Fender Announces Tribute Model 'James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass®' Honoring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Bassist

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (headquartered in California, USA; CEO: Edward “Ted” McCarty, hereinafter FMIC) has announced the release of the 'James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass®'. This model is a signature instrument that faithfully recreates the beloved Precision Bass of James Jamerson, the legendary bassist who laid the foundation for the Motown sound and fundamentally transformed the possibilities of the electric bass.

Raphael Saadiq, Grammy Award-winning artist and producer, commented: "Musicians across every genre—from R&B to rock, jazz, country, and reggae—have been deeply influenced by James Jamerson. What he achieved with his 1962 Precision Bass was something no one had ever done before. I'm truly honored that Fender is celebrating both the 1962 Precision Bass and James Jamerson's legacy."

From the 1960s through the 1970s, James Jamerson remained active in studios and on stage. However, his true legacy lies in redefining what a hit-making bassline should be—essentially creating its blueprint. His playing redefined groove, feel, and the role of bass in supporting a song, profoundly influencing generations of bassists to come. And central to that sound was his beloved Precision Bass. Its exceptional playability, refined design, and powerful low-end response made it the perfect partner for transforming musical ideas into flawless basslines.

This signature model fully captures the essence of the Precision Bass that James himself cherished, empowering players worldwide to develop their own unique style and tone.

Born in 1936, James was first exposed to live music through his grandmother and aunt, who performed in church. Captivated by the energy of gospel and jazz, James taught himself piano and trombone, and after moving to Detroit at age 18, he began playing upright bass inspired by the city's downtown club scene.

After graduating high school, he started touring with local bands and by 1959 had become a regular at Hitsville USA, the legendary recording studio that birthed Motown. It was precisely at this studio where James truly flourished, recording foundational bass tracks for countless artists—including Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and John Lee Hooker—that now serve as the cornerstone of modern electric bass performance.

Through this remarkable body of work, the consistently warm and refined tone of the Precision Bass has continued to inspire musicians worldwide—including Geddy Lee, Pino Palladino, John Entwistle, Raphael Saadiq, Bootsy Collins, Leland Sklar, Nate Mendel, Geezer Butler, Tal Wilkenfeld, Freddie Washington, Bob Glaub, Matt Freeman, and many others—to pick up the bass and embark on their own journey toward greatness.

Annie Jamerson, James’s wife, shared her thoughts: "When James was young, I told him, 'You will become someone great.' I’m so happy that has come true. James has received many awards, but this Precision Bass is a tangible, special honor. Please feel his groove and keep making music. Thank you so much, Fender!"

The 'James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass®' delivers the dynamic response, powerful low end, and stylish appearance that propelled James to the pinnacle of his craft. Faithfully recreated to reflect its era, this bass features a custom split single-coil pickup that produces rich low-end frequencies suitable for any band, while also offering clarity and punch that make fills, runs, and embellishments stand out. The Heirloom Suncast Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish exudes timeless elegance and, like the original guitar, develops a beautiful patina over time. The classic 'C'-shaped neck, slab rosewood fingerboard, and chrome-plated bridge and pickup covers all contribute to the playability, feel, and appearance of an instrument that would have been found in the live room at Hitsville around 1963. This signature model allows players to hold a pivotal piece of bass history and discover their own resonant sound, just as James did nearly 70 years ago.

Justin Norvell, Fender’s Chief Product Officer for Guitars, stated: "James Jamerson is the man who shaped the modern bass. His 1962 Precision Bass wasn’t just an instrument—it was the heartbeat of an era." He continued, "As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Precision Bass, we want every player—from beginners practicing in their rooms to touring professionals—to be able to hold a piece of that legacy. From the Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish to the James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass pickup, we’ve meticulously crafted every detail to bring that magic into your hands. This reissue is our love letter to the man who made groove absolute."

As a central member of The Funk Brothers, James Jamerson did more than expand the possibilities of the bass—he changed the direction of modern music itself. The 'James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass' is a special instrument that carries that great legacy into the present.

[Product Overview]

Product Name

James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass®

Estimated Retail Price

¥478,500 (tax included)

Release Date

June 17, 2026 (Wednesday)

Domestic Retailers

Fender Flagship Tokyo

Fender Official Online Store

Authorized Fender Dealers (Store list: here)

Product Page

https://jp.fender.com/products/james-jamerson-1962-precision-bass

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j-zY4