Fender Jazz Bass 1961
by Michael Harrison
(Riverside, Ca)
This bass was my father's and he played it hard right up until he died. I've held it until my mother felt right about letting it go. Now we've been hit with 2 to 3 people who want to buy it. Two parties whom we
assume buy and sell old guitars and such want to give us a price on what the bass is worth and what they will
pay to buy it. We have never looked into what it would be worth until one of the want to be buyer asked if our price was in the low thousands. It sort of caught us off guard and we just responded maybe. My dad purchased the bass new and played it hard so it's not in perfect shape. It is still in the orginal case from fender all duct taped up to hold it together. On your web site for values there is a 1963 bass with picture that looks very much like dad's. It has a similar color and the plastic plate in front looks sort of tortoise shell color and my dad glittered it for more looks along with his name hand painted on the front.
The back has a small silver plate with the #s 59423 stamped into it. We originally thought my dad purchased the bass in 1957, but Mom doesn't remember and a price list from Fender of Santa Ana, Ca list the date as July
1961 so we don't know what the year or what it may or may not be worth. I just know that at 83 years old my
Mom is easily steered by just what she hears. She trust
people too much so we're concerned she know what to expect before we allow anyone to see or purchase the bass. So any help will be greatly appreciated. I've already donated to your fund and thank you so much.
Michael Harrison, Annie's son.
ANSWER
Hi, Michael--
The serial number indicates a 1961 manufacture date.
Here is the Blue Book 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:
1961
Mint $19,000
Exc.+ $15,000
Exc. $12,000
Avg.+ $10,000
Avg. $8,000
General $6,500
Add 25-50% for Black finish.
Add 25-50% for Blonde finish.
Add 50-75% for Burgundy Mist finish.
Add 25-50% for Candy Apple Red finish.
Add 25-50% for Daphne Blue finish.
Add 25-50% for Dakota Red finish.
Add 25-50% for Fiesta Red finish.
Add 50-75% for Foam Green finish.
Add 50-75% for Inca Silver finish.
Add 25-50% for Olympic White finish.
Add 75-100% for Shell Pink finish.
Add 50-75% for Sherwood Green finish.
Add 50-75% for Shorline Gold finish.
Add 50-75% for Sonic Blue finish.
Add 75-100% for Surf Green finish.
Best Wishes to your Mom!
Lynne
