Fender - a new company model that would work

[awilkie84]

Could be true, but why isn't that the case for Ibanez and the others? Most people who play long enough to get to the point of upgrade are already familiar with the differences between the models, and already know that the true upgrade comes from the MIA. But you very well may be right.

It seems to be something with mostly American companies. EBMM has followed suit with the SBMM line. Gibson & Epiphone, & Tobias. Certain other companies choose to keep their name on the bass, but designate it with a different series. Lakland Skyline, Sadowsky Metro, Spector Legend/Euro, Warwick Rockbass/Pro. Ibanez follows that model with the Gio lineup, and even their Premium/Prestige to denote upper end lines.

There's no real wrong way to do it but you can get an idea as to why Fender caters to the brand labelling just by looking at those on here who sneer at Squiers and are devout Fender MIA fanatics.

 

[nutdog]

I want one of those P Lytes with EMGs in Daphne Blue with matching headstock. Where do I sign up?

There's only one, so far.

 

[deeptubes]

Sounds like the OP is a hamburger for life guy. I like hamburgers. But, I also like meatloaf, sloppy joes, meatballs, shepherd's pie, tacos, etc. Basic menus expand for a reason.

 

[RED J]

I don't know marketing, my question is, where does it all end ? The used market at all levels is T-totally saturated to the teeth, we all know virtually everybody on this board has 5 or 6 to a dozen or more basses in their arsenal. Can major manufacturers sustain a level of sales on items that basically don't wear out indefinitely ? There comes a point in prosperity where 'unsustainable" becomes a looming threat on the horizon. Isn't this the real issue for these big bloated corporations ?

 

[radioface]

To my knowledge, fender has never offered a fretless 5 or 6 P bass or, a fretless 5 J bass and, has discontinued their fretless 6 J bass. I would like to see those models offered + a fretted 6 P and J. All fretless Fenders should be offered with ebony boards.

 

[awilkie84]

There's only one, so far.

Oh, god! I need a new pair of underpants, now. And I have 10 minutes left before I'm done work.

 

[jd56hawk]

There's only one, so far.

I'm not a Fender guy but I'd trade my car for this!

 

[nutdog]

If you haven't given wilkie a ride home from work yet I might take you up on that.

Also, I think they should offer it in surf green, sonic blue and vintage cream.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I think your model is close to what I'd do. Not exactly the same, but close.

Fender:
MIA only (Fender should be AMERICAN. Sorry - I'm old school. Sue me.)
Three "trim" Levels (Custom Shop, Deluxe, Standard) each with its own set of options - standard having the fewest (color/wood/etc)
Models offered: Strat / Tele / P-Bass /J-Bass/J-5
Market segment/Pricing: Moderatly high to high; $1400+

Squier:
MIM/MIK/MIC
Any model/trim level that will sell
Market segment/pricing: Low to moderate: $400 to $1000

Starcaster
MIC
Basic trim levels
Strat/P-bass/J-bass
Market segment/pricing: Low. $120 to $300

 

[1stchopper]

How about this idea? Fender copies G&L. 2 Lines, 'american, and overseas. American version gets the options menu, and the overseas version just gets limited color choices. Or You could just buy a G&L. Not fender bashing at all. I love my p bass. But fender is seriously bloated with items that look the same to the non talk bass community,

 

[awilkie84]

I think your model is close to what I'd do. Not exactly the same, but close.

Fender:
MIA only (Fender should be AMERICAN. Sorry - I'm old school. Sue me.)
Three "trim" Levels (Custom Shop, Deluxe, Standard) each with its own set of options - standard having the fewest (color/wood/etc)
Models offered: Strat / Tele / P-Bass /J-Bass/J-5
Market segment/Pricing: Moderatly high to high; $1400+

Squier:
MIM/MIK/MIC
Any model/trim level that will sell
Market segment/pricing: Low to moderate: $400 to $1000

Starcaster
MIC
Basic trim levels
Strat/P-bass/J-bass
Market segment/pricing: Low. $120 to $300

Blegh...I'm sorry, but that "oldskool" attitude will alienate 3/4 of Fender's customers...

 

[lavmonga]

There's only one, so far.

We settled it that Fender should only produce this one. Right?

 

[Laughing Hyena]

Way too many options right now. Select, Hot Rod 60's, American Deluxe, American Special, 50's, 50's Classic Series, etc, etc. I don't know how anybody could make heads or tails of it. I agree that they need to trim the fat.

 

[Burwabit]

More selection = more space in the store to keep out the competition

 

[buldog5151bass]

The reason fender will NEVER do this is that a big part of upgrading from a Squier is acquiring that Fender label. So, they charge more for a Fender label. People buying Fender VMs or CVs are going to be less likely to upgrade to a Standard or American when they all have the same headstock label.

I never said get rid of Squier - that is the student line. Second line is the import Fender, then #3 is MIA.

IMO, you've cut TOO much. Personally, I believe that standardizing & consolidating the naming of different instruments would solve the problem entirely. Do it like this:

SOUTH ASIAN
Squier Affinity
Squier CV

MEXICAN
Fender Standard
Fender Classic

AMERICAN
Fender American
Fender Vintage
Fender Custom

All those off the wall "models" could fall into 1 category listed above & then just have a couple options for pickups, colours, etc inside each category. Artist models would fall into 1 of those categories, too, and just be an upcharge on the base of that model group. This also makes it really easy to keep the Jaguar, Jazz, Coronado, Mustang, Precision & Telecaster.

Not bad, but I still think too much. When was Fender king? 1960s. What did they have then? Less than what I am suggesting.

 

[buldog5151bass]

More selection = more space in the store to keep out the competition

What you are suggesting is to much. No one but thebiggest stores can afford this much $$$ and wall space. What is the biggest complaint about music stores? No smaller, independent stores can stock big names. This is one reason.

 

[awilkie84]

I never said get rid of Squier - that is the student line. Second line is the import Fender, then #3 is MIA.



Not bad, but I still think too much. When was Fender king? 1960s. What did they have then? Less than what I am suggesting.

You can't compare today's instrument market to the 60s. There were only a handful of makers at that time and VERY few models. In today's saturated market, Fender's only trying to compete with every company they can. I, personally, think that they'd lose out on too many customers if they only had 2 models and 2-3 levels.

 

[awilkie84]

What you are suggesting is to much. No one but thebiggest stores can afford this much $$$ and wall space. What is the biggest complaint about music stores? No smaller, independent stores can stock big names. This is one reason.

The other challenge is that the big stores only stock a 2-3 mexican fenders, 6-10 Squiers and about the same in Americans. You're not seeing the model saturation.

 

[buldog5151bass]

But fewer models would allow them to carry more of each. I just think if they slimmed down the numbers, quality would go up, prices down, and more stores could carry them. All I ask in return is fewer cosmetic options, and getting rid of low selling models.

 

[grrg63]

I never said get rid of Squier - that is the student line.

Why would Squier only sell "student" models when they have been successfully expanding their product range and customer base year after year?

When was Fender king? 1960s. What did they have then? Less than what I am suggesting.

When wasnt Fender king? Is there a company or corporation selling more instruments internationally than Fender?

Since when do customers want less selection?