Fender Blacktop Club

[Broham]

Any idea how heavy yours is?

Mine was a reasonable 9lbs-2oz when I first bought it. Now that it's sporting the heftier '70s RI neck, it's up to 9lbs-12oz. Plus, it will likely gain an ounce or two when I get my Hipshot BT2 detuner installed.

I'll weigh it when I get home.

 

[gfen]

They might be there on the website, but you cannot add them to the cart & purchase.

I suspect that BC Rich has a couple, certainly they did. My old Platinum Mockingbird has a set of passive P's in it.

Matter of fact, the reason I bought a Fender BTJ is because I liked the sound of the Rich, I jsut hated its weight, lack of contours, and neck dive.

 

[Broham]

Any idea how heavy yours is?

Mine was a reasonable 9lbs-2oz when I first bought it. Now that it's sporting the heftier '70s RI neck, it's up to 9lbs-12oz. Plus, it will likely gain an ounce or two when I get my Hipshot BT2 detuner installed.

Well, the scale said I was 226 lbs before putting on the bass, and 237.2 after. 11 lbs.- 4 oz. I think I win "the heaviest bass of all time" contest. My BB1200 comes in a close 2nd at 10 lbs -12 oz.

 

[Broham]

Well, the scale said I was 226 lbs before putting on the bass, and 237.2 after. 11 lbs.- 4 oz. I think I win "the heaviest bass of all time" contest. My BB1200 comes in a close 2nd at 10 lbs -12 oz.

Anybody know a good chiropractor in the Jacksonville, FL area? lol

 

[Malak the Mad]

Anybody know a good chiropractor in the Jacksonville, FL area? lol

Forget that! Just lay down flat and have someone rest your Blacktop across your spine. Half an hour later and you'll be three inches taller.

 

[lancimouspitt]

My two Mexicans.

View attachment 614659

That pickguard on the p! Where did you get it?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

That pickguard on the p! Where did you get it?

WD Music was the only place I found that had ones specific for the Blacktop Precision.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I suspect that BC Rich has a couple, certainly they did. My old Platinum Mockingbird has a set of passive P's in it.

Yes. I've seen Warlocks as well with two Passive Precision pickups. My Warlock P/J bass was really light, lighter than the Blacktop Precision.

 

[bassstrangler]

WD music is the place for pickguard, after your first order they will send coupons for up to 25% off your whole order.

 

[bassstrangler]

Blacktop Basses are no longer listed at all on Fender.com. It was nice to snag one of the two Jazz left at Zzounds at the end of December 2014. It would be interesting to see how many of each model and color were made over the duration of the run. Correct me if I am wrong but it was only 2013 and 2014.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Blacktop Basses are no longer listed at all on Fender.com. It was nice to snag one of the two Jazz left at Zzounds at the end of December 2014. It would be interesting to see how many of each model and color were made over the duration of the run. Correct me if I am wrong but it was only 2013 and 2014.

Mine is dated at 2011, but I purchased it, brand-new and special ordered directly from Fender, in 2013.

 

[bassstrangler]

Short run regardless, It would have been nice to see one or two extra colors or some sort of evolution rather than just the two models and two colors. I have other MIM basses and for the Blacktop's price it was a bargain. I think Fender is concentrating on artist models now.

 

[bassstrangler]

Here's the listing I got from Fender on the Blacktop Jazz series if anyine's interested:


Model Name: BlacktopTM Jazz Bass®

Model Number: 014-8600-(Color #)

Series: BlacktopTM Series

Colors: (506) Black,

(523) White Chrome Pearl,

(Gloss Polyester Finish)

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Shape,

(Gloss Urethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5” Radius (241 mm)

No. of Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo Frets

Scale Length: 34” (863.6 mm)

Width @ Nut: 1.50” (38 mm)

Hardware: Chrome

Machine Heads: Standard Open Gear Tuning Machines

Bridge: BlacktopTM 4-Saddle Adjustable HiMass Bridge

Pickguard: 3-Ply Black/White/Black

Pickups: 2 BlacktopTM Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® Pickups

Pickup Switching: None

Controls: Volume 1. (Mid Pickup),

Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),

Master Tone

Strings: Fender USA, Super Bass 7250M, NPS, Gauges: (.045, .065, .085, .105)

Unique Features: Dual Precision Bass® Pickup Configuration,

Vintage Style Jazz Bass Control Knobs,

Silver Spaghetti Fender Logo,

Adjustable HiMass Bridge,

White Dot Position Inlays

Source: Mexico

Accessories: None

U.S. MSRP: $699.99

INTRODUCED: 7/2011

DISCONTINUED:

DISCONTINUED COLORS:

COMMENTS: Uses Standard Gig Bag, P/N 0991422000, (Not Included),

Uses Deluxe Gig Bag, P/N 0991522000, (Not Included),

Uses High-Tech, Molded Rectangular SKB® Case, P/N 0996171506, (Not Included)

WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod Adjustment Wrench, (3/16” Hex), P/N 0038467000,

Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench, (1.5 mm Hex), P/N 0050919000

NOTICE: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice

July 2011, so four serial number years.

