"Crafted" in California

[brother21]

Using "assembled in _ _ _" sure would make it seem it's made of import parts.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

G'day,

So I'm looking to buy a P Bass soon and came across these Fender Performer PJ Basses and was just curious what exactly "crafted" in California means?

I did a search for this and most people seem to be saying there is no difference between made and crafted, but the fact that this is the only series (as far as I can tell) that is often specified as being "crafted" in California must mean something. Perhaps that they prepare the parts in California and then ship it to Mexico for assembly? Or the other way around?

It's not that important but I'd be curious to know the answer if anyone has it...

What is interesting with my bass is that when I researched my serial number, The Fender site says it is listed as a Japanese model but built in USA, also says Corona on the neck plate and made in USA on the Headstock.

Frankly, I don’t care. It’s a great instruments that plays well, my band mates like, and sound engineers love.

 

[Bassamatic]

It is a percentage of value of the parts that have to be made domestically to allow "Made in USA" but I don't recall the number. 80% maybe? 90%?

"Crafted" and the other euphemisms just sound better than "Assembled".

 

[40Hz]

If the bridge, pickups, wiring, pots, screws, pickguard, neck plate, etc....even if just one of those is manufactured overseas, it cannot read, "Made in USA" anymore.

In California.

 

[Ostie]

Because crafted sounds so much craftier than made. You know, like Arts and Crafts, Craft Brewing, Kraftwerk......

 

[pedroims]

It is due to a law in California that went into effect a couple years ago.

"It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell or offer for sale in this state any merchandise on which merchandise or on its container there appears the words “Made in U.S.A.,” “Made in America,” “U.S.A.,” or similar words if the merchandise or any article, unit, or part thereof, has been entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside of the United States."

So it's the same as if it were to read "Made in USA" a few years back. If the bridge, pickups, wiring, pots, screws, pickguard, neck plate, etc....even if just one of those is manufactured overseas, it cannot read, "Made in USA" anymore.

It was the other way around? California joining the federal standard, when something that is substantially made in the US can be labeled as Made in US, even of one or some of the units are made in other country so iif you made a bass ande the screws are made in China, Fender can labeled the bass as made in United States because the screws are not considered an essential part of the bass.

California Relaxes Its “Made in the U.S.A.” Law | Covering Your Ads® Blog

 

[mikeswals]

Same exact thing happened to Musicman in San Luis Obsipo CA, could not say that anymore. They changed to it say California Heritage.

There was already a thread about all this when it happen a couple of years ago.

 

[garp]

If it was "Made in California" then it could potentially cause Cancer. Until proven otherwise in a legitimate court of law, "Crafted in California" constitutes a valid affirmative defense.

Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney. If you desire to be the lead plaintiff in a massive class-action lawsuit, please consult a qualified legal professional.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

It is due to a law in California that went into effect a couple years ago.

"It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell or offer for sale in this state any merchandise on which merchandise or on its container there appears the words “Made in U.S.A.,” “Made in America,” “U.S.A.,” or similar words if the merchandise or any article, unit, or part thereof, has been entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside of the United States."

So it's the same as if it were to read "Made in USA" a few years back. If the bridge, pickups, wiring, pots, screws, pickguard, neck plate, etc....even if just one of those is manufactured overseas, it cannot read, "Made in USA" anymore.

Yep. Same reason that Music Man instruments say 'California Heritage since 1974' on the back of the headstock instead of 'Made in San Luis Obispo, California, USA'. Still the same product, but the German tuners (I think the preamps are US-made, but I could be wrong) made it so that they could no longer claim 'made in USA'.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

Ah I see, that makes sense. Thanks for the info.

So the Performer series is likely just as "American made" as say the Professional series? Just curious as I don't think I've read the word crafted in relation to the other series (besides Japanese and Chinese made basses etc), just that they are "American".

'Crafted', as I understand it in this context, means 'finished/assembled'. They can't say 'made' if parts or assemblies come from elsewhere.

 

[BaltBass5]

Fender American Performers are in fact US Instruments.

