Introduction:
The Fender Jazz Bass, introduced in 1960, was designed to complement the Precision Bass with a different tonal character and playing feel. Leo Fender created the Jazz Bass (originally called the "Deluxe Bass") to appeal to jazz and session musicians who wanted more tonal versatility and a faster-playing neck.
The Jazz Bass quickly became essential to the sound of popular music, from the Motown grooves of James Jamerson to the progressive rock foundations of Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. Its dual pickup design and narrower neck made it the perfect complement to Fender's revolutionary Precision Bass.
Understanding your Jazz Bass's age and authenticity is crucial for determining its value. Early 1960s Jazz Basses can be worth $15,000-40,000, while later models range from $1,000-15,000 depending on era and condition.
This comprehensive guide covers Jazz Bass serial numbers, dating methods, and the key evolutionary changes that affect value and collectibility.
Fender Jazz Bass Lookup
Enter your serial number to identify your Jazz Bass model and year
Jazz Bass Serial Number Guide
Early Production (1960-1965)
The early Jazz Bass used the same serial number system as other Fender instruments, making precise dating challenging without examining physical features.
Stack Knob Era (1960-1962)
1960: 40000-58000 (introduction year)
1961: 58000-72000 (name change to "Jazz Bass")
1962: 72000-93000 (transition to individual controls)
Stack Knob Identification:
Two concentric knobs instead of four individual
Volume/tone for each pickup on stacked controls
"Deluxe Bass" or early "Jazz Bass" headstock decal
Clay dot position markers
Individual Control Era (1962-1965)
1962: 72000-93000 (individual controls introduced)
1963: 93000-L20000
1964: L20000-L55000
1965: L55000-L99999 (pre-CBS through January)
Individual Control Features:
Four separate knobs (two volume, two tone)
Layout becomes standard for all future Jazz Basses
Pearl dot markers (replacing clay dots)
"Jazz Bass" headstock decal standard
CBS Era (1965-1976)
The CBS era brought significant changes to Jazz Bass design and production methods.
Neck Plate Era (1965-1976)
100000-110000: 1965 (post-CBS transition)
110000-200000: 1966
200000-250000: 1967-1968
250000-280000: 1969
280000-300000: 1970
300000-330000: 1971
330000-520000: 1972-1973
520000-580000: 1974
580000-690000: 1975
690000-750000: 1976
CBS Era Changes:
1965: Larger headstock introduced
1965-1966: Bound fingerboard with block inlays (limited period)
1966: Return to dot inlays (standard)
1971: 3-bolt neck with micro-tilt
Headstock Serial Era (1976-Present)
Starting in 1976, Fender moved serial numbers to the headstock and introduced new dating systems.
American Jazz Basses (1976-Present)
S6-S9: 1976-1979
E0-E9: 1980-1989
N0-N9: 1990-1999
Z0-Z9: 2000-2009
US10-US25: 2010-2025
(See main Fender guide for complete modern serial number breakdowns)
Jazz Bass Model Variations and Dating
Standard Jazz Bass (1960-Present)
The core Jazz Bass model that established the template:
Pre-CBS Features (1960-1965):
Dual single-coil pickups
Offset body shape
34" scale length
Narrower neck than Precision Bass
CBS Era Evolution (1965-1985):
Larger headstock from 1965
Various pickup and electronic specifications
Different finish options
Hardware updates
Special Jazz Bass Variants
Jazz Bass with Block Inlays (1965-1966)
Features: Bound fingerboard with rectangular block inlays
Duration: Limited production period
Value: Premium over standard dot-neck models
Identification: White binding, pearl block markers
Jazz Bass Deluxe (1970s)
Features: Active electronics, different pickup configuration
Period: Mid-1970s CBS era
Value: Less than passive Jazz Basses generally
Market: Specific appeal to certain players
Key Dating Features Beyond Serial Numbers
Control Layout Evolution
Stack Knob Controls (1960-1962)
Design: Two concentric knobs
Function: Volume/tone for each pickup on single knob
Identification: Most reliable dating feature for early Jazz Basses
Value: Commands significant premium over later models
Individual Controls (1962-Present)
Design: Four separate knobs
Layout: Two volume, two tone controls
Standard: Became template for all future Jazz Basses
Variations: Different knob styles by era
Neck Construction Changes
Neck Profile Evolution:
1960-1962: Larger neck profiles
1962-1965: Refined "C" shape profile
1965+: Various profiles by era and model
Fingerboard Features:
1960-1961: Clay dot position markers
1961-1965: Pearl dot markers
1965-1966: Block inlays and binding (limited)
1966+: Return to dot markers standard
Scale Length:
Consistent: 34" scale maintained throughout production
Standard: Same as Precision Bass
Neck Width: Narrower at nut than Precision Bass
Pickup and Electronics Evolution
Pickup Development:
1960-1965: Hand-wound single coils
1965-1985: Machine-wound specifications
1985+: Various vintage reissue and modern winds
Wiring Changes:
Stack Knob Era: Unique wiring for concentric controls
Individual Era: Standard volume/tone per pickup
Modern: Various active and passive options
Most Valuable Jazz Bass Years
The Holy Grail: Stack Knob Era (1960-1962)
Value Range: $15,000-40,000
Why Valuable: Unique control layout, limited production period
