Hi, I was wondering if I could get some help identifying a Fender Jazz bass guitar that was given to my husband? He plays the drums but someone gave him a guitar and we are trying to find out more about it. We know it is a Fender Jazz bass and the serial number is E855231. But that is all we know. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you we have never posted to a form before.
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The front of the headstock says Made in Japan, and the E serial dates to 1984-1987 according to Fender's site.
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These are sometimes called "MIJ" and they are respected instruments. It's not the same value as a USA made Fender, but in general they are pretty good.
It looks dirty but would probably clean up just fine.
In terms of ok, from pictures we cannot tell:
1. Pickups and knobs (pots) working? Sound come out if it's plugged into an amp?
2. Truss rod (metal rod that reinforces the neck) is adjustable and working properly?
It seems like it's ok from here, but someone would have to see it in person to check it out.
In terms of ok, from pictures we cannot tell:
1. Pickups and knobs (pots) working? Sound come out if it's plugged into an amp?
2. Truss rod (metal rod that reinforces the neck) is adjustable and working properly?
It seems like it's ok from here, but someone would have to see it in person to check it out.
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Ok thanks so much for taking the time to respond. We’re going to keep researching to try and find a model #.
There is no model number. Jazz Bass is the model, Fender is the brand. Looks like a decent bass, provided everything works as it should. I would be happy if someone gave it to me.
Hi jenij927 
Welcome to TB!
Like Ryan already mentioned, serial numbers starting with the letter E, have been used
by Fender Japan in the years 1984 to 1987.
I am afraid there is no other model number. (Fender was never really exact with those kind of things
)
But there are different models using different designs!
The design Fender Japan used for your bass, is based on the early 60s American made Jazz basses.
The later models did not have that brass coloured "thingy" that dangles between the pickup and the bridge
This "grounding strip" should be connected with the bridge (has to be repaired)
Take that bass to a tech who knows his job and you will have a very nice instrument!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
Welcome to TB!
Like Ryan already mentioned, serial numbers starting with the letter E, have been used
by Fender Japan in the years 1984 to 1987.
I am afraid there is no other model number. (Fender was never really exact with those kind of things
)But there are different models using different designs!
The design Fender Japan used for your bass, is based on the early 60s American made Jazz basses.
The later models did not have that brass coloured "thingy" that dangles between the pickup and the bridge
This "grounding strip" should be connected with the bridge (has to be repaired)
Take that bass to a tech who knows his job and you will have a very nice instrument!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
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Ok great! That’s awesome information. Any ideas on the bass” value? Is it an expensive fix? Don’t want to pay more to fix than what it’s worth. Thank youHi jenij927
Welcome to TB!
Like Ryan already mentioned, serial numbers starting with the letter E, have been used
by Fender Japan in the years 1984 to 1987.
I am afraid there is no other model number. (Fender was never really exact with those kind of things
But there are different models using different designs!
The design Fender Japan used for your bass, is based on the early 60s American made Jazz basses.
The later models did not have that brass coloured "thingy" that dangles between the pickup and the bridge
View attachment 3468245
This "grounding strip" should be conneted with the bridge (has to be repaired)
Take that bass to a tech who knows his job and you will have a very nice instrument!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
Hi jenij927
I won' t give you a price (would be against our forum rules) But you can check that on Reverb!
Just search MIJ Fender Jazz 198X and you will find...
...that bass is worth to be looked after! It says "made in Japan" but that does not mean that it was cheap!
When they came out they were mid priced instruments with a very! good quality.
They are quite popular and have a good resale value!
Hope I could help!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
I won' t give you a price (would be against our forum rules) But you can check that on Reverb!
Just search MIJ Fender Jazz 198X and you will find...
...that bass is worth to be looked after! It says "made in Japan" but that does not mean that it was cheap!
When they came out they were mid priced instruments with a very! good quality.
They are quite popular and have a good resale value!
Hope I could help!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
Omg so sorry for being ignorant to the rules. You have been a tremendous help!! Thanks so much (to everyone) for helping us. Have a great weekendHi jenij927
I won' t give you a price (would be against our forum rules) But you can check that on Reverb!
Just search MIJ Fender Jazz 198X and you will find...
...that bass is worth to be looked after! It says "made in Japan" but that does not mean that it was cheap!
When they came out they were mid priced instruments with a very! good quality.
They are quite popular and have a good resale value!
Hope I could help!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
One more thing: anyone know what wood the fret board (?) is made of? (It’s darker than the back of the neck)Omg so sorry for being ignorant to the rules. You have been a tremendous help!! Thanks so much (to everyone) for helping us. Have a great weekend
with the Grounding strip ... maybe it's a " 1975 Re-Issue " ... had one a while ago = very nice bass ...!!
Fender ONLY made basses in Japan for a bit while retooling a new USA factory ... if i remember correctly ...??!!
lived thru the 70's , so it's hard to say ...
here's my old 1985 ' 75 RI MIJ ' ...
Fender ONLY made basses in Japan for a bit while retooling a new USA factory ... if i remember correctly ...??!!
lived thru the 70's , so it's hard to say ...
here's my old 1985 ' 75 RI MIJ ' ...
This.
I have a similar MIJ Jazz bass that had model markings and other info inside the neck/body joint. Mine says "JB-355" on the neck and "355" on the body. IIRC, this number was used for both MIJ Fender and Squier Jazz basses, until the mid- 90s or so.
It also had the grounding strip. You definitely want to get that fixed.
I have a similar MIJ Jazz bass that had model markings and other info inside the neck/body joint. Mine says "JB-355" on the neck and "355" on the body. IIRC, this number was used for both MIJ Fender and Squier Jazz basses, until the mid- 90s or so.
It also had the grounding strip. You definitely want to get that fixed.
