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Post subject: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 10:59 am
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I got this 63 as a bequethal from and old family friend. He insisted while he was alive that it was all stock. butupon removal of the pickguard I found this.
Image

This an old custom shop or factory refurb? serial is L012**


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:18 pm
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You will get more experienced opinions from others, but I have some concerns. First is the stamp. I don't recall ever seeing that, and yet it nags me as familiar from someplace. I called two vintage bass shops and they drew a blank as well. The pickup should be mounted to the body. I see a lot of screws in the ashtray so I am guessing it was, you unscrewed it and just stuck in the pick guard for safe keeping. I also would expect to see a slight quarter moon in the pickguard where is meets the neck to allow for adjustment.

More pictures would help a lot, but this one does leave me with some questions. Please don't make any judgment based on this review. I am just testing myself.

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 3:15 pm
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Fender used body stamps for some reason. I have heard that they used them to track custom orders or refinishes, but I am not sure of that. That stamp was done at the factory, so I regard it as a good thing not bad.

I would also like to see more pictures of the bass to give a good opinion.

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 3:35 pm
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:arrow: Post clear well composed photos of: full serial number and location; butt end of neck, and neck pocket; Fender headstock decal.

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 4:02 pm
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There ya go. Hope this helps.


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 6:07 pm
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It looks pretty convincing to me.

Downright sweet, in fact.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:25 pm
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The number and sometimes letter stamping were done for instruments returned by customers or dealers for service, for refinishing services and to mark custom color finishes. They are very common. Can't tell exactly whether that stamp says 68 or SB. Whatever it reads it is very common. Everything else looks legit and original to me. The CTS pots I can read date to 1963 the week of Feb 25th thru March 1. So it probably came out of Fullerton shortly after that. EVERYTHING else looks fine.

The brass shielding is there as it should be. Solder joints look good too. This is in really decent shape. The serial does jive with everything to make it an original 1963 Jazz Bass.

If you have the original case, this is from everything I see a COLLECTOR CLASS instrument and I'd be very careful with it because the going dealer asking price on one like this would be in the ballpark of $17,500 to $20,000 USD. I'd get an appraisal from a noted authority pronto and make sure your homeowner insurance covers it even if you have to buy a rider for it. George Gruhn does them online. Just send him your photos including a case photo with the Fender logo on the case included and pay the $50 and get it done ASAP starting here:
http://www.gruhn.com/appraise.html

It likely will appraise HIGHER than the current vintage market value. Honest. It's worth more than my car.


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:24 pm
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Thanks for the info Brother Dave. I do indeed have the case. It's in bad shape though. The Fender logo has seen too many doorjams on the way out of clubs I think. You gave me some valuble info. As to the stamp. I see 88. No clue if it means 1988 or 88 of 100 or how hot it was that day. I will however cherish it, even if it is beyond my skill level.


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2013 2:03 am
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If this instrument has a black Tolex case with a amp logo on the lid it is likely not original to the instrument. Cases such as this did not appear until mid/late '65 or early '66. The period-correct case for a '63 Jazz Bass would've been made by the Victoria Luggage Co. and be covered in brown Nubtex.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2013 2:43 am
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hello

whether all body Fender Precision Bass Blacktop contains pieces ?

I'm very scared, get bass false


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2013 9:49 am
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dodokns wrote:
hello

whether all body Fender Precision Bass Blacktop contains pieces ?

I'm very scared, get bass false




WWHHAAAAAT???????? :?:


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 1:51 pm
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English doesn't seem to be their first language


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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 9:37 am
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That 1963 looks very legit to me! We are all jealous and I agree with Brother Dave's assessment 100%. That is one sweet Jazz Bass!

I wish I understood the logic behind those body stamps. I own a 1966 Precision bass that has a body stamp, too. I don't remember the exact stamping.

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Post subject: Re: is this 63 legit?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 3:36 pm
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Thanks for positing the additional pictures. Very nice!

I have never seen a body stamp, but it sounds like they are not at all uncommon. The only stamp I am familiar with is the D on the old P necks.

Sharp looking bass and in great condition.

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