1976 FENDER JAZZ BASS
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During the year the serial number moved from the 3 bolt F Series neckplate to the headstock decal. The headstock decal transitioned from the large two piece "C" logo including four individual patent numbers and an ® mark to the "76" or "S6" serial number decal. Both decals were applied under the finish. This transition caused the lettering style to change and the logo to become smaller. The "Offset Contour Body" portion of the decal was no longer included. A serial number sticker was often added onto the underside of the pickguard. The tuners transitioned from Fender name imprinted non-reverse clover tuners to Schaller "open back" Fender name imprinted clover tuners. Both versions of tuners included an ® mark and no rivet. Neckplate serial numbers ranged from roughly 631000 to 750000 although there are many overlapping exceptions. For more precise dating, cross reference the serial number with the instrument's neck butt stamp, pickup stamp and potentiometer codes.
Other 1976 Jazz bass characteristics: Bullet truss rod adjustment at headstock, rosewood fretboard or one piece maple neck with skunk stripe, pearloid block fret markers, white plastic neck binding, medium jumbo fret wire, neck butt date etc. ink stamps, extra hole on neck butt for hanging while painting, neck pocket paint stick etc., extra body holes in neck pocket for hanging while painting, tilt adjust feature, black/white/black/white vinyl pickguard or white/black/white vinyl pickguard, thumb rest above E string, date ink stamped grey bobbin pickups, ground shields under pickups, chrome pickup cover and bridge cover with foam rubber string mute, heptagonal shaped knobs, CTS potentiometers, ground shield under pots assembly, "blue drop" tone capacitor, plastic wiring, oval ground wire route underneath bridge, single groove bridge saddles, black tolex Fender logo case, hang tag.