Fender American Professional II Neck

[Critter Music]

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

I have a 2020 Pro II Precision and the neck and body are flush as it should be. Just FYI since you were asking other owners.

 

[BlueTalon]

Well, it's hard to describe what it feels like. But as you can see in the pictures it's a bit rough- that's what it feels like when I
let my fingers run past it. The 90 degree angle makes it feel a bit 'sharp'. Maybe sharp isn't the right word for it.

I'm not sure if it will cause issue's down the road, that's why I created this thread. I really needed some feedback from
professional players.

I think "sharp" is probably a very good word for it. It's one of those things you shouldn't have to think about at all, and if you are thinking about it, it's a bad sign. I certainly wouldn't put up with it. You paid good money to get a bass that shouldn't have to immediately be reworked.

 

[BlueTalon]

Although there seem to be very poor quality control cases - especially in the USA - it may just be a misleading impression. I moved to Lisbon a few years ago, I couldn't bring my gear, I've already bought 3 impeccable Fenders MIA here, in German online stores. No details, perfect. I bought a Strato MIM in Portugal, online, also perfect, as well as a Gretsch guitar made in Indonesia, also perfect.

I have two Sandbergs, they are German, but they were bought online and they also arrived impeccable.

I think that might have something to do with the pride and integrity of the shops you bought those basses from, also. Some shop owners are more willing than others to check the quality of the things they sell.

 

[vaesto]

FYI, this bass guitar was purchased online from a large store in Germany.

Is it Th***nn? Then they have super return policy. The only problem is they may have no spare bass in stock and you'll have to wait a lot (see the expected date of arrival for most basses there).

As you've already mentioned this defect not only visual but also it is felt by hand when you play there. This is definite show-stopper and I'd return it for the replacement or fix if available.

 

[MtManiac]

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

I wouldn’t have bought it. Probably nothing functionally wrong, but I wouldn’t like it.

 

[Rnr..........4]

Crazy, just got a 2021 Am pro II Precision from a well known online dealer and have the same issue. I will post some pics later tonight or in the morning. It's not sharp, it's just not flush and so running the hand from the top of fretboard down you hit a ridge of the neck pocket (like in your pictures).

Very disappointing to say the least. This one also had a case with one of the latches not correctly molded so it's hard to push in slightly. I also see a small paint defect under the clear coat on the back. These basses are $1599 too.

Debating whether to return it. I've wanted an Am Precision in olympic white for a good while now but wasn't aware this un flush edge was a big concern?

As for the V-II pickups. I like them.

 

[InstantEctobass]

Thanks for the reply's everyone, i'm learning a lot. I just took some new pictures after seeing the pictures in this thread, so it's easier to compare.

I also received some comments about the fretboard being dirty. The guitar was bought new, received it yesterday .. is this just factory wood dust ?

Edit:
Fender mailed me back stating that "it might be out of tolerance, and you should visit a Fender dealer and let them check it out" ...

Man, that rosewood is so scratched. Return it.

 

[Rnr..........4]

Here is mine. Have the same issue. Don't know if it's a big deal but everything else looks ok. Strings line up? Rosewood is a little dry/marked.

Any opinions?

 

[Rnr..........4]

I like the bass a lot and don't really want to return it and gamble with the next one lol.

 

[Rnr..........4]

Well it's 2023 and sure enough.. bought another one after returning the previous one in 2021. The same freaking issue. It plays and sounds great but the neck has the ledge/protrusion again.

 

[PBassAcidJazz]

You'd really think Fender would have been able to sort these very basic issues out at some point in their rather long history. I have a couple of American Standard Precision basses which are very tidy. Also have a Japanese Jazz which is good. It's possible that the 5 point neck pocket is causing some issues - perhaps expansion of the wood in the area that is not bolted expands in some conditions causing a distortion.