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Fender 1961 Fender Jazz Bass

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Mar 14, 2026

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Description

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Step into the world of classic tone and timeless design with the 1961 Fender Jazz Bass, a vintage icon that continues to inspire musicians across genres. Originally introduced in the early '60s, this bass set the standard for versatility and playability, offering a rich tonal palette that has been a staple in jazz, rock, and funk. Crafted with a sleek double-cutaway body, this instrument is not just a beauty to behold, but also a marvel of ergonomic design, allowing for effortless access to higher frets.

The dual single-coil pickups are one of the defining features of this model, providing a bright, articulate sound that can be tailored to your needs with the independent volume controls and master tone knob. The fast-playing neck is crafted from maple, with a rosewood fingerboard that offers smoothness and durability, ideal for both intricate fingerstyle and robust picking techniques. The classic bridge and tuners ensure reliable intonation and tuning stability, keeping you in harmony during any performance or recording session.

Whether you're a seasoned bassist or a collector of iconic instruments, the 1961 Fender Jazz Bass is a testament to the enduring legacy of Fender craftsmanship and innovation. Experience the sound that has shaped countless hits with an instrument that stands the test of time.

Key Features:

Vintage-inspired design with a double-cutaway body
Dual single-coil pickups for versatile tone options
Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
Independent volume controls and master tone knob
Reliable tuning stability with classic bridge and tuners

Videos

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THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

1961 Fender Jazz Bass - THE GEORGE GRUHN ® GUITAR SHOW

THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

1961 Fender Jazz Bass Demo - Luke Capon at Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Fender Jazz Bass Refin | Roberto Vally at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Fender Jazz Bass and 1968 Gretsch Pro Bass Amp

Emerald City Guitars

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1961 Fender Jazz Bass.

Mods and upgrades

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It's noted that swapping out the original stack knobs and pots can significantly reduce hum issues in early '60s Fender Jazz Basses.
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Build quality

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Pre-CBS Jazz Basses feature a substantial Rosewood fingerboard, unlike the later laminate versions, contributing to a preferred feel among players.
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Setup and maintenance

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An owner replaced the original tuners due to angling and drooping issues, opting for a more stable configuration, enhancing playability.
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Features and functionality

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Reverse-gear Kluson tuners were standard until 1965, after which Fender shifted to standard-gear tuners, altering the bass's tuning stability.
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Use cases and applications

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A musician used a 1961 Jazz Bass for two sets a night, five to six nights a week over 15 years, demonstrating its durability and reliability.
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Flea

Bassist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Verified via Which Bass

Fender 1961 Shell Pink Jazz Bass is one of Fleas Jazz Basses. It is his most valuable one due to its unique color and the fact that there was only a small number of shell pink basses produced. Flea got this bass from a fan while on Californication tour in Australia. Flea used this bass on Stadium Arcadium, I'm With You, The Getaway and Unlimited Love. It has became his main studio bass. He briefly used in on Stadium Arcadium Tour, but later returned to his Modulus. This bass first appears in music video for Californication. Other appearances are: Dani California, Desecration Smile, and Hump de Bump. In music videos for I'm With You Flea used his custom Fleabass or a Fender Signature copy of the original Shell Pink Jazz.

Patrick Dahlheimer

Bassist

Live

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Color/Finish: Black

In a 2016 article accessed through the Wayback Machine, it is mentioned that Patrick Dahlheimer uses a 1961 Fender Jazz Bass with a matching headstock.