Fender quality up in the last 3 or 4 years?

[MrRobert]

Has anybody noticed a distinct rise in Fender quality over the last 3 or 4 years? It seems to me that through the 90s to the late 2000s Fender instruments were very hit or miss, but now most Fenders I pick up and play are of a much more consistant high quality.
I've played a bunch of Standard Ps and USA Standard Ps recently, and they were all very well built and felt similarly great to me. I can't believe how much better a new MIM P feels and plays than my late 90s MIM P, and am seriously considering buying a new bass for the first time in my life. I've always only bought used.
Anyway, have any of you TBers noticed a consistent rise in quality of Fender basses in recent years? Why do you think so? Or why not?
-Robert

[BillMason]

It's been much discussed since the American Standards were revised in 2008. It's notably improved across the product lines sold in North America - Squier, Mexican, Japanese and American. I seem to recall reading they put a new VP in place in 2007 who is responsible.

[jmattbassplaya]

I use to not like Fenders all that much, but recently I've liked basically every single one that I've picked up (all '08 models or newer). I definitely think they're doing something differently.

[bassguppy]

well they had to reverse all the negative press for the price increases over the past several years. Remember when the Geddy Lee was $629 not too long ago? Then they tried to get $1199 (i think) before they lowered the price.

And I will agree the quality is up.

[SaucyJackBass]

My 08 American Standard Jazz is fantastic. Have played four hour shows having never needed a sound I couldn't make happen with it.

[lomo]

since 2008, big-time. Better and more consistent for the USA series IME.

[jimmyjames77]

Yeah it has been discussed quite a bit. Be ready for some "go do a search" flames... Some people think that everyone hangs out here every hour of every day and should know everything about this board. No one in particular, it just seems that way.

[scottbass]

Yes, Fender really notched up their quality beginning with the 2008 model year. And that means both aspects of quality: better conformance to specs/parameters for any given instrument, and less variation between instruments across entire product lines.

[peledog]

Still hit or miss IMO.

[BagelBruin]

Like all big time instrument dealers, they will remain hit or miss, but I am finding their instruments to generally better since 2008. I really like those new bridges on the American P basses!

[ToneFreak11]

Fender quality has improved a lot since the 90s. However, most instruments you buy from 2011 are the same as the ones from 2008 (American Standard line). But the difference from 2003/04 to 2008 was pretty huge. 2008 was the "year of change" for Fender, and I love my 2011 American Standard P Bass (same as 2008). As I always like to say, the best basses are the really old ones (60s and 70s) and the really new ones, in this case, the ones from 2008 to 2011 and the next years until there's a new line of instruments. The basses from the "middle" years (late 90s) don't seem to be that good. But they're still awesome. Fender as always been the best bass brand for me!

[Double Agent]

I think the quality, or lack thereof, of the pre-'08 Fenders is greatly exaggerated IME/IMO...they were not as bad as some people made them out to be. In fact, some of the S-1 Fenders I played were really great basses.

However, the 2008 and newer instruments are very nice. My '08 American Std Jazz V, in particular, is as nice as any bass I've ever played/owned. Sounds and plays like a great Jazz should. The pre-'08 5ers did not seem to be this nice, that's for sure. But, the pre-'08 4-bangers I've played over the years are fine basses and can be had very cheaply on the used market right now.

[ButtUglyJeff]

I have an 04' American P that I adored the moment I put my hands on it (minus the silly S-1 switch).

When I purchased my 08' American Jazz, I auditioned 6 or 7 dead nuts identical instruments; same finish and everything. All 6 or 7 were take home instruments, no doubt, no difference. All insanely similar. I don't think that used to be the case.

I think it's to the point where I would trust ordering on online, if i felt the need to...

[C.Linton]

If my '08 Jazz is any indication, I would say yes. Whether that is typical these days, I can't tell you, but if I read all the reports right, that seems to be the consensus.

[2400]

I concur with the observation that not only the American Standard, but the entire range of instruments has taken a huge leap in quality from '08 onwards. Both my AmStd J and my AVRI '62 P are keepers!

[grendle]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

I use to not like Fenders all that much, but recently I've liked basically every single one that I've picked up (all '08 models or newer). I definitely think they're doing something differently.

+1

[roadkill2309]

A 2008 Am. Std. P5 turned me from a Fander hater to a Fender owner. 'nuff said.

[Turock]

Fender has always made good instruments.

[grendle]

Originally Posted by Turock

Fender has always made good instruments.

LMMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

maybe of you were blind, fingerless, and thought you were playing a cactus ....

[Papersen]

I concur that their quality improved since 2008. I`ve had the chance to play several MIA Jazz basses and the difference is noticeable.

However although thinner finish improves its resonance gets dinged quite easy.