Fender Electric Jazz Bass Guitar Formerly Owned by Aston "Family Man" Barrett

This Fender Jazz Bass was formerly owned by Aston “Family Man” Barrett (b. 1946), bass guitarist for Bob Marley and the Wailers. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Barrett set the standard for Reggae bass guitar players with his booming tone, melodic lines and syncopated rhythms. Due in part to his creative influence at the time, the bass guitar’s role in Jamaican popular music increased in significance and signaled a shift away from the beats of Rock Steady.  

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Barrett was initially inspired by the Ska musicians he heard on the radio. In 1967, accompanied by his brother Carlton Barrett on drums, Family Man formed the Hippy Boys and performed regularly at various Kingston nightspots. Also at this time, the Barrett brothers began recording with musician and producer Lee “Scratch” Perry as part of the band, The Upsetters. That year Barrett’s unique playing style caught the attention of Bob Marley, who requested the Barretts join the Wailers for a series of recording dates. Their union lasted the rest of Marley’s lifetime with Barrett appearing on all 11 albums produced by Bob Marley and the Wailers.  

The Fender Electric Instrument Company manufactured Jazz Bass model electric bass guitars in the United States from 1960 to 1974. These basses continue to be prized by musicians and collectors attracted to the instrument’s high-quality gear and woody sound. The Jazz Bass has a narrower, tapered neck, making for ease of shifting and a more comfortable left hand.