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Fly Guitars Interview: Bob Daisley - part 3: Fender basses

Introduction | Gibson basses | Fender basses | Other vintage basses


Fender basses

FlyGuitars Your collections obviously dominated by a large number of Fender basses and Fender appear to be your chosen workhorse. Is that because you find those most practical for live work and recording?

Bob Daisley Yeah they've always been very versatile you can get lots of different sounds out of especially a Precision bass. Very versatile, very reliable, very robust for travelling. I love Gibsons for some stuff but sometimes you only have to look at them the wrong way and the head falls off, they're notorious for that though. If they fall or they get transported the wrong way or they are not packed properly the head can break off, it's always the head that goes first. I've had that happen to a couple of mine but the Fenders are very robust and you could probably throw it across the room and it'd be still in one piece you know. You've got to really mean to break one, somebody like Ritchie (Blackmore) or Pete Townsend to break a Fender, they're very robust. You know I've always found them very versatile.

FlyGuitars What was your first Fender

Bob Daisley I actually got a Telecaster bass at first which was ok but when I joined Chicken Shack with Stan Webb I ended up getting the 61 Precision bass and I remember Stan saying to me "Oh you won't be sorry, you'll have that for the rest of your life". That's one I've really hung on to and it's been great, it's been really good, a real workhorse, it's been on so many records and albums and done so many tours.

1964 Candy Apple Red Precision bass
Chicken Shack in 1972 - Bob plays an early Fender Telecaster bass
Chicken Shack in 1972 - Bob plays an early Fender Telecaster bass, and below, the 1961 blond Precision, bought shortly afterwards
1961 blonde Fender Precision

FlyGuitars In '72 Fender edged into Gibson territory by putting a large humbucker right up by the neck of the Telecaster bass. Your original Tele didn't have this, but have you now got a humbucker equipped Tele in your collection?

Bob Daisley No, mine's the '68 Paisley which is another pretty rare one but that hasn't got the humbucker it's the one with the early Precision straight pole pickup.

FlyGuitars What's it like in terms of tone compared to the other Fenders that you've got?

Bob Daisley It's nice, you know it's got nice playability and it sounds good. Very similar to the early 50's ones, I have got a couple of early 50's ones, a 53 Precision, the butterscotch with the black pickguard, that's really nice, I like that one and the other one I've got is the '55. Same sort of thing but with the contoured body.

1968 Fender Telecaster - paisley finish
1968 Fender Telecaster - paisley finish

The pictures below show a selection of Bob's Precision and Jazz basses. Six Fender Precision basses: 1953 blond, 1954 Sunburst, 1957 Sunburst, 1959 Sunburst, 1962/3 Olympic white, 1964 Sunburst

1953 Fender Precision
1953 blond
1954 Fender Precision
1954 Sunburst
1957 Fender Precision
1957 Sunburst
1959 Fender Precision
1959 Sunburst
1963 Fender Precision
1962/3 Olympic white
1964 Fender Precision
1964 Sunburst
1962 Fender Jazz Bass - fiesta red finish 1964 candy apple red Fender Jazz bass
Two Fender Jazz basses: a 1962 in Fiesta Red, and a 1964 in Candy Apple Red




Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Bob Daisley for making this interview possible. Images courtesy of bobdaisley.com

Links: Bob Daisley's homepage | Kahvas Jute homepage | More FlyGuitars interviews

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1957 Fender precision Bass

1957 Fender precision Bass

Miamisburg, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8499

Mostly original including bridge and pickup covers

Non-original finish faded sonic blue nitro, headstock decal, and case

Case is a G&G fender repro tweed

Raised A pole pieces on pickup. Truss rod works great, original frets (as far as i know)

Originally there was a repaired crack going through the tuner holes. And the headstock was sanded to a non standard thickness removing the decal( not by me) so maple has been added on both sides to strengthen... more
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Fender Squier Badtz-Maru Bronco Bass -RARE- ST279

Fender Squier Badtz-Maru Bronco Bass -RARE- ST279

Fletcher, North Carolina, 287**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30

? Fender Squier Badtz-Maru Bronco Bass ?? Hello Kitty Sanrio Edition
A rare collector's piece! This Fender Squier Bronco Bass features the mischievous charm of Badtz-Maru, the beloved Sanrio character. Part of a limited-edition run, this bass combines iconic Fender tone and playability with quirky, unforgettable styling
?️ Specifications:
Model: Badtz-Maru Bronco Bass
Scale Length: 30 "
Pickup: Single-coil bridge pickup
Color: Black with custom Badtz-Maru graphic ... more
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Vintage 1971 Fender Musicmaster Bass. No Reserve.

