Fender Road Worn....Cant decide if I like them or not......

[Fender4Me]

Been looking for a new Fender P-bass and a Road Worn P popped up on Craigslist tonight at a pretty good price. I cant decide if I like the look of them or not. I usually like my instruments nice and shiney and pretty much baby them but there is something "comfortable" looking about the RW series. What do you guys think about them? Also, are they MIM or CIJ ?

[spaz21387]

Mim but are very solid basses for the price. If they made a roadworn without the fake wear id buy one. The thing thats gets me is that they are a new bass yet they are made to look like vintage basses but the wear seems to be in the wrong places.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Warning for potential posters- remember that relic/relic owner bashing is NOT permitted. You can respectfully state why it isn't for you, but not disrespectful broadbrushing of them or those that choose to buy them.

[ataunton]

I just picked up a road worn Jazz a week ago and I really like it. The road worn aesthetic is not really my thing, but I liked the fiesta red color and the neck felt great. After a quick setup and some new flats I'm really pleased with the bass. It plays well and sounds great. I will probably swap the pickups and possibly the controls out with something else. It doesn't really need it, I just can't leave well enough alone.

I too am a fan of nice shiny new basses, however whatever I purchase always gets gigged and no matter how hard I try they don't stay perfect for long. At least with this bass I don't really have to try. Who's going to notice an extra ding or two. The RW's are MIM.

[Fender4Me]

"the wear seems to be in the wrong places."
I agree. Maybe the wear would be in the appropriate places for a player 40 years ago but not today. Still, might be nice to have a bass that I dont have to worry about banging on the mic stand or cymbals : )

[pbass888]

Ive got one in december real cheap from a closeout. IT has replaced my mia jazz as my main bass now. it sounds great and pickups and tone is very close to vintage accuracy (closest that ive played) compared to the few 1960's jazz basses that ive tried. I would say the sound (perhaps finish and pups ) made me go for it. I am very pleased with it but try to get it used or deep discount.

[jmattbassplaya]

I think they are some of the best playing and sounding basses that Fender puts out right now. I'm really not a fan of anything else MIM Fender has done, but these are a home run.

As far as the cosmetics are concerned, just think of it like this - if the bass gets dropped, nicked on a counter top, or attacked by a chainsaw, you really don't have to worry about it no longer looking new. To me, I think there's something really soothing about not having to worry if your bass gets damaged or not.

[Fender4Me]

Is $750.00 a good price for one that is fairly new? Also, what differenced are there between a standard MIM P-bass and the Road worn besided asthetics?

[Tusec]

Originally Posted by pbass888

...got one in december real cheap from a closeout.

How cheap did you get it, if you don't mind me asking? I'm just curious about how far retail prices for RWs have dropped. I bought mine used for $675+shipping last Spring but wouldn't be surprised if nowadays they're getting cleared our for less.

[Gord_oh]

@Fender4Me: thats not a bad price, but not amazing.
i want one as well, they are just just really solid basses.

the RW uses nitro finishes verses the poly on the standards. definite difference in sounds.
pickups are wound different, and the neck profile is closer to a vintage spec.
they feel like they look, broken in and comfy. i like them.

[VWbug08']

I think I'm going to check a Road Worn Jazz out after seeing all the good reviews and because a lot of reviewers mention it's very light as well.

I have always thought I would NEVER consider checking out an instrument that was dinged up on purpose like those new beat up jeans. I don't find the worn appearance attractive myself but I have to admit there is an attraction to just having a good bass that you don't have to worry about getting scratched and dinged LOL Sort of a stress free knock around bass. I too, keep my basses nice. This is new territory for me. To each his own likes and dislikes.

[Fender4Me]

I wonder of the necks have the graphite reinforcment? I can see people 20 years from now refinishing these basses to look new :c)

[Tusec]

RW in 3TB:

[Big_Daddy]

I've never been one for roadworn basses. I've always liked the idea of having all of the marks made by myself, or having a memory of the particular bass. I've always fealt they should age with you if you're buying it new.

That being said, I'd almost hate to have the job of the technician who has to do all the cosmetic damage in the factory. I'd cringe every time the chisel came out.

Anyway...If I found an opprotunity to pick one up for cheap, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[rob72]

Personally I prefer new instruments, yeah they'll cop a few dings and some wear over the years, but at least each blemish will have a story.

I've seen some beautiful RW fenders about the place, but there's no story to go with them.

[ataunton]

The price seems alright, but not great. I picked up my Jazz new for only slightly more than that. However another shop had the P and they had it marked at $1200 and said they would drop it to a $1000. So compared to that it is good. If it's on CL I would try offering $600.

[BassBob1]

if the look is the only thing holding you back you should pick it up. have you played and of the road worns before? Can you play this one before you buy it? you should. I've played a few roadworn p and j basses. I like my american standard better but with that said they are very comfortable to play. They are the best put together mim fenders i have ever played. They are very light. (almost too light for my taste but thats just me) If you can get it for a good price i dont think you will be disappointed.

[anonymous122511]

I've kinda jokingly told myself I wouldn't check these out just in case I found one that was outstanding leaving me to live with a fake beat up bass....I've always thought doing this to basses or leather jackets or jeans was seriously lame. The other day waiting for the sales guy to get to me I picked up a Road Worn Jazz to amuse myself while I waited. It was so awesome feeling I put it down FAST. If I'd plugged it in and it sounded as good as it played I woulda bought it. It's a shame they're ruining those nice old school finishes......

[VWbug08']

Originally Posted by rob72

Personally I prefer new instruments, yeah they'll cop a few dings and some wear over the years, but at least each blemish will have a story.

I've seen some beautiful RW fenders about the place, but there's no story to go with them.

I look at the ding in my CRV and always remember the knucklehead that opened his door into it whenever I wash it. Good times?

I don't picture I'd feel any different thinking about the knucklehead that knocks over my bass at a gig. Hitting a headstock on a cymbal or a gash from carelessly leaving it to slide off a chair. I could live without those stories LOL

[onionpuzzle]

Nash !