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Fly Guitars Interview: Jack Casady - part 2: Fender Jazz bass

Intro | Fender Jazz | Guild basses | Alembic & Modulus | Epiphone Jack Casady Signature | Amps | Other guitars


Fender Jazz bass

FlyGuitars What was your first bass?

Jack Casady One of my pals was Danny Gatton who was a very, very fine guitarist who's since passed on. Danny was a 16 or 15 year old wonder kid when I turned 16. We played in each others bands on the circuit from time to time and his bass player got sick and I filled in for him for a two week gig. I really enjoyed the instrument and went out and brought a 1960 concentric pot Jazz bass, that was my first bass. The Precision is a little tough for the size of my hands but the Jazz bass with that more narrow neck at the top was little easier for me to get around on.

FlyGuitars Can you remember what it cost for the Jazz bass at the time when you bought it?

Jack Casady I remember that the 58 Tele was $115 dollars. I'm sure that the Jazz bass at the time was a little bit more. I bought it in 1960 the first year the Jazz bass came out. I'm sure that's a matter of record, you know you didn't get deals on instruments then. You paid what they charged.

FlyGuitars By today's standards it would be quite cheap but unfortunately back then it was expensive I guess?

Jack Casady Well you know gasoline or as you call it petrol was 19 cents a gallon so it's all scaled down. The dollar was a lot harder to make in those days and I worked six nights a week in a club. When we had a steady gig we got a $115 dollars a week, that was a lot of money. It was enough money for me to go out and get my own apartment when I was 17 but if you paid $300 dollars for an instrument or $500 dollars for an instrument that was a lot of money.

FlyGuitars So when you first joined Jefferson Airplane you were using Fender basses?

Jack Casady Yeah the first three albums are recorded with a Fender Jazz bass, and I customised that by adding a P pickup right butted up against the neck. So in essence I had on the very bassy end of the speaking length of the string an offset P pickup and then two bar pickups of the Jazz bass.

FlyGuitars And how did that the P pickup work?

Jack Casady I took the concentric pots that were used and later on dropped by Fender for there Jazz bass line. You would have a volume and a tone stacked up on top of each other, so that's the configuration I used. I used a volume/tone, volume/tone, volume/tone for each pick up and blended them together. That was my '60 Jazz bass, it got stolen just before I came out to California in 1965.

When I arrived out there I bought a brand new 1965 Jazz bass. That bass originally came with the two volumes and one tone. I took those controls out and put in concentric pots and added a p bass pickup.

Video Clips: Jack Casady with Fender Jazz bass guitars - click the images to view clips

Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit Jefferson Airplane - High Flyin Bird

Two clips from 1967 in which Jack plays the Fender Jazz bass. The first mimingWhite Rabbit, on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and the second High Flyin' Bird live at the Monterey Pop festival.



Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Jack Casady

Further reading: JackCasady.com | HotTuna.com

Fender Jazz bass guitars for sale

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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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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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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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Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6499


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1972
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Killer vintage styling & a superb player thanks to a pro set up from the experts here at Cream City Music. With a comfortable, slender neck & a pair of rich sounding single coils, this gorgeous Jazz Bass is the epitome of classic Fender basses. Professionally inspected & ready to play upon arrival
Cosmetic Condition: Good, honest play wear, just the way we like to see ... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Olympic White - SUN FADED! - PLEK

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Olympic White - SUN FADED! - PLEK

New Orleans, Louisiana, 701**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

For Sale: American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Olympic White but faded by sun to yellow
I'm selling my American Vintage 1966 Jazz Bass, originally in Olympic White, now faded to a unique yellow color (body). The headstock is not faded, or back of the bass. It's hard to capture the changing color in the pics, I can send video or FT
The bass features a Nitrocellulose paint finish, known to start wearing off the more it's played giving it the true road worn look (not factory). This Jazz ... more
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1978 Fender Jazz Bass:   " Mint" Condition (Collector-Grade @ 95%

1978 Fender Jazz Bass:   " Mint" Condition (Collector-Grade @ 95%

South Plainfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500


I bought this Bass brand new after spending an entire summer hustling all over Queens, New York on my Bicycle selling nickel bags and loose joints. I bought it from Mannys Music in New York City and I bought it brand spanking new. When I realized there was more money in selling car parts that??s how I really got the cash. But all good things must come to an end and before I knew it, I was in youth authority. LoL 2 years later I got out but while I was in my mother put my bass guitar at ... more
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Fender 1979 Jazz Bass. Vintage. You Won??t Find Another One This Nice.

Fender 1979 Jazz Bass. Vintage. You Won??t Find Another One This Nice.