Vintage 1971 Fender Musicmaster Bass. No Reserve.

Morgantown, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

Vintage 1971 Fender Musicmaster Bass. No Reserve. Has the normal signs of use that you would see on a 54 year old Bass. It is being sold As-is. I took apart the things I could but, when I got to taking the pickguard off it was very tight and I did not want to break it. I did test the electronics and they do work. If you look at the last picture you can see a high fret that needs to be fixed. Comes with non-original case. All sales final
... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Original Natural Ash 1978

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Original Natural Ash 1978

Hamtramck, Michigan, 482**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1980

Used but in premium condition. Everything is original .You got what you see. I don??t have original case , just soft .Amp is not for sale .Only USA buyers please I don??t do delete bids . Be advised pay if you won action please. No return accept. Good luck.... more
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Vintage 1966-67 Fender Palomino Acoustic Electric Guitar Concert Series w /  Case

Vintage 1966-67 Fender Palomino Acoustic Electric Guitar Concert Series w / Case

Granville, Ohio, 430**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$550

This guitar produces sound as expected. Because it is a vintage guitar, it made need new strings / tuning / servicing / repair. Please view all pictures before bidding. Please don??t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you for viewing our listing. We do combine shipping, but please request an invoice before payment or your items may not be shipped together
... more
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1975 Fender Precision Bass Olympic White Modified w /  Gig Bag

1975 Fender Precision Bass Olympic White Modified w / Gig Bag

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3195

1975 Fender Precision Bass Olympic White Modified w / Gig Bag
This Bass Is In Very Good Condition Showing Some Playwear Throughout Including Some Dings And Scratches In The Finish (See Photos)
Located At IVG Orange
Original Maple Neck And Frets
Original Body In Olympic White Finish
Added Jazz Route And Pickup
Gray Bottom Pickups
Badass II Bridge Added
Non-Original Pickguard
Original Tuners
Weighs 9lbs 3oz
Nut Width 1 65 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret 0... more
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1966 Fender Precision Bass

1966 Fender Precision Bass

Encinitas, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000



1966 Fender P-Bass in factory custom color Candy Apple Red !

Beautiful golden age P-bass that plays and sounds incredible

All original save for a repro pickup cover and the original owner had diamonds inlaid on the fingerboard but has since been replaced with factory dot inlays

This is a FANTASTIC Fender bass and you will not be disappointed

Thank you for looking!
... more
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Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3983

1983 Fender Jazz Bass -Sienna Burst Finish
Made in the USA
Serial # S865079
Ash Body & Bound Neck!
Classic Medium U Shape Profile Neck
Radius: 7 25
Nut Width: 1 42
Weight: 12 lbs
Measures .80 at the first fret
and .91 at the 12th
Authentic Vintage Mojo, No Fake Aging!
Upgraded Vintage Dimarzio Pickups
Neck is Straight & Truss Rod Works Perfectly
2 Dimarzio Pots 1 CTS Pot
$$$ Professionally Set-Up and Dialed in for Optimal Tone & Playability. ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Beverly Hills, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7690

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original
Great Condition
Original Hard Case
I am the second owner.
Kept in a smoke free environment.
... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1959 *Bridge*

Fender Precision Bass 1959 *Bridge*

Arlington, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Fender Precision Bass bridge. Not just any ol?? bridge either. This is for a late 1957 through mid 1959 ??square-pan, ?? high edged fine saddle issue. Those who are in the know are??well, in the know. This is a rather rare part to be had to finish a restoration or simply replace to stock a late ?57-?59 P-Bass. This is NOT a reissue part of any sort - but rather the real thing. Hit me up to discuss. Sales are to the USA only
... more
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1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass Original Sunburst Relic with Hardshell Case

1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass Original Sunburst Relic with Hardshell Case

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14000

1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass

The serial number is ??40496?? which dates it to late 1959. The neck is date is not readable and the body is dated to December 1959. The pots date to November 1959 (137-945 and 947). So all dateable parts are from 1959 but it probably was not sold until early 1960. It has the original Sunburst finish
The body is in good condition overall, but has a lot of natural wear - dings, scratches and scuffs. There are also two small holes above the pickguard ... more
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Vintage Fender Bass Jazz 83 Fullerton 62 AVRI

Vintage Fender Bass Jazz 83 Fullerton 62 AVRI

Columbus, Ohio, 432**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800


83 Fullerton J bass, 9 3#
All original except pickguard and screws, no case
I think the nut is replaced

Good condition, plays and sounds great. Neck is straight truss rod turns and functions but is tight.

