Built By A Master
Throughout the years, Truetone Music has received a ton of Custom Shop basses. They're all special, but when a Masterbuilt piece lands, it feels like an event, not just a guitar. This is especially true with one like this. As always, Jason Smith nailed it. At first glance, it's simple: a classic Jazz Bass in an ultra cool finish. This is a 1960 Jazz Bass in Heavily Aged Lake Placid Blue. Dig deeper, feel it, hear it, and experience it - that's when how special it is really stands out. Nothing beats a Masterbuilt.
During a visit to the Custom Shop in Corona, CA, we sat down with Masterbuilders to dream up some of the coolest instruments we could. When we met with Jason Smith, we had to do a few basses, including at least one that went for a classic vintage vibe with a look that is rarely seen - that's where the idea for this bass was generated. We wanted to go back to the origins of the Jazz bass, which was 1960. That's when it had stacked (concentric) controls, a slab rosewood fretboard, and the old school logo.
Lake Placid Blue, a classic Fender color, can change noticeably over time because of the aging process of the nitrocellulose lacquer and differences in the original paint formula. Early iterations, inspired by automotive colors, were prone to fading, with the clear lacquer sometimes developing a greenish tint that shifts the blue’s appearance. So, some vintage Fender's in this color look really green - but still with a hint of blue. We asked Jason about this - of course he knew what we were talking about, and how to do it. And, the bass came out exactly how we envisioned it. The Relic finish treatments adds a nice tough, and it's extremely well done, tastefully without being overkill.
The alder body is very resonant - this bass sounds powerful even unplugged. The quartersawn maple neck has the finish worn off on the back, making it a breeze to play. Your hand won't get stuck as you slide around, and the period correct 60 Jazz Bass "U" neck profile is very comfortable.
Sound-wise, this bass is loaded with Josefina Handwound Vintage Jazz Bass pickups - they give you the true original sound that started to change the bass world as soon as it came out. This bass delivers a bright, clear, and punchy tone characterized by pronounced upper mids and a sharp attack. Engaging both pickups creates a versatile sound with a scooped midrange, while emphasizing a single pickup yields a more focused tone reminiscent of a P-bass. The controls allow precise adjustment, enabling you to achieve a broad spectrum of tones—from vibrant and punchy to warm and mellow.
Other features include a 3-ply Mint Green pickguard, a bone nut, and period correct vintage tuners, bridge and other hardware. The bass comes complete with the metal covers install, and with a Custom Shop Deluxe Black case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.
This amazing example from one of Fender's premier Masterbuilders was created as a one-off for Truetone Music - and we couldn't be happier with the result. Don't hesitate, as it will be at least 2 - 3 years till we get another, as that's the wait time for all Jason Smith builds. Any Masterbuilt is a special instrument, and this one really stands out. Come to Truetone Music to check it out today, or order right here to be shipped to your home.
About the builder:
A Custom Shop veteran and son of longtime Fender R&D legend Dan Smith, Jason Smith grew up on Fender—“It has always been in my family,” he said, “And I was always extremely interested in everything my father did.”
Born in Rochester, N.Y., and raised in California, Smith remembers meeting guitar greats from about age five on through his father’s work with Fender—Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck and Robben Ford, to name only a few. He went to his first big rock concert at age six—Rush—and Smith remembers going backstage with his dad and meeting Geddy Lee after the show. Before he was even in his teens, Smith was going to see Pink Floyd, ZZ Top and many other major artists.
Rock music and Fender are part of his DNA. Smith joined the Fender Custom Shop in 1995, and in 2006 completed a five-year apprenticeship under acclaimed Senior Master Builder John English. Among many diverse projects with English, Smith worked on a pair of double-neck Stratocaster guitars for Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo. He has since crafted fine instruments for players and acts including John 5, Michael Landau, Flea, Josh Klinghoffer, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Reggie Hamilton, Linkin Park, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Neon Trees and many others.
- Serial # R145053
- Part # 9216088308
- Weight: 9.4 lbs
- Finish Package: Relic
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Heavily Aged Lake Placid Blue
- Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
- Pickups: Custom Shop Josefina Handwound Vintage Jazz Bass Set
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Quartersawn Maple
- Tint: Medium
- Fretboard: AAA Rosewood (Flat Lam)
- Neck Shape: 60 J-Bass "U"
- Frets: 20
- Fretwire: Vintage Upgrade / 45085
- Dot Spacing: Wide
- Dots: Micarta White
- Radius: 7.25"
- Neck Nut Width: 1.500"
- Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .790"
- Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .990"
- Neck Butt Width: 2.500"
- Tuners: Vintage
- Nut: Bone
- Bridge: Vintage
- Electronics: 60's Jazz Bass Stacked Concentric Controls
- Case: Custom Shop Black
