This Squier by Fender JV Jazz Bass is an early-1983 Japanese instrument made by FujiGen Gakki. The neck is hand-dated 18 January 1983, and the bass carries serial JV31998; a partial marking on the heel appears to relate to the following day. Together these details make the early-1983 date unusually well supported. The exact Japanese model code is most likely SJB-55: the 1983 Fender Japan catalogue lists both SJB-55 and SJB-60 Jazz Bass models, and the construction and comparison evidence point more strongly toward the SJB-55.
The finish is the detail that first draws the eye. The bass left the factory blue, most likely in California Blue, and has naturally aged toward the distinctive green visible now. The colour change is attributed to natural ageing rather than a simulated relic treatment. The maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot markers, white three-ply pickguard and chrome control plate remain in a classic ’62-style Jazz Bass arrangement. The nut measures approximately 39 mm, the truss rod adjusts at the heel, and the passive electronics use the familiar volume / volume / tone layout with Jazz Bass-style single coils.
The neck, body, hardware and electronics appear coherent with the instrument and period, with no obvious evidence of replacement parts, cosmetic restoration or substantial modification. This example is in Very Good condition, with real wear from decades of use: scratches, small dents, finish chips, edge wear and many smaller marks. Available documentation indicates that none of this wear was artificially added. At approximately 3.9 kg it is pleasantly light for a full-size vintage Jazz Bass. A brown vintage gig bag is included; it has age-related cosmetic wear but remains functional. The bass is fitted with La Bella 760FL Deep Talkin’ Bass flatwounds.
Inspection & research notes
The neck, body, hardware and electronics appear coherent with the instrument and period, with no obvious evidence of replacement parts, cosmetic restoration or substantial modification. Documented wear includes genuine scratches, small dents, finish chips, edge wear and smaller marks; it has not been artificially added. The included brown vintage gig bag remains functional despite cosmetic wear.
The neck is hand-dated 18 January 1983; serial JV31998 and a partial heel marking are additional dating clues. The specific model code is most likely SJB-55 rather than confirmed. The original factory finish was blue, most likely California Blue, and has naturally shifted toward green. These identifications follow the available Reverb documentation and retain its stated uncertainty.
