These are down to $459 now. Ordered one over the weekend!
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Fender Rascal on Adorama
- Thread starter jlandolfi1979
- Start date
Was it an 'open box' deal? I just checked and they're still listed at $799. but they have Open Box for $436. as of this post. If yours is new, probably a holiday deal or the like. Nice grab, either way!
It think it will because it's different than any animal I've hung over my shoulder. It almost feels like a regular 34" scale - lots of real estate beyond the bridge - but it plays like a shorty. The Strat Lipsticks cause a need to bump the amp up some, but the 5-way switch and the push/pull control allows for plenty of options and it's an eye-catcher IME. I might go so far as to call it a chick magnet... if it had two more strings, of course.
Congrats on a great deal and enjoy it!
This one just came up for me STILL at $459.00 over the 4th of July Weekend! I took a chance and ordered one. I've received an automatic notification that the order has been placed, but being that it's a holiday, there won't be any further action until tomorrow. I will report back as to whether or not this deal actually goes through, and if it does, what condition the bass is in after I get it. Just like the Precision Dee Dee Ramone bass (another Stoopid Low Price deal), I didn't need this bass but I had always lusted after one, and at THIS price, it was simply irresistible.
In all the years I've dealt with Adorama for my photo equipment (I'm a pro), I've bought a number of refurbs and new, but not grey market, never had a problem. I would go as far as to say that they would not deal with "hot" stuff, they're an honest company.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Hey Folks.....
I have to grin just a little when you refer to the Rascal as "short scale". As most of you know, it isn't always about scale, but just as much about "reach". For the record, here is the reality of a Fender Rascal compared EXACTLY to the 34" full scale Adam Clayton jazz bass. These basses were blown up to exact scale in Illustrator, measured for precise accuracy and sized down for convenience. You can see the results below:
Just didn't want any of you short scale fans to get carried away. The reach is exactly the same as the full scale 34" Fenders - all the compensation from 30" to 34" takes place at the bridge, not at the neck. So if better reach is part of the reason you like shorties, this one isn't going to do much for you.
I have to grin just a little when you refer to the Rascal as "short scale". As most of you know, it isn't always about scale, but just as much about "reach". For the record, here is the reality of a Fender Rascal compared EXACTLY to the 34" full scale Adam Clayton jazz bass. These basses were blown up to exact scale in Illustrator, measured for precise accuracy and sized down for convenience. You can see the results below:
Just didn't want any of you short scale fans to get carried away. The reach is exactly the same as the full scale 34" Fenders - all the compensation from 30" to 34" takes place at the bridge, not at the neck. So if better reach is part of the reason you like shorties, this one isn't going to do much for you.
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How do you define “reach”? The frets on the short-scale Rascal are closer together than on, say, a long-scale bass like a Precision.
Yes, the total "reach" or length of the entire bass is the same, but the distances between the frets are different:
RASCAL BASS (30" Scale)
PRECISION BASS (34" scale)
This means that your fingers don't have to stretch as far apart when playing runs, scales, riffs, etc. Some people find that reduced distance more comfortable, others do not. But there is a not-insignificant difference.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
i dig what you are saying, but just look at it. I am a medium scale guy and lopping off that first fret means a lot to me - and usually the bridge placement is much more reasonable in terms of where that first fret is.
I am. I did. We both have valid points to make here, I think.
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Absolutely no question you speak the truth. I am simply pointing out - I like medium 32" scale because I find the neck is generally - not always - more comfortable with the reach a fret or so closer to me. This bass wouldn't be more comfortable for me as it doesn't provide that. It is also way too cramped in the upper registers for me. Strike two. In most cases, a short scale would actually be two frets closer to me, not just one. This doesn't even give you one fret closer. All I was pointing out.
Again, I don't have a horse in this race at all....Not a fan of short or long scale....just found this one a bit weird....Love the lipstick pickups though...
Yup, you are correct. My main player is a 32"-scale Traveler TB-4P, which I love. So comfortable to play, lightweight, and the tone is spectacular. It's making me think I would like another medium-scale bass, like a MIJ Fender/Squier or a Hammersmith, something like that. Medium-scale basses are great!
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Yeah, I admit, I love the fret spacing on medium scale, it absolutely fits me perfectly - but a lot is dictated by the number of frets which heavily influences both the neck and the bridge placement. I find myself being a lot more careful and sensitive to it these days than I used to be....
For me, the reach to the end of the neck matters.....
Indeed. The Traveler TB-4P that I own has 22 frets. I feel like 24 would be too many ... the gaps between frets in the upper register would be too tight. My only knocks on that bass are that I dislike the tuners being inside the body so my fingers get stuck in the tuner wells now and then; the ends of the strings on the opposite side of the body sometimes snag on my shirt; and the strings are a pain to change.
(Please pardon the slightly off-topic nature of my remarks.)
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I agree, this different than a Mustang SS which has the bridge near the end of the bass.
I find the Mustang a little cramped when trying to play the upper frets.
It is a difference I like, but others may not.
