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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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1975 Fender Musicmaster Bass - Dakota Red - Aftermarket Hardshell Case

1975 Fender Musicmaster Bass - Dakota Red - Aftermarket Hardshell Case

Llano, Texas, 786**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1440

1975 Original Vintage Fender Musicmaster Bass w / Aftermarket Hardshell Case
Super cool original 1975 Fender Musicmaster Bass with a later 1990s / 2000s Fender hardshell case
The bass is remarkably original with no cracks / breaks in the pickguard in the usually broken spots. Only non-original part on this bass is one pickguard screw and an additional ground wire that I added between the original potentiometer casings to improve the ground conductivity between the pot casings
This ... view on ebay
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Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Vintage All Original

Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Vintage All Original

Carthage, Illinois, 623**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

THIS BASS CAME FROM A COUNTRY BAND BACK IN THE DAY IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AS YOU WILL SEE PICS WILL SHOW THE CONDITION... view on ebay
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Fender Precision Bass 1978 - Sunburst (Lightweight!)

Fender Precision Bass 1978 - Sunburst (Lightweight!)

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

For sale or best offer is a vintage 1978 Fender Precision Bass. This one is an old soul that doesn't quite fit in with most other late '70s P basses
It has an ash body and a rosewood-topped maple neck. Its parts are all original and was just refretted so it is playing awesome and sounding killer. It's got a real vintage feel and look, with some cool lacquer checking and wear throughout. It is lightweight for this era, coming in at just 8 lbs 12 oz
It has been professionally setup and ... view on ebay
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Fender Precision Bass Fretless 1979 - Transparent Red

Fender Precision Bass Fretless 1979 - Transparent Red

Peekskill, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2195

For sale or best offer is 1979 Fender Fretless Precision Bass with a rare Transparent Red finish. Its pickups are vintage DiMarzio, but its pots and pickguard are original, as well as its tuners and neck plate. It's in good shape with typical finish wear and dings here and there. It has wild sustain and punchy, growly tone. It feels awesome to play and like most late 70s P-basses, weighs 10 lbs 15 oz
It has been professionally setup and comes with its original molded hardshell case ... view on ebay
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Fender Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass Sea Foam Green 197881561000 OB

Fender Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass Sea Foam Green 197881561000 OB

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1728

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1963 Fender Jazz Bass w / OHSC! -LL

1963 Fender Jazz Bass w / OHSC! -LL

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7300


Item: 1963 Fender Jazz Bass w / OHCS!
Description: You are purchasing a 1963 Fender Jazz Bass with its's Original Hard Shell Case There IS NO Logo It has a Refinished Body and Neck. One Changed Pickup Wear and tear due to normal usage Plays and sounds great Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $200 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We accept ... view on ebay
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1973 Fender Precision Bass Owners Manual Hang Tag 033512 CBS Vintage Case Candy

1973 Fender Precision Bass Owner's Manual Hang Tag 033512 CBS Vintage Case Candy

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$159

Original Fender Precision Bass owner's manual / hang tag ?? Manual No. 033512 (J / GC), the early printing of this manual, with the © 1973 CBS Musical Instruments line on the back. Fender Musical Instruments, 1300 E. Valencia, Fullerton, California
This is the earlier version of the same manual that later became the striped Rev. B hang tag ?? the correct case candy for an early-'70s Precision Bass. Note the back is printed as a mail-in card ("Place Stamp Here"), as ... view on ebay
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1974 Fender Musicmaster Bass Owners Manual Hang Tag 026581 CBS

1974 Fender Musicmaster Bass Owner's Manual Hang Tag 026581 CBS

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$159

Original Fender Musicmaster Bass owner's manual / hang tag ?? Manual No. 026581 (C / GD), © 1974 CBS Musical Instruments, 1300 E. Valencia, Fullerton, California. The correct case candy for a mid-'70s Musicmaster Bass, with the model diagram page inside and the back printed as a mail-in card, as Fender did them in this period
Condition: very good. Clean, straight and complete with crisp print. Light foxing spots on the cover, slight wear at the top corner, and light toning on ... view on ebay
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Squier by Fender  Bronco Bass

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass

Delano, California, 932**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass... view on ebay
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Series 10 by Bently 2239 1985 Metallic Red Hondo Electra Precision Bass Fender

Series 10 by Bently 2239 1985 Metallic Red Hondo Electra Precision Bass Fender

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

$375

ca. 1985 Series 10 2239 Bass Metallic Red
Awesome vintage Precision Bass!
I can't believe how nice this bass actually is. It has cool hardware, a great finish, and plays perfectly
It has all of the typical Fender P Bass measurements, 34" scale length, 7 25" fingerboard radius, and a 1-5 / 8" nut width. It has a matching color Metallic Red headstock, maple neck and fingerboard, P Bass pickups, bullet truss rod, and comes with original factory cool brass parts like the string tree, ... view on ebay
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Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Vintage All Original

Fender Jazz Bass 1972 Vintage All Original

Carthage, Illinois, 623**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$760

THIS BASS CAME FROM A COUNTRY BAND BACK IN THE DAY IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AS YOU WILL SEE PICS WILL SHOW THE CONDITION... view on ebay
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VINTAGE 1956 FENDER PRECISION BASS w / CASE

VINTAGE 1956 FENDER PRECISION BASS w / CASE

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 554**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10500

