Explain me the 'Fender is God' thing

[Jefenator]

Fender basses are like old Chevys - you can basically take them apart with a screwdriver.

Ya!!! Or an old Schwinn bicycle.

Coveted for similar reasons: durable, practical AND super cool-looking.

 

[Kenbuntu]

Yeah, I don't get this whole Fender thing either. I'd take any of the new or old Ibanez's of comparable cash value, without thinking about it. But then again, I like modern things, that stick out of the crowd.

 

[mikeswals]

I've been poking around music stores in search for the ultimate 5 string, and everywhere I go somebody, be it hired help or just interested parties is trying to jam some Fender or another down my throat.

While I'm a huge Fender fanatic and own many, my lust only applies to 4 string passive Fenders. I have never liked any Fender 5's.

First thing I'd plant in your hands would be a dual pickup StingRay 5, second would probably be a Spector NS5.

 

[WoodyG3]

Or has Uncle Leo worked the hoodoo on you too?

LOL. I think it's the hoodoo he worked on the basses that did it. They sound good. They are pretty much a sure thing, a known quantity. Fenders are safe.

New or used, it's my opinion that there are better deals out there for the money. Still, I'd never, ever fault someone for buying a Fender.

 

[katri]

The fender bass, it has to be said is an icon in music. It was the first bass and is what everything had to measure up to. I don't yet own a fender but that's gonna change soon

 

[Joe Nerve]

So someone explain why all the hype?

They've been around the longest.

 

[chadds]

For most of my work of love I use a Roscoe. Active electronics are just me. I have these gigs though that require nothing less than a Fender. Then I have to choose between a '51 ri or a '57 ri. Some music just sounds wrong without a Fender. I can get that sound but whoa why try?
Get what speaks for you though.
P.S. G&Ls are the shiznit. Leo kept making instruments. Dude, MusicMan! G&Ls combine the best of the old with the best of the new.

 

[mongo2]

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath and release it slowly.

Keep breathing in long steady breaths.

Relax your shoulders and clear you rmind.

Think of an electric bass.

What was the first bass that popped into your mind?

Go buy that.

 

[IbanezATK]

OK, you don't get it. I don't get tattoos on women.

Others may have different feelings.

I get Fenders AND tattoos on women

 

[Mikio]

well, it's pretty simple

Fender is the best for most people, but that doesn't mean you have to like them.

for me they are AMONG the best possible, though

 

[Dogbertday]

I play Fender because it's the standard. I would love to be able to make a frankenbass that sounds fresh and new and plays amazing and be the only one with it and be able to do things no one else can do (I've had ideas) but the fact of the matter is that I need a funtional instrument... when I get the chance I'll build that bass but for now my Fender P will take care of me and my NEEDS.

 

[Linkert]

As someone else said. Never thought i would become a Fender guy, but after spending some time with them in a music shop i got hooked and i want one soooo bad. Got my Squier VM jazz with Lundgren pickups and it does me well as a substitute.

The Fender sound is sooooo groovy! Funky! Rocky! Jazzy! Whatever!

 

[john turner]

Under bang for your buck, try Rickky's. Around here they're almost the same price, so...

rickenbackers are over 2 grand new, and have a waiting list.

you can get a pretty decent american made fender for half that price, or less, and not have to wait.

 

[motionkid]

Ive had the same Fender Jazz Bass for almost 2 years. Its my main bass and its never let me down. The sound you get from a fender is a sound you cant mimic with any other bass. So many choose Fender because its the best. If there were no Fender basses, bass guitars as we know them would be COMPLETLY different!

 

[Linkert]

rickenbackers are over 2 grand new, and have a waiting list.

you can get a pretty decent american made fender for half that price, or less, and not have to wait.

Waiting list? I see them new in music shops here in Sweden. No retailers in the states?

 

[Drunk Heffalump]

Fender basses sit in the mix really well. If you prefer not to buy Fender, there are some good updates of the Fender sound like Sadowsky, Nash, and of course Lakland (the best in my opinion).

Ah, see, that I didn't know, although I would have assumed a good preamp would have gotten the job done too....
Now I've something to listen for...

 

[Mofo-Kang]

My first reaction when i see a guy playing a Fender and an Ampeg amp in his back line is not a good first reaction....

Yeah, this guy's a real loser, isn't he?

 

[Mofo-Kang]

Yeah, I don't get this whole Fender thing either. I'd take any of the new or old Ibanez's of comparable cash value, without thinking about it. But then again, I like modern things, that stick out of the crowd.

I'm just the opposite. I think Fenders have a classic look that's just "right." Ibanez basses look cheap and "wrong" to me. Strangely, I don't feel the same way about their guitars. I DO think Fender guitars have a similar "right" look, but Ibanez guitars don't bother me the way their basses do.

 

[fretlessguy]

If they are not your cup of tea, then do not buy them. BUT...don't slam on them just because of what some pushy salesman tried to sell you.

Buy what you want. I really don't care what you get either, just as long as you like it and it fits your needs soundwise. In the end, that's all that counts.

FG

 

[RONQUITO]

I get Fenders AND tattoos on women

A big +1 over here...

BTW (to the OP) you have been playing bass for... how long?