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1978 Fender Jazz Bass – Natural Ash / Maple – Original & Professionally Inspected

For sale is an authentic 1978 Fender Jazz Bass, made in Fullerton, California, USA, in the classic Natural finish with an Ash body and Maple neck/fingerboard.

Serial number: S856109

This is a genuine late-'70s Fender Jazz Bass with the characteristic construction, appearance and substantial weight associated with Fender instruments from this period.

The bass has been professionally inspected by Taliadouros Guitars, a specialist guitar and bass workshop in Athens, Greece. Following the inspection, I received verbal confirmation that the instrument is authentic, original and has had no modifications or alterations.

I am including detailed photographs of the instrument's internal components and markings so that experienced Fender players, collectors and specialists can independently examine the evidence of its originality.

Specifications

  • Brand: Fender
  • Model: Jazz Bass
  • Year: 1978
  • Made in: Fullerton, California, USA
  • Serial Number: S856109
  • Finish: Natural
  • Body: Ash
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Maple
  • Neck joint: 3-bolt with Micro-Tilt adjustment
  • Original Fender bridge cover / ashtray
  • Original vintage Fender hard case included

Authenticity & Originality

The bass has been inspected by Taliadouros Guitars in Athens, Greece, including examination of its construction and internal components.

The inspection confirmed that the instrument is authentic and retains its original components, with no modifications or alterations found.

I have also photographed the interior of the instrument, including:

  • Pickup markings and identifying numbers
  • Potentiometers and internal electronics
  • The original markings/date stamp on the neck heel
  • The neck pocket area where the neck attaches to the body
  • Other relevant internal details

These photographs are included in the listing for full transparency and to allow knowledgeable buyers and vintage Fender specialists to assess the instrument themselves.

For additional peace of mind, the buyer is welcome to arrange an independent authenticity inspection with a reputable vintage Fender specialist or qualified guitar/bass technician in Athens, chosen by the buyer. Any costs associated with such an inspection will be covered by the buyer.

Condition

Very Good vintage condition.

Considering that this is a nearly 50-year-old instrument, it has normal signs of use and age consistent with a vintage bass.

There are three specific issues that I want to disclose clearly:

  1. The original Tone control knob is missing.
  2. One side of the split shaft of the Tone potentiometer is broken. The original potentiometer remains installed and has not been replaced.
  3. The two screws securing the bridge cover / ashtray are missing but have been replaced.

These details are clearly shown in the photographs.

Other than the above, the instrument remains in very good vintage condition.

I have deliberately left the original potentiometer in place rather than replacing it, in order to preserve the originality of the instrument.

Weight

The bass is a substantial and relatively heavy instrument, weighing approximately 5 kg, which is characteristic of many Natural Ash Fender basses from this period.

Included

  • 1978 Fender Jazz Bass
  • Original vintage Fender hard case
  • Original Fender bridge cover / ashtray

Transparency

This is a vintage instrument and is being sold with full disclosure of its known condition and imperfections.

The extensive photographs included in this listing are intended to give prospective buyers as complete a picture as possible of the instrument, including its internal components and identifying markings.

Serious buyers are welcome to request additional photographs or information.

Thank you for looking.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listed2 months ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Jazz Bass 3-Bolt with Maple Fretboard
Finish
  • Natural
Categories
Year
  • 1978
Series
Model Family
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Fretboard Material
  • Maple
Active / Passive Pickups
  • Passive Pickups
Neck Material
  • Maple
Body Shape
  • J-Style
Active Preamp
  • No Preamp
Body Material
  • Alder
Number of Strings
  • 4-String
Offset Body
  • Offset Body
Pickup Configuration
  • SS
Color Family
  • Tan
Number of Frets
  • 20

Product safety information may be available here.

Kris

Zografos, Greece
Joined Reverb:2026

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