• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

fender: why are highway one cheaper?

alexbib

alexbib

Supporting Member
Apr 8, 2009
208
206
Connecticut, USA
#1
Why are Fender Highway One basses less expensive than american standard (or even many of the MIM ones?) As I understand it, they're also made in the US, they have a graphite strenghtened neck, and a Badass2 bridge, which seems to be considered as superior the the standard Fender bridge.

I'm thinking of eventually getting a 4 string Fender, and I really like the road worns, or classics, for that matter, but the Highway One seems to have better features for a lower price. I haven't been able to try one yet, but I'm wondering if there's a catch.
 
#4
No catch, I've played on many and it's a good bass. Maybe it's cheaper because it's not completely "traditional".

Now I'm not a fan of nitrocellulose because polycrylic is superior and I want my basses to always look new.

If you like one, get one, because they are a bargain for an american fender, especially now. Why they are cheaper is a good question.
 
#6
Fender gig bag instead of an SKB case, for one thing. Also, I believe that flat, thin finish is less costly. And limited color choices, as well as one choice of fretboard wood, make for economies of scale.
 
#10
The primary differences:

- 70's style headstock designs/decals
- Flat, thin nitrocellulose finish
- Greasebucket Tone circuit

The nitro finish is very thin and easily wears off. It isn't pure nitro, though. Underneath is a natural alder body finished in a thin layer of poly.
 
#11
Highway ones are great basses and if I had the money for one and a replacement maple neck I'd be all over another one!

They have MIA necks which play like a dream and the BADA$$ bridge means you can get the action low as you like :)

I don't know if the body is MIA, can't really check as far as I'm aware, but as long as the neck is straight and tight in the pocket they're amazing basses. They've got a great vintage warm and growly tone from the alnico single coils.

Nitro isn't for everyone but I like the matt finish which after less than a year of regular playing is wearing thin and looking like a road worn bass already without the price tag :bassist:
 
#17
I got one of the early models (2003), when they were called "Highway 1" and didn't have the Leo Quan bridge. It cost me $500 new. I've put nearly that much into it for an Allparts Maple neck, the Badass bridge, a set of Seymour Duncan Antiquity IIs, a tort pickguard, and a hardshell case. It plays like a J and sounds like a P, and the maple neck/tortoiseshell/sunburst combo is pretty.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back