fender basses - what's the difference

rutledj · #1 12-31-2010, 05:47 PM

Fender has so many models of bass, Artist, American Standard, Deluxe,Road Worn, Highway 1, Deluxe, American Vintage, American Deluxe.

Can anyone give a general rundown of what the differences are? Which ones are American made (I assume the ones with American in the name)? How is the Jazz model different among these brands?

I'm looking for a good bass in the 8-900 dollar range. I'm looking at Fenders and Musicman Sterlings. I'm also wanting a 5 string. Just trying to get the most for my money. I've played both and like them both so arguments for/against would be great.

Thanks,
Rut

tlr1293 · #2 12-31-2010, 05:57 PM

First, go here
And start reading.

Find any interesting ones? go here
...and price them, then find a local GC or Sam Ash or Mom-n-Pop and try some.

Next thread please!

Rocky McD · #3 12-31-2010, 06:01 PM

Go to Fender.com, they show all the models (too many to list here), and they show all the features and spec's. The serial numbers will sometimes show where they or made, but the model numbers are better. There is no easy answer to your question, you must study the differences and features but you will probably end up with the one that really appeals to you when playing.
Rocky

Big_Daddy · #4 12-31-2010, 07:18 PM

Artist ones are tailored to that particular artists preferences.

American Standard is the (correct me if I'm wrong) generic stanard style.

Deluxe's, I believe, feature active electronics, and at least before 2010, they featured an extra two frets (at least the Jazz did).

Road worn, I'm not too sure what the specs are, but they rough the bass up in the shop to make it look like it's taken a beating from being on tour for the past half a century.

As for the vintage...It's a modern vintage style bass. Normally the tuners'll be oxodized to make them look older, pickups'll be similar to what they had from the particular year, et cetera.

tjh · #5 12-31-2010, 08:44 PM

to the OP ... there is a thread on here from earlier today with the title something like ... "BILLION Fender Jazz bass's ... whats the difference?" ..you may want to check that out as part of your research ...