Category: The Bass Vault
Tokai Hard Puncher Year: 1981Finish/Color: 3-Color SunburstMade in: JapanFactory/Plant: Tokai Gakki The P-Bass that put Fender on notice During the late 70s and early 80s, Tokai Gakki was producing replicas that many players felt were more “Fender” than Fender itself. This Hard Puncher is a masterclass in Japanese precision, modeled after the late-50s and early-60s…
Fender Jazz Bass Year: 1974-1975 (CBS Era)Finish/Color: 3-Color SunburstMade in: USAFactory/Plant: Fullerton Plant A transitional treasure 1974 was a pivotal “fork in the road” year at the Fender factory. This specimen sits right at the intersection of eras, showcasing the coveted white-bound neck with pearl block inlays – an aesthetic many collectors consider the absolute…
Fender Jazz Bass ’62 reissue CIJ Year: 1997Finish/Color: Daphne BlueMade in: Japan (Crafted in Japan)Factory/Plant: Dyna Gakki or FujiGen DEX2 models were not intended for export, meaning they were sold primarily within Japan and often featured specs or finishes unavailable elsewhere. These models were part of Fender Japan’s exclusive domestic lineup, which included special colors…
Gibson “V Bass” Flying V Bass Year: 1981Finish/Color: SilverburstMade in: USAFactory/Plant: Kalamazoo The Silverburst’s dramatic visual impact perfectly complements the aggressive V-body design, turning an already rare instrument into a true collector’s gem. What elevates this particular example to legendary status is its Silverburst finish – a striking, futuristic gradient that was rarely applied to…
Fender Japan Jazz Bass Special Year: 1993Finish/Color: Gun Metal BlueMade in: Japan (Made in Japan)Factory/Plant: Fujigen Gakki The ultimate 80s hybrid The Jazz Bass Special is a fascinating identity crisis of a bass – and I mean that in the best way possible. It features a Precision Bass body paired with a slim Jazz Bass…
Fender Precision Bass Year: 1975Finish/Color: Olympic WhiteMade in: USAFactory/Plant: Fullerton A rare A-neck unicorn This 1975 Precision Bass is a standout specimen, featuring a rare custom-order A-neck (38mm at the nut). This provides the lightning-fast feel of a Jazz Bass neck on a traditional P-Bass body – the holy grail setup for many players. While…
Fender Precision Bass “Antigua” Year: 1978Finish/Color: AntiguaMade in: USAFactory/Plant: Fullerton Maybe the ugliest Fender bass color ever? They call it the “Pigeon Burst.” Some call it a factory mistake. It has been called the ugliest Fender bass color ever – but for the initiated, the 1978 Fender Precision Bass in Antigua is the ultimate cult…
Gibson “Grabber” G-3 Year: 1977Finish/Color: Ebony/BlackMade in: USAFactory/Plant: Kalamazoo The three-headed monster of tone While it shares the iconic flying pointed headstock and bolt-on neck of its predecessor, the G3 is a completely different sonic beast. Designed under the visionary guidance of Bill Lawrence, the G3 features three unique single-coil pickups wired in a sophisticated…
Fender Hama Okamoto Precision Bass “#4” MIJ Bass specs Year: 2018 – 2019Made in: Japan (MIJ / Made in Japan)Factory/Plant: Fujigen GakkiFinish/Color: Olympic WhitePickups: Fender Vintage-style split single-coil Precision Bass®Scale: 34″ Based on Hama Okamoto’s personal 1968 Fender Precision Bass. Reported sighting: The Header have been spotted.
Fender Road Worn 60’s Jazz Bass Year: 2008Finish/Color: Fiesta RedMade in: MexicoFactory/Plant: Ensenada Side story The “MZ8” First-Run Heritage (2008–2009)…While the Road Worn Series officially debuted in the 2009 Fender catalog, the story truly begins in late 2008. This specific Jazz Bass, bearing the rare MZ8 serial prefix, is a “First-Run” instrument manufactured during those…
