What's with all the routing?

[boyet]

I used to own a 1997 MIA Fender Jazz in black with white pick guard. I got curios one time and took out the pick guard to see what's underneath. I then realized that it is not exactly like the basses in the 60's or 70's where there's only the exact pickup routing for the neck pickup. The pickup routing is so over-sized that it even extends to the control cavity. I understand that this is for upgrades in case the owner decides to get a preamp installed but what about the round hole routed beside the pickup cavity? And why did they extend the routing so wide like that when preamps can actually fit snugly inside the cavity anyway? I think Fender should've just let the owner decide later if he wants to upgrade. It just looks terrible to me.

[michaelstrand]

I like this. gives you options. and you don't see it with the pick guard on, anyway.

[JimmyM]

It's so you can fit either a Jazz or Precision pickup in there. I think it's kind of lame because you can't use it without a pickguard, but I got over it when I had a Jazz routed that way.

[boyet]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

It's so you can fit either a Jazz or Precision pickup in there. I think it's kind of lame because you can't use it without a pickguard, but I got over it when I had a Jazz routed that way.

Exactly. I was actually planning on installing a clear pickguard when I bought the jazz bass.

[Munjibunga]

It's demons. Demons with routers.

[dj5]

It was probably 30 seconds quicker and therefore cheaper for them to do it that way.
All those pennies add add up!

[soulman969]

Put that pickguard back on now! You must not have read the manual. You weren't supposed to look there.

[line6man]

If you're talking about the basses with the soapbar-shape route, extending into the control cavity, that is what companies do to cut costs. It is quicker and easier for a CNC to do that than to route something as intricate as a J pickup, and then have to drill a wire channel.

[boyet]

Originally Posted by soulman969

Put that pickguard back on now! You must not have read the manual. You weren't supposed to look there.

I never even saw the manual...Fender must've stopped printing to save more pennies.

So it is true. They don't really make them the way they used to.

[topcat2069]

It could be so it's easier to install the pickup so it lines up with the pickguard ??? Less difficult than routing a "perfect" jazz pickup route......
C&C s can do anything .....

[meatwad]

I think it would be so to further distance the AmStd line from the AVRI, as well. I suppose they still do this, judging from pics I've seen of '08+ unloaded bodies.

Honestly, the '97 Strat I once owned got such a beatdown over at the Fender Forum for the laminated body and swimming pool route, I traded it out of disgust and will forever avoid the 90's-era Fenders. Yep, I let them get to me...

P.s. - I'm saying all 90's Fenders are bad, but there are those who would... :-(

[boyet]

Is this only with the 90's Fenders?

[Technotitclan]

Can't believe no one said this yet. Its two fold. 1) With a big rout there is no concern of a perfect fit making production quicker and easier. 2) Weight reduction. Less wood = less weight. Gibson has been doing it for decades.

[JTE]

It also allows them to use the same routes no matter which model the bass becomes. Different PUPs? No problem, they have plenty of room. Fewer CNC options means faster production and they can use a stockpile of bodies no matter what they need to produces.

John

[tjh]

there are still offerings out there if your desire is no channel route ...

[meatwad]

Originally Posted by boyet

Is this only with the 90's Fenders?

Don't think so, but it may have started there. Search eBay for Jazz bodies, for general reference.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by boyet

Exactly. I was actually planning on installing a clear pickguard when I bought the jazz bass.

You could still install a clear pickguard.

I'm not sure what the point of a clear pickguard is, really.

[Rebop]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

It's so you can fit either a Jazz or Precision pickup in there.

Only one coil of a P pickup will fit in the neck route (at least the last one I worked on was). Not quite big enough length wise; width is OK though. Just big enough to be annoying if you want to take the PG off.

[JimmyM]

Don't have my 98 Jazz anymore, so I will have to take your word on it

[wvbass]

Originally Posted by boyet

They don't really make them the way they used to.

Actually, this is how they used to do it.