Rarity: Only produced for about 2 years
Collector Appeal: Most distinctive Jazz Bass period
Early Individual Control (1962-1965)
Value Range: $8,000-25,000
Why Valuable: Pre-CBS quality with refined design
Peak Years: 1962-1964 for collectors
Player Appeal: Classic Jazz Bass sound and feel
Block Inlay Models (1965-1966)
Value Range: $6,000-18,000
Why Valuable: Limited production feature, distinctive appearance
Rarity: Only produced for about one year
Visual Appeal: Elegant bound fingerboard design
Early CBS Standard (1966-1970)
Value Range: $4,000-12,000
Why Valuable: Transition period maintaining vintage characteristics
Features: Large headstock but vintage electronics
Market Position: Entry point for vintage Jazz Bass collecting
CBS Era Players (1970-1985)
Value Range: $1,500-6,000
Why Valuable: Excellent players at accessible prices
Appeal: Modern playability with vintage character
Investment: Increasing appreciation in recent years
Jazz Bass Authentication and Counterfeits
Common Counterfeit Patterns:
Fake Stack Knob Models:
Individual control basses converted to stack knobs
Incorrect routing for concentric controls
Wrong control layout or wiring
Anachronistic features for claimed year
Pre-CBS Conversions:
CBS-era basses with fake pre-CBS serials
Neck swaps to change apparent date
Refinished instruments with incorrect aging
Authentication Checkpoints:
Control Layout Verification:
Stack Knobs: Must have correct routing and wiring
Individual Controls: Verify appropriate layout for era
Potentiometer Dating: Date codes must align with claimed year
Wiring Techniques: Must match era-appropriate methods
Physical Examination:
Neck Pocket: Check for date stamps and proper fit
Body Routing: Verify pickup and control cavities
Hardware: Confirm all components match claimed period
Finish: Analyze aging patterns and finish type
Serial Number Analysis:
Format Verification: Must match known patterns for era
Cross-Reference: Compare with physical features
Database Check: Verify against known production records
Expert Consultation: Professional verification recommended
Professional Jazz Bass Evaluation Services
Our Jazz Bass Specialization:
30+ years evaluating vintage Jazz Basses
Extensive stack knob and early model expertise
Current market pricing knowledge
Authentication documentation services
Insurance appraisal capabilities
Comprehensive Evaluation Process:
Complete serial analysis with cross-referencing
Control layout verification and dating
Hardware authenticity assessment
Electronics component evaluation
Finish analysis and documentation
Fair market valuation based on current sales
Free Initial Assessment:
Submit clear photos of your Jazz Bass:
Full instrument front and back views
Headstock showing serial number clearly
Control layout detail showing knob configuration
Pickup and hardware close-up shots
Any unique features or potential issues
Jazz Bass Market Analysis
Investment Considerations:
Stack Knob Models: Strongest appreciation potential
Pre-CBS Standards: Solid collector market
Block Inlay Models: Niche but strong demand
CBS Era: Player market with some collector interest
Value Factors:
Control Layout: Stack knobs command highest premiums
Era: Pre-CBS models most valuable
Condition: Original finish and hardware crucial
Originality: All matching components preferred
Rarity: Special features or limited production years
Market Trends:
Increasing Recognition: Jazz Bass gaining collector appreciation
Stack Knob Premium: Continuing to appreciate strongly
Player Market: Strong demand for all eras
Investment Potential: Early models showing consistent growth
Jazz Bass Buying and Selling Guide
For Buyers:
Authentication Critical: Verify control layout authenticity
Condition Assessment: Understand restoration vs. original
Market Research: Compare recent sales data
Professional Inspection: Recommended for valuable examples
For Sellers:
Document Everything: Photograph all features thoroughly
Preserve Originality: Avoid modifications before evaluation
Professional Appraisal: Essential for valuable models
Market Timing: Understand current demand trends
Our team specializes in Jazz Bass evaluation, authentication, and market analysis. Whether you own a rare stack knob model or a player-grade CBS-era bass, we can help determine its history and value.
Professional Services:
Authentication Reports: Complete verification documentation
Market Appraisals: Current fair market valuations
Insurance Documentation: Professional appraisal reports
Purchase Consultation: Pre-buy inspection services
Selling Guidance: Market preparation and pricing advice
Why Choose Our Expertise:
Specialized Knowledge: Deep Jazz Bass model expertise
Market Experience: Decades of vintage bass evaluation
Authentication Skills: Proven track record with rare models
Professional Documentation: Industry-standard reporting
Honest Assessments: No-pressure, accurate evaluations
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
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We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Fast & Simple Process
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Frequently Asked Questions
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