1960 Fender Jazz Bass (Sunburst, Stack Knob)
The Fender Jazz Bass was introduced in 1960 as Leo Fender's refinement of the Precision Bass he had introduced in 1951. Where the Precision was designed for accuracy and ease of play, the Jazz Bass added tonal flexibility through two pickups and a more comfortable offset body with a narrower neck at the nut. The 1960 model is the first-year Jazz Bass, and the "stack knob" controls that characterized this first generation make it the most immediately identifiable and historically significant variant in the series.
What Are Stack Knobs
The original Jazz Bass, introduced in 1960 and continuing through 1961, used a control configuration that differed from every other Fender bass. Each pickup had its own concentric stacked knob combining volume and tone in a single shaft, giving the bass a total of two knobs that controlled both pickups independently.
This stack knob design was modified in 1962 to the more familiar three-knob arrangement (two volume controls and a master tone), which has been the Jazz Bass standard ever since. The change was made in response to player feedback that the stack knob arrangement was less intuitive than the Stratocaster-style controls most Fender players were accustomed to.
As a result, the stack knob configuration is exclusively a feature of 1960 and 1961 examples, making it the definitive identification marker for first-generation Jazz Basses.
First-Year Specifications (1960)
The 1960 Jazz Bass in Sunburst finish carries these original specifications:
Body: Offset double-cutaway alder, sunburst lacquer finish
Neck: Maple neck with rosewood fretboard (slab rosewood in 1960; veneer rosewood replaced it in later years)
Dot markers: "Clay" dots, the off-white clay-based inlay material used before plastic dots appeared in later production
Pickups: Two single-coil Jazz Bass pickups in offset positions
Controls: Two concentric stack knobs (volume/tone for each pickup)
Bridge: Original Fender bridge with individual saddle adjustment and string mutes (the muting foam under the bridge cover was often removed by players)
Tuning machines: Kluson-style tuners
The slab rosewood fretboard is an important detail for 1960 authentication. The fretboard was glued directly onto the maple neck without the curved radius cap used in later years.
Serial Numbers and Dating
1960 Jazz Basses carry serial numbers in approximately the L-00000 series or in the five-digit range for this transition period. Neck dates stamped inside the heel pocket provide an additional dating reference. A neck date reading something like "8-60" (August 1960) confirms first-year production.
These dates are essential for authentication because values drop significantly for early basses with non-matching or replacement necks.
Condition and Originality
For a vintage instrument of this significance, the collector community places enormous value on originality:
Unbroken solder: Original solder connections that have never been disturbed confirm the electronics are original and unmodified.
Matching components: All hardware should be dated consistently with the instrument. Replacement tuners, bridges, or pickguards reduce originality and value.
Finish: Original lacquer in any stage of natural aging is preferred over refinished examples. Light "buckle rash" and player wear are acceptable evidence of use; a professional refin significantly reduces value.
Case: Original hardshell cases from the 1960 production period are an additional collectible element.
Value Guide
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Project (heavy damage, non-original) | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Player (original, played, some replaced parts) | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Very Good (original, good condition) | $30,000-$55,000 |
| Excellent (all original, exceptional) | $55,000-$90,000 |
| Near Mint (exceptional, complete) | $90,000-$150,000+ |
Dealer listings from specialist shops like Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars price original 1960 stack knob examples at $40,000-$70,000 for well-preserved player-grade instruments. Exceptional examples command more.
Why the 1960 Jazz Bass Matters
The Jazz Bass became the standard bass guitar for studio recording and jazz from the late 1960s onward, and it remains one of the most widely used bass designs in professional music today. James Jamerson of Motown, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, John Paul Jones, and generations of professional bassists built their careers on this instrument.
The 1960 stack knob version represents the original concept before the design was refined, and it is played regularly by professional musicians who specifically seek the tonal character of the earliest examples. That combination of historical significance and practical musicianship creates sustained demand among both collectors and players.
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