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Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst (1965)

Long Scale (Bass) · Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent
Recently acquired from its second owner who'd owned the bass since late 1966, this 1965 Fender Jazz Bass in original 3-tone Sunburst finish is about as close to having one owner as it gets for a two-owner instrument.

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.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
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.

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Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst (1965)
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Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

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