Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst (1962)

A seminal bass from one of its best production years, this '62 Jazz Bass has it all - feel, sound, and looks.

1962 Fender Jazz Bass in original Sunburst finish just in from its longtime previous owner!

When we get instruments like this from pro musicians who've had it for decades, it almost completely removes a certain level of subjectivity about how good they are. Case in point with this late 1962 Jazz Bass.

Its prior owner, who'd purchased it sometime in the mid 90s in the midst of a budding and successful career, instantly fell in love with it. We can understand why, too. It hits the mark in so many ways you hope a vintage Fender bass could - the neck feel, the weight, the sound of the pickups, the level of originality, all coming to a head in one great instrument. Before finding its way to us, the bass was a touring and recording favorite for years until it became so important that it was retired from the road. Since then, the prior owner maintained it as the prize of his collection.

The original 3-Tone Sunburst finish is classic early 60s, with a nice deep, dark edge and still a healthy amount of red. It's got some heavier wear in all the normal contact areas- forearm and back of the upper bout in particular- but it's about as honest as you'll find one. The electronics are all original, as is the celluloid nitrate pickguard and hardware. Though the original string mutes are long gone, the covers remain with the bass along with the original polish cloth, strap, and grey cable.

The original brown hardshell case shows its age by way of the bottom vinyl wrap and stitching having separated from the tolex, but the shell itself is in great condition and all the latches work. The handle is in good shape as well.

This is a truly marvelous sounding and playing vintage J that would likely insert itself right at the top of the list for any player or vintage collector.