Fender RW Jazz Bass or Fender AVRI 62 jazz bass...

qwench · #1 01-30-2012, 08:13 AM

Hey TB folks...it kinda sickens me a bit to do this (as there are MANY posts similar) but I have a legimate decision to make here...

I took a Fender Road Worn jazz bass (3TSB) home for a quick trial period from a local music store because I wanted to try it out but moreso because it was incredibly LIGHTWEIGHT and sounded pretty convincing...

**felt comfortable instantly and sounded like a jazz should played nice and weighed less than my PBass**

So, I semi-begrudginly returned it to the store in question and said I was going to hold off for NOW...here is my thought...

For $1000-1100 for the RW versus $1450-1550 range for the American Vintage 62 reissue jazz bass (which I would need to order in without the benefit of playing it first)...it seems to be a pretty minor swing in $$$ to get the AVRI but I am SURE it will be a heavier bass (which is starting to be an issue for me) and I don't have the opportunity to play it for a bit first...what would the TB'ers do?? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated...

BTW, I am waiting on word back from the store as to a possibly more aggresive price on the RW jazz as it has been in stock for awhile...but for now...I am having a tough time...pay the extra and get a Fender AVRI 62 jazz bass in 3TSB or get a deal on the LIGHTWEIGHT Fender Road Worn Jazz bass and gig that one?? OK TB...what would YOU do??

Thanks!

Johnny Alien · #2 01-30-2012, 08:18 AM

If you found a lightweight bass that speaks to you, plays well and sounds great then I don't think it makes sense to get rid of it on a gamble that the other one will play as nice just because it's made in the USA. I think the AVRI series is the best Fender line ever and I still think you should stick with what you played and loved. Plus it sounds like they might give you a better deal on it.

qwench · #3 01-30-2012, 08:29 AM

Thanks Johnny...I hear ya....and to Multiman...the relic thing ISN'T really a selling feature to me...I like the idea of a nitro finish whether it is beat up or mint...the road worn thing/debate is NOT really an issue either way...the VINTAGE style (smaller) frets are the deal for me...I prefer them and in the Fender line that brings me to either the Road Worn jazz or the AVRI jazz...

MattyH · #4 01-30-2012, 08:36 AM

The 62 is lightweight. I have one and I don't even notice it's there while playing. And another thing - It's the best bass I've ever owned. I always joke and say I want to be buried with it when I die haha. The RW is good, but nothing in comparison. I got my 62 back in 2006/2007 I believe. It's already got some really amazing road rash going. Thinning finish, etc. Not an assembly line job. It's MY mojo!

Caca de Kick · #5 01-30-2012, 10:31 AM

Have you looked around for a used 62RI? Surely, they must pop up for sale in SK, and it'd be the same price as a new RW.

vin*tone · #6 01-30-2012, 01:55 PM

I had an AVRI for a while and never made friends with the stacked knob controls.... as beautiful a bass as it was. I compared the RW with the AV and loved both.

Sounds to me like you've found your bass. Now just get a good deal on it.

maxbass · #7 01-30-2012, 02:23 PM

used AVRI
btw I never found a heavy american reissue

qwench · #8 01-30-2012, 02:27 PM

Yeah...just to clarify...the $$ is NOT the major concern...the issue is more the difference in price...to me, the $1499 AVRI US version versus the MIM RW @ $1099 US is kinda a small jump financially...so...dependant on what the final $$ might be for the RW...I will make the call from there, if the RW is at a nice deal I might go that route, but if they don't budge a whole bunch, I will order up a AVRI...the TOUGH part is that I played and really liked the RW and the AVRI will have to be brought in sight unseen...so...that I was I posed the question to the Talk Bass brotherhood (and sisterhood) to see what the consensus was...thanks all!!

Jim Carr · #9 01-30-2012, 02:39 PM

I got my Fiesta Red RW Jazz for $675 US on ebay as a "make an offer" sale. I would bet you can get a new one for under $900 US, especially since I have seen them for $867 locally.

The AVRI '62 is a fine bass, and I'm sure you'd like it. However, the feel of the Roadworn Jazz I have is pretty much irresistible to me. It is stock, with DR Lo-riders.

The only 4-string I have that I like better is my Sadowsky, which is an entirely different breed of cat. Yes, I mean I like my RW Jazz better than a Pre-CBS '55 P and a nice '71 P. Why? I guess it is the classic tone, though the feel is just as good as the old basses.

