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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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1976 Fender Precision Bass P-Bass Vintage W / OHSC

1976 Fender Precision Bass P-Bass Vintage W / OHSC

Boston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

1976 Fender Precision Bass - Plays like butter and was set up by Maple St Guitars with Labella flats - continental US buyers only please - all sales final... more
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FENDER 1970s USA JAZZ BASS 3-BOLT NECK TILT METAL INSERT WITH ORIGINAL SCREWS

FENDER 1970s USA JAZZ BASS 3-BOLT NECK TILT METAL INSERT WITH ORIGINAL SCREWS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$38

SALE PRICE & FREE USA SHIPPING
This is from a 1975 3-Bolt Fender Jazz Bass and is in excellent condition. This is the piece that attaches to the body of your bass. The metal is nice with just a hint of oxidation and no warping or stress, there is no rust or pitting. Includes the original wood screws that mount the plate to the neck. I don't have the set screw but aftermarket ones are easy to find. Besides, it's hidden from view! You can tell this is a real one because the screw holes are ... more
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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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Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Classic 1983 Fender Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Ash Body & Bound Maple Fretboard

Pompano Beach, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3983

1983 Fender Jazz Bass -Sienna Burst Finish
Made in the USA
Serial # S865079
Ash Body & Bound Neck!
Classic Medium U Shape Profile Neck
Radius: 7 25
Nut Width: 1 42
Weight: 12 lbs
Measures .80 at the first fret
and .91 at the 12th
Authentic Vintage Mojo, No Fake Aging!
Upgraded Vintage Dimarzio Pickups
Neck is Straight & Truss Rod Works Perfectly
2 Dimarzio Pots 1 CTS Pot
$$$ Professionally Set-Up and Dialed in for Optimal Tone & Playability. ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original

Beverly Hills, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7690

Fender Jazz Bass 1974 Vintage All Original
Great Condition
Original Hard Case
I am the second owner.
Kept in a smoke free environment.
... more
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Fender Precision Bass 1959 *Bridge*

Fender Precision Bass 1959 *Bridge*

Arlington, Massachusetts, 024**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Fender Precision Bass bridge. Not just any ol?? bridge either. This is for a late 1957 through mid 1959 ??square-pan, ?? high edged fine saddle issue. Those who are in the know are??well, in the know. This is a rather rare part to be had to finish a restoration or simply replace to stock a late ?57-?59 P-Bass. This is NOT a reissue part of any sort - but rather the real thing. Hit me up to discuss. Sales are to the USA only
... more
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1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass Original Sunburst Relic with Hardshell Case

1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass Original Sunburst Relic with Hardshell Case

El Cajon, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14000

1959-1960 Fender Precision Bass

The serial number is ??40496?? which dates it to late 1959. The neck is date is not readable and the body is dated to December 1959. The pots date to November 1959 (137-945 and 947). So all dateable parts are from 1959 but it probably was not sold until early 1960. It has the original Sunburst finish
The body is in good condition overall, but has a lot of natural wear - dings, scratches and scuffs. There are also two small holes above the pickguard ... more
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Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Fender Elite Precision Bass I 1983 3-Color Sunburst w / Rosewood Fingerboard

Galesburg, Illinois, 614**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

The 1983 Fender Elite Precision Bass I is a standout instrument that embodies the essence of Fender's craftsmanship and innovation. Sporting a striking 3-Color Sunburst finish, this bass not only looks stunning but also features a solid alder body that delivers a warm and resonant tone. The Elite series is known for its advanced electronics, and this model is no exception, equipped with a powerful active pickup system that provides a wide range of tonal options, making it versatile enough for ... 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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1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

1962 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst Pre-CBS

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

$20000

... more
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1968 Fender Telecaster Bass - ??51 P-Bass Style, Fralin Pickup - 68 Neck 66 Pots

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass - ??51 P-Bass Style, Fralin Pickup - 68 Neck 66 Pots

