The Electra Forums

Hello, I just bought this Electra 2271 Long Necker J-Bass type:



I think it's highly likely that it's been refinished - probably was a sunburst originally, and refinished to vintage white. Also, almost 100% sure it has a non-original pickguard - which, as you can see from the photo - doesn't quite fit flush with the neck. It's unlike any pickguard I've seen - it's an opaque dark red... no sparkles, no tort, just red plastic. Otherwise, bass seems to be pretty original, but missing it's front cover.

The neck is straight as an arrow and has just marginal wear - broken in... frets are in fairly good shape... electronics are a bit scratchy. Tuners are functioning and it holds tune pretty well.

Heavy, by my standards - north of 10 lbs on the bathroom scale, but probably about average for early 70s Jazz basses. Definitely sounds like a "meaner jazz" - not as refined as some I've heard, but not too much mud/growl either.

Of course, as this bass is brand new to me, I'm quite curious and have all sorts of questions:

First of all - from my research, I've deduced that this is an early Matsumoku-made Electra Long Necker... It's got the early script logo on the headstock. Does this make it more desirable or less desirable?

The pickups on these... they look like Gibson Firebird guitar pickups. Are they mini-buckers or larger single coils? I'm not able to take the thing a part, as the pickup screws are pretty stripped - and I have a habit of making things worse when I explore too much. Just curious. They sound decent to me so far - but I've noticed that they are extremely sensitive... picking up almost any noise (adjusting the guitar strap for example). I'll probably leave them in as is, unless there's a great reason to swap them out for something else... but I'd rather not route the guitar.

Electronics - decent, or should I upgrade here? I noticed these are scratchy, but probably more of a function of needing some contact cleaner.

Finally, the bridge - seems to be average top-loader style. Usually, I'm inclined to swap out for something better - but then again, if it's not that big of an issue, I'll probably leave it alone.

Any other words of wisdom on these?

Thanks! This is actually my second Electra. I had a "Maple Pro" ES-335 copy that was a gorgeous, amazing instrument. Have no idea why I traded it a few years ago.

Congrats on a nice score. Welcome to the forums and Merry Christmas.

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welcome, and congrats on the bass.

The pickups are a single coil, and since they are early, the will tend to be microphonic.

This is the earliest version of the name logo we've seen, and it seems that these are harder to find, but not necessarily more desireable. I've had all the different versions, and I prefer the later models with thin necks (small hands). the earlier ones like this had a thicker neck than the later 70's ones, but still seems fairly decent quality. the bridge cover and the pickup cover (missing on yours) are usually a straight interchange with Fender aftermarket parts. at least they were on later models.

Caig DeOxit is good for cleaning up the pots as well.

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Thank you for the nice welcome - and thanks for the additional info.

I've been able to take it apart, set it up, clean it up - and put a red tort Fender Jazz pickguard on her... (had to cut it to fit the pickup - but it came out great) ... It's a dream to play. I have some slight fret buzz still, so need to fine tune the action and the nut - but so far, so good.