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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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1971 Fender Bass Guitar String Tree Jazz Precision Mustang NICKEL

1971 Fender Bass Guitar String Tree Jazz Precision Mustang NICKEL

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

Steel construction, nickel finish, normal light vintage wear with patina, includes original mounting screw, original 1971 USA, fender part, thanks for looking
... more
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1983 FENDER PRECISION BASS 62 OR 57 REISSUE 250K CTS POT ALSO FOR R / I JAZZ BASS

1983 FENDER PRECISION BASS 62 OR 57 REISSUE 250K CTS POT ALSO FOR R / I JAZZ BASS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a nice original 1983 Fender CTS pot in superb condition. I've had it for quite awhile and guarantee it came out of a 1983 Fender '62 Reissue Precision Bass. 8312 date code for the 12th week of 1983. Parts like this are getting difficult to find and remember, it's over 40 years old! Of course you can also use it in 'regular' 1983-84 USA P & J basses
FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege if you are not happy for any reason. The Bass Palace will be ... more
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FENDER 1966 P JAZZ TELE BASS CHROME BASS TUNER FERRULES MATCHED SET

FENDER 1966 P JAZZ TELE BASS CHROME BASS TUNER FERRULES MATCHED SET

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is one of those hard-to-find parts that you don't think you need until you do. They are from a 1966 Jazz Bass and will fit Precision or Jazz basses that had the Lollipop or Oval Head tuners only. They will not fit Kluson tuners! This is an original matched set of (4) ferrules with very clean chrome and no flaking or pitting. I have (2) sets available and both are equally fine.
FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege for any reason. The Bass Palace will be ... more
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Fender Bronco Bass Electric Bass Guitar Black 4-String Maple Fretboard

Fender Bronco Bass Electric Bass Guitar Black 4-String Maple Fretboard

Sunland, California, 910**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$63

Never played and in great condition. Silver competition stripe. Mini himbucker pickup... more
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1981 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL DECENT SHAPE WITH SLIGHT BOTTOM FOLD

1981 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL DECENT SHAPE WITH SLIGHT BOTTOM FOLD

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$69

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a pretty nice owners manual with date revision 1981 making it perfect for 1981 thru 1984 USA Fender Precision Basses. It's got crisp pages, good color and minimal handling wear but has a slight crease or printing defect along the bottom of the pages. Still it's a great piece that will add value to your vintage P Bass add it includes the original heavy brown thread for hanging. Case candy for these old basses is getting a lot ... more
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1982 1983 FENDER PRECISION AND JAZZ BASS OWNERS MANUAL GREAT SHAPE & SCARCE

1982 1983 FENDER PRECISION AND JAZZ BASS OWNERS MANUAL GREAT SHAPE & SCARCE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$75

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
While not an ancient manual by modern standards, this particular manual is scarcer than you might think. Remember, the 1982 & 83 P and J Basses with the white pickups were only made for 2 years so naturally the print run only lasted that long. This is in very nice shape, crisp & flat with no stains or fading. Both the P and J bass are mentioned and if you own either one then this manual will add much more to the value of your bass ... more
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EARLY 1970s FENDER PRECISION BASS THUMBREST THE MAROON COLORED ONE FOR 1968-1973

EARLY 1970s FENDER PRECISION BASS THUMBREST THE MAROON COLORED ONE FOR 1968-1973

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$85

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a clean and very solid thumbrest from a 1971 Fender Precision Bass. It's not dented or warped like a lot of them are and includes (2) original mounting screws. These are very hard to find because the deep maroon ones were only made for a few years. Fender discontinued them because they actually stained the pickguards, especially white ones. I always loved seeing the maroon outline when I removed them for playing. The screws are in ... more
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1979 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL & INSPECTION HANG TAG

1979 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL & INSPECTION HANG TAG

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
You can bet that that there are not a heck of a lot of 70's instrument manuals still out there. This one is from a 1979 Fender Precision Bass and also includes the signed assembly & inspection hang tag, a rare find in itself. Both items are in great shape with no stains, creases or folds. The manual is dated 1980 but came with a 1979 P-Bass that was probably produced or acquired by the dealer in early 1980. No matter, it's 100% ... more
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1972 Fender Precision Bass / Telecaster / Jazz Bass BRIDGE Bare Plate No Saddles USA

1972 Fender Precision Bass / Telecaster / Jazz Bass BRIDGE Bare Plate No Saddles USA

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$97

Up for sale is a 1972 Vintage Fender Precision Bass / Telecaster Bass / Jazz Bass Bridge Plate, made in the USA during the 1970s CBS era. This is an original Fender bass bridge bare plate without saddles, correct for many 1970s Fender bass models
? Details
Brand: Fender
Model: Bass Bridge Plate
Year: 1972
Era: 1970s CBS Era
Made in: USA
Type: Bridge Plate (No Saddles)
Finish: Chrome
Compatibility:
?? Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass)
?? ... more
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1983 Fender Telecaster / Mustang / Precision Bass Pot Potentiometer  250k USA 1980s

1983 Fender Telecaster / Mustang / Precision Bass Pot Potentiometer 250k USA 1980s

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$97

Up for sale is a 1983 Vintage Fender 250K Potentiometer, made in the USA during the 1980s. This is an original Fender component, correct for various models and ideal for vintage restoration or repair
? Details
Brand: Fender
Model: 250K Potentiometer
Year: 1983
Era: 1980s
Made in: USA
Type: Potentiometer (250K)
Compatibility:
?? Fender Telecaster
?? Fender Mustang
?? Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass)
?? Other Fender instruments using 250K pots
?? ... more
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1970s Vintage Left-Handed Case Fender Precision Bass / Jazz Bass / Telecaster Bass

