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Fender Roadworn Precision era differences? Early vs later production? Quality comparison?

#21
Mowac said:
that wouldn't make any sense
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Breaking forum rules doesn't make sense neither, given the possible consequences

john turner

Post in thread 'Updated 09-13-2023 : Basses Forum Rules PLEASE READ'

Since artificially aging an instrument (i.e. relicing) is, at least visually, no different than artificially coloring an instrument (i.e. painting) any posts or threads insulting such procedures are hereby banned under the "no insulting ugly instruments" rule that has been the long-standing policy here at talkbass. You're welcome to give your own personal reasons why you don't like the look of worn instruments, however they ended up in that condition, but slagging the instruments or the players who play them is going to jeopardize your posting abilities here.

Make a note of this. If...
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#23
Thom Fioriglio said:
I've owned a 50s Road Worn P. Maybe from 2015, I forget. It was a great bass with a wonderfully worn in neck. No complaints at all. However, I just never vibed with the fake wear and sold it for a Classic 50s, which is the same bass but without the wear. The RW basses certainly hold their value and are sought after. And as you said, highly regarded here on Talkbass.

Fast forward to last month and I got a Vintera II Road Worn 60s P in Charcoal Frost. Man, she is a beauty and plays so nicely! The RW is more of an aged look rather than "worn." It's all nitro and has checking on the neck and body. Mine is lightweight at 8.3 pounds and sounds so good with flat wounds. Exactly like a P bass should I have no complaints other than I needed to shield the cavities to make it dead quiet. If you are looking for a 60s vibe, I recommend them. If you want that 50s vibe, and I love the look of a 50s P, then keep an eye out and when one pops up grab it.
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Does the 60s model have the 1 5/8” nut?
 
#25
Thom Fioriglio said:
No. Both the 50s and 60s model have the 1 ¾ " nut. However, on the 60s, the neck is thin so it still feels comfortable. I don't remember the thickness of the 50s RW.
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Right on!
The 60s is around .78" at the 1st fret.
The 50s is around .82".

I also find the 60s to be specially thin (front to back), while the 50s feels a little bit meatier/thicker, but still a C shape, definitely.
 
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#26
Fender_Bender said:
The only thing to look out for is that you do have to be comfortable with a 1.75” wide neck. They are a little on the shallow side but are almost as wide as a 5 string.
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To me, the disappointing thing is that they aren’t as wide as a 5. Those of us with huge hands actually play faster/more naturally on wide necks - they don’t cram our fingers together, which makes a big difference.
 
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#27
I've got a Classic 50's Precision from the first year that they were made - was this 2006?? I believe the first Roadworns were these with a different finish.... No wonder the first run of RW's get so much attention if so - my Classic 50's is without doubt the best Precision I've played or owned, and that includes pre CBS, early 70's (my '71 is a close second), CS, MIM, MIJ and US Standards..

Some years ago I changed the pickguard and the PU to a GZR. The PU change just made it even better. Its light, resonates like a champagne flute, sets up perfectly and I love the wide but not too deep neck. The small vintage frets make for a very fast action with rounds or flats. Nothing gets me close to its clear, resonant mid range punch.
 
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#28
C-60 Bass said:
I've got a Classic 50's Precision from the first year that they were made - was this 2006?? I believe the first Roadworns were these with a different finish.... No wonder the first run of RW's get so much attention if so - my Classic 50's is without doubt the best Precision I've played or owned, and that includes pre CBS, early 70's (my '71 is a close second), CS, MIM, MIJ and US Standards..

Some years ago I changed the pickguard and the PU to a GZR. The PU change just made it even better. Its light, resonates like a champagne flute, sets up perfectly and I love the wide but not too deep neck. The small vintage frets made for a very fast action with rounds or flats. Nothing gets me close to its clear, resonant mid range punch.
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The 2009 RW should arrive today. I too have become a fan of smaller frets. It just makes playing more effortless.
 
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#29
Used to own a 2015 sunburst Road Worn Precision. Sold it, still regret it. It was one of the lightest basses I've ever owned. Also, one of the most resonant. It was mind blowing how loud the strings rung out unplugged. Only thing I disliked was where the truss rod adjustment was, but that's something you just have to deal with whenever "vintage spec'd" Fenders are involved.
 
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#30
C-60 Bass said:
I've got a Classic 50's Precision from the first year that they were made - was this 2006?? I believe the first Roadworns were these with a different finish.... No wonder the first run of RW's get so much attention if so - my Classic 50's is without doubt the best Precision I've played or owned, and that includes pre CBS, early 70's (my '71 is a close second), CS, MIM, MIJ and US Standards..

Some years ago I changed the pickguard and the PU to a GZR. The PU change just made it even better. Its light, resonates like a champagne flute, sets up perfectly and I love the wide but not too deep neck. The small vintage frets make for a very fast action with rounds or flats. Nothing gets me close to its clear, resonant mid range punch.
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I too have a 50’s Precision and find it lightweight and resonant. I believe mine’s a 2011 and wears TI flats with stock pups. Sounds like a P bass 😂.
I also have a Roadworn Jazz and love it.

IMG_0166.jpeg
 
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#32
Okay, I have both the 2009 fiesta red RW and a 2015 burst RW that I've played over the last few days (yes, pictures below). Here is my comparison take: Not too different! There is a small difference in the tone of each bass, but both sound great. The 2009 has nicer finish checking on the headstock and the neck feels maybe a tad nicer. BUT, the 2009 has a slight ski ramp starting at the 12th fret. It sets up decent, but the 2015 neck sets up better and the 2015 is lighter. So, the 2015 is the keeper! It came with a classic Donald "Duck" Dunn duck sticker on the PG, which I'll probably keep. at 8lbs 5oz, there is a small amount of neck dive that I feel. I have a set of Hipshot ultras that would fit it and would drop about 7oz off the head stock. That would solve the neck dive and bring it just under 8lbs, perfect for me. Here are some pictures...

IMG_2983.jpeg

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#33
And here is the full P collection, Sandberg, Warmoth, and two RWs. The fiesta red will be on the market. The Warmoth and Sandberg are both around 7.6lbs and perfectly balanced. For whatever reason, I wanted a classic looking 50s or 60s P bass and the RW was way cheaper than an actual 1965 P bass!
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#34
winston said:
I’ve never owned one but really liked the ones I’ve played. Oteil Burbridge played a ‘50s Roadworn Precision with the Allman Brothers Band, I think that says it all.
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I came here to say the same thing. Otiel rocked one with the Tedeschi Trucks band. He was also playing a Fender jazz and a FCS precision during his tenure with them. Here he is with the RW.

 
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#35
SJLee said:
I came here to say the same thing. Otiel rocked one with the Tedeschi Trucks band. He was also playing a Fender jazz and a FCS precision during his tenure with them. Here he is with the RW.

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I also appreciate Otiel and him playing the RW is a definite endorsement from my perspective! Now if only I could sound like him on my RW….
 
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