What makes the '08 + Fender AM STD Better than Previous Ones?

crispygoat · #1 12-16-2010, 12:44 AM

I've been hearing about how the '08, '09, '10 Fender American Standard are 'better' than the previous years, and was wondering why so? What makes them better?

JimmyM · #2 12-16-2010, 01:04 AM

what had happened is fender had a few years where they botched the usa models with an extra switch very few people wanted or needed. the 08 am std was the first one in a long time without the switches, it had a couple very nice updates like light tuners and bridge, and they were made very well. so by comparison the 08 models were much better. still is.

2400 · #3 12-16-2010, 04:13 AM

Also, the way they started finishing and mildly tinting the necks in '08 made them fantastic - at least to my hands and eyes

crispygoat · #4 12-16-2010, 09:37 AM

There's no difference in neck size regarding the Ps?

Billy3000 · #5 12-16-2010, 11:04 AM

They started using a lighter finish so it feels as though the body is allowed to resonate more than the previous years, it doesn't feel like any sound or vibrations traveling through it are absorbed by the overly thick poly finish of previous years. They updated the bridge with the hi-mass bridge which is a little bit thicker and more like a Baddass bridge, seems to help with punch and sustain. They did away with the s1 switch which was problematic and except for on jazz basses nobody liked it. Also the neck, they used lighter tuners, kept the nice smooth, satin finish on the back of the neck, but gave it a tint so it didn't look so anemic. They also gave the front of the headstock a nice glossy finish (that's really just for appearance but it does look nice!) Also the rosewood fretboards I think are finished a little bit, kind of like on rickenbackers, so they're really smooth, and they paid more attention to the fret ends, I think they're rolled fret ends like they had been doing on the American deluxe series necks before 08.

There really are a lot of differences about the 08 and onward American standards. I had really moved away from Fenders for a while before that because I didn't like anything about the American standards of the previous years, and when I played my 08 P bass, first one that was shipped to the raleigh guitar center, I fell in love instantly, charged it to my credit card without thinking twice, and even though it put me in some debt that took me a little bit to work off cause I had no spare money at the time, I don't regret it at all. It's my favorite bass.

Bassamatic · #6 12-16-2010, 12:20 PM

Fit and finish, and consistency. Someone really kicked some butt in the QC department at Fender. My '08 is just a pleasure to hold.

crispygoat · #7 12-16-2010, 12:28 PM

I'm aware a lot of TBer believe that the quality of the Lakland Skylines is somewhat 'better' than the Fender AM STD, would you say that holds true with the post 08 models?

Bassamatic · #8 12-16-2010, 01:17 PM

I have both ( an '08 P and a Skyline JO) and while both are excellent, the P melts in my hands. I think it is all in the shape of the edge of the fingerboard and frets. I have even shown this to non-bass players and they get it immediately.

lijazz · #9 12-16-2010, 01:30 PM

I bought a new AM Jazz STD in November 2008 and I must say it is the best Fender Jazz I have ever played. Aside from all else that has been mentioned regarding the upgraded hardware and fit/finish, I have to also say that it is also incredibly balanced. I feel like I could play it for hours without fatigue. I tried a few custom shop basses prior to buying my jazz and I think the quality is very very close to the custom shop basses. It's my only bass right now and I am completely thrilled with it.

**StrangerDanger** · #10 12-16-2010, 01:38 PM

I bought two basses recently both with return policies. One was a '99 Am St P-bass and the other was an '08 Am St P-bass. Even though the 99 was nice, the '08 crushed it in fit and finish and playability. It wasnt even close. I usually prefer older basses. But this was a no contest. Where it really shined was in tone. The mids are sharp and punchy and the bottom is super tight, no floppiness at all. All the upgrades really do mean something. One thing that wasnt mentioned in this thread is the new cases are the best bass cases Ive ever seen or used. All in all, a perfect bass. Needless to say the '99 went back. It helps that the 08 was NOS so I got it for 30% off (which was less than the '99 by $50!).

Go get one. Immediately.

JonPol · #11 12-16-2010, 01:41 PM

In defense of the previous models, I play an '07 jazz that plays and sounds excellent IMO, better than any of the 08 and later models I've picked up at GC. So while the new fenders are more consistent and have some nice additions, there are older models that can easily play and sound the same or better, just not as many as there are in the new line

crispygoat · #12 12-16-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Go get one. Immediately.

