Fender Custom Shop Relic - Worth it?

[mtonbass]

My guess is this question will generate some good discussion.


Assuming a 59 P custom could be had for 2500, would it be worth it? If so, why?
I've never owned a bass with an MSRP over 2K nor have ever paid more than 1200 for one. While I can appreciate the significant playability difference of a finer instrument, I'm just not sure if I could really tell the difference between a 3500 MSRP unit and a 2K one (assuming both were set up property and professionally).

Thank you for your input!

[chadds]

A Ferden can't play better than a Ferden. Price isn't an object except that these folks spend your money making a new bass the old ways. A Sadowski will play better. Are you wanting a bass that is cosmetically an old Fender? If you are after outstanding playability and aren't looking for a Fender then try everything.
I almost bought a P-Bass that was that tomato soup color. Didn't need it, it just looked so nice. Ball is in your court what do you want?

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

A while back I posted a comparison of various relics on the market today. IMO, Fender Custom Shop is the least convincing of the bunch. They sound great, and they play great, but they do not look like authentic vintage instruments.

But then again, I may be more picky than most. I know many people think the Custom Shop stuff looks great.

[Gecko 5]

Look into a Nash

[willsellout]

I think there are better makers, on this very board, who will give you a bass of equal quality at a better value. Personally I just can't see the point of paying more than 2 grand for a standard P or J bass.

Then again I can't see the point in paying more for a bass that is relic'd. I understand the work that goes into it, it's just counter intuitive for me

[mtonbass]

Originally Posted by willsellout

I think there are better makers, on this very board, who will give you a bass of equal quality at a better value. Personally I just can't see the point of paying more than 2 grand for a standard P or J bass.

Then again I can't see the point in paying more for a bass that is relic'd. I understand the work that goes into it, it's just counter intuitive for me

I'm with you. I should have left relic out of my inquiry and just stuck with custom shop. At any rate, responding to the other answers - I guess what I want is the best P for me (acknowledging tone and playability are in the eye of the beholder).

[Mojo-Man]

I owned a Fender CS, and a Nash.
Both are nice basses. Big money for the CS.
I sold both, and now play Bluesman Vintage relic basses.
The Bluesman Vintage,killed both for less money.
Tone, feel, Playability, finish. (relic)

[A-Step-Towards]

Personally i think nash are some of the least legit looking ones.

[derridiandrift]

Originally Posted by mtonbass

Assuming a 59 P custom could be had for 2500, would it be worth it?

You're asking for opinions, so here's mine. I don't need to pay 2K or more to get a P-bass that plays well. If I didn't already own a '60 precision (that I inherited) I would probably be playing some p-bass that I picked up used and had set up by a good tech.

If I had 2500 to drop on a p-bass, I'd probably have a custom builder put something together for me. You're paying alot of money for the brand name on the headstock when you buy from CS. You can get the same quality for less dough from a good builder. Resale is a different story though. Having a real Fender makes it easier to get more of your cash out of it when you're tired of it.

Just my opinion. There are plenty of people who rock expensive CS basses like nobody's business. I'm just not one of them.

[Fendbassfan]

Originally Posted by willsellout

Then again I can't see the point in paying more for a bass that is relic'd.

I have a Custom Shop '64 Jazz Relic Bass made in '04 but only paid $1750 (used) for it. It plays fantastic and that's why I bought it. I'd much rather it look like a NOS though. the way they, 'Relic' them is pretty unrealisistic. Probably take a chain to it and bury the hardware for a couple of days.

[Caca de Kick]

I have a Custom Shop P (55) NOS version, and it is miles ahead of any regular reissue single coil P produced. Once I finally sat down with a real '56 to compare it to, I found every detail in contouring, neck profile, finish type/thickness, resonance and weight was the closest thing without spending 9500 bucks for the original. Again, mine is an NOS.

[willsellout]

Originally Posted by Fendbassfan

I have a Custom Shop '64 Jazz Relic Bass made in '04 but only paid $1750 (used) for it. It plays fantastic and that's why I bought it. I'd much rather it look like a NOS though. the way they, 'Relic' them is pretty unrealisistic. Probably take a chain to it and bury the hardware for a couple of days.

The only thing I could see me liking about Relic'd instruments is the neck. A well played neck is definitely more comfortable in my experience, but really all it is is rolled edges and a smooth neck surface. That can be replicated with a satin finish and rolled edges, right?

I do agree though that you could go to a few GC's, find a Fender with the right feel and resonance (a good one) and then take it to a tech to get a fret level and crown, as well as a setup, and you'd be pretty close.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

My Jaco Relic is the greatest playing jazz I ever owned.. the neck on its own is amazing, out of any vintage jazz basses I've played it plays so sweet and smooth.

I played some custom shop relic Ps, play very nice. Feel better than many new ones... has a played feel, less than a true vintage.. its the next best thing to a vintage p.

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by -=DanAtkinson=-

A while back I posted a comparison of various relics on the market today. IMO, Fender Custom Shop is the least convincing of the bunch. They sound great, and they play great, but they do not look like authentic vintage instruments.

But then again, I may be more picky than most. I know many people think the Custom Shop stuff looks great.

I completely disagree with this opinion. The Fender Relics in general look very close to the originals, albeit with a few tiny cosmetic details and dating anamolies, except for the wrong colour P/Gs on a lot of them. Some of the Relic jobs are more realistic than others, but the main difference is the lack of dirt on the bare wood patches. I've seen overcleaned vintage Fenders and the resemblance is striking.

I own a '66 J with a brightish target burst, next to the '64 CS (with a Pickguardian tort) they look like they came out of the same factory in the same year. I'll take a picture later and let the people judge for themselves.

To any but a real trained eye looking for minute differences, Fender Relics are dead on, though often not exactly to a certain year, depending on the model.

I tried a recent '59 P Relic and it was a masterpiece, the best Relic I've played and seen. Way more than I would pay, though, at over 3k new.

I can't even think what other relic style basses look authentic other than Fenders, UK made Bravewoods being an exception. Don't say AC; the S/B might be the most realistic but the headstock precludes it from making the cut. I'm very curious as to which ones you found to be more realistic.

I think the TM models are a bargain at the 1.5k to 2k dollar price you can find them for used in the US.

At sticker price, it really is up to you. I say judge on an instrument to instrument basis. I've played mediocre Relics and amazing AVRIs and Roadworns that compare, and my Fullerton surpasses most of them.

edited to add pictures ('66 is dots and binding, CS is a '64 NOS that has started to wear in nicely):

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I've tried a couple of Custom Shop Fenders that didn't feel too special and a couple of others that felt quite nice (which could be a setup issue). My overall feeling is that they are expensive for what they are. However, if the instrument really looks, feels and sounds right for you and is within your budget, then I would say that it's worth it. I would say that for any bass, not just a Custom Shop. Just try not to get swayed by the logo on the back of the headstock!

[mcm]

in short, no

[pacojas]

Originally Posted by mcm

in short, no

i know you're just trying to be funny, so i lol'd!!!

thank-you!

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by One Drop

I completely disagree with this opinion. The Fender Relics in general look very close to the originals

I agree with both this and the fact that the Nash basses are the least convincing. The only instruments I have seen that are convincing beyond Fender are Danocaster. Most smaller builders doing relics are not convincing at all IMO.