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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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1983 Fender Jazz Bass. Stunning. All Original. Excellent Condition. With Case

1983 Fender Jazz Bass. Stunning. All Original. Excellent Condition. With Case

Sandia Park, New Mexico, 870**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

A 1983 Vintage Fender Jazz Bass. This beauty has only been played a handful of times. Evaluated by professional Guitar Center vintage assessors, it is 100% original, produced in Fullerton California. The neck is perfect and body is in extraordinary condition. No scratches, knobs have been oiled and are static free, meticulously cared for and stored. Hard case shows wear and tear but it is completely original. Everything about the guitar is original, basically a time capsule to 1983. Pictures do ... more
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1964 Fender Jazz bass pre-CBS - black

1964 Fender Jazz bass pre-CBS - black

Clarksville, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7775

Fender Jazz Bass ?? 1964 Pre-CBS
Fullerton, California | L-Series Serial | Player??s Vintage Instrument
This is a genuine pre-CBS 1964 Fender Jazz Bass, made in Fullerton, California, serial number L36022. While not fully original, it retains extensive 1964 components and has evolved into a superb player??s bass with classic feel, tone, and lightweight balance
The bass features an alder body that has been roughly refinished in black, a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and includes... 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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Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Beverly Hills, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7690

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original
Great Condition
Original Hard Case
I am the second owner.
Kept in a smoke free environment.
... 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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1994 Fender American Vintage ?62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob, 100% Original w /  Case

1994 Fender American Vintage ?62 Jazz Bass Stack Knob, 100% Original w / Case

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

$2800

Up for sale, a 1994 Fender American Vintage ?62 Jazz Bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Crafted at Fender??s Corona, CA factory, this American Vintage series bass is a faithful reissue of the original circa 1960-62 Jazz Bass, boasting a stacked knob control configuration, gloss three-tone Sunburst nitro lacquer finish, and vintage-spec hardware.
Traditional tonewoods include an alder body, maple neck, and thick ... 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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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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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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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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1966 Fender Jazz Bass Custom Color OLYMPIC WHITE

1966 Fender Jazz Bass Custom Color OLYMPIC WHITE

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

$15900


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1966 Fender Jazz Bass in its original custom color Olympic White with a matching headstock. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original, but the bridge position pickup has been professionally rewound by Tom Brantley. The original hardshell case is also included along with both original chrome covers. There are lots of nicks + dings, finish checking, belt buckle wear and other cosmetic wear. A ... more
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1983 Fender Jazz Bass Electric bass guitar

1983 Fender Jazz Bass Electric bass guitar

San Dimas, California, 917**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1983 Fender Jazz Bass electric bass guitar
Made in USA, Fullerton
Color: Sunburst
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Rosewood
Controls: 2 volume, 1 tone
Serial#: E302877
One owner. Stored in a soft case No major damage. Small several scuffs My grandparents had this guitar stored in a smoke free pet free environment They recently passed away so trying to gather some funds for funeral funds Trying to find a new owner that would actually use or add to their collection ... 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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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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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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1972 Fender Jazz Bass ?? Natural Finish, Grey-Bottom Pickups w /  Case & Tags

1972 Fender Jazz Bass ?? Natural Finish, Grey-Bottom Pickups w / Case & Tags

Woodbury, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7200

1972 Fender Jazz Bass ?? Natural Finish, Grey-Bottom Pickups w / Case & Tags
Here??s a rare opportunity to grab a true classic in excellent condition: a 1972 Fender Jazz Bass in its natural finish with white pickguard. This one checks all the boxes??it??s in fantastic shape, plays beautifully, and is 99% original. The anchor point has been moved from the treble side of the strings to the bass side, making it more useful as a thumb rest, and the pickguard has been changed to cover 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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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 Jazz Bass 1973 Original ?? Sunburst ?? Maple Fretboard Black Block Inlays

Fender Jazz Bass 1973 Original ?? Sunburst ?? Maple Fretboard Black Block Inlays

Katy, Texas, 774**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6450

Fender Jazz Bass ?? 1973 ?? Vintage Original ?? 3-Color Sunburst ?? Maple Fretboard w / Black Block Inlays ?? 100% Original ?? w / OHSC & Ashtrays ?? Very Good Vintage Condition
Super Duper Gear ?? Curating High-End, Vintage & Collectible Instruments
Houston, TX | Worldwide Shipping | Se habla EspaƱol
The 1973 Fender Jazz Bass is one of the most iconic vintage basses from the golden era of Fender. This example features the highly desirable combination of 3-Color Sunburst, ... more
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left-handed. 1962 fender jazz bass, old reunion, blues gig bag

left-handed. 1962 fender jazz bass, old reunion, blues gig bag

Wallingford, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

left-handed. 1962 fender jazz bass, old reunion, blues gig bag. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
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