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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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1963 Fiesta Red Fender Precision Bass

1963 Fiesta Red Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$37600

1963 Fender Precision Bass, Very Rare! Fiesta Red finish, Greenpickguard, Nice Dark Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard, Clay dots, Spaghetti logo, Both covers, Fantastic instrument, Absolutely gorgeous, EC, Original White hardcase
... more
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1961 Fender Jazz Bass Stack Knob

1961 Fender Jazz Bass Stack Knob

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$34595

1961 Fender Jazz Bass, Rare Stack Knob, Brazilian RosewoodSlab Board with clay dot inlays, Lovely Sunburst finish, Tortoise Pickguard, Two Pickups, Both covers, One of the finest basses ever made, Hang tag, VG++, Original Brown hard case, $34, 595
... more
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1953 Fender Precision Bass

1953 Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$31500

1953 Fender Precision Bass, Attractive Butterscotch Blondefinish, Beautifully grained Ash body, Black Guard, Stunning example, Signed byTadeo Gomez TAD 2-6-53 in the neck pocket, Fantastic feeling neck, Fabulousinstrument, Both Covers, EC, Original Brown gig bag.
... more
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1958 Fender Precision Bass

1958 Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30500

1958 Fender Precision Bass, Early ??58 with a Two tone burst, Anodized pickguard, Maple neck, Both Covers, Spaghetti logo, Wonderfulinstrument from the family of the original owner, VG++, Original tweed hardcase.
... more
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Charvel / Fender Custom Bass made for Billy Gibbons 1977 - Transparent Red

Charvel / Fender Custom Bass made for Billy Gibbons 1977 - Transparent Red

Chicago, Illinois, 606**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$24995

Charvel / Fender Custom Bass made for Billy Gibbons
Year made: 1977
Finish: Transparent Red
Operational Condition: Fully-functioning
Cosmetic Condition: Good with some dings, checking in the finish, scratches, etc. The wear is authentic and looks incredible. 8 out of 10 condition
Functional Condition: Fully-functioning although it could really use a re-fret to play properly. If you're interested in this bass and prefer that we refret it as part of a deal please let us know and we... more
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original 1955 Fender Precision Bass Blonde w / Tweed case

original 1955 Fender Precision Bass Blonde w / Tweed case

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

$21900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1955 Fender Precision Bass in its original Blonde finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of one changed pot, an added ground wire and a screw holding the jack cup in place. Aside from the cloth covering being removed from the pickup, it's 100% complete along with both original covers and the original tweed hardshell case. It looks great with nicks + dings, a ... 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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1961 Fender Precision BASS 100% ORIGINAL SUNBURST Rosewood Slab Board

1961 Fender Precision BASS 100% ORIGINAL SUNBURST Rosewood Slab Board

Citrus Heights, California, 956**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19500

This one I have owned for 25 years .maybe need to let it go If someone wants it bad enough . it plays like butter and not a single issue sounds amazing super light pots original neck is dated pickup original no routes .sunburst is original and beautifully aged only possibility is a spray over on neck .not 100% sure on this but neck back is glossy and not worn away . Frets are original and have no noticeable wear .How to price this???
... more
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1963 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sunburst w /  Case

1963 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sunburst w / Case

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

$17500

Up for sale, a 1963 Fender Jazz Bass in perfect working order, complete with the original brown tolex hardshell case. This Jazz Bass is 100% original save for a professional refret with vintage-spec slender fretwire, a corresponding bone nut, and one pickup rewind. Tonewoods include an alder body, maple neck, and dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and at 9lbs 4oz ( " fully clothed" with its ashtray bridge and pickup covers), this bass is a medium weight example that's well-balanced on a strap.... more
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1964 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Olympic White w /  Gold Hardware, Case

1964 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Olympic White w / Gold Hardware, Case

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

$16500

Up for sale, a 1964 Fender Jazz Bass in perfect working order, featuring factory-installed gold hardware and the original custom color Olympic White nitro lacquer finish. While Pre-CBS era Fender Jazz Basses in custom colors enjoy a certain reverence for their relative rarity, the all-original gold hardware certainly elevates this example above the pack
With extremely heavy playwear and a super jumbo refret, this Jazz Bass looks mean yet has a vitality and breadth of tones well-suited to ... more
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1961 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

