Fender Jazz Bass

Year: 1974-1975 (CBS Era)
Finish/Color: 3-Color Sunburst
Made in: USA
Factory/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 peak of the Jazz Bass look. While many later 70s models transitioned to the controversial 3-bolt Micro-Tilt neck, many 1974 units still retain the traditional 4-bolt plate. This gives players the best of both worlds: the rock-solid vintage stability of the 60s paired with that aggressive, mid-70s bridge-pickup punch.

Did you know? The 1974 Jazz Bass represents the last stand for several old-school Fender appointments. It was the final year for hand-dipped shellac pickups before the factory switched to modern wax potting, a detail purists swear by for harmonic life. It also marked a major style shift: 1974 was the debut of the 3-ply black pickguard as a standard feature, officially dethroning the tortoiseshell guards that had defined the Jazz Bass look since its birth in 1960. It’s truly the end of an era in a 4-string format!