Hi, I came across this bass for a local sale and I'm wondering what your thoughts are as to it's authenticity. I guess I'm dubious because of the markings over the stamping on the back of the headstock. I know its a relic and maybe it's my paranoia. {} {} {} {} {}
I don't like the look of the decal on the headstock. The "JAZZ BASS" font appears larger than I would expect. Also, the relicing doesn't look consistent with what I would consider a Fender Heavy Relic. I guess if it is being sold at a good price and is a good player, it might be a fine bass. But if it is priced as a Fender Custom Shop, I think I would pass and look for a better specimen.
This. The neck pocket as well as the pickup routes will have "RELIC" and/or "REISSUE" stamped into the wood. Also, you can send Fender CS the serial and they will confirm it. Bear in mind the Custom Shop double dips on serials, don't freak out if your serial is registered to something else just ask them to check again.
I does look like a Cunetto to me... But that doesn't matter at all. Take it apart, that's what matters.
Check the neck pocket. Several things seem correct about that bass, and several things don't. Proceed with caution.
Don't do it. All the cunettos I can see on the interrwebs have much shinier hardware. And that scratched off CD logo is just too suspicious.
It looks to check out. {} Chris Shearer (Fender) May 25, 15:45 MST Hello XXXXXXX, That serial pulls up a Relic 60's Jazz bass in 3 Tone Sunburst finish that left the Custom Shop in December of 1996. I've included its factory spec sheet below for you so that you can compare its current state to the original build specs. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Model Name: Relic ‘60s Jazz Bass Model Number: 019-6300-800 Series: Custom Shop "Relics" Series Body: Alder Neck: Maple Fingerboard: Round Laminate Rosewood No. of Frets: 20 Scale Length: 34” (864 mm) Width @ Nut: 1.500” (38 mm) Hardware: Chrome Machine Heads: Vintage Style Bridge: Vintage Jazz Pickguard: Tortoise Shell Pickups: Vintage Jazz Bass Pickup Switching: N/A Controls: Volume, Volume, Tone Colors: (800) 3-Color Sunburst, (Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish) Strings: Super 7250ML, #073-7250-005, (.045, .065, .080, .100) Other Features: Source: U.S. Fender Custom Shop Accessories: Brown Tolex Case, Strap, Cable U.S. MSRP: $2,599.99 INTRODUCED: 1995 DISCONTINUED: 1/1999 WRENCH SIZES: NOTICE: Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice Regards, Chris Shearer Representative, Consumer Relations/U.S. Direct Sales Fender Musical Instruments Corp. 17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Telephone: 480-845-5135 {}
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