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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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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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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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FENDER POWER JAZZ BASS SPECIAL 1984-1987 MADE IN JAPAN

FENDER POWER JAZZ BASS SPECIAL 1984-1987 MADE IN JAPAN

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

The Fender Power Jazz Bass Special, made in Japan between 1984-1987, is a classic 4-string electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. This model features a solid body in a beige color, making it both stylish and versatile for various musical styles. With its high-quality Fender brand and Japanese craftsmanship, this bass guitar is sure to deliver exceptional sound and performance for any musician looking to add a vintage touch to their collection.... more
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1973 Fender Jazz Bass Natural Ash w /  Black Blocks + Binding, Case

1973 Fender Jazz Bass Natural Ash w / Black Blocks + Binding, Case

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

$4400

Up for sale, a 1973 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. A quintessential example of an early ?70s Jazz Bass, this bass features an ash body and bound maple neck with black binding and block inlays
Offering smooth sustain and a detailed, punchy quality, the maple fretboard delivers enhanced note attack and more upper midrange accentuation, with a particular burp and grind from the bridge pickup. The original pair of ... more
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1968 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w /  Case

1968 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst w / Case

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

$8800

Up for sale, a 1968 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This Jazz Bass was produced in the fourth quarter of ?68, a transitional example featuring original winds on the gray bobbin pickups, cloth-covered pickup leads and untouched solder, and the combination of a fast-feeling nitro lacquer gloss on the neck profile and early thinly-applied poly finish on the body
With an alder body, maple neck and bound rosewood ... more
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Fender Flea Signature Roadworn Jazz Bass W /  1973 Geddy Lee Style Neck MOP INLAY

Fender Flea Signature Roadworn Jazz Bass W / 1973 Geddy Lee Style Neck MOP INLAY

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

$2450

The body is near Mint, only been a wall hanger until I found this exact neck | wanted. Every new Flea Signature Series Fender Jazz is relic'd with this road worn look to look exactly like his
1962 Shell Pink bass. Stacked knobs for individual tone control of each separate pickup. I can install the original pick guard or the pearl one (1 think this matched and brings out the Mother of Pearl Block inlays. I actually pre it without a pick guard
The neck is 53 year old Neck is straight ... more
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Used Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass LH 3-Color Sunburst

Used Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass LH 3-Color Sunburst

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer
Used Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass ... more
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Used 1994 Fender American Vintage 1962 Jazz Bass, 3-Tone Sunburst

Used 1994 Fender American Vintage 1962 Jazz Bass, 3-Tone Sunburst

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2400

With stunning looks, style and grace, theĀ Fender American Vintage 1962 Jazz Bass was built in 1994, and carries all of the vintage superb quality that you demand in a bass guitar. Masterfully-built in America, this bass has an alder solidbody with a C-shaped maple neck hosting a rosewood fingerboard. The dual American Vintage single-coil Jazz Bass pickups roar with thumping tonality, controlled by concentric pickups of stacked volume / tone knobs
This bass is in Very Good condition, as ... more
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Original 1971 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent playing condition, with OHSC

Original 1971 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent playing condition, with OHSC

Canyon Creek, Montana, 596**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Original 1971 Fender jazz bass in excellent playing condition, complete with original black tolex case. Has an alder body, maple neck, and a bound rosewood fretboard with pearl block inlays. All hardware and electronics are 100% original, including pickups, potentiometers, tuners, and bridge. Truss rod and neck are straight and action is low
IMPORTANT: the frets have been professionally filed to create a LINED FRETLESS.
I purchased this bass in 1972 and with the exception of a few gigs, ... more
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Vintage 1960??s Fender Jazz Bass Precision Bass Tuner Bushel

Vintage 1960??s Fender Jazz Bass Precision Bass Tuner Bushel

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

$45

Vintage Fender 1960??s tuner bushell for j bass of precision bass. Bushell shows your typical tarnish from over the years but should fit among well within someone??s vintage bass. Any questions feel free to message me. Thanks
... more
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Vintage late 1960??s Fender P Bass J Bass Tuner Jazz Precision Bass

