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Original Fender Jazz 1962

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by JetToughlove, Jul 10, 2013.

  1. Jul 10, 2013 #1
    JetToughlove

    JetToughlove

    Aug 23, 2012
    Delighted when a neighbour said he had an old Fender bass upstairs that he played in the 60's. Of course I could have a little play of it as he barely looks at it. Has an old transistor Vox cab and amp in the garage too!

    Couple of questions for my bass friends:

    1) I want to clean the bass up a bit - anything I should avoid doing?! Just going to change strings and clean up a bit as I think he strings might also be original!!!
    2) He wants to know what it's worth - I have no idea.

    Cheers
    Jet

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/9255744284/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/9252961007/
     
  2. Jul 10, 2013 #2
    bassman_al

    bassman_al Supporting Member Commercial User

    Apr 16, 2008
    Fairfax, VA USA
    Dealer for Aguilar, Lindy Fralin, KorgUSA
    Here are the pics from the links given, for those of us too lazy to click.
    :)

    9255744284_ba52af5da1_b.jpg
    Jazz4 by emerypete, on Flickr

    9252961007_707a145d34_b.jpg
    Jazz3 by emerypete, on Flickr

    9256115550_c743cbb75a_b.jpg
    SS by emerypete, on Flickr

    9255742540_7232c4b5dc_b.jpg
    Jazz1 by emerypete, on Flickr

    If you can get some better pics of the bass, maybe taken in daylight outside, you will get a wealth of information. If that is a 1962 model, or thereabouts, with all original parts, I would not be surprised if its worth several thousand dollars. It made my mouth water just looking at the pics you posted!
     
  3. Jul 10, 2013 #3
    Jazzish

    Jazzish

    Mar 5, 2006
    Wow, what a rare, rare find! Best thing with value is to check Ebay for completed listings. Interesting it's a three knob 62 rather than a stack knob. When you change the strings add some fretboard oil (Gibson's fretboard conditioner is what I use, others like instrument grade lemon oil.) Other than that I wouldn't touch it!
     
  4. Jul 10, 2013 #4
    inthebassclef

    inthebassclef Supporting Member

    Jan 8, 2012
    What I would also check out is the straightness of the neck. If it has been sitting a long time especially if it has been in tune the neck might have a warp to it. As long as the truss rod works that shouldnt be too much of a concern though.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2013 #5
    JetToughlove

    JetToughlove

    Aug 23, 2012
    Neck looks good as strings loose. Nothing on eBay that I can find apart from MIJ copies.
     
  6. Jul 10, 2013 #6
    Tonegasm

    Tonegasm

    Mar 22, 2010
    NJ
    That thing is buku bucks if it's all original.
     
  7. Jul 10, 2013 #7
    Jazzish

    Jazzish

    Mar 5, 2006
  8. Jul 10, 2013 #8
    JetToughlove

    JetToughlove

    Aug 23, 2012
    Thanks Jazzish. Just spoke to someone in UK (guitar shop) who reckons it's worth (c) £10k if all original. The guy over the road bought this new in 62 was in a band for 5 years and then put it away. It has 50 years of grime on it but works. Sounds dull but the strings are like polished steel rope!

    Feel nervous having it in the house now - think I'll give it back and tell him to get it checked out!

    That or offer him £500 - #joking!

    Jet
     
  9. Jul 10, 2013 #9
    AMJBASS

    AMJBASS Supporting Member

    Jan 8, 2002
    Ontario, Canada
    If it is all original it will be worth a lot. However, keep in mind it its not exactly a sellers market right now and vintage prices have dipped. Search the classifieds here for similar basses and see what they have sold. Take some high quality pictures and post them as well.
     
  10. Jul 10, 2013 #10
    bassman_al

    bassman_al Supporting Member Commercial User

    Apr 16, 2008
    Fairfax, VA USA
    Dealer for Aguilar, Lindy Fralin, KorgUSA
    Funny that I joked with a co-worker this morning that you should offer him the same!

    So about $15,000 US dollars, that sounds about right if its all original. I often wonder who buys these things for that much. But if I had it to spend... in a heartbeat!
     
  11. Jul 10, 2013 #11
    bassarama

    bassarama In Memoriam

    Sep 14, 2006
    Toronto
    Hey I really like the term "buku" bucks :bassist:

    I think I'm gonna start using that in place of "beaucoup bucks" next time I am in Quebec City.:D

    beaucoup ---pronounced---"bow-koo" ;)
     
  12. Jul 10, 2013 #12
    Tonegasm

    Tonegasm

    Mar 22, 2010
    NJ
    I blame Urban Dictionary :D

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=buku
     
  13. Jul 10, 2013 #13
    bh2

    bh2

    Jun 16, 2008
    Oxford, UK
    Wow... what a find... I wish my 62 jazz was in that condition!

    10K£ sounds about right... I was told a couple of years ago mine would be around 8K if it was near original.

    Might only be worth 2 now... if I'm lucky.
     
  14. Jul 10, 2013 #14
    ROOTSnFIFTHS

    ROOTSnFIFTHS Low-end Lover since '78!

    Oct 25, 2012
    NJ to Sin City
    I would suggest to your friend to get the bass officially appraised. That way if he plans to sell he has a certificate stating value/authenticity.

    About the knobs: Fender did away with the stacked knobs by 1961 per the many Fender history books I have read. 1962 Jazz basses show up with mostly the VVT controls as most of the stacked knob assemblies were used up. Some 62's do have them because Fender was thrifty and liked to utilize all the parts they had on hand. Fender used a stack knobbed example for their AVRI 62 reissue prototype.

    Sweet bass there!