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Fender Custom Shop Club

Hey Everybody,

Let me first start off by apologizing to the group. If I have offended anyone by being rude or by saying something insensitive, I sincerely apologize. Unfortunately, I sometimes loose self awareness when I'm passionate about what I'm talking about or in trying to make a point. However, there’s nothing I would like more than there to be good vibes with everyone here.

Regarding the comments: “Nobody can stop one from ordering a '59 P in 2TSB or Candy Tangerine, period-accurate or not.”

and...

“Color doesn't mark the year-model of the bass. :)


I would like to state that I would never intentionally impose my will or views on anyone regarding what bass they can purchase or what features they should have on their bass. If there is somewhere in the thread I did that or communicated that, it was wrong and I sincerely apologize.

The intention of my comment to slick_tu about the changing of 2TSB to 3TSB in 58 was solely for a historical reference, and was not an attempt to tell him what he could or couldn't have. However, my suspicion is I have failed at that, and if that's the case, I apologize.

So what the heck was I doing and why did I feel it necessary to state any history?

Here was my thinking: As I'm sure everyone knows, relic basses and guitars were started to mimic vintage Fender guitars and basses, and unfortunately there are those who swindle others with fakes. Whether it be viewed as good or bad, I like to share what I know about the history of these instruments if for no other reason that it may prevent someone from getting ripped off in the future. I am thankful to those who have shared information freely here at TB like John Kallas and The Bass Clef, who are a wealth of knowledge. It is for this same reason that I share what I know as a sign of thanks for all that has been shared with me. Pass the baton so to speak.

In the FCS thread there's the benefit of knowing we are talking about CS basses, but if someone where to be looking for an original 59, it would be good to know what appointments to expect. Also there are members here who own vintage instruments, so the comments to history hopefully will benefit some who may be also in the market for a vintage bass.

So just to reiterate, I support 100% the idea that anyone should be able to purchase a bass with whatever combination of features they wish. After all, it is in the spirit of what the Fender Custom Shop is all about.

As you know, I had recently written about what I have considered (and no one else has to agree with me) inconsistencies in Fender's product line for no other reason than it makes it difficult (for me) to speak about a model when there are exceptions in specs and appointments. This is a good thing for us players as everyone can get what they want, but not so easy when trying to explain features of a model to someone else.

I would refrain from calling these differences in appointments inconsistencies, if it was what the costumer or dealer ordered. But if there is something like forearm wear on a Lush Closet Classic finish, it would be helpful to see photos on Fender's site, showing variances so customers will know what can be expected. It may be off putting for a customer who purchased a Lush Closet Classic finish, never seeing an example with forearm wear, to receive their long awaited bass that had it. This may not bother some customers, as someone previously mentioned that this is the state in which the bass will end up over enough time. But to others who want a lighter relic look, this could be a problem.

My hope here is that we could all have an honest conversation about the basses we love without strife, even when there may be differences in opinion. These are just my thoughts, and I don't necessarily think anyone should agree with them - although my hope would be that people could at least can see how I arrived at my perspective, whether they agree with it or not.

My comments were never meant to take away from the quality of Fender products or diminish the value and enjoyment of what they have brought to the world. I am truly a huge Fender fan.

Hopefully this explanation has not nullified my apology in anyone's eyes. If it has, or if there is any remaining unrest I can help resolve, there is nothing I would want more than to mend it. You can't please everyone, but if there is something I can do to clean up my side of the street, I'm all for doing it.

Best wishes to all.
Nicely worded :)

hey - here is my SFT i just received with my "lush CC" with the forearm wear :) .....not sure if there are any surprises or inconsistencies with the paperwork vs bass completed - im not overly knowledgeable on the CS stuff yet - please chime in with opinions etc, as thats the only way i will learn ...thx
 

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Nicely worded :)

hey - here is my SFT i just received with my "lush CC" with the forearm wear :) .....not sure if there are any surprises or inconsistencies with the paperwork vs bass completed - im not overly knowledgeable on the CS stuff yet - please chime in with opinions etc, as thats the only way i will learn ...thx

Thanks for sharing the rider. It appears from the Body Notes the finish is lacquer (LAC) and that it is a relic aged black. It would appear this is not a Closet Classic Finish, if for no other reason, that it doesn't state that it is and that is states it is relic aged. Aside from that, it appears more reliced than the Lush Closet Classic finish according to what photos Fender has provided on their site. My 2 cents. YMMV.

EDIT: you beat me to my post.
 
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Hey Everybody,

Let me first start off by apologizing to the group. If I have offended anyone by being rude or by saying something insensitive, I sincerely apologize. Unfortunately, I sometimes loose self awareness when I'm passionate about what I'm talking about or in trying to make a point. However, there’s nothing I would like more than there to be good vibes with everyone here.

Regarding the comments: “Nobody can stop one from ordering a '59 P in 2TSB or Candy Tangerine, period-accurate or not.”

and...

“Color doesn't mark the year-model of the bass. :)


I would like to state that I would never intentionally impose my will or views on anyone regarding what bass they can purchase or what features they should have on their bass. If there is somewhere in the thread I did that or communicated that, it was wrong and I sincerely apologize.

The intention of my comment to slick_tu about the changing of 2TSB to 3TSB in 58 was solely for a historical reference, and was not an attempt to tell him what he could or couldn't have. However, my suspicion is I have failed at that, and if that's the case, I apologize.

