1963 Fender Jazz Bass

by Dale
(Fontana, CA)

I would like to know the approximate value of my 1963 Fender Jazz Bass. The first three digits of the serial number are L02.

I believe the finish to be Sonic Blue w/matching headstock, but it has yellowed to a sort of light bluish-green color. It has a faded/yellowed plain white/black/white laminate pickguard.

I believe I am the 3rd owner of this bass and I bought it in 1977. To the best of my knowledge, the bass is complete and original, except for the hold-down screws (missing) for the bridge and pick-up covers (I have the covers themselves), and a previous owner removed the four adjustable string mutes at the bridge, as apparently most players did. The bass is fully functional with strong pick-ups and good action...sounds great, and plays well.

Cosmetically, it has some issues. On the back of the body, it has belt buckle damage resulting in a large area where the finish is worn to the tan undercoat and bare wood. On the front, wear is present to bare wood on the top edge where the player's arm rests, and there is a deep gouge near the top edge of the pick guard from using this area to anchor the thumb while playing with the fingers. The body has many small dings and chips along all edges, particularly the bottom edge of the body. The neck and headstock are in fairly good shape cosmetically, compared to the body.

What's it worth?

Hi, Dale--

Here is the general info:

JAZZ BASS (FENDER MFG. 1960-64)
- offset double alder body, bolt-on maple neck, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, four-on-one-side tuners, fixed bridge with string mutes, F logo bridge cover, tortoiseshell/metal pickguard with finger rest, two J-style pickups, two concentric knobs (v, tone) controls, chrome hardware, available in 3-Tone Sunburst, Blonde, or Custom Colors finishes, mfg. 1960-64.

The pricing info:

1963
Mint $12,000
Exc.+ $9,500
Exc. $7,750
Avg.+ $6,000
Avg. $4,750
General $3,900

Add 50-75% for Sonic Blue finish.

It is difficult to tell the exact condition without seeing the guitar, but I would guess it to be in Average condition.

Lynne