Fender Sparkly Burst - Luxury Edition

[skycruiser]

They just jacked up the price 5% on these Sparkle Player II basses ($899 to $944). The regular Player II price hasn't changed yet.

 

[relayer66]

Sparkle bursts are fairly common...sunburst sparkle bursts, not so much. I don't hate it, at all.

 

[Brandon Shea]

I tried one of these locally today hoping for some magic, but I just didn’t love the way the particular bass felt. The finish is seriously spectacular in person though, I hope they do more like this!

 

[MtManiac]

Well, I'm neither a Fan of Fender or Sunburst finishes, but I gave it a try. The Sparkle finish looks absolutely gorgous. Too bad that mine had several QC issues (sharp fret ends, frets 5 and 6 too high, toolmarks on the fretboard/neck, bad filed nut) and weighted too much for my taste (4.6 kg/10.2 lbs). I've returned it.

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I bought the Jazz a couple of months back - maybe May or June? - and actually left all the plastic protective film on intending to return it. Only because I’d also come across a great deal on an American Pro shortly after that I liked a lot. However, time went by and I didn’t return it.

I’ve played it, obviously - but last night played it with the band for the first time. The pickups sound *very* solid. I wouldn’t say “to die for,” but they sounded great, and very much keepers. The neck plays really well, very comfortable.

I have zero fret issues or any other issues with this, and I’d ordered it online from the big Canadian Fender retailer. It arrived in immaculate condition with no retailer setup, and no setup needed.

 

[skycruiser]

I don't know if it's official but based on the way these basses are displayed on Sweetwater, I think they are being phased out.

 

[ghostdog93]

I'm pretty sure they're listed as a "Limited Edition", so they won't be around forever.

 

[Brandon Shea]

I'm hopeful that Fender will do some more sparkly finishes in the future. Their custom shop obviously does a wonderful job, but not everyone has that kind of money. These looked plenty cool, and in my opinion, perfectly blended the traditional Fender look with something modern and fun.

 

[stubobb]

Hopefully this one works out for you. I will say that this particular finish looks better on the Jazz bass in my opinion. I think the Precision needs a different color pickguard to really help the finish "sparkle". Good luck!

I know it's nearly a year later, replying for info and future searches.
Totally agree, the plain black pick-guard just doesn't cut it. I originally thought black pearl would work, but nope. Black glitter? Red Pearl, red glitter? Nope. Tried about 5 torts, and then this one from a Fender American Pro II (I think) was perfect. Well, almost perfect, I've since noticed it's printed, ugh! But it's still a beauty and will do for now.
The bass feels and sounds great. I put on a set of low tension flats and I love this thing, no temptation to change pickups. As for the frets, they're just now starting to sprout, which is expected. My place is old and the heat is dry as a bone, so every January and February I work on all the necks and basses that are passing through or being built. Just gotta do it once when the heats been up a while. May as well touch up the level, crown and polish at the same time, and oil the rosewood.
Anyway, this is a really cool, fun series from Fender.

 

[Guiseppe]

I like that Jazz. Would be cool if it has a matching headstock.

Good idea!