I picked up a copy of the 2002 Frontline from my shop today, and it looks stunning. Turning to the bass section (naturally) I was kind of confused at the spec chart on p172. It lists the standard series basses as having alder bodies. I had heard that the standard series uses poplar. Is this another one of the changes to the standard series? Also, I had bought a new J bass in January. It has the vintage style black knobs and pickups that humbuck when both are turned up evenly. Would this mean I have an alder body? Any help clarifying would be appreciated.
Yes, I realize that just because it has black knobs doesn't mean I have an alder body. I was trying to say that the specs of my bass match those posted in Frontline 2002 and I was wondering if they had printed the catalogue with the correct specs
For USA made Fenders, I'm pretty sure that the following is true: sunbursts and opaque finish basses are alder. Transparent finish basses (sunbursts excepted) are ash.
Frontline lists the series in question as "Standard." I'm thinking that this is the MIM series, as American made models are clearly listed as American Series.
Here's a new one on me. The three color sunburst (the one with the red in the middle) is made with alder, while the vintage 2 color sunburst is made with ash. How interesting.
