
Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst (1965)
Long Scale (Bass) · Vintage
Originally purchased by the previous owner's friend new in late 1965 at Wurlitzer Music in Boston, MA, it was rather quickly sold to the gentleman we acquired it from, who spent the next 56 years playing it. We first got wind of this Jazz Bass in 2022, when the owner walked in with his 1963 Fender Jazzmaster that he purchased new, also from Wurlitzer. He was still actively playing this bass up until just recently!
One look at this Jazz Bass and it's clear - this was as cherished as it was relied upon for so many years. Like the '63 Jazzmaster that it once sat alongside, it was gigged with on the regular, yet not once modified or put in the hands of a service tech. Besides the original thumb rest and the bridge cover screws, this Jazz Bass had never been apart. We took the neck off and adjusted the truss rod for the first time since it left the factory, and removed the pickguard and control plate in similar fashion. The discovery was as uneventful as it was exciting, revealing all internal components to be untouched - original solder joints throughout, clean original finish, etc. Just a perfect example of an early CBS-era Jazz Bass.
A well balanced mid-weight J, it has an amazing playing neck with the perfect Medium C profile that is more rounded, complementing the 1 1/2" nut width very well. The original grey bobbin pickups are smooth yet punchy (see that highly effective tone knob) with great output that'll give the player freedom to explore anything from Jazz, Motown, and R&B to Funk, Rock, and Fusion with ease.
Played-in enough to conquer the stage, yet with a level of originality and provenance that would satisfy a Golden Era Fender collector, this '65 Jazz Bass is a world-class example of one of the most famous 4-string electrics out there.
Priced with original 'no logo' Fender hardshell case.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Alder |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | 3-Tone Sunburst |
| Pickups | Original Grey Bobbin |
| Electronics | Original CTS | 137 6518 |
| Controls | Volume / Volume / Tone |
| Bridge | Original |
| Tuners | Original |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Neck | Maple | 7SEPT65A Stamp |
| Binding | None |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood Veneer |
| Profile | Mid 60s C | .86" @ 1st - .99" @ 12th |
| Inlays | Dots |
| Nut | 1 1/2" |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Serial # | L44856 |
| Weight | 9lbs 5oz |
| Case | Original Hardshell |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
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Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
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Shipping
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