 

[BaltBass5]

Just FYI, the Performer basses S/N starts with "US", and under that is "Corona, California". Pretty sure the tuners are the same as used on the Professional series. They are not string trough, and the pickups are called "Yosemite". I believe the Performer pickups sound better than the Pro series. A littler darker and fuller perhaps.

The Performers also don't appear to have the Posiflex rods as found on the Professional series. I would say you get a lot for the price difference between the Perfomer and Pro series. But I actually like the Performer necks better, and the pickup tone, as I mentioned above.

I own several of both. I’m not a fan of the Yosemite pickups. (FWIW they only sell for about $80 a set new)

I prefer the American Performer Necks and have replaced necks on several of my American Professionals with the American Performer.

Additionally, the Performer is not string thru.

 

[BaltBass5]

It's the same wood, it's all in the hardware. Cheaper tuners, Performer specific pickups (could be made overseas) and has final assembly in the USA plus I don't think you get a case.

"made in USA" = hardware, pickups, string through body + hard shell case...that's where the premium price comes from.

That’s not at all true. The Performer has the same bridge only not string thru. The tuners and electronics are the same but the pickups are Yosemite models and cheaper. No posi-flex in the neck, and a padded gig bag instead of HSC.

 

[Koshchei]

It is due to a law in California that went into effect a couple years ago.

"It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell or offer for sale in this state any merchandise on which merchandise or on its container there appears the words “Made in U.S.A.,” “Made in America,” “U.S.A.,” or similar words if the merchandise or any article, unit, or part thereof, has been entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside of the United States."

So it's the same as if it were to read "Made in USA" a few years back. If the bridge, pickups, wiring, pots, screws, pickguard, neck plate, etc....even if just one of those is manufactured overseas, it cannot read, "Made in USA" anymore.

Meanwhile, Rickenbacker are still "Made in the USA" with their German tuners and French fret wire.

 

[burpgun]

I've got a American Standard Jaguar bass. Neck plate says "Corona, California" and the headstock says "Made In The U.S.A." I assumed it to be all U.S. production, as in a very strong majority is American, not parts made in Mexico and assembled in the U.S. And wasn't there some line of cheaper "American" Fenders that was unambiguously made in Mexico and assumed in the U.S.? Highway Ones or something?

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Meanwhile, Rickenbacker are still "Made in the USA" with their German tuners and French fret wire.

Interesting....
Maybe it’s that 80% thing.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

Ah I see, that makes sense. Thanks for the info.

So the Performer series is likely just as "American made" as say the Professional series? Just curious as I don't think I've read the word crafted in relation to the other series (besides Japanese and Chinese made basses etc), just that they are "American".

Now that you've mentioned it, i'd also like to know what "professional series" means?

 

[Flaked Beans]

it says made in usa on the headstockck of mine.

 

[sgtpepper]

I've got a American Standard Jaguar bass. Neck plate says "Corona, California" and the headstock says "Made In The U.S.A." I assumed it to be all U.S. production, as in a very strong majority is American, not parts made in Mexico and assembled in the U.S. And wasn't there some line of cheaper "American" Fenders that was unambiguously made in Mexico and assumed in the U.S.? Highway Ones or something?

MIA Jaguars were made waaaaaay back when this law didn't exist. That's why it says "Made in the U.S.A." Yes, Highway ones were Mexican made (wood parts) instruments with American electronics, assembled in Corona.

it says made in usa on the headstockck of mine. View attachment 3761246

Same, your bass was made way back when this law didn't exist.

It is funny how you Americans are so proud/stubborn? with all these "Made in U.S.A." thing. Please, don't get me wrong, I'm saying it the best possible way. I admire the love and pride you have for your country.

IMHO I find this a little bit ridiculous by Cali law makers. And to be fair Fender instruments have had parts from all around the world for years, Asia, Germany, Mexico. Tuners are made by Schaller in Germany, for example. A lot of bodies and necks are made in Mexico. So don't give it all that attention, Ultras, Pros and Originals are still made in Corona, CA, USA.

 

[nateh415]

My California made Rickenbacker says, "Made in U.SA."
I dunno, some of my Japanese Fenders say MIJ or CIJ, depends on the year, I think.