Fender MIA QC - NBD - What do you think?

[electracoyote]

That's okay. I am used to being wrong. In this case, though, it turns out my '97 jazz guard has a beveled edge. The edges on my MIJ Jaguar, my Lakland 4460, and my Carvin SB5000 are all straight.

All my Fender Jazz bass PG's have beveled edges bordering the control plate. So I'm tempted to say that's the norm. But I just checked my Fender Jag, and it has squared-off edges at the control plate. So it seems you were right on that count.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I'll ask you the same question I asked you about the last bass you returned: have you tried wiping or cleaning off that spot?

I'm sensing a theme here.....

 

[boristhespider9]

I probably should have taken a better photo of the gap between the control plate and the pickguard. I see this on a lot of MIA Fenders -- some worse than others. This one is mild, but still noticable. Note that there's often two issues: (1) a gap between the control plate and the pickguard and (2) the control plate is wider than the pickguard. I view these as fit/finish issues that are not hard for Fender to resolve. Most people just accept it. Again, the bigger issue on this one is the yellow paint blemish.

However, this is what a better control plate/pickguard fitting looks like. This is my Lakland USA Joe Osborn Jazz Bass. Granted, it costs 2.5x as much as an Am. Std. Fender, but that's not because of the control plate/pickguard fit! Fender could resolve this if it wanted to. (My SB4000 has a similar tight fit.)

Note on the Fender: (1) gap between control plate and pickguard (mild on this one compared to others I've seen) and (2) control plate is wider than pickguard on both sides. These aren't the best photos, but you can still see it. Does this affect the playability or tone of the bass? Absolutely not! This is a fit/finish issue which some people care about, and some don't.

 

[boristhespider9]

I'll ask you the same question I asked you about the last bass you returned: have you tried wiping or cleaning off that spot?

I'm sensing a theme here.....

Yes sir. The theme I think is Fender QC, not me! Don't blame the victim!

 

[guy n. cognito]

Yes sir. The theme I think is Fender QC, not me! Don't blame the victim!

I think you should probably stick to buying basses in person only. You've been the "victim" too much.

 

[Baird6869]

I would send it back. The bass lists for about $2k....even though you got a deal, this is not a $1299 (street) quality instrument.

I have owned dozens of Fenders... This is unacceptable IMO in a 2008+ American Standard.

 

[Hevy T]

I would see if I could get a break on the price or send it back. With the yellow spot on the paint, that should make it a factory second. I haven't even seen squiers with finishes like that.

BTW I have to ask...

What shade of yellow spots is best for metal?

 

[wvbass]

Looking at the pictures of the pickguard/control plate, I still don't see a gap. I see a beveled edge where a straight one would look better. Fender USA bevels the edge of the pickguard, which, even with no gap, it isn't going to look as nice IMO as the straight cut shown on your Lakland. Even if the straight cut guard is a little less than perfect, it will look better than a beveled one. Your picture exaggerates the "problem" because the Lakland is very well done, and the Fender one is average.

 

[georgestrings]

I think you should probably stick to buying basses in person only. You've been the "victim" too much.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I think, too...


- georgestrings

 

[Mikio]

Awesome, I'd put a black or white pickguard, though. But I really liked it.

 

[boristhespider9]

I think you should probably stick to buying basses in person only. You've been the "victim" too much.

Funny...only with Fender though. Never have had an issue with ordering the other brands I own (except for a RIC with a broken bridge). Kept them all and QC was great. Only Fender. Part of the reason I order is to get a fresh one -- not one that's been handled a lot or exposed to the elements with no maintenance or upkeep as is common at GC and other places.

 

[electracoyote]

Looking at the pictures of the pickguard/control plate, I still don't see a gap.

I don't see it either.

On the white Jazz in question, you have a tort/white/black/white 4-ply pickguard. So, keep in mind, the bottom ply is white (which could cause the illusion of a gap against a white body), and the PG is beveled, standard on Fender Jazz basses. The edge of the PG seems to mate up perfectly with the control plate the entire way.

 

[electracoyote]

Funny...only with Fender though.

I'd bet my entire collection that, if I could inspect your other basses, and using your standards and criteria for what constitutes a flaw, I'd find at least one flaw on every one of your other basses.

 

[boristhespider9]

I'd bet my entire collection that, if I could inspect your other basses, and using your standards and criteria for what constitutes a flaw, I'd find at least one flaw on every one of your other basses.

I doubt it...I've tried already.

 

[boristhespider9]

I don't see it either.

On the white Jazz in question, you have a tort/white/black/white 4-ply pickguard. So, keep in mind, the bottom ply is white (which could cause the illusion of a gap against a white body), and the PG is beveled, standard on Fender Jazz basses. The edge of the PG seems to mate up perfectly with the control plate the entire way.

I would agree with that for the most part. I have seen a number of MIA Fenders that have a gap the entire way around the control plate and this one does not. It does have a small gap at one end. I also don't understand why Fender's control plates tend to be wider than the pickguard on both sides which makes the fit look sloppy. Below are some better photos of both ends of the pickguard/control plate.

I guess I appreciate manufacturing precision more than some people do. It's what "fit & finish" is all about. That's ok - different strokes.

In any event, as I mentioned from the beginning, I consider this a minor issue on this bass (had the gap gone the entire way, it would be a major one). The primary issue was the yellow paint spot.

 

[jbossolo]

I'd just rock the **** out of it, "as is". In a hundred years, who's gonna care?

 

[boristhespider9]

I'd just rock the **** out of it, "as is". In a hundred years, who's gonna care?

Are you quoting a Blues Traveler song?

 

[fraublugher]

Beautiful bass
Looks like the bass was tried out a few times in the shop and you got a discount.
Please try to rub out that yellow spot .
tools needed : one human thumb , preferably yours , rub it til it's hot.

Heck , maybe regular slapping wear and tear will rub it out.
Good luck.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Funny...only with Fender though. Never have had an issue with ordering the other brands I own (except for a RIC with a broken bridge). Kept them all and QC was great. Only Fender. Part of the reason I order is to get a fresh one -- not one that's been handled a lot or exposed to the elements with no maintenance or upkeep as is common at GC and other places.

I've seen issues with all manufacturers, including lakland.

Like I said....I sense a theme.

 

[sj_bass]

... After 35 years playing, trading, buying, and selling, and with a stable that includes over 120 guitars and basses, I can say with confidence that acquiring an instrument that is perfect in both tone and playability AND cosmetics is more rare than a planetary alignment.

I think this deserves careful consideration: Bass roulette is a hard game to play, but if you must shop long-distance internet big box warehouse, where they do not check the product and only pull and ship, this is often the result.

How does it SOUND? Most important thing

Like I said....I sense a theme.

So, maybe the last quote was out of context, but yeah...

The absolute BEST sounding bass in my stable - the tone MONSTER... has BGN stamped on the back of the headstock.