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: 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

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.
Vintage 1969 Fender P Precision bass, Original!

Vintage 1969 Fender P Precision bass, Original!

Little Falls, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7655

Here is a beautiful example of a great solid Vintage P-bass! Tunes excellent, action is very low, plenty of life on the frets! This thing plays and feels beautifully! Sounds thunderous, P-Bass , Vintage tone! Pickups were replaced, as the original ones were intermittent, but they are included. I just ended up with too many basses, and have to unload some! Comes with original case (somebody before me stamped their band name I would guess).
... more
eBay logo
1963 Fiesta Red Fender Precision Bass

1963 Fiesta Red Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$37600

1963 Fender Precision Bass, Very Rare! Fiesta Red finish, Greenpickguard, Nice Dark Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard, Clay dots, Spaghetti logo, Both covers, Fantastic instrument, Absolutely gorgeous, EC, Original White hardcase
... more
eBay logo
1963 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sunburst w /  Case

1963 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sunburst w / Case

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

$17500

Up for sale, a 1963 Fender Jazz Bass in perfect working order, complete with the original brown tolex hardshell case. This Jazz Bass is 100% original save for a professional refret with vintage-spec slender fretwire, a corresponding bone nut, and one pickup rewind. Tonewoods include an alder body, maple neck, and dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and at 9lbs 4oz ( " fully clothed" with its ashtray bridge and pickup covers), this bass is a medium weight example that's well-balanced on a strap.... more
eBay logo
1978 Fender Musicmaster Bass Guitar Shortscale Short Scale Bass

1978 Fender Musicmaster Bass Guitar Shortscale Short Scale Bass

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Great condition, purchased at Main Drag Music in 2011 or 12. Wonderful sound, no issues of any kind... more
eBay logo
1958 Fender Precision Bass

1958 Fender Precision Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$30500

1958 Fender Precision Bass, Early ??58 with a Two tone burst, Anodized pickguard, Maple neck, Both Covers, Spaghetti logo, Wonderfulinstrument from the family of the original owner, VG++, Original tweed hardcase.
... more
eBay logo
1966 Fender Precision Bass

1966 Fender Precision Bass

Encinitas, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12000



1966 Fender P-Bass in factory custom color Candy Apple Red !

Beautiful golden age P-bass that plays and sounds incredible

All original save for a repro pickup cover and the original owner had diamonds inlaid on the fingerboard but has since been replaced with factory dot inlays

This is a FANTASTIC Fender bass and you will not be disappointed

Thank you for looking!
... 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
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
eBay logo
1965 Fender Precision bass

1965 Fender Precision bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9395

1965 Fender Precision Bass, Sunburst finish, Tortoise pickguard, Pearldot inlays, L-Plate, Bridge Covers, Very cool bass! VG++ condition, Original hard case... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w /  Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Vintage 1966 Fender Precision Bass w / Original Hardshell Case NEAR MINT

Boca Raton, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15100

Offered here is a true closet queen.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish
Comes in its original case and is in NEAR MINT Condition It has been stored in its case and never played by me as long as I've owned it, which is 40+ years It also has its original vintage Fender guitar strap Located in the U S. for easy shipping
See photos for accurate description.
An Original 1966 Fender Precision Bass in Sunburst finish.... more
eBay logo
Fender Precision Bass 1965 USA

Fender Precision Bass 1965 USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6999

Fender Precision Bass 1965 USA 4 String Natural Wood Crackle in the finish natural wear NO bridge cover with aftermarket tweed case.... more
eBay logo
1972 FENDER PRECISION BASS PICKUP BRASS SHIELD PLATE USA

1972 FENDER PRECISION BASS PICKUP BRASS SHIELD PLATE USA

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

$149

Original 1970s Fender, sponges in place-hard, normal vintage wear with patina as shown. Thanks for looking
... more
eBay logo
1971 Fender Jazz Bass a groovy example in Sunburst w / a 4 bolt rosewood neck.

1971 Fender Jazz Bass a groovy example in Sunburst w / a 4 bolt rosewood neck.

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

$6995

Another cool one just acquired its a pretty clean & very original 1971 Fender Jazz Bass w / all the right features, its has its original Sunburst finish over a nice Alder body, its White Bound & Block inlaid 4-bolt Rosewood Neck is pretty clean w / a perfect logo & frets, there's no date stamp on its neck typically from this period but she has pot date codes from the 16th week of 1971, its original Tortoise-shell pickgard pulls this all together making it one of Fender??s last great ... more
eBay logo
1976 Fender Fretless P Bass Mocha Brown

1976 Fender Fretless P Bass Mocha Brown

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

$5000

... more
eBay logo
1966 Fender Mustang Bass (Hard Case Included)

1966 Fender Mustang Bass (Hard Case Included)

Bend, 977**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

This vintage 1966 Fender Mustang Bass is a classic piece for any bassist. With its iconic design and versatile sound, this bass is perfect for any level of player. The brand is well-known and highly respected in the music industry, and this instrument is sure to impress

The bass comes with a hard case for easy transport and protection. It has been well-loved and played, but still produces a quality sound. This instrument is a great addition to any collection or live performance setup... more
eBay logo
1979 Fender Precision Bass played by Phil Lynott / Thin Lizzy Miami Jai Lai 1979.

1979 Fender Precision Bass played by Phil Lynott / Thin Lizzy Miami Jai Lai 1979.

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

$5995

Just in is this really cool 1979 Precision Bass w / all the right stuff w / a cool story behind it. It supposedly once was used by Phil Lynott of ??Thin Lizzy?? during their 1979 Tour in the States. On July 22, 1979, Phil & his band opened up for Journey at the ??Miami Jai Lai?? where it was a regularly used concert hall for quite a few years. It??s exactly as it was when new in 1979 when Phil played it briefly. It has an original Black finish over a heavy alder body, its Rosewood Neck is a ... more
eBay logo
1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

1953 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Butterscotch Blonde w / HSC

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

$14995

1953 Fender Precision Bass In Butterscotch Blonde Finish
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Heavy Cosmetic Playwear Throughout
Body Partially Painted Black And Stripped As Shown
Extra Screw Holes Around Body Indicating a Previously Mounted Custom Pickguard
Older Re-Decal
Non-Original Pickguard
Original Cloth Wiring With One Changed Pot And Tone Capacitor
Original Pickup
Original Tuners And Bridge
Neck And Body Dated February 1953 And Signed By ... 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
1957 Fender Precision Bass a killer refinish Gold Top Gold Raised "A" Pole pup.

1957 Fender Precision Bass a killer refinish Gold Top Gold Raised "A" Pole p'up.

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

$12495

Here??s another cool 1957 Precision Bass at a very affordable price point in great shape. It??s now wearing a beautiful Gibson Gold Top Gold refinish over a very lightweight grainy ash body (see pic prior to painting). It??s got a matching Gold Headstock w / a nice repro logo. Its rare early Slab Rosewood neck has been refin??d years ago w / no pencil date left. It??s wearing a repro anodized gold??gard that pulls this all together. It??s loaded w / its rare original vintage Raised ??A?? ... more
eBay logo
1972 Fender Jazz Bass a very clean all original 52 year old bass guitar.

1972 Fender Jazz Bass a very clean all original 52 year old bass guitar.

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

$6995

We??ve just acquired a really clean & original 1972 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 fingerboard is super clean w / nice logo & frets, it??s maple neck is very white & not yellow faded & has no ink date stamp but she has pot date codes from the 39th week of 1972, its original Tortoise-shell pickgard pulls this all together making it one of Fender??s ... more
eBay logo