1964 Fender Jazz Bass
The classic pre-CBS Jazz Bass — the narrow neck, two pickups, and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard in their definitive form. These are exceptional instruments that have powered countless iconic bass lines.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (offset body) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (veneer) |
| Scale Length | 34.000" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Jazz Bass bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe (bass) |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 4,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two offset single-coil pickups (non-stacked — standard J-Bass pickups). Dual volume and single tone control (revised from 1962's master volume + two volume).
What Changed in 1964
The J-Bass had evolved to its classic form — two offset single-coil pickups, Brazilian rosewood veneer board, and the narrow nut that players love. Pre-CBS quality at its finest.
Collector's Notes
Custom colors (Olympic White, Fiesta Red, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue) command enormous premiums. Brazilian vs Indian rosewood — verify. The J-Bass sees heavy player use; originality of pickups and pots is critical for top collector value.
How to Authenticate a 1964 Fender Jazz Bass
The 1964 Jazz Bass is a pre-CBS model with the three-knob control layout (two volumes, one master tone), Brazilian rosewood veneer fingerboard, offset alder body, and the narrow 1.5-inch nut width. Spaghetti logo headstock. Kluson bass tuners. These are exceptional instruments. Serial numbers on the neck plate, typically five digits beginning with L (the L-series began in 1963). For 1964, L-series numbers should match documented ranges. Neck date stamps (pencil or ink on the heel) and body cavity stamps remain the most reliable dating method. Some guitars also have pencil dates on pickups and potentiometers with source-date codes. Three-knob control plate. Two offset single-coil pickups — verify originality. Kluson Deluxe bass tuners. Veneer Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. Pot codes corresponding to 1964. Serial number on neck plate. Four-saddle Jazz Bass bridge. Cloth wiring. Neck date stamp on heel. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer. Nitro finishes check (develop fine cracks) and wear naturally over decades, showing wood underneath at contact points. The aging pattern should be consistent — even checking across the body, not localized. Refinished guitars often have a 'too perfect' look or inconsistent wear. Under UV/blacklight, original nitro fluoresces differently than modern polyester or polyurethane. Original custom color finishes are verified by examining the color in the pickup cavities and under the pickguard where it has been protected from light. Pre-CBS Jazz Basses see heavy use and modification. Replaced pickups are the most common change — verify original construction (correct bobbin material, winding style, lead wires). Custom colors are rare and extremely valuable — verify by examining color in pickup cavities and under the pickguard. Refinished bodies are common. Check for neck repairs, refrets, and replaced tuners. The 1964 Jazz Bass shares specifications with adjacent pre-CBS years (1962-1964). The three-knob layout was standard by late 1962. Veneer Brazilian rosewood board. The CBS acquisition in 1965 creates the next value boundary.