 

[Malak the Mad]

July 2011, so four serial number years.

My gut tells me "probably less". It's quite possible they ended production in 2014, but waited until enough of them were shipped out before yanking it off the website.

Either way, 'tis a shame. The news is certainly GAS'ing me up to grab an unloaded White Chrome Pearl body from The STRATosphere. I already have a BT-J wiring harness from him, as well as a Blacktop hi-mass bridge (can't remember who I got that from), just sitting around.

Not that I need anymore basses, but there is a distinct lack of white ones 'round these here parts. I'll bet it'd look absolutely kick-ass with a Japanese Jazz Bass Special neck on it. Y'know…the ones with the black-painted headstock? It'd probably look like a kissing-cousin to the Duff-sig Precision.

This could be all the excuse I need to try out one of those unfinished USACG necks. The compound 7.25" to 9.5" radius intrigues me. I could even use some Minwax PolyShades to put a black finish all along the back of the neck as well.

 

[comatosedragon]

Wow, these things are getting hard to find! (Seriously, have you tried finding one lately?) Such an amazing bass too, IMHO. I bought this one in March from Sam Ash in Richmond, they had two (identical); I honestly wish I had bought both. I only paid $399! (because the model line is discontinued). I would eventualy like to Get the black P model, and the White Jazz (and switch it for a P neck). I debated posting pics the night I got home, but didn't for whatever reason. So I'll do it now. May I have a number please?

 

[hillerup]

Wow, these things are getting hard to find! (Seriously, have you tried finding one lately?) Such an amazing bass too, IMHO. I bought this one in March from Sam Ash in Richmond, they had two (identical); I honestly wish I had bought both. I only paid $399! (because the model line is discontinued). I would eventualy like to Get the black P model, and the White Jazz (and switch it for a P neck). I debated posting pics the night I got home, but didn't for whatever reason. So I'll do it now. May I have a number please?

Are those block inlays fret decals?

 

[comatosedragon]

Are those block inlays fret decals?

Yes, they are. From Jockomo. Like $8 I think?

 

[hillerup]

Yes, they are. From Jockomo. Like $8 I think?

Looking pretty cool!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Wow, these things are getting hard to find! (Seriously, have you tried finding one lately?) Such an amazing bass too, IMHO. I bought this one in March from Sam Ash in Richmond, they had two (identical); I honestly wish I had bought both. I only paid $399! (because the model line is discontinued). I would eventualy like to Get the black P model, and the White Jazz (and switch it for a P neck). I debated posting pics the night I got home, but didn't for whatever reason. So I'll do it now. May I have a number please?

I can't help but notice the purple highlight around the edge of the pickguard. Is that a Sharpie dye-job like I did on my BT Jazz or did you use a different process? Either way, veeerrrrry nice!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Now is as good as anytime for an update to the Master List!

Number 68 goes to @comatosedragon! Welcome to the club and no sleeping on the job, my friend!

#1 StrangerDanger
#2 ShadowVampyre
#3 Fair Warning
#4 unclebass
#5 StephenDaRacket
#6 Johnnywad
#7 hillerup
#8 Auspex
#9 Paradog
#10 VoodooMagicBoas
#11 emdsd
#12 Mmoore2490
#13 Malak the Mad
#14 Rich McCoy
#15 Fernandino
#16 Plectrum72
#17 Aetheriac
#18 Tom-Phil
#19 TimboZ
#20 Rabidrasbora
#21 Karkfum
#22 TheOnlyJuan
#23 Jookbox
#24 Tbone76
#25 gfen (formerly held by oysteivi)
#26 stavros911 (him and his "Aegis"!)
#27 kingofbogarts
#28 ExaltBass
#29 mizzou541 (plastic film and all)
#30 dodokns
#31 Graeme D
#32 BlueTalon
#33 Wallygator
#33.5 AbstractLunatic (So what if it's a Tele…it's still a Blacktop! Here's your honorary number with my compliments!)
#34 pastorjamesc
#35 Petesurvival
#36 MikeyV
#37 Huge
#38 BlkMt
#39 Neil2094
#40 ivorytower
#41 mmukav
#42 Chains
#43 javi_bassist
#44 Fernando Costa
#45 Big Mikey
#46 SCOMan
#47 Princedead
#48 AlarmClock314
#49 xrockstrongox
#50 Top Timmy
#51 EriktheRed
#52 Scungilli
#53 stelles75
#54 fastvee
#55 ynotnv
#56 Sleeq
#57 aksteve
#58 T. Brookins
#59 jg42
#60 bassandkeys42
#61 alfoders
#62 stgabhas
#63 Squittolo
#64 funkometer
#65 bassstrangler
#66 Broham
#67 bdwgml
#68 comatosedragon

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