Unfortunately they only had a 5 string P in stock, but I've already ordered a 4 string with a rosewood fretboard!

They also have a '06 or '07 4 string P with the S1 switch (not only does it sound awful when it engaged, I somehow managed to get it stuck in there) and a Lakland Glaub in stock.

I plan on coming out with either the ordered Fender or the Lakland, but I'm leaning towards the Fender!

Thanks guys!

kenfxj · #13 12-16-2010, 01:45 PM

My only complaint about the new American Fenders is purely aesthetic. I've been shopping for one recently and I've noticed several with what I'll describe as cracks in the finish. Straight, parallel lines about a half inch apart only (but clearly) visible in the topcoat. Am I the only one to notice this?

lijazz · #14 12-16-2010, 01:50 PM

Mine has the faint lines in the finish also, only slightly noticeable on the back of the body, but it is most likely due to the thinner undercoat. Not a big deal for me, especially since mine is OLY White, and since everything else about the bass is outstanding.

Musicman20 · #15 12-16-2010, 02:53 PM

They do have 'lines' in the finish due to the thinner undercoat.

My Jazz had it, I was a bit miffed, but Im guessing its quite normal. I think its quite common on the white.

I did sell the Jazz, but now I want a 3TS Jazz. The Sunburst seems to work better with the thinner undercoat....more natural to see the grain lines as well! (Even on my White one, you could see grain lines, which is a bit odd!).

Nice basses. My 09 P is BEAUTIFUL. Thats a 3TS/Rosewood....so now I need the matching Jazz.

Billy3000 · #16 12-16-2010, 08:40 PM

Somebody mentioned the case. I forgot to mention the new cases, but because I've actually had 2 break. Luckily they have a lifetime warranty so I just go to guitar center and get another one, but the plastic latches and handle are pretty cheap and don't hold up too well, especially if you do a lot of gigging with the case being packed with lots of other gear. I've had mine since february 08, and in the first year 2 cases broke, my current case has lasted a lot longer so far, so maybe they fixed what was wrong with them.

Fender4Me · #17 12-16-2010, 08:49 PM

My favorite thing about my '08 Jazz is the feel of the neck. The rolled edge on the fingerboard feels so good. My finish started crazing/shrinking right after I bought it but hasnt degraded any in the past couple of years and appears to be stable. The only issue I have had with my Jazz is that if it sits in the case for a couple of days, the strings go flat. I dont know if it is the tuners or the neck that is causing it. Anyone else had this issue?

**StrangerDanger** · #18 12-16-2010, 09:16 PM

I just checked my finish (Charcoal Frost) and I cant see any lines and I havent had any problems with the case but I just got it, so who knows?

@Fender4me - No, in fact I find the tuning to be as solid as a rock. Mine was in the case for 3 days and just pulled it out tonight and the D was a smidge flat but everything else was perfect. Maybe its the strings?

phillipkregg · #19 12-16-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

I'm aware a lot of TBer believe that the quality of the Lakland Skylines is somewhat 'better' than the Fender AM STD, would you say that holds true with the post 08 models?

The Skylines are excellent. For one thing, you can get a Skyline P-bass with either a standard P type neck or a Jazz neck.

Also, the Laklands have the small "vintage" style frets that I love so much. I'm not sure if Fender uses smaller frets now or if they still use the medium jumbo sized ones.

I like both Fender and Lakland, but those Lakland necks feel mighty good!

Bongolation · #20 12-16-2010, 09:47 PM

I think the current "American Standards" are totally worse than the immediately prior "American" series basses.

Some idiot at FMIC decided to "listen to the buyers" and added features that they shouldn't have and are at cross-purposes.

What I hate:

The high-mass bridge

The laterally too-tight neck pocket (this is wrong, stupid and complicates proper assembly, but people who don't understand Fender instruments think it shows quality build -- which it actually obstructs)

The too-fragile finish

The plated aluminum in the Hipshot machine heads

I would have preferred the final "American" series instrument, hands-down.

The only thing better about the new ones is that they dropped those awful Schaller straplocks.