New JS-II fretless

[nmiller]

I was browsing a music shop when I came across this specimen hanging behind the counter. The serial dates from 1973. The tuners and bridge have been changed, but I may have tracked down a replacement bridge; at least the one on it now works for the time being.

When I saw it in the shop, I actually thought it was a maple body. Sure enough it is a regular hog body, but with a tighter, more vivid flame than I've ever seen. It sounds as good as it looks; it doesn't have as much sustain as my other JS-II, but you can't beat the synth-like sound of a fretless. It plays better than my other one, too; I prefer its thinner neck and lighter weight. While I'm not much of a bassist (I just keep one around for recording), I actually feel more at home on this board than on one with frets. Best of all, it set me back less than $600, which easily leaves enough to replace the bridge and tuners.

I haven't seen many fretless JS-IIs; does anyone know how many were built?

 

[fronobulax]

Nice score. Can't help you on production numbers. From the pics I could argue for or against that being the original finish and lose either way. Control cavity label (which should always be there by 1973) shed any light? I was going to ask why you would go back to an original style bridge because the replacement probably functions better, but if his is your second JS then you must have your reasons.

 

[nmiller]

It's the original finish. The bottom pics look a bit more orange than real life; it's the usual natural color. The label says "Js Bass II NB". It has a fairly cheap, thin bridge on it now, and I'm hoping that an original-style one will bring back some sustain.

 

[fronobulax]

It's the original finish. The bottom pics look a bit more orange than real life; it's the usual natural color. The label says "Js Bass II NB". It has a fairly cheap, thin bridge on it now, and I'm hoping that an original-style one will bring back some sustain.

"Nature Boy"

At first glance I thought it was a BadA$$ bridge but now I see it isn't and more sustain is both good and likely, if you swap. Thanks.

 

[hagmeat]

Hey NM, congrats on the fretless. I`m not sure how many would have been built, but a fretless board was an option at the time, so I think they were just made when ordered. As for the bridge sustain issues, I replaced the rosewood saddles with some brass ones on my JS2 and that greatly improved the sustain.
(discussed here viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30342 )
Congrats again and it`s nice to see some new posts in the Bass section.

 

[dlenaghan]

That's simply stunning.. the figured wood isn't something I really see on Guilds until you get some of the flamed maple Pilots in the 80s. This reminds me a bit of the Gibson SG Supreme model released a few years back, but hey - it's vintage and it's a Guild!

Still looking for a fretless JS so I can stop considering defretting one of my own.. and the price! Score of the decade!

 

[hagmeat]

Still looking for a fretless JS so I can stop considering defretting one of my own.. and the price! Score of the decade!

Have you seen this fretless?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Gu ... 4605b635df

A Guild B302 Ash Fretless, sure looks sweet.

 

[hagmeat]

Still looking for a fretless JS so I can stop considering defretting one of my own.. and the price! Score of the decade!

Have you seen this fretless?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Gu ... 4605b635df

A Guild B302 Ash Fretless, sure looks sweet.

Sold for $590 Bargain !