Fender Custom Shop

[king_biscuit]

You might be surprised how many MIM/Squier user's disagree.

Where are all of the threads with people claiming Squiers are as good as Custom Shop Fenders? I think the majority of Squier owners feel they have a great bass for the money, but that's it. Your comparison is absurd, a CS Fender is like 10 times as much as a Squier, of course it's a nicer bass!

 

[grunz7]

well - everyone capable to produce the dough to buy a custom shop fender can have pretty much most of the nicest (solid body) guitars out there. I played a few custom shop fenders and thought that they really nail the idea of fenders, some of the standard fenders (yep, also made in usa) were just crappy overpriced pieces of wood, others (yep also mij and mim) were just beautiful and solid instruments ... the main point is price after all ... is the substantially same bass construction in a custom shop guitar worth around 10 times as a mim sibling? well, some will say yes and swear it's a deal ... others will rather buy ten mim ... just be happy with what you can afford and PLAY, jaco's main bass was a beat up $99 dollar bass (yep a fender), what's around $400 for today's money, so rather an entry level bass.

and yadda yadda yadda

 

[marwady]

I just got my first Fender CS and, although I don't have a lot of stick time on it, I can tell you this:

• It is heavier than I expected but is one of the most resonant basses I own
• Fit and finish is incredible with beautiful wood choices (flamed quartersawn neck and one piece Ash body)
• Extremely quiet, musical electronics with great string to string balance, nice versitile tones and plenty of growl
• Great action and very stable so far

That being said, I would have a hard time paying $2K plus for this instrument. I got mine used in near mint condition for considerably less than that.

All in all, a great bass that shows that somebody paid attention to the details...and that's nice.

 

[Surly]

It's all about feel. I cannot feel the quartersawn neck in my hand by looking at pictures. We all have different hands and yadda yadda yadda...

I have a Squier and a regular Fender. Even at those price points, there is a noticeable difference in quality which translates to playability..IMO...

 

[martybernal]

+1000

I just start playing a few years but I spent a lot of time test driving basses during my lunch break. My guitar teacher hooked me up with one of the sales guys at the store. The sales guy said this was one of his all time favorite bass. You know what, he was right!

For starters, its a beautiful bass and it plays like butter. The sounds is great with the active pick up. I thought my Geddy was smooth but this is 100x more awesome! Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of other basses I wouldn't mind adding to my collection but this is one of my keepers.

Almost everyone who has picked it up said "DAMN!"

It is worth the premium? Well... only you can be the judge. I took it home and never looked back.

Those inlays on the neck stand out really nice...I wondered what the bass would look with a rosewood neck...INCREDIBLE...And your right, don't bother looking back because there's nothing to look back at except your dust going to the next gig...

 

[martybernal]

Your comparison is absurd, a CS Fender is like 10 times as much as a Squier, of course it's a nicer bass!

I can't take the credit for the comparison, that will stay with the Squier owners of whom started the threads years ago here. Since I am a new owner of a custom shop fender, just sharing my experience and input on the subject. Like I have done for the last 6 years.

 

[martybernal]

I just got my first Fender CS and, although I don't have a lot of stick time on it, I can tell you this:

• It is heavier than I expected but is one of the most resonant basses I own
• Fit and finish is incredible with beautiful wood choices (flamed quartersawn neck and one piece Ash body)
• Extremely quiet, musical electronics with great string to string balance, nice versitile tones and plenty of growl
• Great action and very stable so far

That being said, I would have a hard time paying $2K plus for this instrument. I got mine used in near mint condition for considerably less than that.

All in all, a great bass that shows that somebody paid attention to the details...and that's nice.

That's a keeper...congratulations...

 

[darthplagis]

while not a fender CS owner (im not a fan, i have played one didnt like it, but im not a jazz bass guy anyway) i do have a custom bass or two, yes there is without a doubt no competition from any standard model.

But having said that, i think the beauty of these instruments, and it goes for all instruments of all vintages. the actual process of hand picking the materials (be it wood or matal or graphite/carbon fibre) and having that little bit of 'human' put into the building of the instrument, makes it feel sooo much better.

yet play your custom bass and then play the same song on an off the rack model of reasonable quality (if a comparible one exists, like a CS j and a MIM/MIA/CIJ J) and chances are only you will know the difference as it is a personal thing.

