1960’s Lark “Lawsuit” Fender Jazz Bass Clone

[Gene Doctor]

I recently bought this 1960’s MIJ maple Lark (likely made by Fujigen, Kawai/Teisco or Matsumoku) Fender Jazz “lawsuit” clone with single rail/blade pickups and black block inlays. The neck is straight and very comfortable to play.

It was pretty dirty and neglected so I took it completely apart, did a full cleanup and put some old strings on it while my new GHS Precision Flats are in the mail. I’ve also ordered some tuner bushings, pickguard screws, and bridge plate and pickup covers (holes are already there). I’ll install copper tape shielding as it has absolutely none and has some hum to it.

Upon closer inspection the neck pickup is dead with broken windings. As I want to keep the pickups vintage I’m getting it rewound by Tom Brantley Rewinds in NC to match the 7.6k bridge pickup. I’m also installing a new jack and set of 250k pots to replace the 50 year old 500k pots as they sound too harsh to my ears.

Any comments or further info you can provide on the bass would be much appreciated!

 

[ezra1]

Tom is the man.

 

[Gene Doctor]

Put it all together minus the neck pickup and new flats - even with just the bridge pickup it sounds like a beast!