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Fender Precision and Jazz bass prices

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Jornan, Jul 31, 2009.

  1. Jul 31, 2009 #1
    Jornan

    Jornan

    Jun 30, 2008
    Norway
    I have looked at some Fender basses and have thought about getting one. Anyway, when I looked at the prices, it seems like they're sold from around 800 to 1800 USD (in Norway). Why is there such a huge difference in the prices? Are there such differences between a Highway One, Road Worn, American Deluxe, Standard etc.?

    BTW, I'm not talking about the price difference between Precision and Jazz basses, but the difference between J and J, P and P. (they both cost 800 to 1800 with different models)
     
  2. Jul 31, 2009 #2
    Simo98

    Simo98

    Jun 18, 2009
    QLD, Australia
    Im in a similar boat.

    Although im in Australia, its the same sort of thing. Fender guitars seem to be rediculiously expensive by comparison, infact all guitars. As far as basses go its hard to find much below the $400 mark, even cheapo brands.

    id say look around for something second hand, i dont know if its similar over there but here is seems as soon as its been taken out of the store the value drops by 50% :p
     
  3. Jul 31, 2009 #3
    Hamrhed

    Hamrhed

    Dec 26, 2007
    Ky
    The main difference in Fender prices is where the basses are made: the cheapest ones being made in Mexico, the mid priced ones in Japan (usually signature models), and the priciest ones in the USA....
     
  4. Jul 31, 2009 #4
    sloasdaylight

    sloasdaylight Inactive

    Feb 4, 2009
    Tampa, Florida, US
    Well, I don't know the Highway One model specifically, but the Road Worn model is a more vintage look, usually distressed, it typically has a shorter radius on the neck, which means the neck is curved a bit more. I think the finish is actually a Nitrocelluose or something, because it feels different from the others. All in all they're pretty nice to be honest.

    American deluxe usually has better pups and electronics, I know the Jazz Deluxe has 22 frets I think and an active 3 band pre-amp with a Master and a blend knob.

    The Standards are usually Made in Mexico, or MIM, and the quality is a little lower than the American models, but typically not too bad.

    Personally, if I were going to get another J, I would get myself an MIM, swap out the bridge, and throw in an active pre-amp, a Badass II costs like $65, and a Bartolini 4.6 A/P pre-amp for like $160. The pre-amp is a personal preference, but the bridges on fenders are horrid imo, and personally come stock with Badass II bridges.