VERY NICE VINTAGE CLASSIC 1956 FENDER PRECISION BASS. WAS PLAYED AND LOVED AS YOU CAN SEE. ALL THE GOODS ONES ARE. STILL IN GREAT OVERALL CONDITION FOR A 70 YEAR OLD. IT DOES HAVE A RETRO VIBE BRIDGE INSTALLED WHICH IS A DIRECT FIT. THE ORIGINAL BRIDGE WILL BE INCLUDED - ALONG WITH THE BRIDGE AND PICKUP COVERS. THE TWEED CASE IS NOT ORIGINAL BUT IS OLD AND IN FINE CONDITION. ASK ANY QUESTIONS THIS BASS IS SOLD AS IT IS WITH NO RETURN. ANY WORK YOU FEEL NECESSARY IS UP TO YOU AND AT YOUR EXPENSE.... view on ebay
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Vintage 1972 Fender Jazz Bass 4-String Sunburst RH Rosewood / Maple Neck

Vintage 1972 Fender Jazz Bass 4-String Sunburst RH Rosewood / Maple Neck

Alexandria, Virginia, 223**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Offering a vintage American-made Fender Jazz Bass, believed to date to 1972, featuring a three-tone sunburst finish, rosewood fingerboard with pearl block inlays and binding, and tortoiseshell pickguard Serial number: 359068This is a well-played vintage instrument with plenty of character. It shows the cosmetic wear one would expect from a bass more than 50 years old, including finish checking, scratches, small chips, and other signs of use. I've included detailed photographs so prospective ... view on ebay
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Fender Squier Bronco Bass Guitar Right-Handed Solid Body Electric - Torino Red

Fender Squier Bronco Bass Guitar Right-Handed Solid Body Electric - Torino Red

Uniontown, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$235

I bought this bass nearly 20 years ago thinking I needed one to go along with my other guitars. I didn??t. I??ve never played it and have basically been storing it for all these years. It??s in excellent condition. No issues with the finish or the electronics. Great starter bass for someone just learning. Coming from a clean, non-smoking, non-pet home Free shipping!... view on ebay
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VINTAGE 1974 FENDER PRECISION BASS w /  CASE - ALL ORIGINAL BLONDE 70s guitar P 74

VINTAGE 1974 FENDER PRECISION BASS w / CASE - ALL ORIGINAL BLONDE 70s guitar P 74

Highland, California, 923**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

Vintage 1974 Fender Precision Bass
Very cool 1974 Fender P Bass in original (see-thru) Blonde finish over an ash body w / maple neck! 100% original. The original Blonde finish was a custom color in 1974! It has yellowed over the years, and it has some finish wear, checking, dings and scratches here and there, but overall very nice condition for being almost 53 years old! The original black pickguard has the typical tip broken off by the jack. I put a "button" type screw there to hold it down... view on ebay
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1982 -1984 SQUIER by FENDER JAZZ BASS BODY - made in JAPAN MIJ Project Parts JV

1982 -1984 SQUIER by FENDER JAZZ BASS BODY - made in JAPAN MIJ Project Parts JV

Foxboro, Massachusetts, 020**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Here we have an old project that I never got around to finishing. It??s a made in Japan Squier Bass body. Originally Olympic White and was poorly painted green. Extra route for an additional pickup was made under the pickguard. That was filled, but the paint is starting to lift. Extra bridge holes were created and not filled properly so those will need a little work. No route for grounding wire. This had a stacked 1962 pots with the grounding plate from the bridge to the rear pickup. Body ... view on ebay
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VINTAGE 1973 FENDER PRECISION BASS - ALL ORIGINAL BLONDE FINISH -70s guitar P 73

VINTAGE 1973 FENDER PRECISION BASS - ALL ORIGINAL BLONDE FINISH -70s guitar P 73

Highland, California, 923**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4350

Vintage 1973 Fender Precision Bass
Gorgeous 1973 Fender P Bass in original (see-thru) Blonde finish on ash body w / tortoise shell pickguard and maple neck! Nothing has been changed or modified on this instrument - It's 100% original. The original Blonde finish was a custom color that had to be ordered from Fender in 1973. It has yellowed over the years, and it has some finish wear, dings and scratches here and there, but overall very nice condition for being almost 54 years old! It still ... view on ebay
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 4-string Jazz Bass - Lake Placid Blue

Fender American Vintage II 1966 4-string Jazz Bass - Lake Placid Blue

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$265

Electric Bass with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, and 2 Single-coil Pickups - Lake Placid Blue 
Condition
There is a large dent in the treble side of the bottom of the body;  a G-string intonation screw and spring are missing;  there are scratches in the bass side of the body's top, next to the bridge pickup;  finish chipping at the treble side of the neck pocket and near the end of the neck heel;  and fine scratches elsewhere that may not show in photos. Includes the ... view on ebay
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Vintage Fender Electric Bass Guitar 1980s Japan Project

Vintage Fender Electric Bass Guitar 1980s Japan Project

Asbury Park, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$455

As found in the attic of a local estate. In disrepair, a restoration project. Please examine the photos carefully. Measurements in photos.
... view on ebay
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Vintage 1977 Fender Musicmaster Black Bass Guitar Right Handed Made in USA & Bag

Vintage 1977 Fender Musicmaster Black Bass Guitar Right Handed Made in USA & Bag

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

$1000

You are looking at a Vintage 1977 Fender Musicmaster Bass Guitar
A classic vintage Fender Musicmaster Bass manufactured in the USA in 1977. Featuring the original black finish, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and single pickup configuration, this short-scale bass is an excellent choice for collectors and players looking for an authentic late-1970s Fender
This bass is in good previously owned condition with cosmetic wear consistent with age and normal use, including surface marks, small... view on ebay
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