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Fly Guitars Interview: Bob Daisley - part 3: Fender basses

Introduction | Gibson basses | Fender basses | Other vintage basses


Fender basses

FlyGuitars Your collections obviously dominated by a large number of Fender basses and Fender appear to be your chosen workhorse. Is that because you find those most practical for live work and recording?

Bob Daisley Yeah they've always been very versatile you can get lots of different sounds out of especially a Precision bass. Very versatile, very reliable, very robust for travelling. I love Gibsons for some stuff but sometimes you only have to look at them the wrong way and the head falls off, they're notorious for that though. If they fall or they get transported the wrong way or they are not packed properly the head can break off, it's always the head that goes first. I've had that happen to a couple of mine but the Fenders are very robust and you could probably throw it across the room and it'd be still in one piece you know. You've got to really mean to break one, somebody like Ritchie (Blackmore) or Pete Townsend to break a Fender, they're very robust. You know I've always found them very versatile.

FlyGuitars What was your first Fender

Bob Daisley I actually got a Telecaster bass at first which was ok but when I joined Chicken Shack with Stan Webb I ended up getting the 61 Precision bass and I remember Stan saying to me "Oh you won't be sorry, you'll have that for the rest of your life". That's one I've really hung on to and it's been great, it's been really good, a real workhorse, it's been on so many records and albums and done so many tours.

1964 Candy Apple Red Precision bass
Chicken Shack in 1972 - Bob plays an early Fender Telecaster bass
Chicken Shack in 1972 - Bob plays an early Fender Telecaster bass, and below, the 1961 blond Precision, bought shortly afterwards
1961 blonde Fender Precision

FlyGuitars In '72 Fender edged into Gibson territory by putting a large humbucker right up by the neck of the Telecaster bass. Your original Tele didn't have this, but have you now got a humbucker equipped Tele in your collection?

Bob Daisley No, mine's the '68 Paisley which is another pretty rare one but that hasn't got the humbucker it's the one with the early Precision straight pole pickup.

FlyGuitars What's it like in terms of tone compared to the other Fenders that you've got?

Bob Daisley It's nice, you know it's got nice playability and it sounds good. Very similar to the early 50's ones, I have got a couple of early 50's ones, a 53 Precision, the butterscotch with the black pickguard, that's really nice, I like that one and the other one I've got is the '55. Same sort of thing but with the contoured body.

1968 Fender Telecaster - paisley finish
1968 Fender Telecaster - paisley finish

The pictures below show a selection of Bob's Precision and Jazz basses. Six Fender Precision basses: 1953 blond, 1954 Sunburst, 1957 Sunburst, 1959 Sunburst, 1962/3 Olympic white, 1964 Sunburst

1953 Fender Precision
1953 blond
1954 Fender Precision
1954 Sunburst
1957 Fender Precision
1957 Sunburst
1959 Fender Precision
1959 Sunburst
1963 Fender Precision
1962/3 Olympic white
1964 Fender Precision
1964 Sunburst
1962 Fender Jazz Bass - fiesta red finish 1964 candy apple red Fender Jazz bass
Two Fender Jazz basses: a 1962 in Fiesta Red, and a 1964 in Candy Apple Red




Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Bob Daisley for making this interview possible. Images courtesy of bobdaisley.com

Links: Bob Daisley's homepage | Kahvas Jute homepage | More FlyGuitars interviews

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass with case - Olympic White

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass with case - Olympic White

Aurora, Colorado, 800**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1859

Like new. American Fender 66 JAZZ BASS From Wildwood Music Louisville Colorado. This was $2700 new. Serial number tells me it was manufactured 6 / 2023. Special ordered for a customer but it came in with one weird chip by the corner on the neck plate where the neck screws in & one chip by where the output jack plate screws in. Really weird to have a nice American Fender come in like that. You'll see both in photos. Not very noticeable but it would be easy to cover with a tiny drop of paint.... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Matching Headstock 1970 - Olympic White

Fender Jazz Bass Matching Headstock 1970 - Olympic White

Utica, New York, 135**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11000

Incredible and rare matching headstock jazz bass. All original parts. The finish has faded into a beautiful cream color. It sounds amazing and plays well with a medium action. I have included a demo video embedded into the listing of this bass in action
Pots are stackpole and date to 1970
Grey bottom pickups
Fender no reg tuners
Original bridge and neck pickup covers
The original bridge is reinstalled on the bass. The previous owner installed a different bridge but kept the ... more
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Fender 1974 Musicmaster (MM) Olympic White Bass Guitar, all ORIGINAL & ORIG CASE

