Why /when did Fender stop using stack knobs on their basses

[cnltb]

Title says it all.

 

[MrBKerth]

I'm just gonna shoot in the dark cause I'm assuming most the older more knowledgeable guys are still asleep

I'd guess either a cost cutting measure, or because there might be some interplay between the two volumes and two tones with how it was all put together. There's a lot of folks with strong opinions about jazz knobs and what a lot of guys call v/v/t syndrome. Maybe that had something to do with it.

 

[JTE]

The change started in late '61 into '62. The reason most likely was the way the bridging resistors required to isolate the interaction of the tone controls also reduces the output. The more common VVT controls have more output. The Vintage Series '62 Jazz used the stack knob arrangement without the resistors so the tone controls work on both pickups despite the assertions that they don't.

John

 

[Jeff Scott]

Cost saving, nothing more.

 

[JTE]

Cost saving, nothing more.

Is this based on anything other than cynicism? This was the same time they changed from the slab board to the more expensive round-laminated board. I recall an old Leo Fender interview (towards the end of his Music Man involvement, so many years after he left Fender) that specifically mentioned the output, nothing being said about costs.

John

 

[NOVAX]

3 knob looks better

 

[dannster]

3 knob looks better

...False.

 

[mikefromchurch]

3 knob looks better

I would reference this thread in regards to looks

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/rosewood-fretboard-when-and-why.1108498/#post-16489578

 

[NOVAX]

True.

In my humble opinion that is.

 

[interp]

I had a replica of a 1960 stack knob Jazz built. It was a wonderful bass overall, but I hated the stack knobs and went to v/v/t. Much better.

 

[ROOTSnFIFTHS]

The prototype Jazz bass actually had V/V/T. Fender showed their new Jazz off at the July 1960 NAMM show(with concentrics). The concentric control configuration was officially changed in late 1961. Now you may see Jazz basses with concentric configurations with 1962 dates but Leo Fender was known not to waste money and to use everything in stock. So he used up his stock, although the actual updated design had changed.

On the older reissue series, the AVRI, Fender's '62 Jazz bass has concentric controls. Rumour has it that in 1982 Fender had a 1962 to 'model' their reissue after and it had those leftover concentric parts on it. Even though Leo's Fender changed that design before 1961 ended.

These reissues electronics are not like the original stack knobs of 1960 as someone above had stated.

 

[drunkenDAYlewis]

I've heard the concentric pots were/are quite hard to wire (probably another cost cutting measure). I quite like the look of them personally.

 

[SirMjac28]

Man I miss my stacked knob Jazz in Lake Placid Blue I was curious about the reasoning also so thanks to all who answered and to the OP who asked.

 

[Spectrum]

Um, they still make at least one bass with stacked knobs:

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I really wish the new American Standard Jags had these knobs, too.

 

[JTE]

The original Vintage Series were based on several instuments of the era, from a range of years, not a single example from any specific year. They also looked closely ar early documentation, working drawings, and anyb templates and jigs they still had.

1962 was chosen for several reasons, including being able to go to the rond- lam fingerboard on all three models and the VVT on the Jazz. It wasn also chosen because '62 evoked a time without emotional baggage- it was before Kennedy's assassination, pre Vietnam, etc.

John

 

[Iridescentone]

The VVT setup is way cheaper than the stacks, in both parts and labor. Ever look at an original stacker tone knob? It's milled anodized aluminum, with each detent dimple (I think mine had 7 of 'em) machined into the bottom to receive the male dimple on the spring washer. That attention to detail aint cheap. Not only were there more parts involved with the stacks, but more expensive parts, as well.

So after dumping the stacks and cutting costs, the upside was that the jazz bass then had more signal output. You could debate whether that's a benefit, but Leo Fender certainly would have proclaimed that it was. And I don't imagine him ever, ever admitting he made changes just to "save money", even if that was the prime motivation.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

The original Vintage Series were based on several instuments of the era, from a range of years, not a single example from any specific year. They also looked closely ar early documentation, working drawings, and anyb templates and jigs they still had.

1962 was chosen for several reasons, including being able to go to the rond- lam fingerboard on all three models and the VVT on the Jazz. It wasn also chosen because '62 evoked a time without emotional baggage- it was before Kennedy's assassination, pre Vietnam, etc.

John

'62 was a transitional year in more than one respect. My '62 has V/V/T and a slab board.

 

[Munjibunga]

My 1994 American Jazz Deluxe Plus V has stacked knobs, as did my 1993 American Precision Deluxe Plus.

 

[Iridescentone]

'62 was a transitional year in more than one respect.

Indeed. It's also the year Fender went from penciled neck dates, to ink stamped neck dates, for example.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

Indeed. It's also the year Fender went from penciled neck dates, to ink stamped dates.

Mine has the ink neck stamp, too.