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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

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Fender 1978 Vintage Fretless Precision 4str Bass Rosewood Fretboard W / HSC Papers

Fender 1978 Vintage Fretless Precision 4str Bass Rosewood Fretboard W / HSC Papers

Tustin, California, 927**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Fender 1978 Vintage Fretless Precision 4str Bass Rosewood Fretboard W / HSC Papers. Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more
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1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck | Black Finish, Original Case

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck | Black Finish, Original Case

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2599

1976 Fender Precision Bass Fretless Maple Neck Black Finish, Original Case
Here is a really nice '76 Fender Precision Bass in Black. Fretless maple neck. Interestingly the neck has a "76" serial number but the neck plate also has a late 75 or '76 number. We're guessing that these were either paired at a later date or left the factory this way. Of course you could easily change the serial number plate for one with no serial with no problems. The bass itself is nice and original ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Special Medium Scale PJ-535 MIJ 1985 - Vintage White

Fender Jazz Bass Special Medium Scale PJ-535 MIJ 1985 - Vintage White

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1365

Northwest Vintage Guitars brings you a medium 32" scale Fender Jazz Special Bass model PJ-535 made in Japan at the famed Fujigen plant   This E Serial model followed the JV line and carried Fender Japan through 1989   It's so rare to find the early 32" scale version in such good shape   Sure there's a few bumps and bruises, but she's a looker   The tonewood selections are an Alder body mated to a Mape neck with a Rosewood fretboard   She's light and rumbly at only 7 17 lbs   You get 20 ... more
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1976 Fender Mustang Bass Vintage Short Scale Bass Black 100% Original w /  Case

1976 Fender Mustang Bass Vintage Short Scale Bass Black 100% Original w / Case

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

$3700

Up for sale, a 1976 Fender Mustang Bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This ash-bodied Mustang Bass is strung with roundwound 45-100 strings that accentuate the clear note attack and midrange punch of ash as a tonewood. Channeled through the original split coil pickup, this Mustang Bass' sound is warm and thick, with classic low end thump with the Tone knob rolled back and clarity in the treble frequencies. Weighing ... more
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1969 Fender Jazz Bass rare all original last of the 60s great Post-CBS basses !

1969 Fender Jazz Bass rare all original last of the 60's great Post-CBS basses !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7995

Just in is a really clean & original 1969 Fender Jazz Bass w / all the right features, its has its original Sunburst finish over a lightweight Alder body, its White Bound & Block inlaid 4-bolt Rosewood Neck is super clean w / perfect logo & frets, its white block inlays have faded to almost see-thru over time, its ink date stamp is that typical odd set of #??s dating it to 1969 & she has pot date codes from the 42nd week of 1966, its original Tortoise-shell pickgard pulls this ... more
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Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Natural 1972

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Natural 1972

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Natural 1972
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A super groovy, true vintage beauty offering superb tone & playability. The neck is very comfortable & plays great up & down the fretboard. The single coils sound marvelous & deliver those signature Jazz Bass tones. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to play straight out of the case
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1978 Fender Precision Bass - Made in USA

1978 Fender Precision Bass - Made in USA

Funkstown, Maryland, 217**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass  Sunburst Used But VGC

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass Sunburst Used But VGC

Sylvania, Alabama, 359**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

The Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass in Sunburst is a classic electric bass guitar designed and crafted by Fender. This vintage-style instrument offers players a piece of music history with its timeless design and high-quality construction. Perfect for bassists looking for a combination of tradition and modern features, this guitar is sure to deliver warm tones and rich bass response ideal for a variety of musical styles. My
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1968 Fender TELECASTER BASS VINTAGE  Butterscotch Color All Original To The Bone

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8500

This guitar comes out in Milwaukee Wisconsin. It??s a beautiful piece from 1968. Everything is original all the way and it is gonna go to somebody who really understands this legendary piece of history fender 1968 with original case... 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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LEFT HAND  Fender Precision Bass  vintage 1976 USA   Black

LEFT HAND Fender Precision Bass vintage 1976 USA Black

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

$5000

RARE LEFT HAND --- This Fender Precision Bass guitar is a vintage 1976 USA model with a beautiful sunburst finish. It is a LEFT-handed electric bass guitar that has a solid body type and 4-string configuration. The Black body color adds a unique touch to this classic instrument. The guitar is made by Fender, a well-known brand in the music industry, and is a great choice for anyone who wants to play bass guitar. It is perfect for musicians who are looking for a high-quality instrument that ... more
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1981 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Sienna Sunburst Bass Guitar!

