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Fly Guitars Interview: Jack Casady - part 2: Fender Jazz bass

Intro | Fender Jazz | Guild basses | Alembic & Modulus | Epiphone Jack Casady Signature | Amps | Other guitars


Fender Jazz bass

FlyGuitars What was your first bass?

Jack Casady One of my pals was Danny Gatton who was a very, very fine guitarist who's since passed on. Danny was a 16 or 15 year old wonder kid when I turned 16. We played in each others bands on the circuit from time to time and his bass player got sick and I filled in for him for a two week gig. I really enjoyed the instrument and went out and brought a 1960 concentric pot Jazz bass, that was my first bass. The Precision is a little tough for the size of my hands but the Jazz bass with that more narrow neck at the top was little easier for me to get around on.

FlyGuitars Can you remember what it cost for the Jazz bass at the time when you bought it?

Jack Casady I remember that the 58 Tele was $115 dollars. I'm sure that the Jazz bass at the time was a little bit more. I bought it in 1960 the first year the Jazz bass came out. I'm sure that's a matter of record, you know you didn't get deals on instruments then. You paid what they charged.

FlyGuitars By today's standards it would be quite cheap but unfortunately back then it was expensive I guess?

Jack Casady Well you know gasoline or as you call it petrol was 19 cents a gallon so it's all scaled down. The dollar was a lot harder to make in those days and I worked six nights a week in a club. When we had a steady gig we got a $115 dollars a week, that was a lot of money. It was enough money for me to go out and get my own apartment when I was 17 but if you paid $300 dollars for an instrument or $500 dollars for an instrument that was a lot of money.

FlyGuitars So when you first joined Jefferson Airplane you were using Fender basses?

Jack Casady Yeah the first three albums are recorded with a Fender Jazz bass, and I customised that by adding a P pickup right butted up against the neck. So in essence I had on the very bassy end of the speaking length of the string an offset P pickup and then two bar pickups of the Jazz bass.

FlyGuitars And how did that the P pickup work?

Jack Casady I took the concentric pots that were used and later on dropped by Fender for there Jazz bass line. You would have a volume and a tone stacked up on top of each other, so that's the configuration I used. I used a volume/tone, volume/tone, volume/tone for each pick up and blended them together. That was my '60 Jazz bass, it got stolen just before I came out to California in 1965.

When I arrived out there I bought a brand new 1965 Jazz bass. That bass originally came with the two volumes and one tone. I took those controls out and put in concentric pots and added a p bass pickup.

Video Clips: Jack Casady with Fender Jazz bass guitars - click the images to view clips

Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit Jefferson Airplane - High Flyin Bird

Two clips from 1967 in which Jack plays the Fender Jazz bass. The first mimingWhite Rabbit, on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and the second High Flyin' Bird live at the Monterey Pop festival.



Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Jack Casady

Further reading: JackCasady.com | HotTuna.com

Fender Jazz bass guitars for sale

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Fender American Vintage II 66 Jazz Bass (2022)  #14911 with Original Hard Case

Fender American Vintage II 66 Jazz Bass (2022) #14911 with Original Hard Case

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1699

WELCOME TO EMPIRE MUSIC
Since 2002, Empire Music has aimed to deliver the finest in-store shopping experience. Now you can receive the same amazing in-store experience through our eBay store. We promise to deliver the highest quality products and services to all of our customers This Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass is in VERY GOOD overall condition. Cosmetically, it is in very good shape but does show wear / blemishes in places. See below for a detailed description. It has been ... more
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1960s Fender Jazz Bass -California Blue

1960's Fender Jazz Bass -California Blue

Kansas City, Missouri, 641**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$620

WILL BE TAKEN DOWN 4-24-25 to sell in person Like New-The Fender Jazz Bass in California Blue is a right-handed electric bass guitar with a solid Alder body and Maple neck, known for its vintage look and classic sound. Manufactured in Japan, this set includes a gig bag for easy transportation and protection. With the renowned Fender brand behind it, this guitar is a popular choice among bass players looking for a high-quality instrument with a timeless design.... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Seafoam Green - Used

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Seafoam Green - Used

Rothschild, Wisconsin, 544**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1899

*PICTURES ARE OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR!*
Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz
Body Material: Alder
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: 1966 U
Scale: 34 "
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 7 25 "
Frets: 20 Vintage Tall
Nut Size: 1 5 "
Action at 12th Fret: 2 00 mm
Pickups: Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazz Bass
Electronics Controls : 2 x Volume, 1 x Tone
Tuning Gear: Vintage Style Lollipop
Case / Gig Bag: Case
Condition Note: This bass guitar is in mint ... more
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Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Sea Foam Green

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass - Sea Foam Green

El Paso, Texas, 799**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1875

For sale: a stunning American Vintage II 1966 Jazz Bass in excellent condition. Includes the original case and all case candy (as shown in the photos). Weighs in at 9 5 lbs ?? well-balanced, plays fantastic!


... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Vintage 1983 "Dan Smith" Featherlight 8 8lb With Upgrades AMZIN

Fender Jazz Bass Vintage 1983 "Dan Smith" Featherlight 8 8lb With Upgrades AMZIN

Sherman Oaks, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

For all customers residing outside California, enjoy zero taxes on all direct online purchases
Glasguitarsla com
This one is a bit special .. Pro L A session players Dan Smith era USA Jazz from new bought in late 83' in olyimic white, with parchment pick guard, full active symore Duncan pickups and electronic upgrades. Comes with a nice Tweed case- Very clean axe all over, been on many a recording for sure .
The alder body Has aged lovely, with it now a nice cream tone, the plastics ... more
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1978 Fender Jazz - Nearly All Original, and only 2 Owners!

1978 Fender Jazz - Nearly All Original, and only 2 Owners!

Springfield, Missouri, 658**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

1978 Fender Jazz Bass
Here??s a true gem from Fender??s CBS era ?? a 1978 Fender Jazz Bass that??s seen decades of grooves but remains ready for many more. With only two owners since new and all-original parts except for a BadAss bridge upgrade, this is your chance to own a piece of Fender history that plays and sounds every bit as good as it looks
This bass has all the classic Jazz Bass charm ?? tight, articulate low end, punchy mids, and that unmistakable single-coil growl. It??s got ... more
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Fender Jazz Bass with Rosewood Fretboard 1973 - Black

Fender Jazz Bass with Rosewood Fretboard 1973 - Black

Croton-on-Hudson, New York, 105**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3900

Fender 1973 Jazz Bass refinished black over black (done years ago)
serial # 390182
sounds incredible, that great '70's Jbass sound!
all original hardware and pickups
tuning machines run perfectly, no rust
pickguard is not original but period correct and reliced
no neck drive or issues, frets in very good condition,
date stamp: not legible (typical for this period)
weighs 9 2 lbs
no cover plates
Original hardshell case
NO TRADES !
No international shipping ... more
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1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC! -LL

1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC! -LL

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8600


Item: 1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar w / HSC!
Description: You are purchasing a 1960 & 1969 Fender Jazzmaster Electric Bass Guitar with a Hard Shell Case 1960 body and 1969 neck on this Jazzmaster Refinished body. All original parts All original neck It plays and sound good This is a stunning guitar Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $100 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will ... more
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Original 1966 Fender  Jazz Bass Body 4 Bolt Natural USA Vintage 69??s World Ship

Original 1966 Fender Jazz Bass Body 4 Bolt Natural USA Vintage 69??s World Ship

Vancouver, Washington, 986**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

.
Original vintage 1966 fender jazz bass body.
Beautiful natural stripped body
Originally was a sunburst
Natural color smooth on front and more stripped on back
Some wood wear removed at upper arm rest contour as seen in pictures
Small amount of control cavity route as seen in pictures
Super nice solid vintage 55 year old bass body Originally
Priced to sell
You will be very happy with this cool fender vintage bass body Originally Priced

Thanks for ... more
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Vintage Fender USA Jazz Bass Molded Case

Vintage Fender USA Jazz Bass Molded Case

Camano Island, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

Vintage Fender Molded Jazz Bass Case, used
I have since found an original 1973 Jazz Bass case, so this one can go. It served its purpose well
Handle is fine. Handle mounting brackets are tarnished
Latches are all there, they all work fine, albeit a bit tarnished
Hinges are all there, 1 could use some tightening
Metal binding is ok, closes and shuts fine
These molded cases were known for the plastic to warp, does not cause any issue to the inside integrity
There are 2 ... more
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Fender Brass Bridge Collector Series Jazz Bass  1982  Gold Plated USA ??

Fender Brass Bridge Collector Series Jazz Bass 1982 Gold Plated USA ??

