Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Fender American Design Experience
- Thread starter ShoeManiac
- Start date
Nice- I live in Mahwah work in MP.
Thanks on the bass- FedEx or Fender messed up on the shipping address and the bass in stuck in Mahwah at FedEx now- Just can't get a break these days!
It is here! I will start a NBD thread once I take some pictures.
I've had it for a week now and have looked/felt it over extensively. I can honestly say say that it looks and feels fantastic. I can find no imperfections or shotty workmanship.
I love it- to be be playing it and then look down and see that LPB.... it's (and I hate to use this word) awesome!
Not sure about the weight- I'd like to weight it but I don't have a scale that will show to the tenth of a pound.
That's good that you enjoy that. Not all of us have the time or desire to do those projects and also appreciate getting the "real deal" straight from the Fender factory (and having the ability to return it if the QC isn't good). I do hope the offerings become more varied in the future (fretless, more colors, etc.), but it's a decent start for non-Custom Shop basses, all things considered. It seems Fender has worked out a number of the kinks already as the ship time and QC have improved dramatically. Better to get the program right before doing too much. I'm very happy with mine despite having to send back the first "draft" I received.
Can you please let me know what the truss rod wrench they sent with your bass looks like? They forgot to include on with my order.
Thanks
Thanks!
Thanks
Can you tell me what the truss rod wrench they shipped with it looks like? The forgot to send one with mine!Well, sorry it took so long to get these posted, but here they are. As described in the posts above, the two primary problems with my ADE bass were (1) excessive router hump on the lower bout and (2) a sloppy poorly finished neck pocket. I learned a lot about router hump during this process and never really knew it was a common thing on certain Fenders despite having owned many MIA Fenders over the years. Neither my current Am Std. Jazz nor my other Am Std. Precision has the router hump.
In any event, it took Fender a LONG time to get my bass back to me. Until the last couple of weeks, I really didn't care as I have plenty of other basses and I'm not playing a lot right now anyway. I was told they made me an entirely new body, which appears to be the case because the grain is different (even better) and it's even lighter than the first version which was about 8.5 Lbs. I haven't weighed this one yet, but I'm guessing it's about 8 Lbs or maybe even slightly under.
Despite the long wait, Fender did make things right. First, the issues are resolved (and now I'm willing to accept a little router hump). Second, they upgraded my case to the TSA case which is much lighter and more comfortable to carry than the standard plywood case. Third, my ADE rep gave me a generous credit in the Fender store which allowed me to buy some merch, an interface pedal, cables, t-shirts, etc.
As a reminder, the specs are: (1) American Standard "Modern" body; (2) Ash Body; (3) Translucent Blonde; (4) American Standard Jazz Neck; (5) '63 Pickups; (6) Custom name plate message (includes my name which I've blocked out).
I have to say, this appears to be the finest Fender bass I've ever played and I'm now very happy. The playability of the Am. Std. Jazz neck on the P body is terrific. It's very comfortable and lightweight. And it sounds...well, like a real P-Bass thumper. Sounds great with slap too. I did change the strings immediately to DR Lo-Rider Medium Steels, which are my favorite and they really made the bass come alive. This purchase will help motivate me to thin my too-large collection over the coming months!
So, despite some initial problems and definite skepticism, I'm ultimately very pleased with my ADE P-Bass.
Thanks!
I believe it's the standard long Fender hex wrench with the red "T" handle. I'll have to double-check though. Maybe I just grabbed one of those Fender hex wrenches, because I have a number of them sitting around from my American Standards.
Did you get an email from an ADE representative after your order? If so, I'm sure he will send you one.
Yes, he said they are going to send me another set of case candy from the ADE Custom Shop. Thanks for the reply!
I got an email yesterday from Fender stating that a change will be coming to the American Design Experience. Here's the text:
COMING SOON... FENDER MOD SHOP
THE NEXT GENERATION OF FENDER PERSONALIZATION
FASTER SHIPPING. SLEEK NEW DESIGN TOOL. SAME FENDER QUALITY.
SAVE YOUR CURRENT DESIGN
We're upgrading the American Design Experience with new options and a new way to share,
save and order your dream guitar.
On the day of the upgrade, we'll be resetting all current configurations.
Make sure to log in to your profile and download your favorite creations or
order today to ensure that you get your exact selection.
COMING SOON... FENDER MOD SHOP
THE NEXT GENERATION OF FENDER PERSONALIZATION
FASTER SHIPPING. SLEEK NEW DESIGN TOOL. SAME FENDER QUALITY.
SAVE YOUR CURRENT DESIGN
We're upgrading the American Design Experience with new options and a new way to share,
save and order your dream guitar.
On the day of the upgrade, we'll be resetting all current configurations.
Make sure to log in to your profile and download your favorite creations or
order today to ensure that you get your exact selection.
Last edited:
Thank you, spelling police.
Ordinarily I would have copied and pasted the text. Given the way Fender formatted the email that was not an option. I've corrected the offending misspelling. I hope this wasn't causing you some sort of episode.
Ha! Thought I was giving to Fender. Would not have criticized an early morning typo.
Can anyone her tell me about the early days (2011) of ADE? I'm curious about the special details no longer offered like 5 bolt necks, p/j configurations, active/passive, etc. Did they always have ADE paperwork/case candy and neckplates?
