Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic 1960 Jazz Bass Aged Natural

The Fender Custom Shop 1960 Jazz Bass Heavy Relic combines the early era of one of the most influential electric basses in music history with a particularly characterful Custom Shop finish. Inspired by the launch year of the original Jazz Bass, this instrument draws on the aesthetics and construction of the early 1960s and reimagines them as a uniquely aged individual piece. The carefully treated body, authentically aged hardware and distinctive signs of wear give it the presence of an instrument that seems to have experienced decades of musical history.

A Jazz Bass with a story

When Fender introduced the Jazz Bass in 1960, the company expanded its bass lineup with a model featuring distinctive ergonomics and two separately positioned single-coil pickups. Over the following decades, the Jazz Bass became a mainstay across numerous musical styles. Its distinctive response, versatile pickup configuration and unmistakable appearance continue to shape the classic Fender bass sound.

This Custom Shop interpretation draws on precisely that early development period. It combines historic design features with selected appointments that give the instrument a unique identity.

Heavy Relic and the look of a well-played original

Heavy Relic aging is a defining feature of this Jazz Bass. The extensive artificial aging gives the instrument a pronounced vintage character that goes well beyond a subtle patina. Aged surfaces, authentic-looking play wear and specially treated hardware make the bass look like a well-played original.

The combination of the 2-piece ash body and extensive relic treatment is especially appealing. The natural wood grain remains an important visual element and contributes to this instrument's individual appearance. The carefully aged pickguard enhances the vintage aesthetic, while the combination of the classic body shape and distinctive aging defines the character of this one-of-a-kind instrument.

Selected woods and characterful vintage details

The 2-piece ash body is paired with a quartersawn maple neck and a Round-Lam rosewood fingerboard. The curved veneer construction of the fingerboard draws on a distinctive design from Fender history. The maple neck has a 1964 Jazz Bass neck profile, combining a historic shape with the familiar Fender playing feel.

Pearloid block inlays, a specially treated neck finish and a classic Jazz Bass headstock give the instrument added personality. These carefully selected details are part of what makes a custom Custom Shop configuration so appealing.