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The Definitive Opinion on Fender's new American Standard Series

patrickshofner

patrickshofner

Sep 6, 2005
750
122
Central Kentucky
#1
Ok, so I've read the very few hands-on reviews that have been posted, and I've watched Fender's promos. I've been jonesing for a passive jazz for a while and I think these just may be the ticket. A tax return plus a 20% off coupon from MF is REALLY tempting me to order one of these.

I think the changes in the line are for the better and I think the case looks phenomenal. For those of you who's local shops are carrying these, are they worthy of the hype?

SO, are these a safe bet?
 
#2
IME, yes. Very. I had always thought the MIA Jazzes were nice (previous gen. w/ the S1 switch), but never really got excited about them. I played an '08 American Std. Jazz at my local GC and it blew me away. It was clearly superior to all the S1 Jazzes I've ever played. To tell you how nice these are, I had a brand new American Dlx Jazz in my hands marked down to $900 that played incredibly and was still considering shelling out the extra $250 for the new American Std. they had. I wound up making the right decision, but the Std. just had this beautiful, natural sound with plenty of Jazz growl. I think it was a case of a few small changes (bridge, finish, tuners, etc.) all adding up to make a big difference. The new case alone is worth the price increase from '07. I would do it.
 
#4
I am sitting here holding a new '08 J 5-string...candy cola red, maple fretboard, alder body... I can't believe how good this things sounds. I seriously cannot say enough about it! It feels great, plays great, sounds INCREDIBLE (not to gush...) and yes the case is way cool too.

This bass will make you reconsider every using active onboard EQ again. I used it on a gig last night and I couldn't be happier.

Sitting here playing along to some of my favorite tunes, it really fills up a track very very nicely. It has all the character you'd expect from a great J bass. The B is unbelievably tight and focused too. I love it, love it , love it!!!

Dude go get one.
 
#6
Surly said:
How do you get a 20% off coupon from MF??? :)
Click to expand...
They sent them to people who bought stuff during their transition to a new warehouse last summer (which caused shipping delays). I have one, it expires at the end of February. Still trying to figure out how I want to spend it...
 
#7
mebass5 said:
I am sitting here holding a new '08 J 5-string...candy cola red, maple fretboard, alder body... I can't believe how good this things sounds. I seriously cannot say enough about it! It feels great, plays great, sounds INCREDIBLE (not to gush...) and yes the case is way cool too.

This bass will make you reconsider every using active onboard EQ again. I used it on a gig last night and I couldn't be happier.

Sitting here playing along to some of my favorite tunes, it really fills up a track very very nicely. It has all the character you'd expect from a great J bass. The B is unbelievably tight and focused too. I love it, love it , love it!!!

Dude go get one.
Click to expand...

Hey! You know the rules! No pics, no bass. :D
 
#8
GregC said:
They sent them to people who bought stuff during their transition to a new warehouse last summer (which caused shipping delays). I have one, it expires at the end of February. Still trying to figure out how I want to spend it...
Click to expand...

Same here.....a new '08 jazz for $920 sounds mighty good to me. You guys are really making me anxious to get my funds in! haha Now I just need to decide on a color/fretboard combo.
 
#17
jonnychicago said:
so - how much better would this be than any previous years? is the only difference the s1 switch? are there any noticeable changes besides its *newness* :)?
Click to expand...

new heavier bridge, new lighter tuners, new lighter finish, no S-1 switch (thankfully), and umm... different pickguard colors. possibly other changes. from what people keep saying it seems like the quality control is better, but in the coming weeks i'm sure we'll find out for sure.

I played one unplugged at NAMM and it felt far better than the previous American line. Didn't get a chance to plug it in though.
 
#19
patrickshofner said:
I've called Mom's Music as well as Guitar Emporium in Louisville. Neither store has them in stock yet. I'm going to try to get up to GC in lexington this weekend.
Click to expand...

Dang. Now it probably won't be around when I get there again! :p :p :p
 
#20
The Phoenix Guitar Center has a number of new Fenders (even though the serial numbers all read 2007). They all have the tortoise shell pickguards (which look really nice). I was impressed with the P-basses I played more so than the Jazzes- the tone was really nice but the Jazzes seemed weak by comparison even compared to the S-1 type I played. They have the kind of bridge the Deluxe models have-with the little retro grooves on the saddles. The tuners were a nice small size. These basses are noticably lighter than the older style wood- much like the Deluxe models. In comparison to the Deluxe models, I preferred the tone and flexibility of the Deluxe Jazz over the passive model. The P-bass (sunburst) was a really nice bass- if I hadn't just bought a new Deluxe V I would have gotten one. This one may be mismarked at $1050.00. They had another for $1150.00 They also have a honey colored Deluxe V and a white 4 string Deluxe.Half of them needed a better set-up but I could see they are real quality instruments.
 

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