Bell, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

Fender bass bridge full brass with gold plating high mass from a rare jazz bass
from the 1980s
the collector series
A 3k bass
this bridge is in excellent condition for its age and is a great upgrade if you own a collector series bass
Or a high quality custom build
Fender USA
Ships in a box ?
... more
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Vintage Fender 1963 Stratocaster telecaster jazz bass precision bass strap butto

Vintage Fender 1963 Stratocaster telecaster jazz bass precision bass strap butto

Fort Mill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$199

Up for sale is a set of 1963 Fender strap buttons. Matching pair with original screws to go with anyone??s vintage guitar who needs them! Strap buttons do show slight tarnish from over the years but should still go along well with someone vintage guitar. Any questions please feel free to email me. Thanks!

... more
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1974 Fender Jazz Bass gorgeous last of the great 4 bolts 1 of a kind & Minty !

1974 Fender Jazz Bass gorgeous last of the great 4 bolt's 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$8495

We??ve just acquired a really clean & original 1974 Fender Jazz Bass w / all the right features from its last owner, its has its rich original Sunburst finish over a lightweight Alder body, its rare & unfaded White Bound & Block inlaid 4-bolt Maple neck 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 24th week of 1974, its last of the original Tortoise-shell pickgards pulls... more
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1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ-555 Vintage PJ Bass, Japan MIJ

1985 Fender Boxer Series Jazz Bass Special PJ-555 Vintage PJ Bass, Japan MIJ

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

$1500

The Hot Rod J-50 single coil bridge pickup has lots of presence and midrange character, and the Hot Rod P-40 split-coil pickup has bold punch and treble growl, accentuated by a set of roundwound 50-105 strings. Both pickups have oversized pole pieces and are wound hotter than Fender Japan's vintage series pickups, delivering a sound worthy of the instrument's slick '80s looks, that are governed by a three-way selector switch, dedicated Volume knobs for each pickup, and a TBX Tone control. From ... more
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Fender Precision  /  Jazz Bass Case 1967-1971

Fender Precision / Jazz Bass Case 1967-1971

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$450

This case is in good condition for it's age. The latches are functional and the interior is clean. The outside has some wear as seen in the photos. No key
... more
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Fender Jazz Bass Special Medium Scale PJ-535 MIJ 1985 - Vintage White

Fender Jazz Bass Special Medium Scale PJ-535 MIJ 1985 - Vintage White

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1365

Northwest Vintage Guitars brings you a medium 32" scale Fender Jazz Special Bass model PJ-535 made in Japan at the famed Fujigen plant   This E Serial model followed the JV line and carried Fender Japan through 1989   It's so rare to find the early 32" scale version in such good shape   Sure there's a few bumps and bruises, but she's a looker   The tonewood selections are an Alder body mated to a Mape neck with a Rosewood fretboard   She's light and rumbly at only 7 17 lbs   You get 20 ... more
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1965 Fender Jazz Bass Fiesta Red Relic w /  Case

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Fiesta Red Relic w / Case

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

$6600

Up for sale, a 1965 Fender Jazz Bass in excellent condition, featuring a Fiesta Red relic'd finish and complete with a hardshell case. The body and neck of this instrument are genuine vintage components, and the bass has been fitted with a later set of vintage gray bobbin Fullerton-made Fender pickups, along with a combination of vintage and modern hardware / plastics
Weighing at 8lbs 8oz, tonewoods include an alder body, maple neck, and dark rosewood fingerboard, and the instrument has a ... more
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FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VINTAGE USA

FENDER 1970-76 USA JAZZ OR PRECISION BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX ORANGE VINTAGE USA

Decatur, Alabama, 356**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$299

This is a great case that once housed a 1976 Fender Jazz Bass. This case fits a Jazz Bass like a glove and will also accommodate Precision basses and protect them safely. You can see the pad on the lower left that holds the bass firmly in place. It measures 48" long on the outside and the inside width is 13 " . The Fender logo badge has no tail and the tiny ??Made in USA" letters sit next to the giant "F " . All the latches and hinges work well. The plastic handle is solid, the leather ends are ... 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

$16500

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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Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst 1968

Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst 1968

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7999


Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst 1968
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
An outstanding Jazz Bass offering superb tone & playability. The perfectly shaped neck is exceptionally comfortable & plays great up & down the fretboard. The body is very resonant & the pair of single coils deliver warm, rich, dynamic tones. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic ... more
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