Squier Jazz Bass, made in Japan 1984. There's not many phrases that more exciting to Japanese guitar nerds than 'JV serial'... to say Fender Japan's very early JV-era instruments are legendary is somehow still an understatement. It was all happenng when this was made: production in Fender's Fullerton CA plant shut down in 1984 when a group of Fender employees bought back the company, but not the factory, from the CBS broadcasting company. The quality of the first Fender and Squier branded instruments coming out the Fujigen Gakki plant in 1983/4 was generally far superior to later CBS-era USA made instruments, so these were greeted with elation worldwide at the time and have since continued to grow in acclaim and desirability. The most common instruments from this era is the Strats, so this SJB-55 Jazz Bass is a rare treat. It's seen a few things in it's time and has the scars to show it; but vintage white is one of those finishes that looks better and better as it wears; this has an excellent legit-relic look to it. The neck benefits from the exceptional wood-selection that's a hallmark of these models, so you get an amazing piece of maple and a beautiful dark rosewood board. It plays brilliantly; it's lively and light and rings out with exceptional resonance from even the lightest touch. The tone is fairly bright and punchy; there's a lot of presence, definition and growl... perfect for punk and other more aggressive styles. In cleaner condition, this bass would fetch a small fortune as a collector's item, but owing to it's clearly-displayed long history of rock and roll, you can claim it for a very reasonable sum; but you've got to promise to keep the playing the pants off it!

Model: Squier Jazz Bass SJB-55
Made: Japan, Fujigen Plant neck date 16 Feb 1984 (serial JV87180)
Finish: vintage white, 3-ply red tort guard
Body: basswood (possible alder)
Weight: 3.9kg approx
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays
Mods: re-wired, standard controls
Pickups: Squier Japan JB Singles
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: moderate finish wear. There really is a lot of minor marks, but no major issues. There's a lot of small chips and dents on the front and back of the body, the worst chips are on the shoulder carve area of the top edge. The neck and headstock have some minor marks, nothing you can really feel. There's some corrosion on the metal parts but they're all working fine. We'e added some extra pics, so please check those over carefully to get a good idea of the shape. Overall: fair condition (6/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some normal wear, there's plenty of height left, they might benefit from a polish, 7/10 for life left. The E and G-string pegs are a bit bent, but they work fine. All electrics tested and working properly, recently re-wired by our local pro to correct a couple of minor issues. Set up with fresh 45/105s. Sweet!