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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 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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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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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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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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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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1971 Fender Precision Bass NeckPlate Jazz Bass / Precision / Jazzmaster / Tele USA

1971 Fender Precision Bass NeckPlate Jazz Bass / Precision / Jazzmaster / Tele USA

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

$297

Up for sale is a 1971 Vintage Fender Neck Plate, made in the USA during the early CBS era of the 1970s. This is an original Fender 4-bolt neck plate, correct for a variety of vintage Fender models and ideal for restoration projects
? Details
Brand: Fender
Model: 4-Bolt Neck Plate
Year: 1971
Era: Early CBS (1970s)
Made in: USA
Finish: Chrome
Type: Neck Plate
Compatibility:
?? Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass)
?? Fender Jazz Bass (J-Bass)
?? Fender ... more
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Fender Precision  /  Jazz Bass Case 1967-1971

Fender Precision / Jazz Bass Case 1967-1971

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This case is in good condition for it's age. The latches are functional and the interior is clean. The outside has some wear as seen in the photos. No key
... more
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2004 Fender Jazz Bass | "The Mexican Jazz" | A Perfect Blend of Vintage & Reliab

2004 Fender Jazz Bass | "The Mexican Jazz" | A Perfect Blend of Vintage & Reliab

Murrieta, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$595

The Chaos Ready "Mexican Jazz Baddie "
?? 2004 Fender Jazz Bass ??
?? $850 + $75 Shipping ?? Shipping IS an Estimate ?? Please Read Entire Description ??
Just landed today and it??s already the coolest thing in the room. This 2004 Mexican Standard is the definition of a "player??s bass " It??s built for the stage, the van, and the 2 AM encore, or maybe a glass case! It??s got that specific magic that only comes with twenty years of actual playing??it??s seasoned, it??s sharp
Why ... more
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1968-1973 Fender Precision Jazz Bass Case CLEAN

1968-1973 Fender Precision Jazz Bass Case CLEAN

Linwood, New Jersey, 082**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

1968-1973 Fender Precision Jazz Bass Case CLEAN. Super clean original late 60s early 70s Fender bass case. One small area where tolex is missing on the bottom of case filled in with black marker, other than that, it??s as clean as you??ll see!
... more
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Fender Squier Jazz Bass E-Series 1984 - 1988 Made in Japan MIJ w / upgrades

Fender Squier Jazz Bass E-Series 1984 - 1988 Made in Japan MIJ w / upgrades

Sulphur, Louisiana, 706**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$799

Squier Jazz bass made in Japan E-series late 1980s. This bass is in ready to play condition. New Fender American Vintage 62 pickups installed. New CTS pots with solderless connections. Body does have typical dings and paint chips but very good condition for its age. See pictures. Neck is great. This bass is Fender quality and sound with a Squier logo. Comes with new aftermarket plastic hard case.... more
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Vintage 1960-1965 Fender Precision Bass / Jazz / Telecaster Bass  ~ NO LOGO ~  Case USA

Vintage 1960-1965 Fender Precision Bass / Jazz / Telecaster Bass ~ NO LOGO ~ Case USA

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

$997

Up for sale is a Vintage 1960??1965 Fender Bass Hardshell Case (No Logo), made in the USA during the early 1960s Pre-CBS era. This is an original Fender case correct for Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, and Telecaster Bass models
? Details
Brand: Fender
Model: Bass Hardshell Case (No Logo)
Years: 1960??1965
Era: Pre-CBS (1960s)
Made in: USA
Exterior: Black Tolex
Type: Bass Hardshell Case
Notable:
?? No Fender logo badge (as issued or missing)
Compatibility:
?? ... 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 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 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 LTD Laura Lee Jazz Bass (2024) - Vintage White #00442 with Hard Case

Fender LTD Laura Lee Jazz Bass (2024) - Vintage White #00442 with Hard Case

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1099

WELCOME TO EMPIRE MUSIC Since 2002, Empire Music has aimed to deliver the finest in-store shopping experience. Now you can receive the same amazing in-store experience through our eBay store. We promise to deliver the highest quality products and services to all of our customers. This Fender LTD Laura Lee Jazz Bass is in EXCELLENT overall condition. Cosmetically, it is very clean, only showing some very light play wear. This is a used ... 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 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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