PS loving the black burst marwady, always did like that colour.

 

[Scott McArron]

Now I can compare Johnnie Walker Black Blended (swill) to Talisker 25 Island Single Malt (not swill) since of course again they are the same company after all.

Heresy!!!!!!!!

 

[queevil]

So then by that logic we can compare a new Cadillac CTS to a Chevy Aveo since they are made by the same company after all. And then you are not even comparing a standard American made Fender to a Squier you are comparing a handmade custom shop Fender to a Squier, sounds logical to me.



Now I can compare Johnnie Walker Black Blended (swill) to Talisker 25 Island Single Malt (not swill) since of course again they are the same company after all.

Settle down man I think the OP was just trying to say that he is amazed at the quality and feel of the Fender CS J compared to the lower priced Fenders that he's used in the past. If I came into one of these basses today I would be on TB telling the world that as much as I love my MIM J the Fender CS blows it away, and I know they do because I've played one. It was awesome! Let the man have his pride of ownership.

 

[ahdunno]

I love that color Marwady! ** DROOL** My wife looked at a Fender CS Telecaster in that color. She ended up picking a Les Paul Class Guitar but still thinks about the tele.

 

[king_biscuit]

I can't take the credit for the comparison, that will stay with the Squier owners of whom started the threads years ago here. Since I am a new owner of a custom shop fender, just sharing my experience and input on the subject. Like I have done for the last 6 years.

You can absolutely take credit for that comparison by way of your first post to this thread, wherein you said "And Squier is a great bang for the buck bass, until you own one of these and have spent time on it. You never really know how truly superior the craftsmenship are on these."

It is starting to remind me of that Southpark episode Asspen, where Tad keeps calling Stan out As a Squier owner, let me speak for all Squier owners if I may be so bold: a Fender Custom Shop bass is a better bass than our Squiers, period! Now I do hope this helps you enjoy your bass a bit more Oh, and please take some time to rewatch that great Southpark episode Asspen: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Aspidites]

Heresy!!!!!!!!

Which part?

 

[queevil]

Haha! That was a good episode.

 

[DJJazzV]

I agree that the craftsmanship is outstanding! Everything feels so smooth, and so right. 21 frets makes it feel slightly longer as well.
Beautiful bass you have there. Congratulations!
I have the same one, in a different color.
It's a bass that stays in the "Keeper pile".
(still waiting for my black pickguard I had to special order though).

I know this debate may go on forever, but since I was finally in a position to get one. This custom shop classic IV jazz bass blows away any non-american made fender I owned before. And Squier is a great bang for the buck bass, until you own one of these and have spent time on it. You never really know how truly superior the craftsmenship are on these.

Thump on.

Marty

 

[martybernal]

Thanks to the guys who shared their pics of those fine Fender basses with me, what masterpieces. After I had a chance to watch an absurd episode of South Park, I'll be back....

 

[bassman.bb]

Hey Marty,

Did you pull that picture in your opening entry from ebay? Is that a picture of your guitar or one like it?
Curious....

cheers,
BB

 

[TonyP-]

I agree that the craftsmanship is outstanding! Everything feels so smooth, and so right. 21 frets makes it feel slightly longer as well.
Beautiful bass you have there. Congratulations!
I have the same one, in a different color.
It's a bass that stays in the "Keeper pile".
(still waiting for my black pickguard I had to special order though).

HI DJJazzV

This is the most appealing (To Me) fender custom shop I have seen.
Very nice
2 Questions if I may...

-What did you use for wood type?

-What is the name for that type of finish?

Thanks in advance

 

[DJJazzV]

HI DJJazzV

This is the most appealing (To Me) fender custom shop I have seen.
Very nice
2 Questions if I may...

-What did you use for wood type?

-What is the name for that type of finish?

Thanks in advance

Thank you very much! The Custom Shop is fantastic!
According to Fender, the body is "Premium Ash", and the finish is "Ebony Transparent". It's a 2001, I just found out.
(Below is my newest picture with a black pickguard. I like it even more now.)

According to their website, BassCentral has one.

 

[jnammy]

I like mine too! I use it mostly as a P bass and it cuts through the mix like no other.