The Ultimate Evolution of an Absolute Vintage Icon
The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to offer this exceptional, pre-owned Suhr Classic J Bass in the timeless, iconic 3-Tone Sunburst finish. Hand-built in late 2017 (November) under the uncompromising quality standards of John Suhr's workshop, this instrument takes the historic, offset asymmetrical lines of the classic 1960s J-bass and injects it with modern, world-class high-end modifications. Coming to us on trade from a dedicated collector, this specimen is in true Mint condition. It arrives entirely complete with its original factory build sheet, custom technical setup documentation, factory adjustment wrenches, and the premium Suhr Deluxe padded gig bag.
Flawless Era-Specific Tone Without the Vintage Quirks
The foundation of this exceptional instrument rests on a hand-selected, two-piece premium Alder body, known for its punchy midrange response and tight, articulate low-end definition. The electronics array features a calibrated set of proprietary Suhr Classic J Vintage single-coil pickups wound with premium Alnico V "Special" magnets. These pickups perfectly capture the legendary bark, woody growl, and sweet top-end clarity of the best mid-1960s studio instruments. Wired to a traditional, highly intuitive passive volume/volume/tone control matrix, this bass serves up everything from a deep, thumping Motown pulse to a aggressive, articulate modern fusion punch with absolute zero electronic noise or frequency loss.
Unrivaled Playability & Precision Component Upgrades
Where this instrument completely outclasses its vintage inspirations is in its structural ergonomics. The neck is carved from a solid piece of quarter-sawn maple, capped with a rich Indian Rosewood fingerboard featuring a traditional 7.25" radius for an instantly familiar vintage feel. The sleek, slim Vintage J neck profile (.810" depth at the 1st fret to .930" at the 12th fret with a tight 1.500" Tusq nut width) allows for incredibly fast, fatigue-free movement across the entire register. Furthermore, Suhr's choice of 20 Heavy Stainless Steel frets guarantees silky-smooth note bending, completely frictionless string action, and a fret lifecycle that will literally outlast the player. The entire setup is anchored by ultra-stable, lightweight chrome Hipshot open-gear tuning machines and a premium Gotoh Vintage Bass bridge to maximize natural sustain and ensure flawless tuning tracking under heavy live playing demands.
Boutique Quality Assurance & Insured Dispatch
As with all elite inventory handled by our team, this Suhr Classic J Bass has undergone a comprehensive multi-point inspection to guarantee it is functionally flawless and true to its factory spec sheet.
- Best For: Studio Session Work, Jazz, Fusion, R&B, Funk, Classic Rock, Worship
- Tone Profile: Warm, Punchy, Dynamic, Articulate, Woody with Vintage Growl
- Compared To: Fender Custom Shop 1964 Jazz Bass, Sadowsky MetroLine J, Xotic XJ Series, Lull V4
- Made In: Lake Elsinore, California, USA
- Sanctuary Expert Note: "Finding a clean Suhr bass on the secondary market is incredibly rare—players simply do not let them go once they experience that neck profile. This 2017 build is a studio monster that feels like a broken-in vintage tool but performs with the tight, surgical accuracy of John Suhr's finest instruments. Having the original paperwork and wrenches makes this a spectacular find for the discerning player."
Photos are of the actual bass for sale, SN 45277.
BODY
Body Shape: Classic J
Body Wood: Alder
Pickguard: Tortoise
NECK
Neck Wood: Tinted Maple
Fingerboard Wood: Indian Rosewood
Neck Back Shape: Vintage J .810 - .930
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25
Frets: Heavy Stainless Steel (.051"x.108")
Nut: 1.500" Tusq
ELECTRONICS
Bridge Pickup: Classic J Vintage, Bridge, Black
Neck Pickup: Classic J Vintage, Neck, Black
HARDWARE
Tuning Machines: Hipshot
Bridge: Gotoh Vintage Jazz Bridge
Color: Chrome
Case: Deluxe Gig Bag
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Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