1970s Vintage Left-Handed Case Fender Precision Bass / Jazz Bass / Telecaster Bass

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$97

Up for sale is a vintage 1970s Fender bass case, designed to fit Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, and Telecaster Bass models. This is a left-handed case, making it a rare find for players and collectors. With its classic black tolex exterior and yellow stitching, it??s a piece of Fender history and the perfect companion for your vintage instrument
? Details
Decade: 1970sModel Fit: Fender Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Telecaster BassOrientation: Left-HandedExterior: Black tolex with yellow ... more
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1970s Vintage Left-Handed Case Fender Precision Bass / Jazz Bass / Telecaster Bass

1970s Vintage Left-Handed Case Fender Precision Bass / Jazz Bass / Telecaster Bass

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$97

Up for sale is a vintage 1970s Fender bass case, designed to fit Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, and Telecaster Bass models. This is a left-handed case, making it a rare find for players and collectors. With its classic black tolex exterior and yellow stitching, it??s a piece of Fender history and the perfect companion for your vintage instrument
? Details
Decade: 1970sModel Fit: Fender Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Telecaster BassOrientation: Left-HandedExterior: Black tolex with yellow ... more
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1971 FENDER JAZZ BASS OWNERS MANUAL WELL-WORN BUT INTACT & ORIGINAL

1971 FENDER JAZZ BASS OWNERS MANUAL WELL-WORN BUT INTACT & ORIGINAL

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
You can bet that there are not a heck of a lot of 70's Fender instrument manuals out there. This one is from a 1971 Fender Jazz Bass and it's in OK shape with some wear, patina and a loose cover. But even with those imperfections it will still add value to your vintage Fender Jazz Bass. Because there is no revision date inside the cover, it's perfectly suitable for Jazz Basses from 1968 thru 1975 or so.
FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day ... more
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VINTAGE 1978 CBS FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS GUITAR Hang Tag Owners Manual

VINTAGE 1978 CBS FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS GUITAR Hang Tag Owners Manual

Toledo, Ohio, 436**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM: RARE ITEM
BEFORE BUYING: Please look at all pictures as it will be part of the description, I check and test all items that need to be checked to work or are complete. If there is little said on the description or not many pictures then the item is in good working order or as it is suppose to be or will say SOLD AS IS AS FOUND. All my items are found and bought at Estate Sales, Auctions and so on and and nothing from my personal collection and most are vintage and old so ... more
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Hipshot BT10 Bass Extender Key for Japanese Fenders Black

Hipshot BT10 Bass Extender Key for Japanese Fenders Black

Huntington beach, CA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$113

Hipshot BT10 Bass Extender Key for Japanese Fenders Black
Product Details
Item Weight: 5 5 ounces Package Dimensions: 5 31 x 3 78 x 2 13 inches Item model number: 21000B Date First Available: May 12, 2010 Body Material: wood Color Name: black Material Type: wood
Expand your bass's sonic possibilities with the Hipshot BT10 Bass ExtenderKey. Designed ... more
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1978 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL & WARRANTY CARD PLUS BONUS

1978 FENDER PRECISION BASS OWNERS MANUAL & WARRANTY CARD PLUS BONUS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$129

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
I know from experience that there are not a heck of a lot of 70's instrument manuals out there. This one is from a 1978 Fender Precision Bass and also includes the signed & validated wallet-sized warranty card, a rare find in itself. Also included is what I thought to be an iron-on but I'm not sure about that. The manual itself is in excellent shape and has the original serial number sticker still applied to it. It doesn't make sense ... more
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VINTAGE FENDER BASS DECAL ASSORTMENT + MM STINGRAY ALL PRE-1999 & FLAT (7) TOTAL

VINTAGE FENDER BASS DECAL ASSORTMENT + MM STINGRAY ALL PRE-1999 & FLAT (7) TOTAL

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$135

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a great assortment from my own "secret stash" of bass parts. All of these were acquired before 1999 so they are not flimsy Chinese repros. I've been applying identical ones for the past 30 years and they have all slid onto the headstock smoothly and lay perfectly flat (after gently removing all air bubbles, of course). Naturally if there are any issues I will replace (in most instances) or refund you for any defective ones. This ... more
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1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster USA

1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster USA

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$147

Up for sale is a 1970s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass / Precision Bass / Musicmaster Hard-Shell Case!
VERY GOOD working and cosmetic condition!
Buy it Now before anyone else! or Submit Your Best Offer!
SHIPPING: USA: $59 WORLDWIDE: $150
... more
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1980 USA FENDER Precision P Bass Guitar Hang Tag Owners Manual Case Candy

1980 USA FENDER Precision P Bass Guitar Hang Tag Owners Manual Case Candy

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$159

80P Bass hangtag manual ??colors are good , normal light vintage wear , no missing pages , nice hangtag , thanks for looking!
... more
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Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe 1980s Precision Bass P-bass Molded Case Made In USA

Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe 1980s Precision Bass P-bass Molded Case Made In USA

Surprise, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

As seen in photos. Still a solid case and all the latches close.
... more
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