Pre CBS Fender Jazz experts please

[Tim1]

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I am looking for advice on this 63 Jazz. The seller seems genuine in his presentation, but I am concerned that the pots do not have cts or stackpole codes. Did Fender use unlabelled pots in this era at all? I realise it is a refin. Note the price is in New Zealand dollars. Any opinions would be much appreciated. Before someone suggests it, I have posted in the Fender Forum as well, thanks.

 

[Tim1]

The seller has just added extra information which suggest centralab pots???

 

[metron]

Preface: not an expert. Is that possibly a refret? I thought early j basses had medium frets, those look a bit jumbo.

 

[pookiebass]

Don't know about the pots, but frets are definitely newer - much smaller in the early 60's and back.
Truss rod looks iffy; if it's frozen or rusted out there's trouble...all else looks pretty good.

 

[GM60466]

If it were me, I would buy it.

 

[mikeswals]

The headstock decals (yes plural) also looks to be a mix of different fonts: a precision bass style spaghetti Fender logo with a 90's Jazz Bass font. The frets are clearly wider than original, and the finger board has been re-planed a lot. The pots would be the least of my concern. It depends on if 6000-8000 is a good deal in NZ.

 

[Tim1]

Thanks, Caca. Yes, I have been looking at the fingerboard and thinking that it is pretty thin. Could be a deal breaker, I think - I do already have a '68 Jazz that is pretty sweet.

 

[narud]

as long as its reflected in the price, i wouldnt be too scared off by the thin board in the upper register. what would you rather have, full original fretboard and notes that choke out because of a flip or a thinner fretboard and a clean upper register?

 

[narud]

this kind of thing drives me nuts in the vintage world
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Vint...e-/271176462825?pt=Guitar&hash=item3f236071e9
asking 8 grand for a bass with a f'd up neck. at least get it repaired first.

 

[Tim1]

These are pretty rare on the ground, and getting rarer, especially down here in New Zealand. The seller seems totally genuine and no doubt would allow inspection before payment when a truss rod turn could easily be tested. Think I will pass on it although I suspect someone will be very happy with it.

 

[Tim1]

It is now on ebay for international sale if anyone is interested:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Jazz...l-/131269455215?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e9044ed6f

 

[lundborg]

The body has been refinished, see the paint covering the control cavity shield.

Infamous ski jump has been removed by planing of fingerboard, then refretted.

Otherwise nice bass.

 

[lundborg]

Refinish is mentioned in ad, good.

 

[Tim1]

Well, I have manned up and bought it myself. Don't know if another one is likely to turn up again down here in my lifetime. Bought it to play, so the cosmetics won't be a problem.

 

[Tim1]

Picked it up yesterday. All genuine. Absolutely stunning playability and tone. Just sings unplugged. I used to make fun of terms like "mojo" and "vibe" but this bass has both in spades. Not too concerned now that the refinisher fitted the wrong period headstock logo, but I will source a replacement anyway. The only issue is that I am a little wary of taking it out in case something happens to it. I may still use the 68 Jazz and just take the 63 for recording or special gigs. Interestingly there is a clear distinction in tone and feel between the 63 and the 68. The 63 seems a little more alive and responsive.