Help needed to solve origin of Jazz Bass - US or Mex

[Mr. Air]

I'm posting this as a helping hand to my dad. He has a Jazz Bass he bought second hand as a US model. Now he has aquired some new basses (Rickenbacker and Epiphone) and have put up the Jazz Bass for sale.

He was contacted by a guy who apparently knew alot about Fender Basses and he told my dad that his model wasn't a US but a Mex. The way he could tell was by the tuners, the skunk stripe in the neck and the back plate at the neck joint (I can't post any pictures as I haven't got any of the bass).

My dad has contacted the shop were he bought the bass and they have contacted some guy who used to or still work for Fender here in Denmark. He has sent my dad an email with the specs of the bass claiming it is a US model. My dad isn't sure about the information as they Fender-guy could have posted any specs from any US model so hopefully someone here at the friendly BKP forum can help solve the mystery about my dad's Jazz Bass.

I have attached the specs my dad recieved from the Fender-guy. Is there someone who can verify that my dad's bass is a US model?

[shobet]

I can't see a serial number referenced in your attachments, that would be a good start, if it has one. I've no idea if neck date stamps or othe body markings can help.

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/news/index.php/?display_article=490

[Philly Q]

There was a series called the American Traditional series right at the end of the '90s, with poplar bodies, so those specs the chap sent you sound correct.  Unfortunately, they're also very similar to the specs of any vintage-style Jazz bass!

So I don't know how to prove your dad's bass actually is an American Traditional Jazz.

To be honest, I thought all recent Fenders had the country of manufacture written on them somewhere!  I'm sure all mine say Made in USA or Made in Mexico on the back of the headstock.

[mikeluke]

Serial number would help...

[Elliot]

Does it say 'traditional series' on the headstock?  Is the serial no. N9.......?

If it is a traditional series, the guy 'who knows alot' who contacted your pa is only half right - the traditional series was the precursor to the Highway 1 and the commencement of full scale Mexican production of the Mexican standard - It was made in Corona, USA but was assembled using the parts that were sourced for the Mexican factory.  So in that sense it is an American Fender, but fill the budget end of production until the Mexican factory was up and running.