My father, who just turned 79, worked for Fender in Fullerton back in the 60's. He was in the electronics R&D group. He got a 1960 Fender Jazz Bass and has had it ever since. He was under the impression it was a prototype, but with the dates on the neck and pots and the serial that seems unlikely. We do know it wasn't refinished, but the neck cavity/pocket is painted black (I attached a photo). Some think this is a sign of refinishing. I'm looking for information on other ways to identify/prove original vs. refin paint. Any and all opinions are welcome!
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If you could post other pictures such as of the body with the pickguard removed, someone would likely be able to help you in a more proficient manner. The neck cavity itself - while being an important part of the puzzle - is unlikely to tell the whole story.
Good luck.
If you could post other pictures such as of the body with the pickguard removed, someone would likely be able to help you in a more proficient manner. The neck cavity itself - while being an important part of the puzzle - is unlikely to tell the whole story.
Good luck.
Welcome to TB. Though this is far from my field of expertise, I think it's a cool backstory and I'll be watching as the experts weigh in.
I am curious about the playing history this bass has over the past five decades and what condition it is in currently, hopefully with a few pics to demonstrate.
I am curious about the playing history this bass has over the past five decades and what condition it is in currently, hopefully with a few pics to demonstrate.
Detailed photos would be essential for us to make any assessment on finish or any other features!
I will get on it tomorrow and post more images. If it's not against the rules, you can see more images here: Link removed to honor rules...
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Actually, it IS against the rules since you're not a Supporting Member. You can either upgrade your membership or remove the link.
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If the story were true, there is no way that I would sell that bass.
I’d never be THAT hard up.
And I would pass it on to one of my kids or grandkids that I thought wouldn’t sell it.
But, that’s me.
I’d never be THAT hard up.
And I would pass it on to one of my kids or grandkids that I thought wouldn’t sell it.
But, that’s me.
Oh, it's true and it's taken this long, for my MOM, to give it up! Dad had a lot of gear back in the day including amps and a 12 string electric. Pretty much all that remains is the bass. The story goes Mom didn't want to sell the 12 string electric, and when he did she put her foot down on selling the bass. Until now...
The only other items that he has are some original blueprint schematics from assorted Fender amps and a Solid State Fender PA head.
Well, if it’s not yours, I guess that it’s up to your Mama.
Mama gets what Mama wants.
Mama gets what Mama wants.
Here is under the pick guard. That was a tight fit! NOTE: for some reason the photos look washed out compare to the originals if that may or may not make a difference. Thanks!
looks like the real deal to me and don't you dare try to clean it.
That is a beauty.
Almost any bass player would want it, or, should.
Wow.
Almost any bass player would want it, or, should.
Wow.
What a beauty! I love the burst finishes on the early Jazz Basses. I got to play Rob Alexander's '61 way back in 1983. It was the best.
Hate seeing strings strung that way (y’all know what I’m saying) but yeah, I’d play it. Great thread and good luck with your research!
Wow. That's quite something. 
(don't forget to put the guard back on before stowing it away again)
(don't forget to put the guard back on before stowing it away again)
My YOB bass. Had the chance to buy one at a good price many, many years ago but by the time I'd raised the cash it was sold elsewhere.
Looks authentic to me. A '61? Do you still have the felt mutes? I was going to point out that the grounding strip from bridge-plate to the rear pup cavity was missing but, no, it's there. I can never understand why Fender came up with the reissue one that's about ten times the width of the original.
Keep that baby in the family!
Looks authentic to me. A '61? Do you still have the felt mutes? I was going to point out that the grounding strip from bridge-plate to the rear pup cavity was missing but, no, it's there. I can never understand why Fender came up with the reissue one that's about ten times the width of the original.
Keep that baby in the family!
And I love the way the 'Fender' decal has decayed slightly to some sort of croc-skin effect!!
