• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Doubt on Fender Flea Bass

ElBarto

ElBarto

Nov 7, 2017
40
33
33
Italy
#1
Hi everyone.
I want buy a Fender Flea Jazz bass, I tried it in a music store.
I love the sound of this bass, the neck and the relic look, but... the action was really hight specially on the higher note and the bass was not confortable to play from 12 fret onward. I would like to know from who bought it and who tried it if the Flea bass it's a good bass and if is possible to make a good action.
Thanks and sorry for my bad english.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GregC and Bass Man Dan
#2
It's typical for music store demo basses to have poor setups. I wouldn't worry, but I'll let those who actually own Flea basses speak up...
 
  • Like
Reactions: GregC
#7
I own one of these and it plays really well. Currently it's my number one. Im pretty content with it being my go to indefinitely at the moment. I had to set it up when i got it but a musician in my opinion should know how to setup their respective instrument of choice. The pickups are nice. I sanded my neck down a bit more. I think given these have been out a while, they should be more affordable used vs when then initially came out. I'd consider them if you're on the fence.
 
#9
ElBarto said:
Hi everyone.
I want buy a Fender Flea Jazz bass, I tried it in a music store.
I love the sound of this bass, the neck and the relic look, but... the action was really hight specially on the higher note and the bass was not confortable to play from 12 fret onward. I would like to know from who bought it and who tried it if the Flea bass it's a good bass and if is possible to make a good action.
Thanks and sorry for my bad english.
Click to expand...

Actually most instruments are not set up optimally from the factory.

That is something you have to count on having done or doing yourself after you buy them.

It's kind of unfortunate since it's hard to get a proper impression of an instrument that is not set up properly, but non the less that is how things usually are.

Getting a lower action on the bass you otherwise like can be done fairly easy though since the saddles where the strings rest on at the bridge are made so that they can be adjusted, back and forward for intonation and up and down for setting the action.

In other words all you need to do to get a comfortable action is to lower the saddles.

Be aware though that you will probably need to adjust the relief of the neck and before mentioned intonation as well.

Not too expensive to have done, and some music stores even offers a free set up when you buy a new instrument from them.

Ultimately you should really take the time and learn how to do it yourself, and actually it is not really that hard, tons of good guides on how to do it too on the net, be it written instructions with illustrations or YouTube videos taking you through the process of setting up your bass step by step.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ghastly
#10
I played one in a music store here in SF and it was at a "blowout" price - if I needed a nice playing/sounding Jazz bass I would have bought it. Unless a bass has an issue like a warped neck - a proper setup is all that is needed.
 
#11
Thank you all for the help!
I bought it one month ago, and now with a good setup is a fantastic bass!!
The neck is very comfortable with a low action and i love the sound of vintage pickups!
28276461_1927935880550353_4834771441963226286_n.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: scuzzy

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back