Fender Elite Prices

[Double E]

Sandberg Configurator

I just ordered a custom P-MM California from Sandberg through a German retailer with a fantastic return policy for under $1500. Bass will be made in the German factory and is from a well-regarded manufacturer. Being made to my specs exactly. I could have gone exotic wood or other options and still kept the price well under $2k. No hardshell case, which I will concede, but I think that there's probably an option available for less than $500.

You got a heck of a deal there...from my experience the German Sandberg California TT basses usually run over 2K.

 

[Boylston]

You got a heck of a deal there...from my experience the German Sandberg California TT basses usually run over 2K.

All the US/Canadian distributors I got quotes from certainly did want more... The pricing asymmetry was insane.

 

[wvbass]

The Carvin is dirt cheap at $1,034.00 even with a HSC. However they were also not very flexible with the options, all I could change to make it more like the Fender was to add stacked humbucker pickups, black blocks (no binding) and the 10" neck radius (I picked a more traditional radius over the stock 14"). Still no apparent option for active electronics...a mid-sweep control was available but only with the non-existent "AC" option.

I don't care much about the bickering in this thread, but I think maybe the "configurator" thingy is a little misleading. I'm pretty sure the JB4 comes with active electronics by default. The tradeoff here is, as you said, the binding, the truss rod wheel, and the asymmetrical neck radius - that and the fact that you get a somewhat oddly shaped jazz bass. (I have a very oddly shaped Carvin SB bass, BTW.)

 

[Double E]

I don't care much about the bickering in this thread, but I think maybe the "configurator" thingy is a little misleading. I'm pretty sure the JB4 comes with active electronics by default. The tradeoff here is, as you said, the binding, the truss rod wheel, and the asymmetrical neck radius - that and the fact that you get a somewhat oddly shaped jazz bass. (I have a very oddly shaped Carvin SB bass, BTW.)

Thanks for pointing out my error...score another point for Carvin!

 

[wvbass]

Thanks for pointing out my error...score another point for Carvin!

The Carvins are very nice. People here say they have "really stepped up their game," but I thought the Carvins I had in the '90s were pretty well done, too. An USA made, active Jazz bass of high quality plus a good gig bag with a total base price of $999 is pretty good. However, I doubt Fender thinks about Carvin too much as they are setting their prices.

I think they make sure they produce plenty of low and mid priced instruments to keep up with the selection Ibanez hangs on the wall at Guitar Center. For basses like the Elite series, I'm sure production quantity is smaller and price is set to match demand...or it flops, the discontinue, and move on.

 

[Double E]

Somehow I got subscribed to the Carvin Catalog as a youngster...which is probably solely responsible for my current state of gear-nerdiness. I wanted one of their double-necks so bad I can still taste it!

 

[Gospel Bass Player]

I love Fender and it's all I play live but they must be smoking crack with the price of the new Elite series. I know some will disagree but I don't see it.

Fender American Elite Jazz Bass - Black

I did notice that the tobacco sunburst looks very similar to my Sire MMV7...Ash body, maple neck, white pickguard...hmmm

 

[Gospel Bass Player]

Deluxe / elite - what's the difference?

This is just another example of the ever-changing marketing that Fender is slave to. I guess they're making money, so it's working for them - but it's always a bit of a question what you're looking at since they change the names of their products and lines so often.

But yeah - I would not pay $1800 for a new Fender under any circumstances. I could get a used Lakland 5 or Lull 5 for that money - much better basses.

You should check out the MMV7 from Sire...a much better value !

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

You should check out the MMV7 from Sire...a much better value !

I'm not interested on "Value" - that "Value" you so like is largely because Sire skirts environmental and labor laws to keep costs low. I prefer to not patronize companies that do that.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

This thread is almost identical to the one from several years back about the new AVRI series. They seem to be selling well and are priced even higher than the Elites.

 

[Catbuster]

Trust me, if I like the P bass, there will be one finding its way into my collection as I try to find a way to phase out my Aerodyne basses.

I liked the Deluxe. These look better. Who knows? Has anyone even seen one in person outside of NAMM?

 

[Slpbass81]

I'm not interested on "Value" - that "Value" you so like is largely because Sire skirts environmental and labor laws to keep costs low. I prefer to not patronize companies that do that.

I'm sure you not purchasing a bass from a small company will help rid the world of all the environmental and labor issues.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I'm sure you not purchasing a bass from a small company will help rid the world of all the environmental and labor issues.

Just as it your choice to save that money, it is my choice to put my money where I care to - in US hands.

 

[Fat Steve]

Everything nowadays is made in China...

 

[Double E]

Everything nowadays is made in China...

No... not really.

 

[Fat Steve]

No... not really.

Not a Primus fan I take it...

 

[Double E]

I dig Les' playing but that track in particular is practically un-listenable and not worthy of status as a pop-culture reference. Only the most hipsterish of hipsters would get it.

 

[Fat Steve]

I dig Les' playing but that track in particular is practically un-listenable and not worthy of status as a pop-culture reference. Only the most hipsterish of hipsters would get it.

I usually have the same attitude when listening to Jaco, so touche.

 

[stonewall]

\
then you buy your overpriced fender and "custom"

I will buy my custom from a maker I trust

good luck

Go ahead .Good luck at resale time.

 

[cardinal]

Any play some yet? I'd like a true Fender Jazz V for some reason, but I haven't been impressed with any Am. Dlx that I've played. I like the specs of these, particularly the compound radius. EDIT: just realized that the discontinued Am. Dlx. already had a compound radius fretboard and I still didn't find the basses to play all that great. Maybe just set up issues in the stores, but now I'm much less excited for the Elites.