Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,683

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time and experience the authentic sound of the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass. Renowned for its sleek design and timeless appeal, this electric bass epitomizes the vibrant energy of the mid-60s music scene. As a CBS-era gem, it stands as a testament to Fender's commitment to quality and innovation during a transformative period in music history.

The 1965 Jazz Bass features a distinct dual-pickup configuration, offering unparalleled tonal versatility that ranges from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. Its slender offset body design not only ensures comfort during long jam sessions but also provides that quintessential vintage aesthetic. With the addition of fretboard binding introduced in this era, the neck offers a sophisticated look, enhancing both playability and style.

True to its legacy, the 1965 Jazz Bass offers more than just a visual and auditory experience; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire the modern bassist. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this instrument will elevate your sound and stage presence, making it a prized addition to any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Year: 1965
  • Dual-pickup configuration for versatile tone options
  • Offset body design for comfort and vintage appeal
  • Fretboard binding for enhanced style and playability
  • Timeless design that has influenced generations of bassists

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazz Bass
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sonic Blue, Sunburst
Year 1965 - 1969
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, Grey, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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 CBS Era

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1965 Fender Jazz Bass is known for its warm, rich tones with a pronounced midrange and clear highs, making it versatile for various music styles, including jazz, rock, and funk.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1965 Fender Jazz Bass features an alder or ash body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its distinctive sound and playability.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1965 Fender Jazz Bass has a single-coil pickup configuration, offering a bright, articulate sound with excellent clarity and definition, ideal for both fingerstyle and slap techniques.

Is the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

While the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass is a high-quality instrument favored by professionals, its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a vintage instrument.

What finish options are available for the 1965 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1965 Fender Jazz Bass comes in various finishes, including Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sonic Blue, and Sunburst.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Lake Placid Blue | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Jazz Bass vs 1977 Fender Jazz Bass by Bill Tsai 比爾蔡

1965 Fender Jazz Bass vs 1977 Fender Jazz Bass

Bill Tsai 比爾蔡

Bill Tsai 比爾蔡

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Special Guest: Rob Gueringer by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Special Guest: Rob Gueringer

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for NORM on Episode of Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

NORM on Episode of Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Jazz Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Matt Freeman - My 1969 Fender Jazz Bass [Equipment] by Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker

Matt Freeman - My 1969 Fender Jazz Bass [Equipment]

Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker

Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1969 sunburst presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass 1969 sunburst presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Effortless, smooth, yet punchy tone

  • Classy look with pearl block fret markers

  • Warm and vibey sound profile

  • Well-constructed with no playability issues

  • Original early example of a 1966 Fender Jazz Bass

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969).

Comparisons

  • The neck of the '65 Jazz Bass is described as too thin for some, leading to missed notes, especially during slap playing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest swapping out original pickups for modern ones to achieve a preferred tone without spending on a vintage model.

    Source

User experience

  • Vintage pickups in '65 Jazz Basses require high volume to achieve their characteristic sound, which could worsen tinnitus.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Vintage market dynamics may change, as younger generations show less interest in expensive, collectible instruments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • '65 Jazz Basses with an L Series serial number are considered pre-CBS, increasing their collectible value.

    Source
  • The ashtray cover includes felt for sound damping; it's often retained for aesthetic purposes rather than its original muting function.

    Source
  • The upper pickup cover allows palm resting, though it's rarely used beyond aesthetics.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the unique rosewood grain on the fretboard, noting its rarity in modern instruments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Laura Lee of Khruangbin uses both the ashtray with foam and the pickup guard, showcasing their utility in modern playing.

    Source

Other

  • Leo Fender reportedly disliked the appearance of the pickups, influencing the inclusion of the covers.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 0 Ratings

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martin_hofmann

What a Jazz Bass

Usually I prefer the Precision bass guitars, but I could not resist buying this awesome instrument from 1969. It features candy apple red nitro laquer and rosewood fingerboard

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969)

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

he mentions this bass as one of the rarest jazz basses that he owns at 1:00

See how John Entwistle uses Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969)

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via YouTube

The Fender Jazz Bass, as used on Substitute.

See how Mickey Madden uses Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969)

Mickey Madden

Bassist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via BassPlayer.com

"This time I used a Gibson EB-2 hollowbody that made it on the record a whole lot. The EB-2 has such a great midrange, but it has a baritone switch, too, so it got some insane low end that is so heavy. It sounds nuts! Otherwise, I used the same setup I’ve used on the last few records. Almost everything was running through the Ampeg B-15 I always record with, and I used my ’65 Fender Jazz Bass for a few songs."

See how Neil Jason uses Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969)

Neil Jason

Singer, Bassist

Dire Straits

...
Verified via Photo

From https://neiljason.com/the-gear. Serial number L88770 can be seen on another picture. Neil Jason himself mentions this bass in this video at around 1:45 : https://youtu.be/ghJnNq2s22I?t=105 It also mentioned in this interview : https://bassmagazine.com/artists/neil-jason-big-apple-bass.

" How much of an influence was your trademark 1965 L-Series Fender Jazz Bass?"

See how Scott Thunes uses Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969)

Scott Thunes

Bassist

Fear

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen at 46:50 in "Does Humor Belong in Music", a live Frank Zappa performance at the Pier in NYC from 1984. It was purchased from a friend at age 16 and was the bass he owned when he first auditioned with Frank in 1981. It currently has flatwound strings on it, to contrast with the roundwound sound of the Precision bass he owns.

Album Usage

The Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Jazz Bass (1965-1969), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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102 artists using

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