Fender Unveils James Jamerson 1962 P Bass to Honor Late Legend

Fender has unveiled a new James Jamerson 1962 P Bass to honor the late bass legend. The release comes as part of Fender’s on-going celebration of the 75th anniversary of the P Bass.

Get the James Jamerson 1962 P Bass via Reverb

Jamerson landed at No. 1 on Consequence‘s list of the 100 greatest bassists of all time, and has been cited as an influence by other bass legends like Geddy Lee, Pino Paladino, and Jaco Pastorius.

Per Fender, the instrument features include:

“A custom James Jamerson ’62 Precision Bass pickup delivers the warm, punchy low end that anchored the Motown hit factory — with enough definition that fills and runs never get lost in the mix. An Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer sunburst finish that will patina beautifully over time, just like the original. A classic ‘C’ shape neck, slab rosewood fingerboard, and chrome bridge and pickup cover that make this bass play, feel, and look straight out of Hitsville U.S.A. circa 1963.”

Annie Jamerson, James’ sister, stated, “I recalled saying to James as a teenager that he would be great one day! 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”

Justin Norvell, Chief Product Officer of Fender, added, “Jamerson is the reason the bass is what it is today. His 1962 Precision Bass wasn’t just an instrument, it was the heartbeat of an era. As we continue celebrating 75 years of the P Bass, we wanted every player, from bedroom musicians to touring professionals, to be able to hold a piece of that legacy in their hands. From the Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish to the custom James Jamerson ’62 Precision Bass pickup, every detail was obsessed over to put that same magic in your hands. This recreation is our love letter to the man who made the groove non-negotiable.”

The instrument retails for $2,999 and can be found both at Fender and Reverb.

Watch the reveal video and see pictures of the James Jamerson 1962 P Bass below, including an image of singer-bassist Raphael Saadiq holding the instrument.