Fender FSR P basses??

[Buster Brown]

Got a question for you guys....

I've not been in the market for basses (I'm gas free in that regard) but I came across these FSRs and wondered "Where the hell did these beauties come from?"

Fender FSR American Standard Hand Stained Ash Precision Bass® Wine Red (885978217397) | eBay

Anyone have any experience with these bad boys??

[Miskatonic]

One of Fender's nicer new offerings for sure. They also did one in a trans black with a maple board.

The wine stained one though is just begging for an unlined fretless board and matching headstock.

Back on topic, I haven't had an opportunity to play one, but I don't see where they would be substantially different than an American std.

[Buster Brown]

Agreed! Although I'm not currently in the market for another P bass.....if I were, I'd jump on these like there was no tomorrow! One of these would compliment my 62RI in a BIG way!

[Jwood]

Yeah they look really slick. I've been fighting the urge to pick one up for about a week now.

[Walker83]

Will these basses be much heavier than the alder p-bass? If so by how much?

[Bass_ElkGrove]

I've got major GAS over the mahogany stained with maple fretboard version. Since these are "Factory Special Run" I wonder how many were made???

These are new for 2012 and don't appear in many online or local shop, which leads me to think I need to grab one soon!

[LuvMusic]

I have ordered one and it should arrive in the next day or two!

Here is the link to the one I'm getting: FENDER® AMERICAN STANDARD SERIES FSR ASH PRECISION BASS® WITH CASE, MAHOGANY STAIN/MAPLE () - Elderly Instruments

I was also curious about the number being made and how this model aligns with the non-FSR AS P bass line, especially the pickup. The 2012 AS now comes equipped with the CS / '62 pickup and it doesn't mention that pickup in the description of this FSR run.

Anyway, contacted Fender and you can read the response here:

XXX,

Thank you for your email and congratulations on your purchase! This model is indeed limited to 150 pieces globally. Also, this model is actually equipped with American Standard Alnico V pickups the addition of the custom Shop 60s pickups did not affect this model.

Best Regards,

Eric Molinari
Consumer Relations Representative
Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
17600 N. Perimeter Dr., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
　　
-----Original Message-----

From: XXXX XXXXX
To: Consumer Relations
Subject: 2012 American Standard FSR P Bass with Mahogany Stain Question
　
Greetings,

I'm am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my first new MIA P bass, an American Standard FSR with ash body, mahogany stain and a maple neck. I have a couple of questions I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. The retailer's web site listed this as an FSR with 150 pieces available world-wide. Is this true?

2. I know the new 2012 American Standard P basses are equipped with 60's Custom Shop pickups. Does this FSR come with the 60's CS pickup also?

Thank you for your time and help, I appreciate it.

Kind Regards,

[andyhell49]

Well, one of those 150 is currently hanging on a wall in a music shop in Stratford Upon Avon (U.K.). I saw it yesrerday and was intrigued. It does look amazing and I am almost regretting buying an American Deluxe Precision a few months ago, as I am not really making best use of its versatility. The FSR could be a good investment if I could afford it!

[LuvMusic]

I have one now sitting in my music room!

[andyhell49]

Looks great! How does it play/sound?

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by andyhell49

Looks great! How does it play/sound?

Thanks!

Well....it's an American Standard and that's exactly how it sounds and plays. However, this bass seems to be a little more resonant than my other basses. I can actually tune this bass ans hear it easily without an amp. It's also light, about 8.5 pounds....what a joy for my aging back!

Hope this helps.

[andyhell49]

Yes, thanks for that.

I am a little wary of the 150 claim though, as they seem to be on offer all over the place. I will be interested to see if they are still in abundance in a couple of months time, as you would have thought that 150 would be snapped up pretty quickly worldwide.

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by andyhell49

Yes, thanks for that.

I am a little wary of the 150 claim though, as they seem to be on offer all over the place. I will be interested to see if they are still in abundance in a couple of months time, as you would have thought that 150 would be snapped up pretty quickly worldwide.

Yeah, I was skeptical too which is one of the reasons I e-mailed Fender customer support and asked. They confirmed 150 (of each model, I believe) world-wide (post 7).

Also, just checked Fender's website and these special run basses have been removed from the website which leads me to believe whatever is out there is going to be it. I believe these basses started hitting the retail channel around late March / early April, so they haven't been out there long.

[BillMason]

But if they deem it a success, expect more special runs. Kind of exciting to think about what else they might release!

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by BillMason

But if they deem it a success, expect more special runs. Kind of exciting to think about what else they might release!

I agree, I suspect they are testing the market too. In the past, FSR's were sponsored by retail stores (GC), so I like the idea of Fender exploring this niche. I would also expect future FSR's to be more expensive since this may be a test.

All of this is pure speculation!

[Co0O]

Got mine today!
It's even signed and numbered by Jeff Allen (#44)!!

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by Co0O

Got mine today!
It's even signed and numbered by Jeff Allen (#44)!!

Very cool! Signed and numbered where?

[Co0O]

Originally Posted by LuvMusic

Very cool! Signed and numbered where?

It's signed on the back of the headstock. He's used a permanent marker pen. I bought the bass online, had no idea it was signed before I opened the case and picked it up. Incredible luck!

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by Co0O

It's signed on the back of the headstock. He's used a permanent marker pen. I bought the bass online, had no idea it was signed before I opened the case and picked it up. Incredible luck!

Nice surprise for sure! No signature or number on mine.

How do you like your bass?

[TolerancEJ]

Originally Posted by LuvMusic

I have one now sitting in my music room!

Wow, that finish is a beauty!