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1964 Fender American Jazz Bass

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1964 Fender American Jazz Bass

$4,105.50 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$4,105.50 25 available Used

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Average Price: $4,106

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass is a timeless icon in the world of electric bass guitars, offering a combination of vintage aesthetics and unparalleled sound quality that continues to inspire musicians today. Born in the golden era of rock and jazz, this bass is renowned for its distinctive sound that delivers both warmth and clarity, making it a favorite among bassists who seek versatility and precision. The evolution of its design saw the introduction of a thinner rosewood veneer fretboard, enhancing playability while maintaining the rich tonal depth Fender is known for. With the 3-control layout, players can fine-tune their sound with ease, allowing for a personalized touch that suits any musical style. Whether you're laying down a thunderous groove or crafting intricate melodies, this Jazz Bass stands out as a reliable companion on stage and in the studio.

Key Features:

Year: 1964
3-control layout for tailored sound
Thinner rosewood veneer fretboard
Pearl dot inlays
Iconic tonal clarity and warmth

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Jazz Bass
Finish	Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sunburst
Year	1961 - 1964
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	J-Style
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Metallic
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Fender Jazz Bass
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style	Opaque

FAQs

What makes the 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass Sunburst unique compared to other bass guitars?: The 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass Sunburst is renowned for its classic J-Style body shape, passive pickups, and vintage pre-CBS era craftsmanship, offering a distinct, warm tone and superior playability that appeals to both collectors and musicians.
What type of wood is used in the body of the 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass?: The body of the 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass is made from alder or ash, both of which contribute to the instrument's balanced tone and sustain.
How does the neck profile of the 1964 Fender Jazz Bass affect playability?: The 1964 Fender Jazz Bass features a slim maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience that is particularly comfortable for fast playing styles and complex fingerwork.
Are the pickups on the 1964 Fender Jazz Bass active or passive?: The pickups on the 1964 Fender Jazz Bass are passive, delivering a warm, vintage tone that is ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
Is the 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?: While the 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass is a highly sought-after vintage instrument, its playability and classic design make it suitable for both beginners who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and experienced players seeking a historic sound.

Videos

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American Vintage '64 Jazz Bass Demo | Fender

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1964 Fender American Jazz Bass.

Mods and upgrades

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It's beneficial to swap the current pickguard for an original tortoiseshell pickguard, especially when refinishing to a 3-tone sunburst for authenticity.
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Features and functionality

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The phase inverter switch for the bridge pickup offers a unique and wild tonal option that enhances the playing experience.
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Some users suspect the pickguard might not be original, hinting at potential for historical inconsistency or previous modifications.
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Value and pricing

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A refinished pre-CBS Jazz Bass typically ranges from $6k-9k, making a $1500 purchase a bargain for vintage enthusiasts.
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Build quality

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Brazilian rosewood fingerboards with clay dot inlays distinguish pre-1965 models, as Fender transitioned to pearl inlays in late 1965.
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It's noted the 1964 Jazz Bass can appear brand new, indicating exceptional preservation or robust original manufacturing standards.
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User experience

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Despite refinishing, the bass's tone and feel are praised as superior to newer models, highlighting the enduring quality of vintage craftsmanship.
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The 1964 model elicits strong emotional reactions, with some users describing a sense of awe and swooning upon playing or seeing it.
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Setup and maintenance

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The Brazilian rosewood and clay dot inlays, despite refinishing, are key indicators of authenticity and contribute to the bass's classic feel and playability.
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Comparisons

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Owners find the 1964 Jazz Bass has more resonance and clarity compared to a Custom Shop '61 Jazz, suggesting a unique acoustic quality in vintage models.
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Artist usage

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Oteil Burbridge

Bassist

The Allman Brothers Band

Verified via Oteil Burbridge

"For years I thought, “One day I want to get a J-bass that was made the same year I was born”. Then one day in LA I ran across one. Tobacco Sunburst was always my favorite finish on old Fenders so that was a plus for me from the start. I remember grabbing it by the neck just below the headstock as it sat on it’s stand. I was blown away by the feel of it before I ever took it off the stand. It was more slender than my seventies Jazz bass. Vintage basses are usually more primitive sounding in ways but also more classic sounding, and this one is no exception. So many of my favorite bassists from Jaco to Verdine White used them. On a side note, anyone that knows me well knows that I name all my basses. This one is named “Sister Odell” after a character in one of Steve Harvey’s comedy routines. She was an old church lady that cursed quite liberally."