Fender Launches James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass to Celebrate 75 Years of the P-Bass
When the legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson stepped onto the stage, the world didn’t yet know that his thumping grooves would define a generation. Now, 75 years after Fender first launched the Precision Bass, the company is paying homage to that legend with a brand‑new signature model.
The James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass is more than a tribute; it’s a time capsule. Built to the exact specs Jamerson preferred in the early ’60s, the instrument sports an alder body finished in a classic Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer sunburst. A 1962‑style “C”‑shaped maple neck and a slab rosewood fingerboard with a 7.25‑inch radius give the bass a feel that feels familiar to anyone who’s ever chased that Motown swagger.
At the heart of the sound is a custom‑voiced James Jamerson ’62 split single‑coil Precision Bass pickup. Fender claims it delivers a “lush, low end” while still cutting through with clarity for those quick fills and runs that made Motown’s hits so irresistible. The hardware stays true to the era, with pickup and bridge covers finished in Heirloom nickel/chrome, a Pure Vintage 4‑saddle bridge, threaded steel saddles, and reverse open‑gear tuners.
Other details don’t just look the part—they play it too. The bass features a 34‑inch scale, 20 frets, a bone nut, clay‑dot inlays, and comes pre‑strung with La Bella 0760M stainless‑steel flat‑wound strings. Each instrument arrives in a vintage‑style brown case with an orange interior, plus a custom Certificate of Authenticity and a commemorative booklet that tells the story of Jamerson’s legacy.
The release follows Fender’s broader celebration of the Precision Bass’s 75th anniversary. Over the past few years, the company has rolled out several anniversary models, and the Jamerson signature is the latest chapter in a long line of homage‑worthy creations.
Jamerson’s influence is hard to overstate. The uncredited bassist behind most Motown recordings in the ’60s and ’70s is credited with 23 Billboard Hot 100 number‑one hits and 56 R&B number‑one hits. He earned a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2000 and topped Bass Player magazine’s 100 Greatest Bass Players list in 2017.
His family has given the model a heartfelt endorsement. “I recalled saying to James as a teenager that he would be great one day!” Annie Jamerson told the press. “I am excited and happy those words have become a reality. James has received many awards, but the ‘P‑Bass’ is a tangible one. I hope you feel the funk and let the music play on! Thank you Fender, from my family and I, You Rock!”
The James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass is priced at $2,999.99 and is available now on Fender’s online store. With its period‑accurate construction, custom pickup, and family blessing, the model offers modern players a direct link to the grooves that made Motown a global phenomenon.
In short, Fender’s new signature bass isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a sonic bridge to one of the most influential bassists of the 20th century, ensuring that the spirit of James Jamerson’s funk continues to resonate on every stage.