Vintage late 1960??s Fender P Bass J Bass Tuner Jazz Precision Bass

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

$109

Vintage late 1960??s Fender P Bass or Jazz bass tuner. This tuner has the R after Fender dating it to the later 1960??s versus early 1960??s did not have the R there. Tuner shows some tarnish, scratches from wear and tear from over the years but still works looks good. Any questions feel free to message me. Thanks
... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst Birdseye Maple Neck

Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst Birdseye Maple Neck

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

$999

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst in Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up with nice action!
Features a beautiful birdseye maple neck!
Case: Hard
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 5 "
Fret Wear: 9 5 / 10
Action at 12F (6th): 6 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 6 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 9oz
Overall Condition: 7 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Black Japan

Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Black Japan

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

$1099

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Black Japan in Very Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up with low action!
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 51 "
Fret Wear: 9 5 / 10
Action at 12F (6th): 5 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 4 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 2oz
Overall Condition: 8 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst Japan

Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst Japan

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

$1099

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 93 - 94 - Sunburst Japan in Very Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up with low action!
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 5 "
Fret Wear: 9 5 / 10
Action at 12F (6th): 5 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 5 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 5oz
Overall Condition: 8 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 94 - 95 - Sunburst

Fender Jazz Bass 94 - 95 - Sunburst

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

$1099

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 94 - 95 - Sunburst in Very Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up with nice low action!
The gig bag does not close all the way at the top
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 49 "
Fret Wear: 9 / 10
Action at 12F (6th): 5 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 4 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 6oz
Overall Condition: 8 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1995 - White Japan Bass Guitar

Fender Jazz Bass 1995 - White Japan Bass Guitar

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

$1099

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 1995 - White Japan Bass Guitar in Very Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up with low action! Plays great!
Cosmetic wear, dings and chips seen in the above photos
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 48 "
Fret Wear: 9 5 / 10
Action at 12F (4th): 5 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 5 / 64 "
Weight: 8lbs 3oz
Overall Condition: 7 9 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1994 - Sunburst

Fender Jazz Bass 1994 - Sunburst

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

$1199

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass 1994 - Sunburst in Good Condition!
Just cleaned, restrung and set up! Action set up nice and low!
Electronics have just been cleaned up and work great!
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 53 "
Fret Wear: 9 8 / 10
Action at 12F (4th): 5 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 4 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 9oz
Overall Condition: 7 4 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass JB75 2004 - Natural Japan

Fender Jazz Bass JB75 2004 - Natural Japan

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

$1299

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass JB75 2004 - Natural Japan in Excellent Condition!
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 5 "
Frets Remaining: 9 / 10
Action at 12F (4th): 6 / 64 "
Action at 12F (1st): 5 / 64 "
Weight: 9lbs 4 5oz
Overall Condition: 9 / 10
Cool Factor: 11 out of 10


USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass JB62 Left Handed 2005 - Sunburst CIJ

Fender Jazz Bass JB62 Left Handed 2005 - Sunburst CIJ

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

$1299

For sale is a Fender Jazz Bass JB62 Left Handed 2005 - Sunburst CIJ in Very Good Condition!
This iconic bass has just been cleaned, restrung and set up! A good example of these Jazz CIJ's don't come up in lefty's very often so snag it while it's still available!
The bass is set up with nice low action and is a nice hefty weight which gives it incredible resonance!
Case: Soft
Scale Length: 34 "
Nut Width: 1 47 "
Frets Remaining: 8 5 / 10
Action at 12F (4th): 6 / 64 "... more
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1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ bass PJ-535 Medium Scale Black

1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ bass PJ-535 Medium Scale Black

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

$1300

Up for sale, a 1985 Fender Jazz Bass Special medium scale PJ bass model PJ-535 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. An evolution of the bass known simply as the "P-J" in Fender Japan's earliest catalogs, the Jazz Bass Special is part of the Boxer line, produced at the venerable Fujigen factory in Japan. This uncommon ??Made in Japan?? model closely resembles the features and tone of the bass that Duff McKagan would make famous with Guns N?? Roses, yet with a ... more
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