Fender has officially unveiled a stunning, era-correct tribute to the man widely recognized as the single most influential bassist of all time: James Jamerson. The new Fender James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass arrives with an MSRP of $2,999/£3,299, offering players and collectors an meticulous recreation of the instrument that anchored the Motown “Hit Factory” and rewrote the rulebook for popular music.
As the driving force behind dozens of chart-topping hits, Jamerson’s signature “thud,” complex syncopated lines, and impeccable groove influenced generations of legendary bassists, from Paul McCartney and John Entwistle to Marcus Miller and Geddy Lee. Now, Fender is bringing that legendary magic back to life.
Capturing the Soul of the Motown Sound
The core of this tribute instrument lies in its uncompromising attention to vintage craftsmanship. It features a premium Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish in a classic 3-Tone Sunburst, sporting a subtly checkered patina that perfectly replicates the elegance, resonance, and vibe of a true, well-loved vintage Fender.
To ensure the instrument plays and feels just like Jamerson’s original, Fender has carved the maple neck to a custom James Jamerson 1962 “C” profile, complete with a period-correct 7.25” radius, vintage tall frets, a slab rosewood fingerboard, and traditional clay dot inlays.
Period-Correct Hardware and Electronics
The sonic engine of this bass is the custom James Jamerson ’62 Split Single-Coil Precision pickup, engineered to deliver the exact depth, punch, and warmth found on his historic recordings.
True to Jamerson’s setup, the bass ships from the factory with the iconic chrome pickup and bridge covers pre-installed.
Crucially, the bridge cover houses the built-in foam mute, which—when paired with the factory-loaded La Bella Flat Wound strings (.052 – .110)—instantly provides that legendary, short-decay Motown thump.
The package is rounded out with period-correct pure vintage reverse open-gear tuners and ships in a vintage-style brown hardshell case with a vibrant orange interior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the James Jamerson Precision Bass different from a standard vintage reissue?
This bass is tailored specifically to James Jamerson’s exact setup. It features a custom 1962 “C” neck profile modeled after his instrument, a specialized James Jamerson ’62 pickup, pre-installed chrome covers with a built-in foam bridge mute, and heavy-gauge La Bella flatwound strings to deliver his signature thud right out of the box.
What is an “Heirloom” Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish?
Fender’s Heirloom finish is a thin nitrocellulose coating that features light, authentic weather checking and patina. This not only gives the bass a beautiful vintage aesthetic but also allows the alder body to resonate more freely than it would under modern polyurethane finishes.
Is the bass comfortable for players used to modern necks?
The neck features a 1.70” nut width and a 7.25” radius, which is wider and rounder than modern “Modern C” necks. It offers a substantial, authentic ’60s feel that vintage enthusiasts love, though players accustomed to slim modern necks may find it takes a little getting used to.
Does it come with a case?
Yes, the bass includes a premium, vintage-style brown hardshell case featuring a plush orange interior.
The Verdict
Fender has done a decent job honoring a musician who is fundamentally responsible for the vocabulary of modern bass playing.
At $2999.oo/£3,299.00, this is firmly a premium, professional-tier instrument (does the level of detail justify the investment?), and it is expensive for such a simple bass.
The inclusion of the Heirloom nitro finish, the specialized ’62 pickup, and the pre-muted bridge means you don’t have to spend years modifying a bass or waiting for a Custom Shop build to achieve the definitive Motown tone.
It should offer a resonant, punchy, and deeply inspiring tribute that looks, feels, and sounds like a piece of music history. But it is still overpriced for such a simple instrument design.
For serious session players, Motown purists, and high-end collectors, this bass is an absolute triumph.
Final Score: 7.6 / 10
Technical Specifications
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Price: $2999.00/£3,299.00
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Body Wood: Alder
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Finish: Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer (3-Colour Sunburst)
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Neck: Maple, James Jamerson 1962 “C” Profile
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Fingerboard: Slab Rosewood, 7.25″ Radius, 20 Vintage Tall Frets
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Nut: 1.70″ Bone
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Pickup: James Jamerson ’62 Split Single-Coil Precision
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Hardware: Pure Vintage 4-Saddle with Threaded Steel Saddles, Reverse Open-Gear Tuners
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Strings: La Bella Flat Wounds (.052 – .110)
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Case: Vintage-Style Brown Hardshell Case (Orange Interior)
Where To Buy
#Fender #James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass
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