1966 Fender Jazz Bass demonstration/review by Jona

[@michaelroche4559]

Beautiful bass, gorgeous playing.

[@rickbrown3426]

I just got my first P bass, a Player series Mexican, but it’s flawless to me. The thing is I’ve had a home studio for years and never realized how much better a P bass or any Jazzbass sits in the mix with flats on it. I’ve opened a new door! Gosh that is a great bass, beautiful brilliant colors and that pick gaurd is just really outstanding! I bought a new one for the new P bass and it is a PHOTO of one like yours that is out of focus even. You would think that they would have at least got it in focus. Hey thanks for sharing!

[@deuce0609]

Listen to The Beatles White Album. Paul uses his 1966 Jazz Bass on it quite a bit, Glass Onion, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Yer Blues. Very cool tone.

[@cinesilenziosa8750]

deuce0609 Also Sun King and Mean Mr Mustard on Abbey Road. I think it was the only bass he had with roundwounds on it.

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

According to The Beatles Recording Sessions by Mark Lewisohn, a Fender Bass VI was used on Glass Onion.

[@richieprimoretro]

That is one sweet bass ya got there! I have an all original 1962 P - but in nowhere near as pristine condition as that one. But, I still feel as you do that we're extremely lucky to have them. Thanks for sharing!

[@winstontk]

This is a great demo of a true classic. Thanks for posting this!

[@davidrichardson306]

I think this is my favorite Bass of yours. You have a fantastic collection.

[@refbassist]

Great bass 🙂,My 1969 jazz bass has the paddle tuners with the black bold fender decal by the way, heard you might find them up to 1970 basses, haven't seen one tho.

[@bassmike2010]

My Jan '66 has pops. Dot inlays. Hootnanny strap button. Threaded saddles Incredible Jazz tone. Pawn shop purchase 1977 $325.00. Yeah- I'm that old. Worth 10 times that now. Me, not so much.

[@SupernalOne]

I had this exact model, back in 1970 - lollypop pegs, sunburst, plastic knobs, and all. Stripped the paint and stained it walnut, dropped out of college and sold it. Nice to hear it again

[@MoPower2112]

Just discovered this channel and its really awesome! Love your playing and the sounds you get out of the basses!

[@grantwilliams2650]

I thought my screen froze 4:15

[@marike1100]

I thought he got stuck with bass face.

[@jeffreysearch]

No - Jonathan just Froze .... with Lust ! This Jbass has Amazing 3TSB colouring..

[@ThePlatinumEagle]

That is the most beautiful bass that I've ever seen.

[@astralaudio101]

Excellent demonstration. Amazing bass. 👍

[@rickjeren147]

I had a 1968 Fender Jazz bass that also had the strap button on the neck !!

[@franktreppiedi2208]

That strap button on the headstock was called a Hootenanny button.

[@trevor4127]

Wow, that bass is in AMAZING condition.. It practically looks brand new. Sounds incredible too. Wonder what the price tag was. Lol

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Won't reveal what I paid, but just had it appraised for $8000... :-) Would NEVER sell unless I find a better example...

[@mingram008]

Truly old school. Love flat wounds. Great video!

[@Shortstorywritersa]

Great job and thanks! Moved to San Antonio from Loveland Oh! Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed it much.

[@nrich5127]

What a beauty - thanks for sharing.

[@AntonioPerez-te7mr]

The strap pin stopped being put there in the headstock around 1969, I have 2 1969 precision basses and they still have that strap pin in the headstock

[@keithruddell1800]

one of the most beautiful fender bursts i've seen. i love when it wasn't blended as well. of course on rics the poorly blended can be hideous. thanks for sharing. :)

[@ireneruthfox]

This 1966-Jazz to my ears is the best sounding Jazz you have demoed.

[@hongdekong]

Such a sick bass. Looks so 60s in the best possible way

[@jazz65]

very good conditions. my 66 is very worn in the back .. the usual belt ... i dig more the dots and bindings 66 but this one looks lovely, i dig the pick guard too, most of the tortoise 66 p.g are plain and dark

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

I like dots and binding as well. One day I'll find a good one. 😀

[@luvbasses5487]

Now THIS ONE sounds great my friend. When you hung on that fretted D for a few seconds, it seems as if it could have resonated FOREVER. '66 was a fickle year as CBS was running rampant and Q/C was on it's way down. You got a GOOD ONE!

[@vikingmike8139]

An Iconic instrument. Cheers! 😊

[@mac163]

In reality im not much of a materialistic person but i dont know when it comes to fender instruments especially basses and guitars i go nuts. man my all time favorite Bass! thats the Cats Pajamas right there! thanks for showing that beauty! some day ill get one...

[@meclazine]

That was really cool. Great bass.

[@onlyjoetee]

Wow what a gorgeous bass...

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Thankyou

[@RustyFender1]

Yup sounds like a jazz bass with the la bella flats on it, which is a decent sound. I run lz bella flats on my Mexican p-bass along with a 0.1uF orange drop capacitor gets really ThUmPy. Easiest way to change the tone of a bass is to change the strings & caps. I generally run my Jazz with D'Addario ground wounds a a 0.047uF cap.

