1968 Fender Jazz Bass
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GUEST:
My dad gave it to me. He was in Vietnam, and he bought that in Hong Kong and sent it back home. And then he started playing, opening shows for people like George Jones and Tammy Wynette. And he played for 30 years, so...
APPRAISER:
It does fit into that time frame. This is a 1968 Fender Jazz Bass. Hong Kong is probably one of the more unusual places to buy one. It was made in California.
GUEST:
Oh!
APPRAISER:
During the Vietnam time, a lot of goods ended up over there for the soldiers that were on R and R.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
This model was introduced in 1960.
GUEST:
Nice.
APPRAISER:
The original bass from Fender, in 1951, was called a Precision Bass. But jazz players wanted more of a trebly, brighter sound and a little bit faster action, and this Jazz Bass model was, was invented. It's got a very narrow nut and a faster neck, and it's become a very popular bass over time. They still make this same model today, and they've made thousands of them over the years. This guitar is in the standard sunburst finish.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
And it's in... Oh, I'd call it very good-plus condition, all original.
GUEST:
Yes.
APPRAISER:
Do you have any idea of what he paid for it when he bought it?
GUEST:
Oh, he told me $90.
APPRAISER:
$90?
GUEST:
Yes. He was tickled when they told him, "$90." (chuckling)
APPRAISER:
Yeah, that's very cool. That, that's a very good price. You'd like to buy a lot of them for $90 now.
GUEST:
(laughs)
APPRAISER:
In today's market, at retail, this guitar would sell for between $4,500 and $5,000.
GUEST:
My goodness. He will be thrilled.
APPRAISER:
Oh, great. It's got kind of that smoky finish from playing in bars.
GUEST:
Yeah, there was a lot of bar playing going on. (laughing)
APPRAISER:
But I like that.
Appraisal Details
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