The JB-450 was the premium model of this year - the maple fretboard a fairly expensive option over the rosewood of the JB-420. Some of the really early 1970s instruments are considered toys rather than serious instruments, but this is a serious instrument with a comfortable weight, fine sounding pick-ups and a proper constructed neck.
 
These traditional jazz bass pick-ups more faithfully represent the sounds of a Jazzer than the mini humbuckers of previous iterations. They have a rounded deep clarity, and are too decent to upgrade.
 
There are signs of life with this 52 year old bass - the chrome is pitting, (don't folk pay huge money for this look?) and there are a few parking knocks as you would expect. The original scratchplate has been sacrificed at the alter of Jaco Pastorius, and we have fitted this very appropriate plate.
 
It plays very well, intonated perfectly, and has a friendly action that could be lowered even further if required. The truss rod has plenty of movement either way, and this just feels like a good old Jazz Bass - much more character than a new one, and for equivalent value, this one is of significantly higher quality construction. They were built to different standards back then - this is why we love the 1970s MIJ era. They never fail to impress; offer great value for money; don't need separately insuring, and are probably not even half way through their lives.
 
This one could feasibly and justifiably be upgraded with modern pick-ups, a modern bridge, modern tuners - of course this would be fantastic. But this is good enough to provide good service as it is. It would suit a serious giggling musician, it would also suit a beginner as these old basses are so much better to improve on than new ones that need adjusting every week.