Fender Bass Guitars – The Fender Jazz Bass
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In 2010 the Fender Jazz Bass (J-Bass) turned 50 years old. It was the second of the Fender bass guitars issued and the one that some believe changed the entire bass world.
It’s no surprise that Fender has taken this moment to celebrate it with a 50th anniversary edition. Strangely enough it is not a reissue of the 1960 version but instead incorporates different elements from many prior J-basses.
The Beginning
The first electric bass that Fender produced was, of course, the Precision Bass back in 1951. It took nine years before they decided to bring something new to the market, but in 1960 the Jazz Bass was introduced.
It was originally named the ‘Deluxe Model’ because Fender viewed it as being a notch above the Precision Bass. It had two pickups as opposed to only one in the P-Bass and had crisper midrange tones.
Style-wise it borrowed its offset waist body from the Fender Jazzmaster guitar, which gave it a sleek appearance although it was longer and heavier than the P-Bass. It also used the two stack-knob design for volume and tone.
The name was later changed to the Jazz Bass as Fender felt that the longer narrower neck would appeal to Jazz players, he was wrong. “Blasphemy” you say, no they’re just the facts… even Leo wasn’t perfect.
Initially Jazz musicians did not care for the new bass, but that would change over time. Oddly enough, even though it targeted Jazz artists the J-Bass became popular with rock & rollers.
1960 Jazz Bass
1963 Jazz Bass (three knobs)
2010 50th Anniv Jazz Bass
Jazz Bass Players
What really defined the Jazz Bass was that so many influential artists made it their instrument of choice. Some of the most creative musicians displayed their talents using the J-Bass.
When I think of the Jazz Bass the first person that comes to my mind is Jaco Pastorius and his fretless bass. Naturally Fender created a signature series bass with Jaco’s name on it as well as one’s for Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, Noel Redding, Reggie Hamilton, Roscoe Beck and Victor Bailey.
Other unworldly talented Jazz Bass players included Larry Graham, Flea, John Paul Jones, Adam Clayton, Jack Casady, Bootsy Collins, Verdine White, etc, etc. Sometimes the true measure of a great instrument is the respect it earns from the top artists on the planet.
Collectibility
If you want an original early ‘60s Jazz Bass you are going to need deep pockets. The fact that it’s a Fender, as well as one of the most popular Fender bass guitars of all time, makes it a highly sort after commodity.
In excellent condition, a first year of issue 1960 Jazz Bass can run between $18k and $36k depending on the color. Sunburst is the least expensive and Surf Green and Shell Pink the most valuable.
The 1961-1962 models are slightly less costly running between $14k and $30k, once again depending on the color. The bargain in this group is the 1962 Sunburst with 3 control knobs instead of two. In excellent condition you might get it for a measly $10 – $12k.
In comparison, a brand new 50th anniversary Jazz Bass will set you back about $2k.
Original Fender bass guitars don’t come cheap unless you can transport yourself back to 1960 when a brand new Jazz Bass only cost $279.50.
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