Has some bruises and checking, a little blushing but overall finish looks real vibrant

Sat against a stand and has lacquer numb around 12th fret on back of neck. 70s position finger rest added at some point so an extra hole which is visible with ... more
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Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Galesburg, Illinois, 614**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

The 1983 Fender Elite Precision Bass I is a standout instrument that embodies the essence of Fender's craftsmanship and innovation. Sporting a striking 3-Color Sunburst finish, this bass not only looks stunning but also features a solid alder body that delivers a warm and resonant tone. The Elite series is known for its advanced electronics, and this model is no exception, equipped with a powerful active pickup system that provides a wide range of tonal options, making it versatile enough for ... more
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1972 Fender Precision Bass - Custom Color Candy Apple Red

1972 Fender Precision Bass - Custom Color Candy Apple Red

Lake Stevens, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

A killer example of the tail end of the ??custom color?? Fender basses. This one dates to 1972 and the original factory candy apple red finish


This example sports quintessential natural kind of wear you find on an authentic vintage bass guitar. Quite frankly, this one is about as perfect as it could be and would be a model for the Fender custom shop when they re-create this kind of thing. an authentic vintage guitar. Quite frankly, this one is about as perfect as it could be ... more
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1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$20000

... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1970 - Sunburst

Fender Precision Bass 1970 - Sunburst

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

Here we have a vintage Fender Precision Bass from 1970! This one is original condition with some cool wear around the edges
Specs include an alder body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, pearl dot inlays and tortoise guard. It has a single split P pickup, four saddle top mount bridge, and Fender tuners
The body shows wear around edges and on the back near the F plate. The back of the neck has various nicks and light impressions over its surface and the face of the headstock shows light ... more
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1968 Fender Telecaster Bass - ??51 P-Bass Style, Fralin Pickup - 68 Neck 66 Pots

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass - ??51 P-Bass Style, Fralin Pickup - 68 Neck 66 Pots

Adel, Iowa, 500**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Own a slice of Fender??s golden age with this 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass, crafted in Fullerton, California, and neck stamped September 23, 1968 with1966 pots
Built to echo the legendary 1951 Precision Bass, this bass was rescued from rough 1970s mod (see last photo for reference of our starting point) and expertly restored by The Luthier Shop in Des Moines, Iowa. With a Lindy Fralin ??51 P-Bass split pickup, original CTS pots, and a one-of-a-kind homemade wood case, it??s a collector??s ... more
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1972 Fender Musicmaster Bass White

1972 Fender Musicmaster Bass White

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1490


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1972 Fender Musicmaster Bass in its original White finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original with the exception of the pots and a resistor. A later Fender hardshell case is included. This Musicmaster bass looks good with some nicks + dings and other cosmetic wear including impressions in the finish on the neck and body, caused by an old guitar cable laying in the case while it was ... more
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1974 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w / HSC

1974 Fender Jazz Bass Natural w / HSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4995

1974 Fender Jazz Bass
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Shows Cosmetic Playwear Including Various Marks, Dings, And Scratches
Some Finish Checking Throughout
Lightweight Alder Body With Natural Polyurethane Finish
Maple Neck With Bound Maple Fingerboard And Block Inlays
Original Frets Are Low But Playable
Pickups And Electronics Mostly Original With One Pot Replaced, Original Included
34" Scale ... more
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1974 Fender Telecaster Bass Blonde, 100% Original w /  Case

1974 Fender Telecaster Bass Blonde, 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Up for sale, a 1974 Fender Telecaster Bass in near-mint condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. First seen in 1972 and discontinued in 1979, this Tele Bass is loaded with a Seth Lover-designed Wide Range humbucker
The tonewood pairing of an ash body and one-piece maple neck results in a particularly punchy, authoritative acoustic response with great midrange complexity and treble articulation. The Wide Range humbucker in the neck position dishes out... more
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