Fender American Original

[graphics1988]

I understand what you're saying here, I guess I didn't think of the 'reissue' tag.

My line of thinking was that a P bass is essentially a P bass, which is essentially a P bass. Be it a reissue, a signature model, an American Professional, American Standard, etc, it's essentially still the same body, same pickups (with some variation, but same configuration and basic design), same neck with minor shape, width and fret variations.

Does that make any sense? Not arguing or bashing Fender in the slightest.

Agreed. Unfortunately though, whenever Fender tried to re-create or re-design something "newer or fresh", it failed to the masses and was considered a flop. (re: Dimension)...its almost as if they're hands are somewhat tied.

I have a couple MIA P's, AND a Dimension IVHH......the Dimension (albeit a masses "flop"), is probably one of my fav basses to noodle around width - it's easy to play, great neck and has a ridiculous variety of tones. Having said that - the QC originally had some fret issues and a input jack short. Warranty covered that -

Infact, now that im thinking about it...my AVRI 63P, which i bought brand new, went back for some weird fret buzz and dead notes...(after having it a week) and they had to replace the entire neck! So, maybe its GOOD that Fender re-releases the same models year after year and tightens their QC. lol

I dont tend to be "brand loyal" in any sport/hobby...i buy what I like or suits ME.... Prob why i have Spectors, Fenders, Dingwalls, G&L, and a Wal.

My 1970 Fender P, of ALL my basses, does have one of the most stable necks in my fleet - luckily - cuz truss rod adjustments suuuuuuck having to take the neck off. So having some vintage goodies and some updated (truss rod) goodies, is my interest in that line up.

Regardless to what anyone buys (non-fender), they are still (and likely always WILL be), the benchmark everyone compares too. IMO

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I saw a "original" P bass at Guutar Center over the weekend. Have to say I was less than impressed. I didn't even play it. I picked it up and if you just told me to try it, I would have guessed that it was a low end Squier bass, not a $2k bass. IMO, the American Professional is a much better instrument. YMMV.

 

[bassebruno57]

Here my complete demo of the Precision '60s

I'm playing at 3min :

 

[MrZoo]

I know there are a number of naysayers when it comes to this bass (and I can definitely understand the arguments), but after watching this video, I've got to say, the bass looks and sounds killer.

 

[scotch]

Im open minded, but personally not attracted to the new lineup. Im sure they will be quality, solid basses if not a tiny bit expensive in their feature class. Not really historic, not really modern. I wonder if used AVRI prices will tick up modestly?

 

[gjohnson441496]

Fender, as far as I'm concerned, finally came up with a new line that I'm interested in. I'd like that 70's Jazz to match my 70's Precision (see avatar). Plus, I like the simple nomenclature they gave it... American Original. Nice.

 

[Funky Flunky]

I think that the Vintage Reissues have been available now for so long that they are starting to enter "vintage" status themselves. It starts to seem a bit silly and meaningless..."Here's a vintage Vintage Reissue 62 Precision." It's a bit like when an artist starts to become a copy of or tribute to themselves...maybe then it's time to move on. They had to make a change to how reissues are perceived both now and down the line. So, rather than reproduce specific years and offerings maybe by thinking more in terms of "eras," 50's P Bass, 60's Jazz, etc., create a new series with it's own identity that has promise for continued appeal years from now. A 30 year old vintage "American Original" would still make sense to me...might even be cool. A 30 year old vintage "American Vintage Reissue" sounds a little bogus.

In any case, that American Original 60's P in Lake Placid Blue is really speaking to me.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Here my complete demo of the Precision '60s

I'm playing at 3min :

I like your videos. I watched the one you did of the AVRI 63 a few times before I got one.

 

[Slaphound]

Is it safe to assume that Fender did not do anything, bass wise, new besides the American originals? I thought that the MIM standards may get some sort of an upgrade. Or the Classic Series. Nothing was discontinued? Color added?

 

[dtyndall]

Is it safe to assume that Fender did not do anything, bass wise, new besides the American originals? I thought that the MIM standards may get some sort of an upgrade. Or the Classic Series. Nothing was discontinued? Color added?

Judging by their appearance at NAMM yesterday, this certainly seems to be the case. I've only seen the American Originals, a couple out-of-my-price-range Custom Shop/Master Builds, and a 51 P bass with P/J pick-ups.

 

[GreyBeard]

The 70 Jazz looks like a lot like a now discontinued American Special Jazz, other than the fingerboard. Same looking hardware, same non-thru-body non threaded bridge, same open tuners.

 

[Slaphound]

Judging by their appearance at NAMM yesterday, this certainly seems to be the case. I've only seen the American Originals, a couple out-of-my-price-range Custom Shop/Master Builds, and a 51 P bass with P/J pick-ups.

I have not seen a 51 P bass with P/J. Was that something you've seen at the show? It' not on the web page.

 

[dtyndall]

I have not seen a 51 P bass with P/J. Was that something you've seen at the show? It' not on the web page.

Yeah, check out the Parallel Universe range.

 

[gjohnson441496]

The 70 Jazz looks like a lot like a now discontinued American Special Jazz, other than the fingerboard. Same looking hardware, same non-thru-body non threaded bridge, same open tuners.

That's what I like about it. 70's vibe with a "few" modern updates.

 

[stringtapper]

I decided to go for a '63 American Vintage P because they've gotten a price drop since the Original line was announced.

Can anyone who has experience with the last Vintage line speak to how they compare to the regular MIA Precision?

 

[markbvt]

I've got a 2001 AVRI '62 P-bass, and I think it's considerably nicer than an American Standard. Part of that is subjective because I like the feel of the vintage neck and nitro finish better. But from an objective standpoint, fit/finish are superb, it was nicely set up out of the box, and it's just plain a super nice bass.

--mark

 

[Mike Vee]

I decided to go for a '63 American Vintage P because they've gotten a price drop since the Original line was announced.

Can anyone who has experience with the last Vintage line speak to how they compare to the regular MIA Precision?

If you mean the american professional range the 63 is so much more vibey. The american pro series is very nice but a bit sterile. I bought an american pro and returned it for the 63 - i got double the value IMO. The 63 is just so shaging amazing.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I decided to go for a '63 American Vintage P because they've gotten a price drop since the Original line was announced.

Can anyone who has experience with the last Vintage line speak to how they compare to the regular MIA Precision?

Yes. The AVRI has a beefy neck and vintage frets and the regular mia has a slightly thinner neck and larger frets. The AVRI has a much better tone IMHO. Also the AVRI has a nitro finish and the MIA has a polyurethane finish.

 

[Mike Vee]

Yes. The AVRI has a beefy neck and vintage frets and the regular mia has a slightly thinner neck and larger frets. The AVRI has a much better tone IMHO. Also the AVRI has a nitro finish and the MIA has a polyurethane finish.

IMO, the nitro finish makes a HUGE difference in the feel, look and even smell of the instrument. It feels like an old school hand crafted instrument. The AM Pro is really nice though. Could always do a mod shop american pro too.

 

[bassebruno57]

Here my complete demo of the Precision '50s

I'm playing at 2.50min :