1968 Fender Jazz Bass

The 1968 Jazz Bass is a CBS-era model. F-stamped bass tuners. The Jazz Bass received bound necks with block inlays on some models — a distinctive CBS-era feature. Brazilian rosewood transitioned to Indian rosewood during this period. The narrow nut width and offset body continue unchanged. Serial numbers on the neck plate with F prefix (six digits). For 1968, numbers should match documented CBS-era ranges. Neck date stamps (now often ink-stamped rather than penciled) on the heel remain important. Potentiometer date codes (typically CTS or Stackpole pots with EIA source codes and date stamps like '304-6' + last two digits of year + week number) help verify the production date. F-stamped bass tuners. Pot codes corresponding to 1968. Two offset single-coil pickups. Serial number on neck plate. Check for bound neck with block inlays (appeared on some models). Check rosewood type — Brazilian through approximately 1966-1967, Indian after. Four-saddle bridge. Three-knob control plate. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer, though the transition to polyester was beginning at Fender. Nitro finishes check and wear naturally. Look for consistent aging — the finish should show wear at natural contact points (back of body, forearm area, behind the neck). Under UV/blacklight, original nitro fluoresces differently than poly finishes. Refinishes are detected by examining under the pickguard and in pickup cavities for color consistency. Block-inlay bound-neck Jazz Basses are a specific collector category. Verify the binding and inlays are original (not aftermarket additions). Check for replaced pickups (extremely common). The narrow neck is susceptible to damage — inspect for cracks, especially at the headstock. Replaced bridges and tuners are common modifications. CBS-era Jazz Basses share similar core specifications. Key features: F-stamped tuners, possible bound neck with block inlays, Brazilian-to-Indian rosewood transition. The 1968 differs from adjacent years in minor production details and rosewood transition timing.