Quality comparison between Musicman & Fender CS

[supremo]

Do you believe that the quality of the standard Musicman's models are equal or even better than the Fender's Custom shop models?
I'm talking about the materials, building quality, durability of colors, how stable is in weather's changes (cold-hot-humidity).

[willbassyeah]

Nope I don't. I think any standard build bass can't be compared to any instruments which detail is being done by an experience builders such as the custom shop guys. Musicman basses are good basses but not compareable to fender cs imo.

[drTSTingray]

It possibly depends on the model of CS instrument (or MM instrument for that matter).

Possibly the more standard offerings (hand finished necks etc etc) are more comparable, but for example, quarter sawn necks don't appear generally on MM instruments. So the master built stuff should be of higher standard.

However MM offer, for instance, on the Classic range of instruments beautifully figured maple necks so I guess it's whatever floats your boat.

Both are excellent IMO.

[mcm]

Yes I do. The latest musicmans are incredible

[wvbass]

Once you reach a certain level, quality becomes less objective and more subjective, IMO. I might think a MusicMan is of better quality because I like the truss rod wheel or the finish on the neck. You may prefer the CS for its handmade aspects or neck profile. The fact is, both are made to very exacting standards, so the perceived quality should be consistent from bass to bass. I might think a CS is crap because I don't like the glossy neck. Or I might hate the tone of a StingRay. Both are high quality instruments, but that last little bit of perceived quality is subjective.

[C.Linton]

Purely a matter of personal taste.

[Musicman20]

Originally Posted by mcm

Yes I do. The latest musicmans are incredible

This.

[DiabolusInMusic]

Originally Posted by supremo

Do you believe that the quality of the standard Musicman's models are equal or even better than the Fender's Custom shop models?
I'm talking about the materials, building quality, durability of colors, how stable is in weather's changes (cold-hot-humidity).

Their custom shop? Not for a second.

MIA Fender? EBMM Classic line definitely, standard stuff I would say it fairly on par in term of build quality.

My Stingray (maple neck) is super prone to weather changes (I live in an extreme climate, -40 to +40c) and my Fender MIM is a rock in comparison. EBMM probably hold awesome in Cali but they don't do great up north.

Durability of colours is a tough one, in my experience the finish isn't the strongest thing on a EBMM but it is impossible for me to gauge that type of thing. Bongo's are famous for dents and chips more so than anything in the Fender family due to the basswood body.

[petrus61]

I think it goes beyond "personal preference". One is simply built to a different standard then the other.