If you can save $300-500 on getting a bass, do it and put it away for the future.

qwench · #10 02-01-2012, 01:21 PM

well...it looks like I can snag that one RW jazz for $900 canadian...so...compared to $1650 tax included for the AVRI jazz...I have a real decision to make...I am leaning toward the lighter weight RW...it really sucks to be located somewhere that you need to order stuff in without the benefit of actually playing them first...if I could be SURE that the AVRI would be under 9 lbs and have as nice of neck??? Arrggghh...I'll keep ya posted!!

sigmafloyd · #11 02-01-2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwench

well...it looks like I can snag that one RW jazz for $900 canadian...so...compared to $1650 tax included for the AVRI jazz...I have a real decision to make...I am leaning toward the lighter weight RW...it really sucks to be located somewhere that you need to order stuff in without the benefit of actually playing them first...if I could be SURE that the AVRI would be under 9 lbs and have as nice of neck??? Arrggghh...I'll keep ya posted!!

If it makes you feel any better, I live in the northeast US and short of driving to NYC I can't find any AVRI jazzes or precisions in stock anywhere near me

sigmafloyd · #12 02-01-2012, 02:13 PM

Also, my advice would be to choose based on what you ultimately want rather than price. I know that might not sound possible for some folks, but the relative difference between the too is not thaaaat much. 20 years from now, you will have earned that price difference many times over, enough so that the difference wont really matter. If there a specific things you like about the RW better than the AVRI, then by all means go for it. I have played a few RW and they were definitely good players.

**pacojas** · #13 02-01-2012, 02:24 PM

i love my AV62RI!!!

i can't put it down. after just 2 years it's down to bare wood at the bottom from rubbing against my chair. the RW is a great choice, though. enjoy!!!

**ShoeManiac** · #14 02-01-2012, 05:53 PM

I've got a roadworn Jazz and it's pretty awesome. I swapped out the pickups on mine for a set of Lollars and it sounds amazing now. And from a weight standpoint it's one of the lightest basses I play. I got mine in the TB classifieds, and I see them sell on a semi-regular basis for between $600 - $750 used. Shipping to Canada might be an issue for some sellers, but someone might be willing to work with you there.

I'm also in the market for an AVRI 62 Jazz bass, although not in the immediate future. These turn up a little less often in the classifieds, but you can find them from time to time. The stacked knobs are a little mysterious to me, too. In the case of this particular bass, I think you've got some better stock pickups with the AVRI 62 Jazz than you would get in the roadworn.

But I think you're onto something in your search: nitro finishes & vintage size frets are important parts of the big picture.

matti777 · #15 02-01-2012, 06:09 PM

I found a RW jazz in a store yesterday so I had to pick it up although I didn't have time to plug it in. Perhaps the neck was grubby but it didn't feel wonderful to me. I'll keep looking. You gotta love it to pay the premium for the RW treatment.

qwench · #16 02-10-2012, 12:37 PM

I picked up my Road Worn Jazz in the 3TSB today at lunch...it is the same one I had home for a trial period awhile back...and it kept bugging me that I took it back, and was fearful of it being snagged up by someone else...so, I bought it today @ $899 new and I am very happy to add it to the family...in the end, the fact that I played it and loved it and loved the ultra light weight of it made more sense than spending $1500ish on the 62' AVRI that I would have to order and play it when it got in not knowing the weight or feel...so...done deal...

**Also, like some had mentioned on the Road Worn discussion thread...there is NO CNC route hole under the pickguard so I could go "naked" with it if I so choose**

Pics to follow...in the future...I might not get time for a bit...but regardless...she's all mine!!!

rmars · #17 02-10-2012, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwench

I picked up my Road Worn Jazz in the 3TSB today at lunch...!

Good for you! I've played a few and they were all excellent. Had a '62AVRI about 8 years ago it was pretty lame, got rid of it quick. As some of the American stuff has been improved since '08 I'd be interested in trying a newer one but honestly I think you made the right choice. Enjoy!

matti777 · #18 02-10-2012, 12:56 PM

Where did you get the RW for $899? Around here (Edmonton) they are $1099.

qwench · #19 02-10-2012, 01:01 PM

I really shouldn't say too much...but the familiar price tag on it is indeed $1099 I just was able to work out a deal...I spend lots of dough at this particular chain (hint)...and having a buddy, bandmate that works there didn't hurt either!!

Jim Carr · #20 02-10-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwench

I picked up my Road Worn Jazz in the 3TSB today at lunch...
Pics to follow...in the future...I might not get time for a bit...but regardless...she's all mine!!!

Congratulations!!! Pics would be great. Keeping it stock? What about strings?