I had the Black one a few years ago. Didn't get the wrong logo or why they left out the Lollipop tuners but, hey, that's quirky Fender Japan for you. I put a set of black Gotoh Lollis on her and a cream pearloid 'plate. Nicknamed her 'The Admiral'. Wish I still had her....
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Welp, did it again... NBD (dots and binding Jazz)
- Thread starter Dynacord
- Start date
I had the Black one a few years ago. Didn't get the wrong logo or why they left out the Lollipop tuners but, hey, that's quirky Fender Japan for you. I put a set of black Gotoh Lollis on her and a cream pearloid 'plate. Nicknamed her 'The Admiral'. Wish I still had her....
I really like the black/matching headstock look. That's the finish I was most looking for until this one showed up.
On things Fender Japan, I also have this baby, a non-export model in CAR. Neck isn't bound, however. It does have factory fitted reverse gear tuners! Came with a VVT circuit which I swapped for a stacker.
Also, notice lack of skinny ground strap from bridge to rear pup cavity!
Also, notice lack of skinny ground strap from bridge to rear pup cavity!
Beautiful!
It quite reminds me of this stack knob - which was seen earlier in Norm Harris' book:
It's a mid 60's factory refin (I've never seen a legit fully original stack knob with matching headstock but, understandably, factory refins have caused some confusion).
I had a '62 Jazz which was also a factory refin in the same period. Both of these had the mid 60's PVC white guards added but they also 'updated' the ground by removing the straps and replacing with ground wires in newly drilled holes under the bridge - so this one doesn't have the ground strap either IIRC. Also filled the mute holes.
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- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,600
- 222,015
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
The Hipshot pops were the first on the scene - the Gotoh's are fairly recent. Back before either, a used set were around $250 - now they are at least double that. I had two sets custom made by a guy that used to sell on eBay from the south. He would take what's now considered "Geddy Lee" Fender clovers and grind the top hump off and polish the edges. They look real good and were about $120 or less if you sent him the tuners.
These are them - pretty much like the Gotoh's look. If you look at the E tuner paddle - you can barely see the center of the top reflection difference. Only if you look close in certain light could anyone discern that.
I have the other set on my T2K MkII (Tele 2000) G&L L2000/Fender '51-P RI hybrid. MkII because it went through two variations.
Those look really good. The only differences I see - which would be non-issue for 99.99999999999% of people... - as mentioned before, besides the 'Fender' logos, is the posts being slightly different and that on the originals Fender still used nickel bushings with the otherwise chrome lollipops/ovals (much like how on the 50's-60's reverse Klusons the posts were chrome while the other parts were nickel).
I still want to try putting some of the Wilkinson posts on the Gotoh tuning machines so see if they'll fit. Those posts don't look exactly like originals but a good deal closer. Gotoh (and others) still make nickel bushings.
Admittedly, all fetish minutia which makes no difference in how they play or sound.
Talk of lollipops reminds me of one of the cooler basses I saw when at Real, a '67 Sonic Blue P bass with white pickguard and a maple cap neck with lollipops. Pretty unique combo and all looked to be totally original.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,600
- 222,015
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
This exemplifies what is important to uber-bass nerds like us.
Such nuanced details - forgers beware... you can never counter-fit clever enough to get by us! When I was at Real recently the used section was devoid of basses - primaily guitars. Maybe just a timing thing, but anytime I have ever been in there there is a number of basses and some really cool. Last cool one I saw/played there was an early '80s International's Series Malibu Blue P-bass. Such a pretty colour! (but a very heavy bass!)
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,600
- 222,015
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Sadly I'm having some issues lately with shipped instrument related deliveries. The finished gilded body from Pat was 'supposedly' delivered on Friday - but I wasn't home. Being FedEx it is a 'signature required' delivery. I contacted FedEx asap and opened a case but haven't heard anything yet. If in fact it was delivered - it was delivered to the wrong address (drivers fault-address was correct) and someone signed for it -?- Pat (only) insures for $500. The driver is responsible if it was given to the wrong address and needs to be held accountable. If I'm lucky, they will find the package and deliver it to me. If this body disappears I'm going to file a lawsuit against FedEx.
This exemplifies what is important to uber-bass nerds like us.
Real recently had this original Longhorn that was giving me serious GAS:
Beat just right and I love how the bronze dust has oxidized green like on LP goldtops. Missing the clear guard tho.
Very sorry to hear that. Check out some of my brother in law's chronic horror stories with FedEx. He might be able to help (?) if needed - too much experience with them and their lawyers. He's in Santa Cruz.
Any many more...
Hopefully it will show up. FedEx must have an electronic record of the signature (unless they are allowing drivers to leave packages without signature due to covid concerns?) Maybe it and the Jolana will arrive the same day!
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I'd say that's more like back ON topic. Fully agree, love the look of matching headstocks.
love matching headstocks. Here's my 'stealth' Squier Deluxe Active IV. Lovely bass for the money.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,600
- 222,015
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
That longhorn is pretty awesome - reminds me of this iconic Dano that was in the SF airport earlier this year, part of a R&R history exhibit.
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In the spirit of "never leave well enough alone" I decided to 'fix' the neck transition and remove the sharp edge - seen here:
Reshaped it and resprayed in nitro:
Went a little heavier on the tint as the binding is faux aged/yellowish (much more white on the original) and with the lacquer not being very tinted the binding just sort of blended in. Much better contrast now.
Also have a more accurate decal so that will be replaced - and original '66 tuning machines. Should look pretty convincing when done.
Reshaped it and resprayed in nitro:
Went a little heavier on the tint as the binding is faux aged/yellowish (much more white on the original) and with the lacquer not being very tinted the binding just sort of blended in. Much better contrast now.
Also have a more accurate decal so that will be replaced - and original '66 tuning machines. Should look pretty convincing when done.
Looking forward to seeing it when it’s all done, so that we all can collectively drool over it
Thanks!
BTW I really like the detail of the red logo and case accents on the one you posted.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,600
- 222,015
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Well done - nice flaming on the back of the hs. Frets look like new!
Thanks! A lot of nice figuring to the whole back of the neck - not overt flame but definitely some. Yes, frets are in good shape and really nice dark chocolate rosewood as well.
