Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$2,699.99
Guitar Center
$2,699.99
Fender
$2,699.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$2,672.45 73 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (3)
$2,699.99
Thomann
$1,869.00
Gear4Music
£1,999.00

Average Price: $2,549

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "1966 Fender Jazz bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Transport yourself back to the golden age of electric bass with the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass. This iconic instrument, from the CBS era, captures a pivotal moment in music history, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern playability. Known for its signature dual single-coil pickups, the Jazz Bass produces a smooth, articulate tone that's versatile enough to traverse any genre, from jazz to rock and soul. The 1966 model introduced significant design upgrades, including elegant fretboard binding and striking block inlays, adding both aesthetic appeal and durability to this classic instrument.

Crafted with precision, the slim neck profile of the Jazz Bass provides unparalleled comfort and speed, making it a favorite among professional bassists. The offset waist body not only delivers ergonomic excellence but also contributes to its distinct visual allure. While its tone and playability speak volumes, the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass is equally celebrated for its collectability, standing as a testament to Fender's enduring legacy in musical innovation.

For the discerning bassist seeking a piece of history with unmatched sound quality, this Jazz Bass promises to elevate your musical journey with its timeless design and exceptional performance.

Key Features:

  • Dual single-coil pickups for a versatile tonal range
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Fretboard binding and block inlays introduced in 1966
  • Offset waist body design for ergonomic comfort
  • Highly collectible vintage CBS-era model

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 is the neck profile like on the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1966 Fender Jazz Bass features a slim neck profile, known for its fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for bassists who prefer a thinner neck for quick movements across the fretboard.

What kind of tones can I expect from the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass pickups?

The 1966 Fender Jazz Bass offers a classic, warm tone with a pronounced midrange and clear highs, making it versatile for various music styles, from jazz and blues to rock and funk.

Is the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

While the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass is an iconic instrument with a rich history, its vintage status and potential cost may make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors rather than beginners.

What body materials are used in the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass?

The 1966 Fender Jazz Bass typically features a body made from alder or ash, both of which contribute to its resonant tone and sustain.

Does the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass have active or passive pickups?

The 1966 Fender Jazz Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a traditional and organic bass sound without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

Jonathan Grooms

Jonathan Grooms

1966 Fender Jazz Bass demonstration/review by Jona

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Jazz Bass demonstration/review by Jona by Jonathan Grooms

1966 Fender Jazz Bass demonstration/review by Jona

Jonathan Grooms

Jonathan Grooms

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Jazz Bass

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1966 Fender Jazz Bass Olympic White | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars, London by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1966 Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars, London

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1966 Fender Jazz Bass, Sunburst

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazz Bass 1966 w. dots and binding presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Jazz Bass 1966 w. dots and binding presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1966 Fender Jazz bass.

Build quality

  • The bass lacks nib ends on the binding, which some owners feel cheapens the production quality compared to similar models like the American Original '70s Jazz Bass.

    Source
  • The cases for these basses are now Far Eastern equivalents instead of the previously used G&G ones, which some owners preferred.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The model boasts a matching headstock and bound neck, details that have received positive attention from enthusiasts for their aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The bass includes a "tug bar" below the strings, initially intended for thumb playing, providing a unique historical touch to playing style options.

    Source
  • The bass's aesthetic features such as matching headstock, block inlays, and lollipop tuners receive high praise for their vintage appeal and visual coherence.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report absolutely zero neck dive when using a strap, enhancing playability and comfort during performances.

    Source
  • Some users mod the neck with a satin finish for smoother playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In the UK, this model is priced lower than an American Professional Jazz Bass, raising questions about pricing strategies despite its vintage appeal.

    Source
  • A '66 model was found on Reverb with original packaging, suggesting potential bargains for savvy buyers.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently swap stock tuners for '70s style or lollipop tuners, though opinions on aesthetics vary.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders are a common pickup replacement for a consistent, powerful tone across multiple basses.

    Source
  • The bass pairs well with flatwound strings, such as TI flats, which some owners find perfect for achieving a vintage tone reminiscent of bands like Khruangbin.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Geddy Lee Jazz, the '66 has a thicker C neck profile that requires adjustment for some players.

    Source
  • The '66 Jazz is favored over the Ultra for its passive EQ and superior color options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1966 Fender Jazz Bass Review: Vintage Vault Highlight - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Drew Feldman uses 1966 Fender Jazz bass

Eric Drew Feldman

Bassist, Keyboardist

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Drew Feldman has often used a Fender Jazz Bass throughout his career, most notably while playing with Captain Beefheart, and has confirmed interviews that his model is from 1966.

See how Seiji Kameda uses 1966 Fender Jazz bass

Seiji Kameda

Bassist

The THREE

...
Verified via Yamaha

According to this interview, he got 1966 Jazz Bass when he was 20.

H

Hal Cragin

Bassist, Music Producer

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via SoundBetter

Hal Cragin lists the "1966 Fender Jazz bass" in his gear highlights on his SoundBetter profile.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1966 Fender Jazz bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Caiola Standard
Epiphone Caiola Standard Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha BB 2000
Yamaha BB 2000 Electric Basses
1
Yamaha BB 5000
Yamaha BB 5000 Electric Basses
1

Community setups

Show yours
T

thetrisonics

Gear IQ 83

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