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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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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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FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VINTAGE USA

FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VINTAGE USA

Decatur, Alabama, 356**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

This is a great case that once housed a 1976 Fender Jazz Bass. This case fits a Jazz Bass like a glove and will also accommodate Precision basses and protect them safely. You can see the pad on the lower left that holds the bass firmly in place. It measures 48" long on the outside and the inside width is 13 " . The Fender logo badge has no tail and the tiny ??Made in USA" letters sit next to the giant "F " . All the latches and hinges work well. The plastic handle is solid, the leather ends are ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1976 Black With Maple Block Neck

Fender Jazz Bass 1976 Black With Maple Block Neck

Long Island City, New York, 111**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3849

Rare 1976 Fender Jazz bas Black custom color painted over Sunburst from the factory heavy relic for decades of touring through out the world . This bass sounds and plays amazing Comes with original hardshell case . The case in in solid in good condition... more
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Natural Fender Jazz Bass 1975 +  Case  All  Original great condition

Natural Fender Jazz Bass 1975 + Case All Original great condition

Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

1975 Natural Fender Jazz bass 100% original, with case. In great shape just a few little blemishes, and checking on clear coat expected from a 50 year old instrument. Pickup covers included.... 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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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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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

$187

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: $129... more
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1981 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Sienna Sunburst Bass Guitar!

1981 Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Sienna Sunburst Bass Guitar!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 495**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Just in at Tone Chasers Music is this 1981 Fender Jazz Bass. This bass is in very good condition with the pictured dings, scratches, a route under the pickguard (photo #14) being the most significant signs of wear. Tested, functional, and as pictured
Available to view at
Tone Chasers Music
121 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Follow us here 
[link removed by eBay]  ([link removed by eBay])
I ONLY ACCEPT PAYMENTS FACILITATED THROUGH EBAY. I SHIP USPS FLATRATE TO 48... more
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1973 Fender Jazz Bass  Left Handed  Black a Maple Neck. 4 Bolt !

1973 Fender Jazz Bass Left Handed Black a Maple Neck. 4 Bolt !

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Nice checking . custom color, black four bolt neck, ships in gig bag .. unmolested, beautiful maple neck with pearl inlay hard to find left-handed!
... more
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Original 1968 1969 Fender Jazz Bass pickup Covers Nice With Original Screws Too

Original 1968 1969 Fender Jazz Bass pickup Covers Nice With Original Screws Too

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

$390

Original 1968 1969 Fender Jazz Bass Pick Up Covers Nice With Original Screws Too !!

Pulled From A Late 1968 Jazz Bass
Original !!!!
... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass ?? Dakota Red w /  Matching Headstock, Original Pickups, OHSC

1965 Fender Jazz Bass ?? Dakota Red w / Matching Headstock, Original Pickups, OHSC

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6499

For sale is an iconic and incredibly soulful 1965 Fender Jazz Bass in Dakota Red with a matching headstock, complete with its original hard-shell case. This instrument comes from my personal collection and stands out as one of the best-sounding and feeling vintage Jazz Basses I??ve ever owned. Its tone is full, warm, and balanced??consistently outperforming others I??ve compared it against
While I??ve cherished this bass for years, I??ve been playing 5-strings more frequently, and it??s time... more
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1978 Fender Jazz Bass USA w / TKL case

1978 Fender Jazz Bass USA w / TKL case

Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

Glossy walnut (poly, of course) finish on this late ?70s 4-bolt electric bass. The knobs, neck plate, and pickups are more modern (00s-20s) replacements (pickups are Fender USA ?70s Jazz style appropriate for this instrument). Body, neck, tuning machines, I assume, and pick guard are all original.
As shown the bass was routed on rear for 9V battery compartment at one time. body has one large spot of finish loss plus several minor chip spots also around the bottom edge
Neck is good and ... more
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c. 1980s Custom Bass Flight Case Fender Jazz And Precision Red

c. 1980s Custom Bass Flight Case Fender Jazz And Precision Red

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

$195

Circa 1980's Custom-Made Bass Flight Case
This Item Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Notable Cosmetic Surface Wear Throughout, With Painted Stencil, Various Marks, And Scratches Visible
Some Corrosion On Metal Hardware As Shown
Interior Fabric Slightly Separating In Body And Neck Areas
Latches Are Functional And Handle Is Intact
Fits Fender Jazz Or P-Style Basses
Dimensions Are 49x18x16 "
Available For Local Pickup ... 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 Vintage Original Natural Ash 1978

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage Original Natural Ash 1978

Hamtramck, Michigan, 482**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1980

Used but in premium condition. Everything is original .You got what you see. I don??t have original case , just soft .Amp is not for sale .Only USA buyers please I don??t do delete bids . Be advised pay if you won action please. No return accept. Good luck.... 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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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Seafoam Green - Used

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Seafoam Green - Used

Rothschild, Wisconsin, 544**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1899

*PICTURES ARE OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR!*
Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz
Body Material: Alder
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: 1966 U
Scale: 34 "
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 7 25 "
Frets: 20 Vintage Tall
Nut Size: 1 5 "
Action at 12th Fret: 2 00 mm
Pickups: Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazz Bass
Electronics Controls : 2 x Volume, 1 x Tone
Tuning Gear: Vintage Style Lollipop
Case / Gig Bag: Case
Condition Note: This bass guitar is in mint ... 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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1962 Fender Jazz Bass *Slab / Refin*

1962 Fender Jazz Bass *Slab / Refin*

Arlington, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9999

Player-grade ?62 Jazz Bass for sale. Ancient body refin to Black with white primer undercoat. Reproduction, thick / wide-bevel Green guard. Tug bar is original. Neck also refinished / re-deacal / re-fret. Usual E-tuner crack was recently inspected by a luthier who??s been at his craft for 50+ years upon my behest. He concluded that it was glued long ago - but still we removed the E ferrule to gauge for any tight hug and there was none, so there??s no tension around it. Very stable long-ago ... more
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1983 Fender JV 62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob JB62-115 Sunburst Lacquer w /

1983 Fender JV '62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob JB62-115 Sunburst Lacquer w /

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

$3000

Up for sale, a 1983 Fender Jazz Bass ?62 vintage reissue model JB62-115 in perfect working order, complete with a molded hardshell case. Produced in the second year of Fender Japan production, this "Japanese Vintage" (JV) series bass is a rare top-tier model accurate to the Jazz Bass??s introductory specs with ??stack knob?? Volume / Tone pairs, the same pickups used on the Fender USA Fullerton factory reissues from the same year, and a three-tone Sunburst nitro lacquer finish
Produced at ... more
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