80s Fender fretless Jazz

[mentalextra 579]

How much of this do we feel is 'original'?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Fretless-Jazz-Bass-80s/184374194763?hash=item2aed8ef24b:g:TW4AAOSwBztfGcDI

Edited July 31, 2020 by mentalextra

[Max Normal 54]

Serial would suggest 1989-90, but I thought 80's MIJ Fenders had the serial number on the heel, not the neckplate and a vintage style trussrod adjuster. Also, usually have FENDER in caps on the neckplate.

[mentalextra 579]

2 minutes ago, Max Normal said:

Serial would suggest 1989-90, but I thought 80's MIJ Fenders had the serial number on the heel, not the neckplate and a vintage style trussrod adjuster. Also, usually have FENDER in caps on the neckplate.

The seller has nicely 'sidestepped' dating anything or committing to what is or isn't genuine?

[Max Normal 54]

It's a Squier Classic Vibe by the looks. Probably Indonesian. You can see where the decal has been rubbed off the back of the headstock, and it has the same tuners and skunk stripe.

[Dan Dare 1,686]

That chrome and body is mighty shiny for a 30 year old instrument. I think Max is dead right.

[oldslapper 1,575]

That’s a pretty ropey lacquer job on the headstock. Must have sniffed the can beforehand. 

[Bassassin 1,925]

The neckplate's from a October '82 Fujigen guitar or bass. These plates were never, ever used on MIJ Fenders. Everything else apart from the blatantly shonky sticker does indeed appear to be a Classic Vibe fretless.

These chancers really need to try harder.

[BreadBin 2,770]

On 31/07/2020 at 15:54, Max Normal said:

Serial would suggest 1989-90, but I thought 80's MIJ Fenders had the serial number on the heel, not the neckplate

Early MIJ Fenders had the serial on the neckplate, but it didn't look like that.