Are higher priced Fenders really worth it?

[Alex Lineback]

So the Fender Precision Bass is my favorite model and I personally own two of them. Both are made in Mexico. One of them is outfitted with a set of La Belle flatwound strings and it sounds absolutely fantastic. The only change I have made to the instrument is completely aesthetic (tortoise shell scratch plate). All of the electronics and hardware are fully stock. I had the opportunity to play a custom shop P Bass the other day with the same strings and there is literally no difference in the tone quality, in fact, I actually prefer mine because of the C to D neck radius has better playability than the retro P neck with the super wide nut and U shape neck. This leads me to ask: In your opinion, are American Fenders really worth MSRP?

 

[Bass Man Dan]

I have never paid at or above $1,000 for a bass and I reckon I never will. So my answer is no, at least not for me.

 

[Ryan L.]

To me, yes. My American Elite J5 is one of the best playing and sounding basses I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned/gigged basses costing over 2-3 times what the Fender cost new).

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

No, Fender is just running a big scam on the general public.

 

[JGbassman]

Some are, some aren't.

If you can do a good setup on your bass on your own, thst certainly narrows the gap. Most of the extra money is in electronics hardware, fit and finish. If you can take care of that stuff, it's certainly a lot smaller difference. Of course stock vs. stock, the Mia will always win for resale, given both instruments are in their stock condition and of equal use/ wear.

 

[walking Bass]

I can't comment beyond a preference for my American Performer Mustang vs any other Mustang. Not custom shop expensive, but certainly more $.

 

[CallMeAl]

To me, no. My 2 main basses are a squier and a squier/peavey parts bass. Im just a weekend warrior, but they work/sound/feel great and get me paid. When one of these breaks down, I'll buy a MIM. I'd rather spend the extra cash on amplification.

 

[Burwabit]

If you can’t hear, see or feel a difference, then it’s not worth it for you. For those who can, it is.

 

[Jim C]

IMO:
I think the American made ones are more consistent and usually great.
The MIM stuff is really good but not quite as refined and a little less consistent.
Really dislike the non-rolled neck edge of the MIM; is it really that expensive to add this back in?

 

[Ryan L.]

IMO:
I think the American made ones are more consistent and usually great.
The MIM stuff is really good but not quite as refined and a little less consistent.
Really dislike the non-rolled neck edge of the MIM; is it really that expensive to add this back in?

That’s the one thing that turned me off to the MIM Jazz 5’s-the neck edge. I don’t know if the new Player series has changed that, but if so, I’d definitely give them another shot.

 

[Sean150]

It’s a case of diminishing returns. Earlier this year I was looking for a new jazz bass and compared the player (I have a Jaguar and love it), Performer and Professional. Overall they all played and sounded great. I ended up getting the professional because I liked a lot of things about it a bit better (neck, colour, pickups) so it was worth the cost to me. For someone else it might not. My backup jazz is the Squier VM that I started with and it gives the pro a run for its money.

 

[AngelCrusher]

I have a MIM Jazz from 2017 that is really great and was around $650 new. It needed better pickups though, but it plays every well besides that.

Also have an American AVRI P bass that was $1999 new and I think I got mine for around $1350. It’s an amazing bass. Magical, really to me. Besides great tone and playability, it has something extra that I can’t explain.

I had a MIM Classic 50’s P for while that I thought was excellent. But after a while I realized it just did not have the same extra vibe to it that the AVRI does, so I sold it. I don’t think (or hope) I will ever sell this Pbass. So yes, it is definitely worth it to me.

 

[jd56hawk]

So the Fender Precision Bass is my favorite model and I personally own two of them. Both are made in Mexico. One of them is outfitted with a set of La Belle flatwound strings and it sounds absolutely fantastic. The only change I have made to the instrument is completely aesthetic (tortoise shell scratch plate). All of the electronics and hardware are fully stock. I had the opportunity to play a custom shop P Bass the other day with the same strings and there is literally no difference in the tone quality, in fact, I actually prefer mine because of the C to D neck radius has better playability than the retro P neck with the super wide nut and U shape neck. This leads me to ask: In your opinion, are American Fenders really worth MSRP?

To some people, sure.
With so many other options for the same money or less, Ithough, they're just not for me.
I'll always enjoy seeing a nice Fender, but...

 

[gelinas666]

Yep.. USA models are better build quality and sound good.. ​

 

[Chrisk-K]

The production American models are the best in terms of the quality to price ratio.

 

[Lava]

Um, have you ever played a Fender American Elite P?

 

[Pet Sounds]

Yes, American Fender basses are absolutely worth the extra cost.

 

[Element Zero]

If you can’t hear, see or feel a difference, then it’s not worth it for you. For those who can, it is.

 

[Jscriv]

Both my fenders are parts basses. My jazz has a warmoth neck. I go play a few MIAs at GC once and a while to try and justify getting one, and I can't. There's really no difference. In fact I'd say my P is nicer than any MIA P I've touched. If in going to spend that kind of money I'm gonna buy an EBMM or just get a sweet amp. Maybe a G&L.

 

[Dave Leighton]

Yes. I love my MIM 70's Reissue Jazz and MIM 50's Precision but the fit, finish and feel of my AVRI 64 Jazz is fantastic.