So what the heck was I doing and why did I feel it necessary to state any history?

Here was my thinking: As I'm sure everyone knows, relic basses and guitars were started to mimic vintage Fender guitars and basses, and unfortunately there are those who swindle others with fakes. Whether it be viewed as good or bad, I like to share what I know about the history of these instruments if for no other reason that it may prevent someone from getting ripped off in the future. I am thankful to those who have shared information freely here at TB like John Kallas and The Bass Clef, who are a wealth of knowledge. It is for this same reason that I share what I know as a sign of thanks for all that has been shared with me. Pass the baton so to speak.

In the FCS thread there's the benefit of knowing we are talking about CS basses, but if someone where to be looking for an original 59, it would be good to know what appointments to expect. Also there are members here who own vintage instruments, so the comments to history hopefully will benefit some who may be also in the market for a vintage bass.

So just to reiterate, I support 100% the idea that anyone should be able to purchase a bass with whatever combination of features they wish. After all, it is in the spirit of what the Fender Custom Shop is all about.

As you know, I had recently written about what I have considered (and no one else has to agree with me) inconsistencies in Fender's product line for no other reason than it makes it difficult (for me) to speak about a model when there are exceptions in specs and appointments. This is a good thing for us players as everyone can get what they want, but not so easy when trying to explain features of a model to someone else.

I would refrain from calling these differences in appointments inconsistencies, if it was what the costumer or dealer ordered. But if there is something like forearm wear on a Lush Closet Classic finish, it would be helpful to see photos on Fender's site, showing variances so customers will know what can be expected. It may be off putting for a customer who purchased a Lush Closet Classic finish, never seeing an example with forearm wear, to receive their long awaited bass that had it. This may not bother some customers, as someone previously mentioned that this is the state in which the bass will end up over enough time. But to others who want a lighter relic look, this could be a problem.

My hope here is that we could all have an honest conversation about the basses we love without strife, even when there may be differences in opinion. These are just my thoughts, and I don't necessarily think anyone should agree with them - although my hope would be that people could at least can see how I arrived at my perspective, whether they agree with it or not.

My comments were never meant to take away from the quality of Fender products or diminish the value and enjoyment of what they have brought to the world. I am truly a huge Fender fan.

Hopefully this explanation has not nullified my apology in anyone's eyes. If it has, or if there is any remaining unrest I can help resolve, there is nothing I would want more than to mend it. You can't please everyone, but if there is something I can do to clean up my side of the street, I'm all for doing it.

Best wishes to all.
None offense taken, even remotely. I never ever thought about you making any comment with a bad intention. Exactly the opposite, I was (am) really liking the conversation and interest about these basses. :)

Well written. :)
 
The intention of my comment to slick_tu about the changing of 2TSB to 3TSB in 58 was solely for a historical reference, and was not an attempt to tell him what he could or couldn't have. However, my suspicion is I have failed at that, and if that's the case, I apologize.

No worries. I took it solely as a history lesson and was happy to receive it. I'm fascinated by Fender history and always welcome information.

hey - here is my SFT i just received...

I think someone told us, but how do you get the SFT?
 
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No worries. I took it solely as a history lesson and was happy to receive it. I'm fascinated by Fender history and always welcome information.



I think someone told us, but how do you get the SFT?
I just contacted [email protected] and asked for it - their requirement was a full pic of the body (i sent front and back) and a clear pic of the serial number. Within a day, they sent it too me :)
 
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With Christmas coming up, a great gift to either give or receive is The Fender Bass An Illustrated History. A must have for any Fender bass enthusiast.

Yes it is; I have that book. Thanks for reminding me; I'm going to get it out and read through it again.

I just emailed Fender with pics for SFT's.
 
Awesome! It talks about the switch over to 3TSB on page 18.

Yes, I saw that. The '57 on page 16 looks just like mine; although, on page 21 the caption for that P says, "This 1960 sunburst has a two-tone quality commonly found that year." The one on the left in the picture of the three '59s above that looks like a 2TSB. The mystery continues. Ha Ha.
 
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Yes, I saw that. The '57 on page 16 looks just like mine; although, on page 21 the caption for that P says, "This 1960 sunburst has a two-tone quality commonly found that year." The one on the left in the picture of the three '59s above that looks like a 2TSB. The mystery continues. Ha Ha.

I know. :) I have seen 2TSB jazz bases as well. I guess we will have to be okay with exceptions to every rule. :woot:
 
I just contacted [email protected] and asked for it - their requirement was a full pic of the body (i sent front and back) and a clear pic of the serial number. Within a day, they sent it too me :)

I tried that address, but it was returned "Permanent Error", whatever that means. I tried the form on their customer support contact page; we'll see if that works.
 
Hey everyone!
I love my Custom Shop Precision closet classic Pro 2011 beauty!
I am tempted to swap the pickups to Nordstrand NP4A et NJ4SE to try to get more 'oomph' from the jazz pickup at the bridge. Is it a good idea? Will it make any noticeable difference? Let me know what you think!
I personally would not do it...with my Precision, they nailed the sound, IMO...I’ve done enough bass buying and pickup swapping to believe that I will buy a Fender or Fender products if I want a bass to sound like a Fender, but that’s just me.....you can start splitting hairs very easily at some point... however, guys like @Midak switched out their pickups and are very much satisfied...I use a Duncan pickup Boost pedal if I find myself needing a little more “juice”...
 
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