Adel, Iowa, 500**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

Own a slice of Fender??s golden age with this 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass, crafted in Fullerton, California, and neck stamped September 23, 1968 with1966 pots
Built to echo the legendary 1951 Precision Bass, this bass was rescued from rough 1970s mod (see last photo for reference of our starting point) and expertly restored by The Luthier Shop in Des Moines, Iowa. With a Lindy Fralin ??51 P-Bass split pickup, original CTS pots, and a one-of-a-kind homemade wood case, it??s a collector??s ... more
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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
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1974 Fender Telecaster Bass Blonde, 100% Original w /  Case

1974 Fender Telecaster Bass Blonde, 100% Original w / Case

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

$4500

Up for sale, a 1974 Fender Telecaster Bass in near-mint condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. First seen in 1972 and discontinued in 1979, this Tele Bass is loaded with a Seth Lover-designed Wide Range humbucker
The tonewood pairing of an ash body and one-piece maple neck results in a particularly punchy, authoritative acoustic response with great midrange complexity and treble articulation. The Wide Range humbucker in the neck position dishes out... more
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1982 Fender JV 57 Precision Bass PB57-95 Sunburst Lacquer, Japan MIJ Fujigen

1982 Fender JV '57 Precision Bass PB57-95 Sunburst Lacquer, Japan MIJ Fujigen

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

$2800

Up for sale, a 1982 Fender Precision Bass ?57 vintage reissue model PB57-95 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. A rare, top-tier model hailing from Fender Japan's first year of production, this Precision Bass was part of the JV (Japanese Vintage) series made at the Fujigen factory. Features include a gloss two-tone Sunburst nitro lacquer finish, USA-made Fullerton split coil pickup, CTS pots, and vintage-correct touches including an anodized gold aluminum pickguard, ... more
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1973 Fender Jazz Bass - All Original - American Made

1973 Fender Jazz Bass - All Original - American Made

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

$6000

I am the second owner of this bass and have had it for 25 years. This bass is all original other than the bridge pick-up which was rewound to spec by Lindy Fralin in 1999. The finish is worn from the original case. Other than that, the finish has some light checking, which is normal for a 50 year old bass. Fret wear is light, and plays like a dream. The date stamp on the neck is very faded and hard to make out, but I tried to document it. I think the date code on the pots indicates they were ... more
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1973 Fender Precision Bass Electric Bass Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst with Case!

1973 Fender Precision Bass Electric Bass Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst with Case!

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500


Here we have a 1973 Fender Precision Bass guitar with original case and in a beautiful Sunburst finish! We took this Bass in trade and this one is a players dream! All original but the original bridge has been replaced with an original Badass bridge, a popular upgrade among bass players seeking improved sustain and intonation. Whoever installed this bridge apparently recessed and glue it into the body (see pics) also we figured the pickguard isn??t original but was replaced with an ... 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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1961 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

1961 Fender Precision Bass Sunburst Refin Pre-CBS w / HSC

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

$15995

1961 Fender Precision Bass In Sunburst Finish
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Finish Shows Cosmetic Playwear With Various Visible Dings, Marks, And Scratches
Sent Back To Fender Factory For Body And Neck Refinish In The Early 70's (Per The Previous Owner)
Made In Fullerton, CA
Solid Alder Body
Figured Maple Neck With Slab Rosewood Fingerboard And Clay Dot Inlays
Original Black Bottom Pickups
Original ... more
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1966 Fender Jazz Bass With Case

1966 Fender Jazz Bass With Case

Saint Joseph, Missouri, 645**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9500

Up for sale is my 1966 Jazz Bass. I??ve owned this bass for its entire life, except for its first ten years
Low profile oval neck makes this bass play so nice . Everything is original except for the pick guard
Which I replaced some twenty years ago. Not sure about the finish as this is the way I bought it
Some of the finish has worn as shown in the pictures
I believe this is probably a 1966 model, because of the tuning pegs but the neck is dated Nov 65
They don??t make em ... more
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1959 Fender P Precision Bass Natural Refinished

1959 Fender P Precision Bass Natural Refinished

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7499

As seen in the video, for sale is a 1959 Fender Precision Bass with a non-original case. This bass guitar has some wear but remains in perfect working order, playing and sounding amazing. There are scratches, dings, and wear throughout, as well as extra holes on the pick-guard and on the top. The finish has been stripped down to natural, and the headstock has a repaired crack that goes down the middle of it. While the repair is not the prettiest, it is solid
This bass comes from my personal ... more
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