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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

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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
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Fender Musicmaster Bass 1970s Refinished Silver with OHSC and Case Candy.

Fender Musicmaster Bass 1970s Refinished Silver with OHSC and Case Candy.

Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Here we have an early 70s Fender Musicmaster bass that has been professionally refinished in silver
It plays great and includes all of the original parts. The pickguard, volume pot and pickup have been replaced. The original pickup works great but I preferred the Seymour duncan that has replaced it. The volume pot unfortunately was accidentally broken and has a disconnected shaft. The original owner replaced the pickguard with a reproduction because of damage as shown to the original ... more
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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).
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1978 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar w /  Case & Cable #51344

1978 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar w / Case & Cable #51344

North Hollywood, California, 916**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3250

ebay template
eBay Template Design by OCDesignsOnline HomeAboutTestimonialsPoliciesContactSell your Gear 1978 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar w / Case & Cable #51344 ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Item DescriptionWORKING CONDITION: Excellent - Tonally this bass sounds incredible. The knob pots were a ... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

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

$14900

1965 Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst finish, ??L?? Plate, Both covers, Sounds amazing, Stunning clean example of a sought after model, EC, Original hard case... more
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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
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1953 Fender Precision Bass

1953 Fender Precision Bass

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

$31500

1953 Fender Precision Bass, Attractive Butterscotch Blondefinish, Beautifully grained Ash body, Black Guard, Stunning example, Signed byTadeo Gomez TAD 2-6-53 in the neck pocket, Fantastic feeling neck, Fabulousinstrument, Both Covers, EC, Original Brown gig bag.
... more
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1973 Fender Mustang Bass

1973 Fender Mustang Bass

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

$4395

1973 Fender Mustang Bass, Vintage Olympic White, Rosewoodboard, Strong Mustang pickup! Weighs 7 lbs 6 oz, Great vibe, Cool bass, VG+, GigBag
... more
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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
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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
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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
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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
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1964 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Olympic White w /  Gold Hardware, Case

1964 Fender Jazz Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Olympic White w / Gold Hardware, Case

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

$21000

Up for sale, a 1964 Fender Jazz Bass in perfect working order, featuring factory-installed gold hardware and the original custom color Olympic White nitro lacquer finish. While Pre-CBS era Fender Jazz Basses in custom colors enjoy a certain reverence for their relative rarity, the all-original gold hardware certainly elevates this example above the pack
With extremely heavy playwear and a super jumbo refret, this Jazz Bass looks mean yet has a vitality and breadth of tones well-suited to ... more
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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
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1964 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sherwood Green (Riggio) w /  Case

1964 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Bass Sherwood Green (Riggio) w / Case

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

$10800

Up for sale, a 1964 Fender Precision Bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with its original receipt / layaway paperwork from '64 and a vintage hardshell case. Featuring a stunningly accurate body-only refinish in Sherwood Green courtesy of Riggio Custom Guitars, this Precision Bass is a deeply resonant instrument, channeled through the original black bobbin pickup. This bass has lived in the Pacific Northwest for its entire life, complete with the original layaway... more
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1958 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Gold Guard Sunburst w /  Tweed Case

1958 Fender Precision Bass Pre-CBS Vintage Gold Guard Sunburst w / Tweed Case

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

$17000

Up for sale, a 1958 Fender Precision Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Featuring a body-only and very faithful nitro lacquer refinish, this bass has all the hallmarks of the second year where the Precision Bass would gain its now iconic split coil pickup configuration, including the raised A string pole piece pickup, and a one-piece maple neck with a slender, effortless C-shaped profile carve
Delivering a broad natural acoustic tone that??s effortlessly rich and ... more
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