Fender: Vintage or Custom Shop?

[micguy]

The Custom shop exists for people that are particular - if you need a different color, or fretboard radius, and can't live with what Fender makes on the production line, then the Custom shop is your thing. Like any custom made bass, your idea of the perfect bass is most likely not the next person's, so if you need to sell it, you most likely won't get your money back.

Vintage instruments are for folks with nostalgia - if you like old things, then a vintage instrument may be your thing.

Are either of these options better than something off the rack? Maybe - if you're expecting a better instrument, you'
re likely to be disappointed. But.....if what you get makes you want to practice, and you can afford it, then it's money well spent.

It's not the instrument, but the practice that makes you good - whatever helps you with that is what you want.

 

[Evanforbass]

I'd sooner hack together a parts bass than go either route. IMO the price for pre-CBS basses is excessive for what you get, and I've never been blown away by any of the FCS basses I've played (horror CS and QC stories notwithstanding).


And for cheaper!

Second this motion. I have 2 MJT bodies w Fender MIA necks that feel and look great. MJT is better than Fender CS on nitro relic jobs, get your neck of choice through Musikraft or Fender or whoever, your pickup of choice.. you still are sitting at less $ than a new American bass

 

[Evanforbass]

if it hasn't been mentioned, a pre-cbs bass will require more hands-on testing before purchasing than a CS, as quality wasn't as consistent and some could be pure magic and some utter duds. I would feel very nervous about buying one on Reverb (because I would want to play it and enjoy playing it, and $5000+ should buy me a bass enjoy playing). If you want it to hang on a wall, well, the heart wants what wants

 

[Mike Marshall]

I’ve been thinking about long term gear goals, since I’ve basically reached a point where I have all the different kinds of basses I’m into (crazy, right?). I have a checking account that I use solely for music stuff. I figure I can start saving and in my 10-20 years pick up something super cool. I’m pretty much a Fender guy, so that’s the direction I’m thinking of going.

So if you guys could have one high end Fender, what would you choose: a Custom Shop or something pre-CBS?
I realize that if I go the vintage route we are probably talking much longer to save, but this would be the Bass my daughter would eventually inherit. So I want it to be something super special that holds some value, whether she plays or not (and luckily for me she’s shown a lot of interest in music and lights up whenever I show her the Daisy Rock line).

Im old so I have owned many 60's and a few 70's fenders back in the late 60's and 70's. Today I have a 66 precision I had two and sold one 5 years ago. I also have owned two C.S. Jazz basses and a C.S. 59 precision. I liked them all but the thing I cant believe is how prices have shot up. I had an early 1996 Custom shop jazz bass it was a nice bass I sold it for what I paid which was about $1900 new. The guy who bought it turned around and listed it for sale at $4000. ***? I would look for a used custom shop bass and be patient. I sold a CS 59 precision bass that I loved it played great and sounded great it was made in 2002 I sold it for $2250. I sold my 66 precision for $3500 5 years ago today I have seen two similar basses one at Normans Rare guitars for around $9000 I believe Willies in Minnesota also had one in the same price range. To me that's way out of line but I am old and I remember when a 60's fender was $150-$250 In the 80's no one wanted them they were out of fashion. I would look patiently for a custom shop and preferably play it before you buy or make sure you have a 24 hour approval period. I have a Fender Dusty Hill that is a great player I may sell only because Im going to reduce the number of basses I own I wont be gigging too much in the next few years.

 

[Lowbrow]

Short answer: look out for pre-CBS as a first choice. With many Custom Shop offerings upwards of $4k, there won't be much difference in price really and perhaps pre-CBS can be had cheaper. Pre-CBS will definitely hold its value better, which you mentioned was a consideration. However, if you are indeed looking to do this 10 years down the road, there is no telling where the market will be at that time, or how many pre-CBS Fender offerings will be on the market.

Good alternatives for fairly new vintage-style basses that are excellent instruments and have grown in value: American Vintage '63 and '58 Precision basses (discontinued and currently demanding around $2k)

Good alternative for fairly new vintage-style basses that aren't crazy valuable, but offer a great player with the pre-CBS vibe: earlier examples of the Fender Road Worn series (discontinued and currently demanding around $1k)

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I love FCS but I would probably get some player that was mostly vintage (body, neck, pickups). I wouldn't care if it was a refin. I wouldn't want to pay much more than 5k. I would only go this route if I had a really good lead on a genuine Pre-CBS player. Other than that, I have to say, I love my FCS 62 Precision bass.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

I’ve been thinking about long term gear goals, since I’ve basically reached a point where I have all the different kinds of basses I’m into (crazy, right?). I have a checking account that I use solely for music stuff. I figure I can start saving and in my 10-20 years pick up something super cool. I’m pretty much a Fender guy, so that’s the direction I’m thinking of going.

So if you guys could have one high end Fender, what would you choose: a Custom Shop or something pre-CBS?
I realize that if I go the vintage route we are probably talking much longer to save, but this would be the Bass my daughter would eventually inherit. So I want it to be something super special that holds some value, whether she plays or not (and luckily for me she’s shown a lot of interest in music and lights up whenever I show her the Daisy Rock line).

Wow! i was just thinking the same thing, but no daughter. I was sick & watching Youtube videos & Norms Rare Guitars came on, It got me thinking... I should have a good old instrument as my #1! Thinking I could put 1 on CC so it wouldnt Hurt too much! I just loved the thought of owning an old, really nice Vintage fender! just as much as an investment as a pocession. I have since finished rebuilding a JBS with the help of Warmoth parts. I love it! Its built with love & care.and to my spec. I've had a couple of Good techs set it up & both said it was a solid Build!it has quenched my gas for a Vintage Bass. Since it kind of is(its over 40 yrs old)and now im gassing for something totally opposite, a Modern Dingwall Droc. I have a good sized collection. with some cool older basses & a few newer ones too! I keep telling myself i'm good & fight any gas pangs!

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

I would try to find a vintage FIRST. With vintage, I would always play before buying. The best playing/sounding bass I have ever touched (and I have literally played hundreds) was a refin, banged all to pieces, '63 P bass. That same day I played a '59 P bass that was nothing special at all.

If I couldn't find a vintage, I would buy a new one.

Problem is their price is largely inflated as the good ones are becoming less and less available .. it’s an old subject this one …

 

[Ace Of Bass]

Short answer: look out for pre-CBS as a first choice. With many Custom Shop offerings upwards of $4k, there won't be much difference in price really and perhaps pre-CBS can be had cheaper. Pre-CBS will definitely hold its value better, which you mentioned was a consideration. However, if you are indeed looking to do this 10 years down the road, there is no telling where the market will be at that time, or how many pre-CBS Fender offerings will be on the market.

Good alternatives for fairly new vintage-style basses that are excellent instruments and have grown in value: American Vintage '63 and '58 Precision basses (discontinued and currently demanding around $2k)

Good alternative for fairly new vintage-style basses that aren't crazy valuable, but offer a great player with the pre-CBS vibe: earlier examples of the Fender Road Worn series (discontinued and currently demanding around $1k)

A pre CBS cheaper than $4k..!? Please show me where..! I haven’t seen one worth checking for under twice that amount in a long time of taking numerous trips to NYC and Tennessee looking for one worth grabbing…

…and for maybe $200-$400 more than an AV RI you could get a used FCS P which is a way better bass IMO…the pickup alone is worth the extra cash not to mention the better more consistent fretwork and the quarter sawn neck.. I don’t think the Riad Worn stuff (which is very cool) is in the same category as to what the OP is pondering…if hes looking for an excellent Fender bass to pass down to his child, then he can’t go wrong with a Custom Shop for WAY less than a Pre-CBS BUT the same can definitely be said about most American made Fenders (and some that aren’t made in America)….they’re a great combo of the cool worn in vintage vibe and superb playability and sound with the Custom Shop stuff…I think they’re excellent Basses, but I admit I’d struggle to be okay paying what they’re asking for a new one (I did get one brand new but in a trade)…if it’s all about having a cool investment piece that may bring his daughter a small boatload of cash one day, then there’s only one way to go, really, but if it’s about passing on a great bass that will most likely be a great bass for a very long time for less than half of a pre CBS a used Custom is often an unbeatable deal…

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Im old so I have owned many 60's and a few 70's fenders back in the late 60's and 70's. Today I have a 66 precision I had two and sold one 5 years ago. I also have owned two C.S. Jazz basses and a C.S. 59 precision. I liked them all but the thing I cant believe is how prices have shot up. I had an early 1996 Custom shop jazz bass it was a nice bass I sold it for what I paid which was about $1900 new. The guy who bought it turned around and listed it for sale at $4000. ***? I would look for a used custom shop bass and be patient. I sold a CS 59 precision bass that I loved it played great and sounded great it was made in 2002 I sold it for $2250. I sold my 66 precision for $3500 5 years ago today I have seen two similar basses one at Normans Rare guitars for around $9000 I believe Willies in Minnesota also had one in the same price range. To me that's way out of line but I am old and I remember when a 60's fender was $150-$250 In the 80's no one wanted them they were out of fashion. I would look patiently for a custom shop and preferably play it before you buy or make sure you have a 24 hour approval period. I have a Fender Dusty Hill that is a great player I may sell only because Im going to reduce the number of basses I own I wont be gigging too much in the next few years.

