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Fender Gold Plating Question on 75th Anniversary Jazz Bass

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by bobalu, Aug 2, 2021.

  1. Aug 2, 2021 #1
    bobalu

    bobalu

    Oct 1, 2004
    above the 49th
    Hey all,
    I was looking at the Fender 75th Anniversary Commemorative Jazz Bass, Rosewood Fingerboard - 2-Colour Bourbon Burst at my local shop:
    md_8e8f3a1ee96f1eff81ed4a601ab50c37.jpg
    The gold hardware looked pretty nice, not blingy/cheesy like other stuff I've seen. I'm really interested in this one but with every single gold hardware guitar/bass that I've ever owned in my life (quite a few I'm embarrassed to say!) without exception, has rubbed off, faded or pitted to ugliness in no time. Does anyone know if the plating on this model is any different? It does indeed "look" different then the standard cheap plating, but it's not lacquered (that I can tell) which is sometime done to protect the finish. I'm just not going to spend the bucks on this model only to have the gold rub off as usual after a couple of months playing. I know it hasn't been out long, but does anyone have one that could chime in on how it's standing up so far? I can't envision Fender ever covering the plating under warranty.
     
    Ghastly likes this.
  2. Aug 2, 2021 #2
    P. Aaron

    P. Aaron Supporting Member

    Sep 16, 2002
    Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
    Only way to really judge is to get your hands on one. Online graphics, even video demos ain’t gonna (necessarily) get you what you need to make a decision.
     
    bobalu likes this.
  3. Aug 2, 2021 #3
    Lowendchamp

    Lowendchamp

    Jun 27, 2021
    Shelton WA
    I just saved myself the money and got the MIM version. Yeah it's the P but if I had the money I would have got the J too and it would have been cheaper to buy both than the one with the gold hardware........Just sayin
     
    bobalu likes this.
  4. Aug 2, 2021 #4
    Jeff K

    Jeff K Supporting Member

    Jul 9, 2005
    Memphis, TN
    I'm no help with your question, but I will say that I love that Bourbon Burst! Really nice-looking bass.

    If you DO get it, be sure to give us an update every 5 or 6 months how the gold plating is holding up.
     
    bobalu and P. Aaron like this.
  5. Aug 2, 2021 #5
    bobalu

    bobalu

    Oct 1, 2004
    above the 49th
    Yeah, but the neck/fretboard is fabulous and it has the Custom Shop 60's pup's in it. It sounds amazing. Much different from the MIM version (very nice in it's own right).
     
    u2brothr likes this.
  6. Aug 2, 2021 #6
    bobalu

    bobalu

    Oct 1, 2004
    above the 49th
    More like 5 or 6 weeks given my past experience with gold plating! :laugh:
     
    Billyzoom likes this.
  7. Aug 2, 2021 #7
    Jeff K

    Jeff K Supporting Member

    Jul 9, 2005
    Memphis, TN
    :D:D^
     
  8. Aug 3, 2021 #8
    red_bassist

    red_bassist

    Dec 29, 2017
    Santa Rosa, California
    As an alternative to gold plating, you could have the tuners Cerakoted in a gold color
     
  9. Aug 3, 2021 #9
    Lowendchamp

    Lowendchamp

    Jun 27, 2021
    Shelton WA
    Ultimately I think the GAS has you anyway. I know when I ask my fellow bassist if I should buy a bass or not I'm really just seeing if they can talk me out of it. As far as what some have said about price and Fenders, I would like to invite them to look at the price of an EBMM Stingray and then honestly tell me who is over priced. I'm a blues/funk guy so naturally I dig the Fender sound and think the price is fine. I think your hesitancy for gold hardware is well founded but it is a sweet bass worthy of chrome parts replacements through time. Good luck.
     
  10. May 27, 2022 #10
    SteveC

    SteveC

    Nov 12, 2004
    NE ND
    I am not a huge fan of the gold hardware, but I LOVE the bourbon burst!