[@boppin_bennie]

Don't know if you're still answering any questions but I played a 66 Jazz for many years, lollipops, headstock strap button, block inlays (sunburst finish had been removed before I bought it) anyway the way I always played it was with the tone pot on full treble & both volumes up full, I'd then back the bridge pickup volume back just a very slight bit and sound would bloom getting much fatter, full with a thick deep tone ! I own several G&L JBs that I play now and the tone or wiring just will not do this big fattening up with just a very slight roll back on the bridge volume. Do you know if this one has that characteristic also ?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

The tone definitely gets more full with just a bit of bite when I roll back the bridge p/u volume slightly on this '66. I can't say it "blooms" so much but you can definitely dial in a warmer, more full, tone. All of my Fender jazz basses behave this way. My Sadowsky also gets a bit "fatter" when I roll back the bridge slightly.

[@boppin_bennie]

Thanks for the reply @@jonathangroomsbassist what you're saying sounds similar, being a fan of the Fender Jazz bass I've gravitated to the G&L Jazz bass being Leo's last company, owning quite a few (I'd rather leave the 66 at home) none have the same fattening of the low end with a slight roll back of the vol pot, they also use 250k CTS pots with a .05 cap on the tone pot (not a disc) I think early Fenders have a .05 disc cap. I'll have to open the 66 & take some readings with a VOM to compare. Again thanks.

[@nikwoodham]

Nice quote about the bass dictating the strings to use, I've found that so many times!

[@tufnr]

my 66 p has the strap button on the back of the headstock too

[@seandrysdale]

These were still the Leo build after he sold it all. Even after Leo's anger/stamp model idea they did a great job from 64' to 70'.

[@nerkoids]

This is like my holy grail bass. Well, a lefty. I'd be happy with a '67 or '68 too....

[@JuanEBianchin]

Great bass and Review!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@davidrichardson306]

Nice demo, good sounds.

[@Kang2112]

Nice so nice. Thank you.

[@peterg.bassist]

Great demonstration!

[@tellarjj]

Very nice sound indeed !...

[@loiseaunoir1021]

Beautiful

[@leslieborg11]

Why do you have the thumb rest at the bottom of the strings and not the top?

[@RedArrow73]

Not Kluson? My VRI '97 P-Bass tunes in reverse.

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Fender "lollipop" tuners. Most common from 1965-67....

[@DanieleK-jn3gh]

Hi Jonathan, congrats…outstanding bass and playing! You may solve a big doubt I’m around from some times, owning both an AV ‘64 and an original ‘66. First of all, would you say that the original 66 sounds better than the AV 64? Now, I am looking for a reissue and I am strongly undecided between a ‘66 and a ‘64. Your ‘66 is exactly, aesthetically, what I am looking for (sunburst with blocks in the fretboard which weren’t available before than ‘66), but I am not sure whether a 66 reissue mounts the famous AV 64 pickups I’d love to have, or different ones. In case, would you suggest an american vintage (necessarily used) or an american vintage 2 (still in production)? Not many people could solve my case as you own the this 2 very specific instruments and can answer both my questions. Would really appreciate your help! Thanks!

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

That's a difficult question to answer. If you really like the look and aesthetics of the 1966 I would go for a reissue of one of those. It will sound very similar to the 1964 reissue. I have a Custom Shop 1964 also and it is far superior to the 64AV in my opinion. The 64AV did not seem to have enough warmth to my ears. It was very thin sounding compared to my other jazz basses.

[@DanieleK-jn3gh]

Mmmh, that’s interesting. A CS ‘66 may be a solution for me. Do you believe it would be as warm and full as the CS ‘64 you described? Not easy to find around for direct testing. Thanks again!

[@highlanderdetroit5370]

Thanks for sharing your bass guitars . Where did you buy the bass and when?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Highlander Detroit-Bought it from a friend. Got it about three years ago...

[@sticky8537]

I have been playing bass for 6 years now and i have just realised that i have been playing on a fender 66 for soo long. I feel bad for the poor thing.

[@meroinheroin]

Alright, I've come to terms that I can never get my Jazz bass to sound exactly like this. I have a MIM Fender Jazz bass deluxe with a Badass II bridge. Do you guys think that adding Seymour Duncan Antiquity II's will bring my sound closer to the throaty "bark" as you call it? or Do I stay with the stock PUPS?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Difficult to say as I've heard many MIM Jazz basses sound quite good with stock pickups. If yours are not cutting it, the Duncans wouldn't hurt. Honestly, for your MIM bass I would suggest Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pickups. I think they will provide the throaty bark you are looking for.

[@meroinheroin]

Wow! thanks! I'm gonna look into these I've never heard of them. You have a great collection! I'm so jealous! Greeting from Miami!

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Check out some demos and reviews on KZbin of the Dimarzios. Some sound clips may help for comparison with your bass...

