Fender custom shop really that good?

[glutah]

I appreciate all of the input. I am really happy with the bass(es) I have. I primarily play a G and L asat hollowbody and love it. In fact, I spent quite a bit of time with that bass trying to mimic the sound of a p-bass and got pretty damn close...

I really like the sound/ look/ simplicity of the p-bass and had a loved one offer to buy me a bass....I know, I am spoiled. Do I need another bass? Hell no, but I might as well get one why I got the offer. I am not sure I will like anything as much as my G and L stuff, but would like to have something a little different. I am going to keep watching the classifieds until I find a good used CS-P. Thanks again!!

[Sartori]

If it is THE BASS you absolutely want, then maybe it is worth that much. If what you want is simply a classic looking and sounding P-bass that feels nice to play, then for the same amount of money, you have many options.

[uOpt]

I only have one Fender CS instrument, a Strat. With the Strat it was the only way to get something made by Fender, vintage correct, definitely nitro and figured maple. The feel of the guitar is a lot better than anything else. Doing the finish correctly really matters. It's nitro all right but every run of the mill Gibson is nitro, too. I got mine used at a price that was reasonable compared to used AVRIs at the time and I justified it with resell value.

Now, AVRI is on big sale right now and nobody ever has a sale on the CS instruments. With the new AVRI you can also be sure you definitely get nitro if that is what you want. A quick look at used instruments' dings shows very clearly that the finish on AVRI changed over time, there is some pretty bulletproof stuff there that doesn't age gracefully and instead breaks like glass.

So, the answer is... maybe.

Another aspect is not just whether you can afford it. Would you bring it to a gig where the safety of the instrument might be in question? What about possible car break-ins?

[glutah]

Originally Posted by uOpt

I only have one Fender CS instrument, a Strat. With the Strat it was the only way to get something made by Fender, vintage correct, definitely nitro and figured maple. The feel of the guitar is a lot better than anything else. Doing the finish correctly really matters. It's nitro all right but every run of the mill Gibson is nitro, too. I got mine used at a price that was reasonable compared to used AVRIs at the time and I justified it with resell value.

Now, AVRI is on big sale right now and nobody ever has a sale on the CS instruments. With the new AVRI you can also be sure you definitely get nitro if that is what you want. A quick look at used instruments' dings shows very clearly that the finish on AVRI changed over time, there is some pretty bulletproof stuff there that doesn't age gracefully and instead breaks like glass.

So, the answer is... maybe.

Another aspect is not just whether you can afford it. Would you bring it to a gig where the safety of the instrument might be in question? What about possible car break-ins?

Gig, Yes. Not worried about that. I would probably take it easy on a CS because I am not sure I will love it and may need to sell it.

[Low Class]

I've owned more CS basses than I can remember. They're pretty like anything else, there are some good ones and there are some bad ones. If you buy it over the internet be sure there is a return policy. Frankly, there are a lot of good basses for $1000 or less.

[glutah]

Originally Posted by Low Class

I've owned more CS basses than I can remember. They're pretty like anything else, there are some good ones and there are some bad ones. If you buy it over the internet be sure there is a return policy.

Great advice. I don't really have access to any, so it is kind of a crap shoot. Have played a couple including the adam clayton one. Seemed pretty nice.

[michricker]

After several attempts at several nice 64 cs jazz basses, I found a 2001 custom shop cs 64 jazz relic that is a keeper for life. The playability and action is just awesome. The most resonant basses I have owned. The bass weighs 8.3 lbs. and has tone that everyone on gigs raves about. This coming from the fact I have owned nyc sadowskys, nordys, USA lakland, etc. over 60 basses over last 30 years. My cs 64 is in top three for sure. Lakland USA can also be great if you find the right one. I prefer the right cs or us lakland to just about anything I have learned trading over $140000 worth of bass gear over he years.

[bugbass]

My two cs basses is as good as it gets IMO. I have a -64J and a Pino, and they get more playtime than my Sadowsky and Alleva. But I have also played a few cs basses that I did not like, so taking your time and maybe buy used is my best tip

[brad houser]

the roadworns are often as good as CS. I've played a few of then and they're all amazing.

[P. Aaron]

If I could, I would love a CS Precision. The regular off the rack American Standards are quite nice too...for the money.

BUT...scoring a CS built how you want, tough to say no to that.

[boristhespider9]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

If I could, I would love a CS Precision. The regular off the rack American Standards are quite nice too...for the money.

BUT...scoring a CS built how you want, tough to say no to that.

Do remember, the 2012 Am Stds use the CS pickups.

[adivin]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

If I could, I would love a CS Precision. The regular off the rack American Standards are quite nice too...for the money.

BUT...scoring a CS built how you want, tough to say no to that.

+1 to the American Standard. I have a NYC Sadowsky and a Lull and am very impressed with my American Standard and when you consider the price, it does make you question the marginal benefit of 1,000 or 2,000 more in price.

[soxhats]

Originally Posted by michricker

After several attempts at several nice 64 cs jazz basses, I found a 2001 custom shop cs 64 jazz relic that is a keeper for life. The playability and action is just awesome. The most resonant basses I have owned. The bass weighs 8.3 lbs. and has tone that everyone on gigs raves about. This coming from the fact I have owned nyc sadowskys, nordys, USA lakland, etc. over 60 basses over last 30 years. My cs 64 is in top three for sure. Lakland USA can also be great if you find the right one. I prefer the right cs or us lakland to just about anything I have learned trading over $140000 worth of bass gear over he years.

Kinda the same for me. Love all my basses in their own way, but my CS '64 Jazz (seafoam green/rosewood, bought last year at this time) and '02 Lakland USA Glaub with the jazz neck (natural/maple) stand out. Every time I play either, I think, "Wow, this is just the pinnacle of quality... the elusive 'perfect bass', at least for me."

[Coughdrops]

I love my 08 Am Std Precision. I got it used on here. Great weight, quality and detail. I wound up swapping pickups to the Fender Originals (now stock in new Am Std basses) but it is a really great bass for under $1000. IMO, unless you really want very particular vintage details like fret size or color options etc the new production runs, either American Standards or AVRI, will certainly have gems that are a far better value. Test play until you find one that nails it.

[bmb73]

Not a Custom Shop, but I have a 75 RI Jazz Bass. I would recommend giving it a try just to see. Regardless, good luck in your search...