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Best American Made Bass?

Fletz

Fletz

Jan 16, 2009
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New Jersey
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#1
I am very fortunate to have saved, traded and sold enough gear over the last couple years as I've been back as an active bar band bassist to build what I think is a collection of the best current "production" Made in America basses:
The Music Man Stingray
The NEW Fender American Deluxe Jazz
The Rickenbacker 4003
The 2008 American Standard Fender Precision Bass

As my quest for more basses than I can actually play continues, either (a) concur and comment about the fact that, yes, I have it covered or (b) whet my appetite for
more GAS and tell me what I am missing and why.

Discuss... :)
 
#2
Pix of the wall of fame in my man cave.
 

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#6
The "best" bass on earth won't do you any good if it doesn't fit your needs. You should define your goal a bit more stringently before going down this path, because you'll be hard pressed to find a bass that satisfies you in every aspect. Is it aesthetics, tone, build quality, history, or what?
 
#11
treekiller said:
For the money, the American Standard Fenders are some of the best production basses ever built. My 2010 Am. Std. P is the best bass I have ever owned!
Click to expand...

It's funny - I CANNOT find a Fender American P-Bass that I like as much as my 2008 MIA. I really think it is one of those magical basses that just feels right in every way. No matter what basses I bring to a gig - I always end up with that bass in my hands...

So, I agree. And the MIA Deluxe Jazz is pretty amazing too.
 
#13
Fletz said:
It's funny - I CANNOT find a Fender American P-Bass that I like as much as my 2008 MIA. I really think it is one of those magical basses that just feels right in every way. No matter what basses I bring to a gig - I always end up with that bass in my hands...

So, I agree. And the MIA Deluxe Jazz is pretty amazing too.
Click to expand...

Yes, 2008 was the year that Fender got its groove back. the 2010 Am. Std. are part of an unbroken line leading from the 2008s. I bought a 2008 Am. Std P-Bass, and it cured me of 20 years of Fender hate.

'Made in America' *generally* means nothing to me for a variety of reasons, But these American Standards are, in my opinion, the best production-line Fenders being made right now.

My four would look pretty different from yours, since I haven't yet found a Music Man to love, and I'm completely Ric-averse, but in terms of American icons, you've got a nice spread there. I'm not sure if you really want to try a Lākland. You'll probably end up spending a *lot* of money in short order if you do.
 
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#19
+1 on G&L. I own a US model and have owned a Tribute. Even the Tribs are fine quality.

Lakland has to be in there. I think Sadowsky has to be there too, but I don't know how his basses would qualify for "production".
 

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