How to Finish a NOS 1962-63 Fender ?

[mc2]

So, I scored a 1962-63 NOS Fender Jazz Bass body, with all the documentation, that was only routed for the neck.

Got it from a collector in New Orleans. It was part of a three-body set (with PBass and Strat,) pulled by Fender heads and given to the guy who invented the rear plastic body guards in the 1960s to use as form fit templates.

What is also interesting is that this one also has no top contour for your arm. Just a one-piece slab, with a rear belly cut and the neck route. Has the original Fullerplast finish and some expected finish wear from 50 years of moving around. A really great, resonant and very lightweight body (under 5 lbs after routing.).

QUESTION: How would you finish it? Should I do it up like a real 1962-63 Jazz Bass? Or should I do something more unique, like maybe just one PBass pickup and some interesting stackpot electronics setup?

I already have a set of 1962 Fender pots and some other correct parts.

What is also cool is that the seller also included full sets of signatures from the Jimi Hendrix Experience AND Led Zep from the '60s on the music store letterhead where the bodies were originally sent.

Suggestions?

[crunchee]

Do a P/J pickup setup, if you're gonna go all out. Colors? Dakota Red or Seminole Red looks sharp, but if you want to be different, use Cadillac Green, like on Gretsches.

Edited to add: After seeing what everyone else said, since they're historically significant, I wouldn't booger them up, just leave them as is. You could always go to Warmoth if you must have a new bass body.

[cmatthes]

Let's see pics!!

[hamerhead]

I don't think I could have them finished. They'd get framed and hung on the wall. The fact they even exist - with documentation - makes them special, a cool piece of Fender history.

But that's just me. It's an amazing find.

[serial]

I agree

[Steve Haynie]

What you have is a museum piece. Leave it as-is.

[murkat]

I don't think I could have them finished. They'd get framed and hung on the wall. The fact they even exist - with documentation - makes them special, a cool piece of Fender history.

But that's just me. It's an amazing find.

I agree

What you have is a museum piece. Leave it as-is.

all above.

Once in a lifetime score.

You are now the Curator of these pieces of history.

[Studio Custom]

Circus puke.

[mc2]

Let's see pics!!

I only have the Jazz bass....Strat and PBass were already gone.

A couple pics. Signed documentation/history on body and business card of the Fender Director of Marketing back then. He also included complete band signatures from late '60s of Led Zep and Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The "Stay Groovy - Jimi Hendrix" with a heart at the end of groovy is the coolest of the lot.

http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/mc2NYNO/media/image_zps03d0a25a.jpg.html?filters%5Buser%5D=135083596&filters%5Brecent%5D=1&sort=1&o=0

[Shark]

Cool project Jon.

[gorch]

Great story. Making it a sounding instrument really is a great idea, but... Difficult decision!

[murkat]

You might want to get a hold of Jim,

http://guitartoss.com/mymusic/

He use to work with Leo and Co.

and may be able to shed some more light on the piece.

lmk Jay sent ya.

[LordOfTheThighs]

ReRanch it.

I keed, I keed.

Great score!