Today, I received a 1991 FENDER JP-90 that I bought online . Other than the pots needing cleaning, the bass appears to be in mint conditon...like almost new. But I have a question... Would/did Fender ever use a watermark or what looks to be like a decal on the headstock with the fender logo/serial #? .. My other fenders (a mustang and musicmaster) are not like this. The logo is usually under the finish and cant flake off. On this Bass, I literally can scrape off the Fender log (with the Made in USA and serial number) - its like a very clear fragile sticker that can easily flake off. Can this be? The headstock and neck are definitely the right configuration and style and look accurate (although they do look pretty new for a 20 yr old bass and whiter than the usual golden maple) and the hardware is definitely the right ones (including shaller keys on the headstock). Any feedback would be great. The body looks brand new as if sitting in a closet for 20 years. And it arrived in a perfectly shaped case that is clearly 20 yrs old.

I have posted pics on a thread at (since I can't seem to upload here)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=642447

The serial number is accurate but I guess that could be a copy.

It would seem odd to me that someone would go through the trouble of retrofiting a neck and headstock (fake) to a genuine body w proper hardware esp given these are not too expensive in the first place.

Appreciate the education.

Best regards

Thanks,

Joey
jmilstein@fmiint.com

I remember that model- I dabbled in a bit of bass and when I was a teenager, I wanted to get my hands on a JP-90

I do know, the early fender mim logos seemed to flake every occasional guitar I saw- with regard to the "squire series" logo that some guitars had (my 'squire series' logo flaked off, and so too the fender logo had a split in it aswell- in which I had it repaired & lacquered before it got worse). I have a feeling it could have been a common problem

I cant really speak for a Bass though- but I would not be surprised if it did as the JP90 bass was mim in the early 90's.

They were a great bass- good value for money which ever way you looked at it.
Not that common either!

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I aint no fender/guitar expert, all as I know is how to play em. But, as Blertles said my squier serial number seems to look alot like a watermark or a sticker or whatever, and is very slowly fading away so yeah.....

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riley

The decals are applied after the lacquer has gone on and dried out, with vintage reissue guitars. I really dont know whether that is applicable to your bass or not mate, sorry.

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No no and no

I dont know about your bass but I have the same decal on my Clapton Strat.

Thanks for the feedback. I think i will put a coat of varnish/lacquer to secure it all. But I am still unsure if this is all original. The logo suggests yes, Made in USA but the headstock white color and the flaking logo make me wonder. Oh well, its still a beautiful looking axe.

My main concern is if / when I sell it. I want the thing to look as good/authentic as possible like my other RI and vintage basses.

Any other thoughts are greatly appreciated.