Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Black Paisley Jazz Bass With Case

Here we have one of the most attention-grabbing basses to ever come into Truetone Music - and we've had a lot of unique basses land here!  Introducing the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Jazz Bass in Aged Black Paisley.  Only a few were made and we're proud to have this one here - it's the only one available in North America.

Released in 1960 as Fender’s new “deluxe” bass guitar model, the Jazz Bass featured a sleek offset body, a notably slim neck, two pickups and controls that provided a wealth of tonal options. Gorgeous and versatile, it was an immediate bass hit. The Jazz Bass has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the 60's is the way to go.  The Fender Custom Shop excels at recreating the look, feel and sound of these instruments, often with special tweaks.  That's where this one went.

What really makes this bass stand out, of course, is the aesthetic:  as a Relic in Aged Black Paisley, it has a pure vintage vibe with a look that will stand out anywhere.  No, it wasn't done like this back in the early days of Fender but that's part of the magic of the Custom Shop.  Think of an original mid to late 60's Jazz Bass, given the Black Paisley treatment, and then played on tour for decades.  We imagine that this would be the result.  The experts in the Custom Shop absolutely nailed it here.

Not only that, this Jazz Bass has a matching headstock and a custom-made Black Paisley pickguard to complete the look.  Additionally, to put in the era of the mid to late 60's, it features binding on the neck and white pearl block inlays.  Simply put, this has it all. 

The way that the Relic treatment was applied is really interesting - note how the paisley looks different on the armrest area.  The black paint for the shaded edge on the perimeter has been worn away, revealing the brighter paisley underneath, which wouldn't have aged at the same rate as the rest of the body.  It's a small detail but an important one, and super impressive that the Custom Shop through to do this.  You'll also see how the pickguard isn't as aged, as the material is different - another nice touch.

Of course, how it plays is key - and it plays amazingly well.  The 60's Jazz U neck profile is super comfortable, especially with the finish on the back worn off.  It's quartersawn maple so it's rock solid.  For a modern touch, the rosewood fretboard has a 9.5" radius and medium jumbo frets.  All around, it's a great playing bass.

For the pickups, the Custom Shopo kept it real, going with a handwound Custom Shop Vintage Jazz Bass pickup set. These recreate the sound of a classic mid-60's Jazz bass and are versatile enough for a variety of styles of playing.  You can roll the tone control down to keep it warm and woody for a great reggae sound, or pull it back up for some sizzle and the ability to slap & pop funk line.  Of course it can do punchy rock sounds.  This is all while retaining the articulate tone characterized by a dynamic, percussive "growl" in the bridge position and a warm, deep fundamental in the neck.

Other features include a vintage bridge and tuning machines, a third strap button on the headstock, and a bone nut.  Something you don't see normally are the metal knobs, adding another cool custom element to this unique bass.  The bass comes with the metal covers installed but of course they can be removed.

The bass comes with a Custom Shop deluxe case (black with black interior, perfect for this bass), strap and Certificate of Authenticity.

We love Custom Shop basses here, and this is the new favorite.  Come to Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to be shipped to your home.