Fender 1960's Jazz Road Worn Series opinions

jordan798 · #1 06-28-2011, 10:32 AM

I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on the Fender Road Worn series, specifically the 1960's Jazz reissue. Has anyone played them? How do they sound/feel? My biggest question is are they worth the hefty price tag considering they are Mexican made?

Not too concerned right now about some peoples' opinions that new basses made to look like old basses are lame, I personally like them and I am just wondering about the sound and feel.

Any thoughts on pickups to switch in for a rockier sound? I have a badassII bridge on another bass that I'll probably slap on it.

The1bassist06 · #2 06-28-2011, 10:36 AM

I almost picked one these up when they first came out. There not bad basses. I ended up just getting a MIA Fender Jazz.

jordan798 · #3 06-28-2011, 10:51 AM

So it sounded pretty good? I've heard that they feel really really nice

bh2 · #4 06-28-2011, 11:03 AM

They are superb!

One of the best Jazzers I've played, aside from my own 62... mind you the CV Jazz came awful close.

DanHibiki · #5 06-28-2011, 11:06 AM

I tried two of them and thought it was okay, nothing spectacular... But maybe I was a little disappointed because of all the people who praise these basses...

jordan798 · #6 06-28-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bh2

They are superb!

One of the best Jazzers I've played, aside from my own 62... mind you the CV Jazz came awful close.

Really happy to hear this. Any advice on possible pickup changes? I'm really into getting a custom sound from any instrument but I don't want to swap pickups if the ones in it are awesome. Looking for some that will give me a heavier, punchier sound. Any string advice for that sort of sound?

bh2 · #7 06-28-2011, 11:16 AM

Well the stock pups sound pretty authentic to the vintage 60's IMO, but you would expect that. You'd have to try through your rig and see if it suits you.

I suppose flats would help towards a heavier sound. I can't get on with them though.

Spinal Tapper · #8 06-28-2011, 11:18 AM

I think these play really good. I've only rocked one at Guitar Center before though, but it had a nice, lightweight, and "broken in" feel to it

VWbug08' · #9 06-28-2011, 11:25 AM

tried one a few months back after hearing good reviews.

Thought it sounded great stock.

Nice and light.

Looked nice if you like the artificial distressing.

I guess I didn't go for it becuse I'm a clean freak, always wiping my stuff down and keeping it nice and the artificial aging felt kind of grimmey to me and I knew I would not be able to handle it personally. LOL

Otherwise I really thought it was very nice.

bh2 · #10 06-28-2011, 11:30 AM

The one I tried was the burst version... it was hanging in the window of my local ms... I had to give it a wide berth. It's gone now...phew.

I have severe gas for a RW 50's precision however. Or a 57 RI (my birth year!).

VWbug08' · #11 06-28-2011, 11:30 AM

I should mention that I already have a nice MIA Jazz bass that is pretty much my main bass.

Guess I felt like maybe it would be redundant to have another?

But as I said, Thought it was very nice.

bob atherton · #12 06-28-2011, 11:31 AM

Very, very nice basses IMHO. In fact I got serious gas over them for about a year and almost bought one a few times. In the end I got a AV62 RI stack-knob instead. That too has a good vintage vibe to it and sounds a bit smoother that the RW, but works well for me.

bh2 · #13 06-28-2011, 11:34 AM

The AV62 stacks look great too... haven't tried one yet though.

bob atherton · #14 06-28-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWbug08'

I should mention that I already have a nice MIA Jazz bass that is pretty much my main bass.

Guess I felt like maybe it would be redundant to have another?

But as I said, Thought it was very nice.

I had to smile when I just saw your posting. I too use a USA jazz, natural, maple neck, but with parchment guard made in 2000 as my main bass. This is why maybe I went for the stack-knob over the RW as my other bass. The RW with VVT was a bit too close to my Jazz. The stacker has a different sound and feel.

jordan798 · #15 06-28-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWbug08'

I should mention that I already have a nice MIA Jazz bass that is pretty much my main bass.

Guess I felt like maybe it would be redundant to have another?

But as I said, Thought it was very nice.

That's a beautiful bass! How much did you grab that one for?

VWbug08' · #16 06-28-2011, 12:06 PM

Thanks. Bought it back in the 90s. It pretty lightweight too.
Lol

Good luck with your search.

jordan798 · #17 06-28-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWbug08'

Thanks. Bought it back in the 90s. It pretty lightweight too.
Lol

Good luck with your search.

Looks awesome. What's the exact model name for that bass? Interested in looking up the specs on this!

Rebop · #18 06-28-2011, 12:10 PM

I just got one of the roadworn J basses in sunburst a month or two ago. Good bass for the money if you get it used.

jordan798 · #19 06-28-2011, 12:37 PM

I'm also looking into a Victor Bailey Jazz, any experiences with them? They look absolutely beautiful

VWbug08' · #20 06-28-2011, 12:46 PM

I don't persoanally like Active basses anymore but I think they look AWESOME! LOL

Every once in awhile I've thought to check one out but what an expense to gut it and just put in passive stuff.

Wish they made a passive lightweight MIA Jazz bass with natural darker wood. Even a nice walnut stain over Swamp ash or a nice Koa top would be great!