1961 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

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

$15995

1961 Fender Precision Bass In Sunburst Finish
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Cosmetic Playwear With Various Visible Dings, Marks, And Scratches
Sent Back To Fender Factory For Body And Neck Refinish In The Early 70's (Per The Previous Owner)
Made In Fullerton, CA
Solid Alder Body
Figured Maple Neck With Slab Rosewood Fingerboard And Clay Dot Inlays
Original Black Bottom Pickups
Original ... more
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Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w /  Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w / Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Boca Raton, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15100

Offered here is a true closet queen.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish
Comes in its original case and is in NEAR MINT Condition It has been stored in its case and never played by me as long as I've owned it, which is 40+ years It also has its original vintage Fender guitar strap Located in the U S. for easy shipping
See photos for accurate description.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish.... more
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1958 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Gold Guard Sunburst w /  Tweed Case

1958 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Gold Guard Sunburst w / Tweed Case

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

$15000

Up for sale, a 1958 Fender Precision Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Featuring a body-only and very faithful nitro lacquer refinish, this bass has all the hallmarks of the second year where the Precision Bass would gain its now iconic split coil pickup configuration, including the raised A string pole piece pickup, and a one-piece maple neck with a slender, effortless C-shaped profile carve
Delivering a broad natural acoustic tone that??s effortlessly rich and ... more
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1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

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

$14995

1953 Fender Precision Bass In Butterscotch Blonde Finish
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Heavy Cosmetic Playwear Throughout
Body Partially Painted Black And Stripped As Shown
Extra Screw Holes Around Body Indicating a Previously Mounted Custom Pickguard
Older Re-Decal
Non-Original Pickguard
Original Cloth Wiring With One Changed Pot And Tone Capacitor
Original Pickup
Original Tuners And Bridge
Neck And Body Dated February 1953 And Signed By ... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue Finish Left-Handed Electric Bass w / OHSC

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue Finish Left-Handed Electric Bass w / OHSC

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

$14995

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue Finish Left-Handed Electric Bass w / OHSC
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Headstock Has Been Cracked And Expertly Repaired (See Photos)
All Original
Original Lake Placid Blue Finish Shows Dings And Beautiful Vertical Checking
Alder Body
Maple Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 9lbs 6oz
Nut Width 1 469 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .75 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret 1 56 "
Comes With Original Fender ... 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 1958 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst w Vintage Hardshell Case

Vintage 1958 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst w Vintage Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13999

Vintage original 1958 Fender Precision Bass in a killer vintage Sunburst finish
A remarkably light and resonant P-bass with sound you can hear way across the room without it even being plugged in! Plug it in and holy moly .it's pure James Jamison thump fat and round bass tones. Percussive and warm, organic tone Amazing.
The finish is not original, but you can see signs of the original Sunburst under the current finish. It looks like the original finish was so worn they refinished... more
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Fender Bass VI 1963 - Blonde

Fender Bass VI 1963 - Blonde

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

$13500

Here we have a really cool vintage Bass VI from Fender! This 1963 build features an ash body with a blonde finish
The bass is in very good shape physically with some changed parts to note. The tuners are a set of aged Klusons. The knobs, pots, capacitor, and jack are all modern components. The neck pickup has been rewound. Otherwise, the finish, guard, bridge, tailpiece, other parts and other electronics are original
This Bass VI still sports its original factory translucent blonde ... more
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Vintage 1963 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst w Original Case ex-Blue Oyster Cult

Vintage 1963 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst w Original Case ex-Blue Oyster Cult

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12999

Original 1963 Fender Jazz Bass in original Sunburst previously owned by Danny Miranda of Blue Oyster Cult
Bass has a killer neck and superb playability. Neck is nice and straight with a good low action and no buzz or issues. Action is perfect and it is super vibrant and resonant. Nice and light, too
Features original Sunburst finish. Signs of wear and dings to the finish throughout, all honest gigging wear. The logo on the headstock looks like it has been over sprayed. ... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1964 - Sunburst

Fender Precision Bass 1964 - Sunburst

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

$12900

Here is a great sounding 1964 Fender P Bass! This vintage precision is in good shape overall and includes the original case
Specs include an alder body, maple neck, and laminate rosewood board. It has an L serial number, clay dots, and reverse gear tuners. The bass appears to be all original, though the pickup has been rewound. The neck and body finish are original and show plenty of wear throughout. The guard has cracked from shrinking and a piece on the bass side is missing. The frets show... more
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