Very early 80's Jazz bass with odd features.

[Navybass]

I found a pawnshop prize. This was truely a rare find because you just don't see Jazz Basses with this combination of features. I looked it over very well and it is all original with the exception of the DiMarzio pickups. It was made in 1983 when CBS was selling Fender. They were using up parts they had to fill orders.

OK, here are the weird features;

White binding with black dot position markers
1978 decal with 78 style serial number
white pickguard
5 screw bridge (they had switched to a 3 screw bridge in late 82)
3 bolt neck (they had switched to 4 bolt in late 82, early 83)
Bullet Truss rod
Strat style control knobs

I know this is a 1983 model because J Torres signed the neck and the date stamp is may 1983.

This is truely a rarebird when it comes to Fender basses. The great thing is, is that it's in excellent condition, and I only paid $600 for it with Original hardshell case.

[Plugger]

Interesting Jazz. I like the "one off" type instruments as well...

-Mark

[thebisch]

Yep, the '82 Smith Jazz basses had some variation among them and were made well into '83 (my friends Smith Jazz has a S8 serial and a June '83 neck stamp). Really though, the only variations I have seen are the bridge (as you noted) and some were 3 screw and some were 4 screw. Killer bass though, but i wouldn't really consider it rare. My friend loves his, and says it is one of his best sounding Jazz basses, and this guy owns a few Pre CBS Jazzes and Ps. If you ever want to get rid of it, I have a Sting bass I would partial trade for it...

[FenderBender]

She's a beaut, mate!