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Post subject: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz planet?
Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:16 pm
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I have an inherited Jazz bass -- I was told it was a '76. But, the serial number:

4 screw plate, 502XXX

Suggests it's not a 76, but rather a 74...

Image

Image

Any thoughts? Pointers? Comments?

I'm trying to decide whether to sell it...

(btw, the sound is amazing :-) -- it belonged to one of my dearest friends -- he was noted for his bass skills and his guitar collection -- so I can't imagine it's anything wonky. I don't play bass -- or guitar -- or even the tambourine -- and I'm gearing up for a move -- that's why I may sell -- so thank you in advance for any info)


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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:35 pm
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For sure not a 75 or 76. Maybe a 72-74.....

You can't go 100% by the neck plate. It could have very well came off of another bass. I would take the neck off and see if there is a date stamped at the end of the neck.

Also I do not think the pick guard it original. It should be white. Also there are no holes for the thumb rest. Could be an after market one. But....best bet is check the date on the neck.

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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:47 pm
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bassclef wrote:
For sure not a 75 or 76. Maybe a 72-74.....

You can't go 100% by the neck plate. It could have very well came off of another bass. I would take the neck off and see if there is a date stamped at the end of the neck.

Also I do not think the pick guard it original. It should be white. Also there are no holes for the thumb rest. Could be an after market one. But....best bet is check the date on the neck.


+1

I think it's earlier than '75 or '76.

And if so, the original pickguard would've been 3-ply white with 11 mounting screws and accommodations for a tug bar (thumb rest) and a cover over the neck pickup.

An authenticated neck date and/or the EIA codes on the pots would help nail down the era.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:47 am
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the beat to heck part seems odd considering the owner -- BUT -- I happen to know that I was supposed to inherit a '76 -- Funny you should mention it -- I remembered a white pick guard -- but was told I was wrong -- it was black.

Anyway -- what are "pots" and how to do I do what is needed to date them?

Is Fender like Martin -- do they keep records of the original owners by serial number?


Last edited by karmalaw on Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:31 am
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pretty sure black pick guards were standard for Jazz and P in 1976.

are you a musician? Oh okay- I see you are not. I can tell you want to sell the bass. Take it to a music store and see what they offer you. Maybe Guitar Center.


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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:11 pm
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stroker vance wrote:
pretty sure black pick guards were standard for Jazz and P in 1976.

are you a musician? Oh okay- I see you are not. I can tell you want to sell the bass. Take it to a music store and see what they offer you. Maybe Guitar Center.


I'm not a musician -- but, I know many.. and I know that a music store is not likely to be where I'd get my best price -- BUT, I will see if I can take it to the luthier that I know worked on it in the past and see if he can authenticate it.

I spoke to someone else today who also remembers a white pick guard -- and he has photos of the bass being played -- so he's going to go through the photos for me....


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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:59 pm
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Just an update...

It's a 73/74 that someone did a major job of making look like a '76 :-( I know that it's not what my friend would have been playing for almost 20 years -- it had a broken neck repaired in two places -- was refinished from natural to black -- had the original pickguard removed, the "ashtray" holes filled in, and one pickup was replaced. Oh, the original '76 did have a black pickguard.

Either I got duped when I loaned it out to someone for some studio recording sessions a few years ago or someone switched it out at the time of the estate distribution (no way would my friend not have known what he had).


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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:12 pm
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So what's the battle plan, KL?

Most of what's been changed can be reversed to stock condition, albeit requiring some modest outlay of cash. Under the black I think you'll find an ash body which may or may not look good in a natural lacquer clearcoat finish. A white pickguard, ashtrays, and tug bar are easily obtainable and added if you wish although finding an original-and-serviceable '74 pickup may prove problematic.

Let us know what you decide (and cheer up......it's not a total goat-screw).

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Is it a 74? 75? 76? or warped in from another jazz plan
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 1:19 pm
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I would guess that what you have is a late '74 or early '75 Fender Jazz Bass. The Jazz went to a bullet truss rod/ 3 bolt neck plate in '75 and that original Pickguard would be worth some cash these days because its hard to find anything from the '70s and they are going up in value..

I am sorry if you got ripped off when you had the bass set up. I would take pictures of that bass before leaving it anywhere for repair work.

Good luck with your bass.

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