

I'm far from a Fender expert, but isn't it weird that the headstock just says "Fender" on it and nothing else?

It is the same on my Fender Japan made 62 bass. I once had a japanese jazzmaster guitar, which also just had Fender on the headstock.

 

[dan1952]

I'm far from a Fender expert, but isn't it weird that the headstock just says "Fender" on it and nothing else?

That's how lefties were made because the decal didn't work on lefty headstocks.

 

[dan1952]

Deal of the century!!!!
Do it!

 

[Fat Fret]

No less!

If you don’t do it, then I will

 

[Inara]

I think the rule is to cover non-members trying to sell. Not what's going on here. I'm sure a mod will drive by.

I'm not a mod, but ... Yes, the rule is about asking for pricing advice when one is trying to sell. A non-supporting member is allowed to ask about price in the situation the OP is in.

 

[SLPimp]

I'm far from a Fender expert, but isn't it weird that the headstock just says "Fender" on it and nothing else?

I think that's a common lefty thing.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I see several red flags that make me think this may be a parts bass. First is the headstock decal. It looks like it was added and there is some shadowing that looks like where an old decal was underneath it. Also, I believe it should say Fender Jazz bass and contoured body, not just fender. Other flags for me are the bridge screws and the control plate and knobs. Obviously, this is IMHO. Do what you feel is right for you.

 

[Engle]

I’m not an expert on MIJ Fenders, but I recently did some work on a MIJ Jazz like that and it was basically a very faithful copy of an early 60’s Jazz. It is a really nice bass.

I also have an 84-ish Jazz Bass Special and that neck is great.

 

[P Cheen]

I see several red flags that make me think this may be a parts bass. First is the headstock decal. It looks like it was added and there is some shadowing that looks like where an old decal was underneath it. Also, I believe it should say Fender Jazz bass and contoured body, not just fender. Other flags for me are the bridge screws and the control plate and knobs. Obviously, this is IMHO. Do what you feel is right for you.

The headstock decal looks right. Left-handed basses at the time only said “Fender.” The shadowing you’re talking about (assuming I’m seeing the same thing) looks like just that - a shadow or reflection of some sort while the photo was being taken.

The knobs do look different but it might’ve had an electronics (incl. control plate and knob) overhaul or something.

 

[fhm555]

As long as the neck is good, $400 is a steal.

 

[Goat of Ball St]

Decal is right for a left handed model including reissues of this type. The strip you're talking about from the bridge is a grounding strip is again "vintage" correct for this type of reissue, assuming it's a 62 reissue. The only thing non original is the knobs and possibly the bridge. There might be something going with the electronics not being stock but again might just be replacement knobs. The bridge is the 70s onward Fender style. A 60s reissue should have threaded saddles unless Fender Japan chose to use this more modern bridge.

 

[JoeThomas]

Thanks everyone!
I knew I could count on y'all as to opinions and what to look for.
We set a time for Thursday to meet. I'll be sure to check the neck, and will be bringing my Vox headphone amp.
I'll keep y'all posted!