[@meroinheroin]

Yeah you're right! I'm leaning towards these now. I'll update when I get them. Cheers!

[@User-jk8wq]

+Jonathan Grooms Is this the bass that you play in your intro?

[@mkfanforever58]

4:36 What song is that?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

after 4:36, I'm just kind of noodling around... lol The one slightly preceding that was Barbary Coast by Jaco...

[@mkfanforever58]

+Jonathan Grooms Thanks

[@markbass354]

we should give you the lollipop guild award , I'm just jealous you have such nice basses and you play well. My bass is like yours but Lake Placid blue . Thank you very much

[@markbass354]

JOHNATHAN WAS THE BODY LARGER ON THOSE OLDER BASSES COMPARED TO TODAY

[@bilbobaggins2643]

beautiful sounding bass. nice video anyway

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

how much is the cheapest used 4 string american jazz bass?

[@Nabbehh]

Go for a MIM

[@redv0id]

loads of low end for a jazz bass, especially considering your tone knob settings. sounds great. which series of LaBella flats are you using?

[@FenderMontenegro]

Top of the line Cool color, condition, sound. .. Do you think your Natural 1972 sounds softer, more midrange? ?

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

Have you ever tried RotoSound 77 flat-wounds?

[@GenericWhiteMale56]

doctor345678 Those are some awesome bass strings, the only kind I put on my jazz bass!

[@hahabass]

And, on a more serious note, what electrics were you playing through?

[@VillageGuitarAmpCoSaskatoon]

Is that the amp distorting or the mic on the video recorder?

[@mkfanforever58]

I assume it's the amp

[@77clem]

Damn nice bass! Thanks for the post...

[@charleskleesattel6477]

Nice vid. Great playing. Good to see a fellow Cincy bass player getting some public views.

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Thankyou!

[@danielarredondo9671]

dude im so jealous lol you so much good equipment

[@kman-mi7su]

Wow! that bass looks like someone stuck it in case back in 66 and left it there for 50 plus years! Now thats a survivor!!! John you are one lucky dog!! I'd kill for that bass! Only drawback is I would be afraid to take it out gigging.

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

kman 4443 Yeah, I rarely take it to a live show. Reserved for studio use...

[@kman-mi7su]

I don't blame you, if I took it out to a show, I would not let it out of my sight. If I had to use the toilet during a break, it would be sitting on my lap! LOL!

[@kman-mi7su]

Kinda like John Paul Jones and his 62 Jazz bass from the Led Zeppelin days. I saw an interview with him and he said he still has the bass but he NEVER takes it out on gigs anymore. It is strictly studio use now its got so much history and its like a family member now. Not to mention with the history of that particular bass and its vintage, its worth more than the average 62 I'm sure.

[@kman-mi7su]

Thanks for sharing it with us on here!

[@bradleyparker4035]

Swear I've seen you at Sam Ash in Tri County off kemper road before lol

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Most likely,, yes, I've been there many times.

[@bwilliams28bw]

I've recently installed some flatwounds on my JBass. Love the feel.

[@martinchococo]

love it!

[@enzovitta3893]

Is this the reissue?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

No. It's the real deal. Built in 1966.

[@geekguitars]

Nice!!

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Thanks

[@geekguitars]

Was pondering the idea of getting a Ric. I'm not the most on point maintenance man when it comes to my guitars....would one drive me nuts??

[@hahabass]

Where do you live?!?!?!

[@beeps123]

That bass= best bass. Lucky guy. Enjoy :-)

[@hongdekong]

Do a danelectro longhorn!

[@fluffydelberg]

Damn, same like paul mccartney's

[@Frapzoid]

I have a 66 Jazz with the strap button on the headstock. Also mine is a dot neck. I'm selling it.

[@bassmike2010]

FGS why?

[@leandrocastillo8811]

OMG, why did Fender stop doing tortoise pickguards like that

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

They used what material was available at the time. They had a batch of that material, made as many as they could, and moved on to another batch.

[@xh4r744]

I have that strap button on my 68 all original

[@jamiedavis5549]

Representing gearheads in Cincinnati 👍👍🤘🤘

[@RemoBongo530]

Lucky Dog!

[@waiheke109]

Disco monster with round wounds...

[@MarkGerardBottomLine]

It's a crime to put flatwounds on a jazz bass. Their beautiful slap tone needs roundwounds. Love your collection

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Every single hit song that Joe Osborne played bass on was recorded on a 1960 Fender Jazz with flatwounds.

[@larrymeegermonswotzki981]

My jaw literally dropped. Would you take $10,000 for it? Jesus....

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Sure, if you want to offer $10,000, I'll sell it for that.

[@nickfanzo]

That bass needs some Jesus lizard pounded on it

[@MM-vs2et]

Come on, you're holding a jazz bass, and you're not even slapping it?

[@jonathangroomsbassist]

Martin Anthonyo If it wasn't strung with flatwounds, I might have...

[@bottomsupbass]

Jesus! It reeks of juju mojo. You can hear its history