Fender 1974 Musicmaster (MM) Olympic White Bass Guitar, all ORIGINAL & ORIG CASE

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

$3250

DESCRIPTION:
Up for auction is a Fender 1974 Musicmaster Olympic White Bass Guitar, with a natural Relic condition on the guitar body
This guitar is a Short-Scale all original bass guitar, with the original Olympic White Finish and and the original Maple Neck!
The guitar has been totally tested and found to have 100% all original Electronics, including the Pickup, POTS, both CAPS and Output Jack (see posted Pictures)
This guitar comes complete with the original Case that came with ... more
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Fender Vintera II 1970 Mustang Bass Body Competition Orange

Fender Vintera II 1970 Mustang Bass Body Competition Orange

Allen Park, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

Body is in mint condition with no sign of blemishes. Comes with pearloid pickguard.... more
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VINTAGE 1978 CBS FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS GUITAR Hang Tag Owners Manual

VINTAGE 1978 CBS FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS GUITAR Hang Tag Owners Manual

Toledo, Ohio, 436**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$100

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM: RARE ITEM
BEFORE BUYING: Please look at all pictures as it will be part of the description, I check and test all items that need to be checked to work or are complete. If there is little said on the description or not many pictures then the item is in good working order or as it is suppose to be or will say SOLD AS IS AS FOUND. All my items are found and bought at Estate Sales, Auctions and so on and and nothing from my personal collection and most are vintage and old so ... more
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1972 Fender Precision Bass; Mocha Brown #362012 Bartolini pickups; Original Case

1972 Fender Precision Bass; Mocha Brown #362012 Bartolini pickups; Original Case

Cleveland, Ohio, 441**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1249

Up for auction with no reserve ?? a genuine 1972 Fender Precision Bass, serial 362012, USA-made in the classic CBS era. This legendary Mocha Brown P-Bass was my late father??s very first instrument, given to him when he was just 15 years old. After starting with accordion lessons, he taught himself to play bass and eventually mastered nine additional instruments. He affectionately nicknamed it ??Vintage?? and it became the band??s trusty spare bass during practice sessions ?? always ready in ... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1960 Precision Bass w /  Case - Daphne Blue - Maxed Rod

Fender American Vintage II 1960 Precision Bass w / Case - Daphne Blue - Maxed Rod

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$213


For Repair
Electric Bass Guitar with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, 1 Split-coil Pickup, and Case - Daphne Blue
The truss rod is maxed out and unable to take the excessive relief out of the neck. The electronics operate perfectly. There are light scratches randomly about the body too fine to be visible in the photos. The original case is in excellent condition and in good working order. Packed in the manufacturer's box
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with ... more
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1959 Fender Precision Bass Guitar,  Olympic White refinish, late ?59,  8 5 lbs.

1959 Fender Precision Bass Guitar, Olympic White refinish, late ?59, 8 5 lbs.

Harrisonburg, Virginia, 228**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$17995

I??llstart with most of you considering this bass probably know more about earlyFender basses than I do. I??m a Rickenbacker, Gibosn, MusicMan player.
Serial Number on neck plate is 39147 and this dates the bass to a late 1959production. Pickup cavity reads ??8 / 59??. There is no pencil marking on the neck buttand the neck pocket has been painted. Pots are dated 47th week of 1958. It has the ZNW1P1 "phonebook" capacitor. Maple neck and ?slab?? rosewood fingerboard. All ofthis in ... more
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Fender 60th Anniversary Precision Bass Blackguard Two Necks 2011 With Case

Fender 60th Anniversary Precision Bass Blackguard Two Necks 2011 With Case

Teaneck, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1750

In excellent condition. With original neck and a second old-50s style neck with jazz bass spacing at nut, case, case candy
The original neck has a Fender drop-D tuner for the E string. The original fixed tuner is provided. The finish has been sanded off the rear of the neck
No fret wear on either neck
Currently strung with flat rounds
Weight: 8 25 pounds... 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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Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe Vintage 1981 MIA USA Olympic White 4-String Guitar

Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe Vintage 1981 MIA USA Olympic White 4-String Guitar

Hollister, California, 950**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

The Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe Vintage 1981 MIA USA Olympic White 4-String Guitar is a high-quality electric bass guitar made by Fender in the United States. With a solid body in Olympic White color, maple fretboard, and 4-string configuration, this vintage model is ideal for right-handed bass players looking for a classic and durable instrument. The Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe offers a warm and rich tone, making it a popular choice for musicians in various genres. Hot pickups have been added.... more
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Vintage Fender Standard Jazz Bass V Midnight Wine with Hard Shell Case

Vintage Fender Standard Jazz Bass V Midnight Wine with Hard Shell Case

Plainsboro, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$950

Vintage 2003 Fender Standard Jazz Bass V Midnight Wine
Perfect Condition, Looks like its never been played!
Body: Alder (solid)
Body finish: Gloss polyurethaneNeck: Maple, bolt-onNeck profile: "C " -shaped (Standard)Fingerboard: Pau FerroScale length: 34 " Frets: 20 medium jumboNut width: ~ 1 625" (41 3 mm) ?? typical for Fender 5-string StandardRadius: 9 5" (241 mm)Pickups: Two single-coil Jazz Bass pickups (neck and bridge)Electronics: Master volume, neck pickup blend (middle) and ... more
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1985 Fender 60s MIJ E-Series Precision Bass - Japan

