Fender American Professional II Neck

[nphinity]

Hi!

I just received a brand new Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass in Olympic White and have a question regarding my new bass (I'm not a professional). At the lower part of the neck, where it is attached to the body, is a small ridge. The body and neck are not flush and I was wondering if this is 'normal' as I do not have another bass guitar to compare it to.

Also, as you can see in the pictures, the small 'ridge' (i don't know what to call it) is just painted and has no smooth finish on it. This makes it feel a bit sharp ... is this 'normal' and to be expected ?

Wondering if you guys could give me some clarity on this and make me feel better about my purchase. Maybe i'm way to nitpicky, but it was a pretty expensive purchase... so yeah

IMAGES:
Fender AM Pro II - Neck / Body

 

[sleddogn]

Depending on how hard a return is for you, i'd definitely consider it. That is annoying issue you have on it for sure.

 

[TrevorG]

How is the string alignment with the pick up poles and the neck? I’d decide on that and playability first but no, what you have is not the norm.

 

[nphinity]

Thanks a lot for the replies guys! I'm learning a lot. I also send out a mail to Fender earlier and asked them about this- will share once I receive a reply. Ok, so this is not the norm. For future reference, does this look 'way off' the norm ?

I really appreciate nice hand build products, that's why I splurged out the extra money for an American Professional II. I ordered a American Performer a couple of months back, but had to return it due to a lot (!) of flaws in the finish. Hence why i'm a bit cautious with my new Fender purchases.

 

[marchone]

It looks like a poorly fitted neck pocket with fill of some sort. Maybe the CNC jig moved.

 

[nphinity]

Yes indeed. I also thought about the body moving on the CNC machine. To be honest, I was expecting a bit better 'post production' checking from Fender. Especially on these high-end models, that's why I was feeling like I was nit picking.

I would appreciate it if anyone can post up some picture so I have a (future) reference.

 

[marchone]

The bottom pic of yours looks a lot like my hand-fitted 1969 Telecaster. The body is proud of the neck on the open side of the neck pocket.

 

[nphinity]

> The body is proud of the neck on the open side of the neck pocket.

What do you mean by this ?

 

[Geri O]

I see nothing that would concern me or make me consider returning it.

 

[nphinity]

How's your Fender Geri O ? Do you have something similar ?

 

[marchone]

> The body is proud of the neck on the open side of the neck pocket.

What do you mean by this ?

Here is what I mean. But yours is not a vintage bass. I would send it back.

 

[Glennbassmann]

Send it back that is not acceptable at that price if that's out of alignment you will have problems...

 

[Jazzkuma]

I would return if you have that option. Im no luthier but these are expensive and it seems like a problem which would be difficult to fix depending on where the issue is exactly.

 

[Ihaveshingles]

wow, those who keep buying fender after the well known qc issues as of late are glutton's for punishment

 

[shnapper]

This is why I feel extremely lucky to have found the bass I just bought. It was local and I could look it over first. I’m not sure what it cost, but whether it was $5 or $5000 I’d send it back. It’s your money and if you don’t like the build quality then it’s a no go.

Edit/Update..

I went to reverb and looked at every AD for this model and don’t see another that has a fit quite like the ops. Return it and get another, hopefully it will have been QC’d by someone other than Stevie Wonder…

 

[Mike Vee]

I have owned a lot of Fender basses and I've never personally seen such a thing. I would absolutely return it, especially on an expensive American Professional II.

 

[DuluthDank]

On a used instrument i wouldn't care, and i'm sure this doesn't impact the sound or anything. But on a brand new, somewhat expensive instrument inside of a return window I'd bring it back. If I sold it down the road it I'd hate to have to put some sort of disclaimer about a funky CNC cut.

 

[Circuitt]

Think I got a 2018 fender player P bass.
Seems well built. What is this fender QC issue anyways ? I was thinking of picking up a new USA professional neck. Now I’m worried.

 

[Rick_Bass]

I would return it and find an old great condition used bass from Fender and NEVER buy anything new from them again.

 

[Grizelda100]

For that price point I'd return it.