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Original Fender Jazz 1962

J

JetToughlove

Guest
Aug 23, 2012
17
1
#1
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/98672112@N05/9255744284/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/98672112@N05/9252961007/
 
#2
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
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
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.
 
#8
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
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
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!
 
#14
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!
 

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