Fender American Design Experience

[Tbone76]

The American Special series necks have graphite stiffening rods in them, unless the ADE series necks are somehow different.

 

[boristhespider9]

Well, in any event, I got an Am Std J neck on my order, not the American Special neck.

 

[Tbone76]

Well, in any event, I got an Am Std J neck on my order, not the American Special neck.

Good choice. The main differences are the neck profiles (Standard has the Modern C, Special has the Slim C), and the type of tuners. The Special uses MIM tuners, and the Standard uses Hipshots. The logos are also different (I prefer the Special logo). It's all a matter of preference. I actually like the feel of the Special neck on a P bass compared to the American Standard. The Jazz, however, feels to thin for me in the Special profile.

 

[boristhespider9]

I wanted 1.5 at the nut and they didn't offer an American Special J neck on the build even if I wanted it. They only offered the American Special P and the American Standard P or J necks. I'm an American Standard sort of guy and the American Standard J neck is what I wanted anyway. I also prefer the American Standard hardware.

 

[Tbone76]

I wanted 1.5 at the nut and they didn't offer an American Special J neck on the build even if I wanted it. They only offered the American Special P and the American Standard P or J necks. I'm an American Standard sort of guy and the American Standard J neck is what I wanted anyway. I also prefer the American Standard hardware.

That's weird that they don't offer the American Special J neck, but at least you can get more options than an off-the-shelf Fender. Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Well...I finally did it today! I hope it comes out nice. That's an ash body, vintage/trans blonde, and an American Standard Jazz Neck. I went with the 63 pickups. Got a custom message on the neck plate too. Crossing my fingers that it's lightweight, has a tight neck pocket, and the QC is top notch. Don't let me down Fender or I will swear undying allegiance to Lakland exclusively!

I want exactly the same thing but with a black pick guard. Did you order yet? I'd love to know your experience.

 

[freedomryder]

I want exactly the same thing but with a black pick guard. Did you order yet? I'd love to know your experience.

I DID in fact order this same thing but with a black pickguard! (if you flipped it over anyway ) .. should arrive around the middle of May. Reeeeaally exited to get it.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I DID in fact order this same thing but with a black pickguard! (if you flipped it over anyway ) .. should arrive around the middle of May. Reeeeaally exited to get it.

What does "if you flipped it over" mean?

 

[freedomryder]

What does "if you flipped it over" mean?

see my avatar?
I'm a lefty.

so far so good on my experience with them. emails get answered within a day. not always the answer I want to hear though (lefty problems).

 

[boristhespider9]

I want exactly the same thing but with a black pick guard. Did you order yet? I'd love to know your experience.

I did order it in January. I'm waiting on it...

As for the experience, the ordering was easy and clear. I did get a follow-up email from one of the ADE guys at Fender thanking me and telling me to contact him with any questions. I did ask a few questions about QC, weight, etc. (in part, just to see if they'd respond and were serious about customer service). He actually did respond, so that was positive. So, now I'm just waiting. That does remind me...I need to thin the heard in the meantime and sell off some basses!

 

[boristhespider9]

Well...I finally did it today! I hope it comes out nice. That's an ash body, vintage/trans blonde, and an American Standard Jazz Neck. I went with the 63 pickups. Got a custom message on the neck plate too. Crossing my fingers that it's lightweight, has a tight neck pocket, and the QC is top notch. Don't let me down Fender or I will swear undying allegiance to Lakland exclusively!

Shipped!

 

[Mastermold]

Shipped!

Post some pics when you get it.

 

[boristhespider9]

Ironically, it will arrive on April 15th.

 

[punchclock]

Keep us posted!
As a lefty, I'm really wanting to give this a try but some of the quality issues I've read about are making me hesitant.

 

[boristhespider9]

Keep us posted!
As a lefty, I'm really wanting to give this a try but some of the quality issues I've read about are making me hesitant.

I will be inspecting it very carefully.

 

[boristhespider9]

ooooohhhh

 

[Mastermold]

Well????

 

[9mmMike]

That's cruel, Mr. Spider.

 

[boristhespider9]

Full review to come. Here's another teaser in the meantime. I was pleasantly surprised that they put the American Standard P-Bass Logo on the headstock. Keep in mind that I got an American Standard Jazz neck on this P-Bass. According to the build photo (above), it was going to have a 70s Precision logo, which is what is used on the American Special necks I believe. I had mixed feelings about that. It's a cool looking decal, but at the same time, I didn't want my bass to be confused for an American Special since it's really an American Standard. Details, details.

Anyway, initial impressions of the bass are very good. Trans blonde looks awesome on ash. Even the custom message on the neck plate is cooler than I had anticipated. I will follow-up with many photos and maybe even a video.

 

[freedomryder]

I've tried to wait patiently... No more! Where's your review!