Sebastian, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7900


Fender 1979 Jazz Bass.
This bass sounds as amazing as it looks. I??ve played many Fender basses, including at least nine 1970s Fender basses. This 1979 Fender jazz bass has an amazing sound. It has a low growl. The neck and fretboard on this bass plays like a dream and is perfect
I bought this Jazz Bass from the original owner who purchased it new, on August 5, 1980 at Windy City Music in Chicago. A Copy of ... 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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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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1964 pre-CBS Fender Jazz Bass refinished Sunburst w / orig. White hardshell case

1964 pre-CBS Fender Jazz Bass refinished Sunburst w / orig. White hardshell case

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

$9790


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this original 1964 Fender Jazz Bass with a refinished neck and body. The neck has a replaced decal under the finish and the Sunburst finish resembles the brilliance of the original color. It has a great playing neck with great frets. The parts are all original with the exception of the screws for the original chrome covers and the screws in the pickguard. The original white hardshell case is included. This bass looks ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Special 1984 - 1987 - Black Japan

Fender Jazz Bass Special 1984 - 1987 - Black Japan

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1100

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass Special 1984 - 1987 - Black Japan in Good Condition!
This beautiful bass comes from the famous Fujigen factory which has become synonymous with high quality! These are becoming harder to come by and are very collectible!
Just cleaned and set up with super low action!
Electronics have been modified (Vol - Vol - Tone - Input)
This can easily be modified back to original as they used the existing holes. The original jack is still intact on the side of the... more
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1962 Fender Jazz Bass Black / Reverb. In Excellent Condition.

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Black / Reverb. In Excellent Condition.

Oroville, California, 959**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

Fender Jazz Bass-Electric Bass guitar, 1962
Made in Mexico. Well kept guitar. It??s black and has the Reverb feature. A real Classic piece
... more
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American Vintage Fender Jazz Bass - Natural Finish 1975

American Vintage Fender Jazz Bass - Natural Finish 1975

Gainesville, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7000

1975 Fender Jazz Bass. All original, including the leather strap that was bought new, back in '75. We bought it new, and have had it ever since. Ready to move it on to a new owner. This is the original case also
I will quote shipping and insurance to the winning buyer. Please ask all questions before buying
For an instrument this old, it is in good condition. The stainless steel string cover (guard) on the front appears to be slightly rough, but I believe it could be buffed to ... more
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Fender 2020 MIM Jazz Bass Guitar TV Yellow Maple Neck

Fender 2020 MIM Jazz Bass Guitar TV Yellow Maple Neck

Oswego, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$700



Fender MIM Jazz Bass Guitar TV Yellow Maple Neck
Any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Great item by DeMont Guitars!
any questions, please ask!
Returns not accepted from overseas and buyer should assume item is 'as-is' please feel free to ask any and all questions prior to auction end. Please email if you plan on bidder, or would like to purchase item for out-of-USA delivery
WE DO NOT DO PARTIAL REFUNDS
will accept most returns - return shipping and / or ... more
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1971 FENDER JAZZ  BASS BRIDGE USA Original Vintage

1971 FENDER JAZZ BASS BRIDGE USA Original Vintage

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

$425

1971 FENDER JAZZ BASS BRIDGE USA Original Vintage
Very Good + Condition. With original mounting screws
There's a slight bend near the head of the E String intonation screw that doesn't effect use
Shipped Fully Insured!... more
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Vintage 1984 Fender Jazz Bass

Vintage 1984 Fender Jazz Bass

Flossmoor, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Vintage fender jazz bass. Excellent condition plays beautifully. Tones are smooth as can be and easy to play. You won??t be disappointed. See recent appraisal. Happy bidding any questions feel free
... 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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Fender Squier Jazz Bass 1984 - 1987 Made in Japan MIJ

Fender Squier Jazz Bass 1984 - 1987 Made in Japan MIJ

Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

This is a rare Made in Japan Squier by Fender Jazz Bass. The serial number indicates that it was made between 1984 and 1987. It is finished in black paint, presumably with a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard (although I can't verify the wood species myself)
I have replaced the pickguard with a new aftermarket version. It required some fitting around the neck, neck pickup, and the knob plate. I also did not want to drill extra holes where any of the screw-holes of the new pickguard do not ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w /  Case. Rosewood Fret

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w / Case. Rosewood Fret

Tucson, Arizona, 857**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w / Case. Rosewood Fret. Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass pretty refinish in Sonic Blue & ready for its next gig !

1965 Fender Jazz Bass pretty refinish in Sonic Blue & ready for its next gig !

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

$8995

This cool 1965 Jazz Bass has been refinished in their rarest custom color, this stunning Sonic Blue finish is over an alder body. She has a stamped neck date of August 1965 still sporting its original logo making it 1 of the last w / an ??Unbound?? pearl dot inlaid Rosewood neck. By January ??66 all necks were White Bound from that day forward as all CBS production traits took over from that point in time on. Its original White pickgard pulls this all together. Its 2 pickups are super smooth w /... more
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