1985 Fender '60's MIJ E-Series Precision Bass - Japan

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

$1700

1985 E-Series Fender Precision Bass ?62 vintage reissue in great condition. Sounds and plays amazing with hand wound Van Zant pickups. Neck is perfect and the action low. No hums, it's absolutely noise free! E-Series are highly sought after crafted at the Fujigen factory during the early / golden age of Fender Japan production. Gloss Black with Tortoise shell pick guard everything else original. Couple of tiny dings on top horn, it's 40 years old .
Alder body, maple neck, and slab rosewood ... more
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1983 Fender USA Dan Smith Precision Bass Vintage White E-Series w / HSC

1983 Fender USA Dan Smith Precision Bass Vintage White E-Series w / HSC

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

$1695

1983 Fender Precision Bass In Vintage White Finish
Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Fair Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Fading And Notable Cosmetic Play Wear, Including Various Dings, Marks And Scratches Throughout
Repaired Headstock In Several Areas, Neck Crack On Back Extending From Behind Nut To 3rd Fret (See Photos)
Body Crack Near Neck Pocket On Treble Side
Non-Original Pickguard And Brass Dome Knobs
Original Grey Bottom Pickups And Electronics,... more
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1960s Fender Jazz Bass Electric 4 String Solid Body White w /  Red Pickguard

1960s Fender Jazz Bass Electric 4 String Solid Body White w / Red Pickguard

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

$3250

The product is a vintage 1960s Fender Jazz Bass electric 4-string bass guitar. It features a solid body design in white with a red pickguard, typical of the classic Fender look. This right-handed electric bass guitar is known for its iconic Jazz Bass model, known for its rich, deep sound and smooth playability. Perfect for musicians in the bass guitar category, this Fender Jazz Bass offers a timeless design and superior craftsmanship that is highly sought after by guitar enthusiasts. it has road... more
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1983 Vintage Fender Squier Precision Electric Bass SQ serial # black MIJ 62RI

1983 Vintage Fender Squier Precision Electric Bass SQ serial # black MIJ 62RI

Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$695

Comes as seenincludes non original caseVery hard to find these days. Vintage 1982 era Japan made Squier P-BassSQ Serial # (4 Digit) 04989Tested and electronics and Pickups working and sound great'62 style neck with the truss adjuster at the end of the heel and has the reissue style fat tuners
see all picturesneck is straight and plays nicely - no dead or buzzing fretsno cracks or issuesWeight 8 lbs 9 ozoriginal black finish has some edge chips and scratches but is still decentDon't miss out... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass a killer affordable Pre-CBS example in pretty Sonic Blue !

1965 Fender Jazz Bass a killer affordable Pre-CBS example in pretty Sonic Blue !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

This is a very nice affordable Pre-CBS 1965 Jazz Bass. She??s got a nicely refinished in Sonic Blue over a lightweight Alder body. It??s got a great feeling clay dot Rosewood fingerboard w / a matching Sonic Blue Headstock & she??s dated January 1965. She has a nice relic??d white??gard to pull this all together. She has 2 original pickups w / cloth leads & has 3 matching pots all dated to the 40th week of 1964. All parts are original including its 2 pickup covers. She??s excellent in ... more
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Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1978

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Black 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A true vintage beauty in classic black finish that plays great. The silky smooth neck is very comfortable & the double pickups deliver those righteous Jazz Bass tones. Professionally set up & ready to play upon arrival
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & some finish wear / blemishes
Neck: Maple neck with nicely... more
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1976 Fender P Bass

1976 Fender P Bass

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

pp1976 P Bass
Butterscotch
S#: 76 47222
I've owned this amazing bass for almost 20 years.
It feels and plays great and sounds incredible.
Some details:
I had the pickup rewound by Lindy Fralin in 2012 he did a great job and I could hold the sound of this pickup against any vintage bass
I had the neck steamed and reset by Paul Nieto back in 2012 and it is still rocking.
Intonation is solid
You could play gigs on this bass everyday for 3 months and not need to ... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1973 - Sunburst (Vintage)

Fender Precision Bass 1973 - Sunburst (Vintage)

Greenwich, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6895

Fender Precision Bass 1973 - Sunburst (Vintage)
This is a classic early 70s Precision Bass with all the character players look for. The three??tone sunburst has settled into a warm, vintage glow, and the tortoise guard gives it that unmistakable 70s look. The chrome pickup and bridge covers are still in place, which adds to the vibe and keeps the instrument feeling complete.
The rosewood fingerboard brings a smooth, rounded response that pairs beautifully with the alder body. The ... more
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