Jaco Pastorius’ 1962 Fender Jazz Bass was known as the Bass of Doom and featured on all of his recordings including solo albums and collaborations with Weather Report, Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny. Originally a fretted bass, Jaco had the frets removed, along with the pickguard. Jaco preferred the fretless bass as he felt frets were a hindrance, referring to them as speed bumps.

Whilst recording their first album The Stone Roses, Mani had his Rickenbacker 4005 customised in this Jackson Pollock-influenced style by fellow guitarist John Squire.

Known as ‘The Beatle bass’ and the one with which most people would  recognise him. It was used for almost all The Beatles’ remaining live performances, television appearances and many recordings until the break up. First seen during Ready Steady Go! in October 1963, this Hofner 500/1 soon became Paul McCartney’s main instrument.

Paul Simonon used his 1970s Olympic White Fender Precision Bass for recording The Clash’s London Calling album then smashed it into the stage whilst performing live at The New York Palladium. The photograph was later used for the album artwork. 

Known as The Funk Machine, James Jamerson’s 1962  Fender Precision Bass had a three-tone sunburst finish with a tortoise-shell pickguard and chrome pickup and bridge covers. James became a founding member of the Motown studio band known as The Funk Brothers who provided the backing to Motown Records from 1959 to 1972.