Fender Honors Motown Legend James Jamerson With a Signature 1962 Precision Bass
Fender is continuing to celebrate 75 years of the Fender Precision with a new signature model for a player who used it to define a generation. The Fender James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass is an era-correct tribute to the Motown legend and his iconic four-string.
“James Jamerson was a phenom in the studio and the stage all throughout the 60s and 70s but more importantly, he drew the blueprint for how a bass part should feel, groove and swagger in order to turn a song into a hit and thereby inspired generations of players to come,” Fender writes. “Such an indelible impact is impossible without the proper tools, and as far as Jamerson was concerned, none did the job quite like his trusty P Bass.”
Jamerson played on countless hits and influenced nearly every major bassist of the past 60 years. The new signature bass is era-accurate, from its alder body and Heirloom sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish to the 1962 “C”-shaped maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Fender writes that the custom-voiced James Jamerson ’62 Precision pickup “provides enough lush, low end for any band but offers enough definition and punch so that fills, runs and embellishments won’t go unnoticed.”
Other special features include vintage-style hardware complete with pickup and bridge covers, La Bella Stainless Steel Flatwound strings, and a custom Certificate of Authenticity and Commemorative Booklet.
The bass has even received approval from Jamerson’s family.
“I recalled saying to James as a teenager that he would be great one day! I am excited and happy those words have become a reality. James has received many awards, but the ‘P-Bass’ is a tangible one. I hope you feel the funk and let the music play on!” said his widow, Annie Jamerson. “Thank you Fender, from my family and I, You Rock!”
Hear more about the bass from Raphael Saadiq and Leland Sklar:
The Fender James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass is available now for $2,999.99. Visit the Fender website for more info.
Fender James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass Photos:
Fender James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass Specs:
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Body: | Alder |
| Body Finish: | Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck: | Maple |
| Neck Finish: | Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Shape: | James Jamerson 1962 ″C″ |
| Fingerboard: | Slab Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 7.25″ |
| Frets: | 20 |
| Nut Material: | Bone |
| Inlays: | Clay Dot |
| Pickup: | James Jamerson '62 Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® |
| Controls: | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Bridge: | Pure Vintage 4-Saddle with Threaded Steel Saddles |
| Tuners: | Pure Vintage Reverse Open-Gear |
| Hardware Finish: | Heirloom™ Nickel/Chrome |
| Color: | 3-color Sunburst |
| Pickguard: | 4-Ply Tortoiseshell |
| Case: | Vintage-Style Brown with Orange Interiro |
| Strings: | La Bella 0760M Stainless Steel Flatwound |
| Other: | Custom Certificate of Authenticity and Commemorative Booklet |
| Orientation: | Right-Hand Only |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
