Old School: 1972 Fender Jazz Bass

Ken Burgner 1972 Fender Jazz BassFor many readers, the gold standard of basses is the Fender Jazz. For No Treble reader Ken Burgner, the Jazz is his dream bass.

Ken started out with a 1972 Jazz with a Lake Placid blue re-finish. But when he saw a ’72 with a sunburst finish listed for sale on TalkBass, he knew it was the bass he had to have.

Ken shared the story behind this beauty, and lots of pictures. Enjoy.

How long have you owned it?

Around 4 years.

How did you come across it?

For sale on TalkBass.

Stock or customized? Give us all the specs!

Almost stock! The volume pots were changed out in 1979. Some time in the late 2000’s, the neck was refretted by Geoff Benge in Chicago. Also around the same time the bridge pickup was rewound by J.M. Rolph, also of Chicago. Neither is that uncommon for a bass this old, and especially for one that was played!

Also I have the original hard shell case, chrome pickup covers with foam mutes and the owner’s manual.

Any special characteristics?

Lots of MoJo! This bass was meant to be played, and it was (and is)!

1972 Fender Jazz Bass Photo Gallery

What’s your favorite story about the gear?

This was kind of my dream bass! Ever since seeing Jaco, I wanted a vintage sunburst Jazz. Just love the feel and tone. When this one came up for sale, I just had to have it. I did have at the same time another 1972 Fender Jazz – one with a rosewood fretboard which sported a nice Lake Placid blue re-finish. But this sunburst Jazz just played like butter and oozed mojo! I have put on a fair amount of my own mojo since this bass became my main player.

Who stands out as a notable bassist who plays a 1972 Jazz?

Oh, there are so many guys that play ’72 Jazz basses. The most notable is probably Geddy Lee.

Any special history or story behind this instrument?

I know I am the third owner of this bass. The original owner lived in California. I can just make out his name and address painted on case. He played the hell out of this bass. Then it was put away and stayed in the case for 16 years. Eventually it was put up for sale at Cowtown Guitars in Las Vegas. The second owner (who I purchased it from) bought it in the mid 2000’s and brought it back to Chicago. He then sold it to me here in Florida.

Do you use it on gigs?

It is my main player. The only time I do not use it is on outdoors gigs. The 42 year old finish is getting fragile and the Florida humidity can be tough on it.

What else do you want to share about your bass?

I was at the last Victor Wooten Bass Camp and the bass turned some heads, from students to teachers. It is such a easy bass to play and nails that vintage Fender tone.

Any other vintage gear?

Nope. I sold the Lake Placid blue Jazz bass.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve been playing bass since around 1978, and I’ve studied privately as well as in college. First influenced by Geezer Butler in Black Sabbath, I knew this was an instrument I wanted to play. I dove deep into all types of music, from heavy metal to reggae, blues to funk, R&B to jazz. I played fretless exclusively for many years until the slap thing caught my fancy! While in NYC, I played in a funk/reggae band gigging quite a bit around the city. Then joined a Top 40 band and went on the road where I played from Alaska to Vegas. After the road I started getting back to my roots, playing in R&B and blues band. Currently I play in a high energy blues band and various other acts. Here is a video:
click of a funky thing while using the 72 Jazz:

If you own any vintage gear you'd like us to spotlight in "Old School", we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected].

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Leave a Reply to Louis Cancel reply

  1. Louis

    Would have been nice to hear that Fender tone.Slapping it just sounds like any other bass

  2. Ron MacDonald

    Nice, I have an all original 74-Jazz, with original strings, which I pulled out the swamp in Florida about 8 years ago that I feel the same way about. Early 70’s Jazz basses are worth looking into. And, If you luck out, can be picked up for the price of a reissue.