flyguitars logo
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions

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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
1978 Fender Jazz Bass Parts Original Owner- Bridge, Pickguard  & more FREE SHIP

1978 Fender Jazz Bass Parts Original Owner- Bridge, Pickguard & more FREE SHIP

Spring Branch, Texas, 780**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$480

I bought a new American Fender Jazz bass in 1978 or 1979. I removed the pick guard and the bridge cover (ashtray) as soon as I got it home. The manual with serial number was removed along with the genuine Fender guitar strap. I carefully packed them away along with another genuine Fender guitar strap that I had saved from a Fender Telecaster bass that I bought new around 1970 if memory serves might have been another one in that time frame. The straps appear to be identical except the rivets on ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$20000

... more
eBay logo
1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC! -LL

1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC! -LL

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8600


Item: 1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC!
Description: You are purchasing a 1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar with a Hard Shell Case 1960 body and 1969 neck on this Jazzmaster Refinished body. All original parts All original neck It plays and sound good This is a stunning guitar Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $100 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White 1983

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White 1983

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White 1983
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A gorgeous looking Jazz Bass with some really nice appointments - namely the white pickup covers & knobs combined with the aged white finish & tortoise pickguard. A silky smooth player that's been professionally set up by the experts here at Cream City Music
Cosmetic Condition: There's a pretty good sized chip on the treble side of the body, lower bout. It was ... more
eBay logo
Fender Vintage Jazz Bass 1968 Great Condition Sunburst G & G Case Thomastik incl

Fender Vintage Jazz Bass 1968 Great Condition Sunburst G & G Case Thomastik incl

Garland, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9500

Fender Jazz Bass 1968
Purchased from a women I know, who inherited it from an Uncle. He played joints in Louisiana, and his band would play on a home built stage on his property, when the joints were closed and the crowds still wanted to party. Played in Louisiana for most its life.
This well cared for bass is vintage. Neck removed shows 8 for 1968 in pencil done at the factory. Brazilian Rosewood fret board later discontinued due to expense. Includes strings from Vienna in the package ... more
eBay logo
1973 Fender Jazz Bass - All Original - American Made

1973 Fender Jazz Bass - All Original - American Made

Frisco, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

I am the second owner of this bass and have had it for 25 years. This bass is all original other than the bridge pick-up which was rewound to spec by Lindy Fralin in 1999. The finish is worn from the original case. Other than that, the finish has some light checking, which is normal for a 50 year old bass. Fret wear is light, and plays like a dream. The date stamp on the neck is very faded and hard to make out, but I tried to document it. I think the date code on the pots indicates they were ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
Fender Jazz Bass Vintage 1983 "Dan Smith" Featherlight 8 8lb With Upgrades AMZIN

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage 1983 "Dan Smith" Featherlight 8 8lb With Upgrades AMZIN

Sherman Oaks, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

For all customers residing outside California, enjoy zero taxes on all direct online purchases
Glasguitarsla com
This one is a bit special .. Pro L A session players Dan Smith era USA Jazz from new bought in late 83' in olyimic white, with parchment pick guard, full active symore Duncan pickups and electronic upgrades. Comes with a nice Tweed case- Very clean axe all over, been on many a recording for sure .
The alder body Has aged lovely, with it now a nice cream tone, the plastics ... more
eBay logo
2023 Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass Olympic White Underwood Aged

2023 Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass Olympic White Underwood Aged

Lexington, Kentucky, 405**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Excellent condition!
Neck Measurements: 1st- .78 12th- 1 02
Featuring a neck that's narrower at the nut for a faster and more effortless feel, plus sleek new body style that mirrored the offset contoured style of the Jazzmaster, the first Jazz Bass models were developed after Fender Salesman Don Randall requested a more sophisticated, high-end bass model. By 1966, the evolution of the instrument reached new heights with striking new features.
The American Vintage II 1966 Jazz ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ-555 Vintage PJ Bass, Japan MIJ

1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ-555 Vintage PJ Bass, Japan MIJ

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

$1500

The Hot Rod J-50 single coil bridge pickup has lots of presence and midrange character, and the Hot Rod P-40 split-coil pickup has bold punch and treble growl, accentuated by a set of roundwound 50-105 strings. Both pickups have oversized pole pieces and are wound hotter than Fender Japan's vintage series pickups, delivering a sound worthy of the instrument's slick '80s looks, that are governed by a three-way selector switch, dedicated Volume knobs for each pickup, and a TBX Tone control. From ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo