The instrument in question is a 1961 Fender Precision Bass with the serial number 60228, which was owned by Jamerson from 1961 until around ’67 or ’68, when it was lent to Billy Hayes, who had landed a spot playing with John Lee Hooker but did not have an instrument of his own, and was never returned. Jamerson famously never changed his strings, and incredibly, throughout his years of ownership Hayes only ever replaced the G, meaning that the instrument still has the bassist’s original La Bella flatwounds. Besides that one string, nothing else has been changed since Jamerson owned it, with the purchase including a strap, case, photo archive and letter of authenticity signed by Hayes.
The instrument goes to auction on Saturday June 17-18 through Heritage Auctions in Beverley Hills, California, for more information head here.