1981 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Sienna Sunburst Bass Guitar!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1981 Fender Jazz Bass. This bass is in very good condition with the pictured dings, scratches, a route under the pickguard (photo #14) being the most significant signs of wear. Tested, functional, and as pictured
Available to view at
Tone Chasers Music
121 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Follow us here 
[link removed by eBay]  ([link removed by eBay])
I ONLY ACCEPT PAYMENTS FACILITATED THROUGH EBAY. I SHIP USPS FLATRATE TO 48... more
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1973 Fender Mustang Bass Competition Burgundy Vintage Short Scale Bass w /  Case

1973 Fender Mustang Bass Competition Burgundy Vintage Short Scale Bass w / Case

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$6000

Up for sale, a 1973 Fender Competition Mustang Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, 100% original save for a replacement nut. Featuring a Competition Burgundy finish, this particular color is essentially Lake Placid Blue with a Sonic Blue racing stripe, originally having a very faint purple-ish burst on the body edges. This is a notably late example, crafted in the final year of Competition Mustang Bass production, sporting a three-ply white pickguard (supplanting the white ... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1973 - Natural

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$3500

For sale is a Fender Precision Bass 1973 - Natural in Good Condition!
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1961 Fender Jazz Bass "Stack Knob" rarest & most desirable Bass in the world !

1961 Fender Jazz Bass "Stack Knob" rarest & most desirable Bass in the world !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$37495

This is the ultimate all original 1st year of production Pre-CBS ??Stacked Pot?? Jazz Bass w / all the 1st issue features in untouched original condition from its 1 & only original owner, it has its original 3-tone Sunburst finish over a very lightweight Alder body dated 1961 & weighing in at a scant 9 lbs. 4 oz; these early Jazz Basses are ridiculously rare, its ??Unbound?? Slab Rosewood Clay Dot neck has the most figured ??Birdeye?? maple we??ve ever seen on an original ??Stack Knob?? ... more
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1973 Fender Telecaster Bass. Original Owner. All original Parts. A Real Beauty!

1973 Fender Telecaster Bass. Original Owner. All original Parts. A Real Beauty!

Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4900

The 1973 Fender Telecaster Bass in excellent condition is a rare and highly sought-after bass guitar, known for its classic design and iconic sound. This particular model is a right-handed version made in the United States, featuring a solid body in the original natural blond finish. With its 4-string configuration and all original parts, this Telecaster Bass is a true vintage gem that has been beautifully maintained by its original owner. It offers collectors and musicians a piece of music ... more
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1983 Fender JV 62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob JB62-115 Sunburst Lacquer w /

1983 Fender JV '62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob JB62-115 Sunburst Lacquer w /

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

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Up for sale, a 1983 Fender Jazz Bass ?62 vintage reissue model JB62-115 in perfect working order, complete with a molded hardshell case. Produced in the second year of Fender Japan production, this "Japanese Vintage" (JV) series bass is a rare top-tier model accurate to the Jazz Bass??s introductory specs with ??stack knob?? Volume / Tone pairs, the same pickups used on the Fender USA Fullerton factory reissues from the same year, and a three-tone Sunburst nitro lacquer finish
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Vntage 1978 Fender Jazz Bass USA w / OHSC / Near Mint / All Original

Vntage 1978 Fender Jazz Bass USA w / OHSC / Near Mint / All Original

Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2860

Vintage all original Fender Jazz bass with original Hard-Shell case that is truly a case queen. I purchased it some years ago from the original owner who had put a small bit of play time on it, which accounts for the pickguard scratches and scratches around the jack . I have played it in my home studio a few times over the years but never taken it out of my house. It is a beautiful playing instrument, and I truly hate to part with it but my health is forcing me to retire from playing and so I ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1966

Fender Jazz Bass 1966

Hendersonville, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15999

1966 Fender Jazz bass
3tone burst
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1969 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst, Blocks & Binding, 100% Original w /  Case

1969 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst, Blocks & Binding, 100% Original w / Case

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

$9000

Up for sale, a 1969 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This Jazz Bass was produced in the first quarter of '69, featuring original winds on the gray bobbin pickups, a "meatball" tortoise pickguard, chrome "ashtray" covers, and a notably saturated (and completely unfaded) Sunburst finish
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