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Anyone Ever Try The MIM Fender Deluxe Zone Bass?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by B'Aces High, Jun 29, 2003.

  1. Jun 29, 2003 #1
    B'Aces High

    B'Aces High Guest

    Jun 8, 2003
    Canada, North Bay ON
    I was browsin the net and ive seen these things pop up from time to time on distributors sites....but i never find any damn reviews. Hell i dont even see them on ebay.
    Ive never even seen one in person so i have never had the chance to try one out(my local music store is small and crappy)

    Anyone get to try one out? How are they?

    http://www.fender.com/gear/gear.php?partno=0135800
     
  2. Jun 29, 2003 #2
    dgce

    dgce

    Jun 17, 2001
    Massachusetts, USA
    The Zone Mex model really seems to be an update of the old Precision Lyte model they used to make in Japan. I had one of these in the early 90s. In fact I always thought of those Precision Lytes as Fender's shot at the old Guild Pilot bases (sort of a shrunken down Jazz Bass with EMGs--great workhorses).

    The Zone seems to be a fine bass if set up right. I've tried one with way high action that was hard to play. The active electronics did seem to give the ax a lot of range and thump. It killed the Mex Standard Jazz and maybe even out classed the Mex Jazz Deluxe (the one with the active electronics which likely is the same pre-amp as in the Zone though I can't say for sure).

    The bass is smaller and a bit more user friendly with weight and upper fretboard access. However these days there is SOOOOOOO much competition in this price range that can boast the same albeit most of it coming from Asia. The edge that Fender's cost effective Mex made guitars enjoy is their traditional vibe and Fender logo on the headstock. However this Zone bass is quite a departure from "tradition" and given that, why not try out Yamaha, Ibanez, Schecter (kick ass), etc. etc. with super options and competitive price that also breaks "tradition".

    I'd try out a few Zone models and put them head to head with other imports around the price range. The Zones are not bad but there are so many others out there just as good if not better that may even cost less!

    Ron