Fender Custom Shop 1961 Jazz Bass, Ash Heavy Relic – Sapphire Blue Transparent – CHUCKSCLUSIVE – #R118315

Robust and Fast – The Fender Custom Shop 1961 Heavy Relic Ash Jazz Bass in Sapphire Blue Transparent Chuck Levin’s 65th Anniversary Edition

Originally released in 1960, the “Jazz Bass” was a robust-sounding, smooth-playing successor to the early Precision Bass. The Fender 1961 Heavy Relic is an homage to that faster-playing and now iconic Jazz Bass, complete with vintage-style concentric knobs, and for the purists, the felt mute tips are right there in the case candy.

At just 9 pounds, this two-piece Ash body was selected for both light weight and its attractive grain. It wears a Heavy Relic lacquer finish, with the looks and feel of a well-played vintage model and a long service life. It has a fast-playing, tinted quartersawn maple neck that sports a ’60 J Bass “U” -shaped profile, which we’ve spec’ed with a 7.25″ radius fingerboard and 20 medium-jumbo frets. Packed with authentic Jazz Bass tone, the pair of Hand-Wound Vintage Jazz Bass pickups growl with pure power.

Other included features are the 4-ply Tortoiseshell pickguard, vintage-style J Bass bridge with threaded steel saddles, plus vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut and the round string tree. This special model edition includes a deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.

Chuck’s was founded in 1958, and our early successes happened just as the original versions of these Jazz Basses had begun to leave Fender’s shop. Chuck Levin’s continues creating a legend of it’s own among serious musicians.

Our 65th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating our 65th Anniversary means sharing history with Fender, way back to when Chuck Levin’s was just a small music shop in the middle of DC! We’ve partnered with Fender’s Custom Shop for a special throw-back edition, offering an exclusive “Sapphire Blue Transparent” custom color which Fender made for the occasion.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

• Model Name: 1961 Jazz Bass Heavy Relic
• Custom Edition: Chuck Levin’s 65th Anniversary Sapphire Blue Transparent

Body

• Body Finish: Heavy Relic Lacquer
• Body Material: 2-Piece Select Ash

Neck

• Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple
• Neck Shape: 1960 “U”
• Neck Finish: Tinted Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Scale Length: 34″ (864 mm)
• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25″
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Position Inlays: Vintage Clay Dot
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Medium Jumbo/6150
• Nut Width: 1.5″ (38.1 mm)
• Nut Material: Bone

Electronics

• Configuration: SS
• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Single-Coil Jazz Bass
• Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Single-Coil Jazz Bass
• Control Knobs: Black Plastic Vintage Jazz Bass Controls with Concentric Knobs
• Controls
• Volume 1. (Neck Pickup)
• Volume 2 (Bridge Pickup)
• Tone 1 (Neck Pickup)
• Tone 2 (Bridge Pickup)

Hardware

• Pickguard: 4-Ply Tortoiseshell
• Bridge: Vintage J-Bass Bridge with Threaded Steel Saddles
• Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
• Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome

Miscellaneous

• Strings: NPS, .045-.105 Gauges
• Case: Deluxe Hardshell

Manufacturer: Fender
Model: 9232000625
SKU: I681915-N-R118315-0-WHXD

We are Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.