Up for sale is a stunning 1966 Fender Jazz Bass featuring an authentic vintage fretless conversion. it definitely can do the Jaco thing if that’s what you’re going for.

History & Provenance:

This bass was owned and played by my father, who acquired it in this fretless state around the late 1980s or early 1990s and used it for occasional gigs and session work. It was strung with flatwounds for the majority of its life, which kept the fingerboard well-preserved. It currently has round wounds on it but it has been played only a few hours in the last 20 years.

Dating & Component Breakdown:

Every structural component dates consistently to late 1966:

 Neck Stamp: ⁠7DEC66A⁠ clearly stamped on the heel (7 = Jazz Bass, DEC 66 = December 1966 production, A = 1 7/16" nut width).  

 Serial Number: ⁠176576⁠ on the original four-screw "F" neck plate, falling squarely in the late-1966 range.  

 Electronics: Features original 1966 pickups, original yellow/black/green cloth wiring, and the original orange ceramic disc capacitor. The middle volume pot and tone pot are original CTS potentiometers stamped with date code ⁠1376612⁠ (12th week of 1966) and Fender part number ⁠032367⁠. The front volume pot and output jack have been replaced for functional reliability (the replaced pot is a high-quality Bourns CTS-style pot).  

 Neck Pocket & Hardware: The neck pocket features original paint lines, inspector markings, and its period-correct brass grounding plate and metal neck shim, which has been in place for decades to achieve low, comfortable action. Features original CBS-era "paddles/lollipop" tuners and correct 4-patent number headstock decal.  

Cosmetic Condition:

 Body: Original 3-tone Sunburst finish showing honest, natural playing wear, weather checking, and edge wear throughout. There is one distinct dent on the lower edge near the jack plate (clearly photographed). No structural cracks or modifications beyond the fretless board conversion.  

 What’s Included:

 1966 Fender Jazz Bass

 Original Chrome Bridge & Pickup Covers  

 Original 1966 Fender Black Tolex case. The case has seen better days and is falling apart a little bit on one end. The latches do work, but the they are rusting a bit and one of the springs is shot.

The original output jack is in the case as well.

Please reach out with any questions or if you want specific photos.