This !

 

[ajkula66]

I was a pretty early adopter of the Custom Shop range, roughly 30 years ago. Got a '62 JB and a '54 Strat the first time around.

Jazz sounded great on its own, however, when put against three pre-CBS specimens it lost to two of them and was sold in no time. For whatever reason, the Strat held its ground much better.

If I had to choose one, I'd go with pre-CBS but would have to play it first and have it inspected and verified thoroughly.

If I were buying one for my bass-playing-son I'd probably go with CS or even more likely a Fullerton vintage re-issue.

My $0.02 only...

 

[Ace Of Bass]

Wow! i was just thinking the same thing, but no daughter. I was sick & watching Youtube videos & Norms Rare Guitars came on, It got me thinking... I should have a good old instrument as my #1! Thinking I could put 1 on CC so it wouldnt Hurt too much! I just loved the thought of owning an old, really nice Vintage fender!

There’s definitely something special about the old Fenders…I guess the vibration of the strings through the body for years and years do I deed make a big difference…what’s cool is the stuff from the ‘80s and ‘90s that’s been played to death should be just as awesome a lot of cases right about now for even cheaper on average..

 

[Lowbrow]

A pre CBS cheaper than $4k..!? Please show me where..!

Possibly from a private seller rather than a shop. Didn't say it would be easy.

 

[DarkStar90]

pre-CBS basses are overrated. By all means, look for one if thats what you want. I just see a pile of maintenance with 'valuable' old instruments like that.

IMO, if someone comments that FCS makes an under-par instrument, or isn't worth the money, they are dead wrong, and dont know what they are talking about. For some reason I often get the feeling that such comments are usually pulled out of some well of inexperience, jealousy or denial. Im not denying lemons exist, but they exist at every quality level.

People who are saying they are overpriced, well thats debatable, but people are buying them. I bought one, dont regret it. I certainly wouldn't shame anyone who saved up for one. And no, your MIM Road Worn reissue does not play or sound as good as a CS bass, its simply not even the same category, regardless of upgrades. I own both and can attest to that.

Some may opt to buy from some other boutique brand. Good for them, I dont care.

My CS 1960 jazz is probably the best jazz I'll own. I have 7. The fit and finish are absolutely perfect. The fretwork is amazing. The quarter-sawn neck hasn't needed a truss rod adjustment in two years (its three years old, and in southern ontario thats a freakin miracle), and the AAA rosewood neck looks and feels better than any other rosewood available for lower priced instruments(MIM doesnt even use rosewood anymore) It simply sounds and plays fantastic.

 

[Lesfunk]

Pre CBS. If you can find a good one (that’s the rub),those basses can be absolutely magical

 

[Ace Of Bass]

Possibly from a private seller rather than a shop. Didn't say it would be easy.

You are correct about that…if you ever see one for $4k or less that’s legit, one would be crazy not to pull the trigger…I haven’t seen a price like that in maybe a decade or more…

 

[BritBass 2]

Prefer the early eighties Fullerton reissue Jazz Basses which used the original vintage body template .This changed around 1985 with the move to Corona when CNC machines took over resulting in considerably thicker less contoured instruments. To this day the Custom Shop use a generic Jazz body rather than the original 1960’s version .

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Custom Shop. IMO passing something on that you played, that was designed and custom made just for you, has a lot more personal meaning than a random vintage instrument. With the custom shop options are virtually endless. You really will have the ability to order something special.

 

[2F/2F]

I would get American Vintage Series, late 2012–2017.

I have pre-CBS, CBS, Fullerton reissue, Custom Shop, and AV as mentioned. Hands down, the AVs from the period mentioned are the best made instruments, AND the best bangs for the buck...plus I believe they will appreciate over the decades, since they were so great, and were not made for very long. I have eight of them (basses and guitars), and each one is a very well made work of aesthetic and tonal art that I am taking with me till I can't play any more.

That being said, when it comes to bang for the buck, nothing beats Leo-era G&Ls. They aren't going down in value either, but you can still get them for very little, in the grand scheme of things. Just make sure the necks are good; a lot of them have become wavy.

 

[Pet Sounds]

A few random thoughts:
As others have said, a vintage piece is more likely to hold its value and there are great ones to be found. But how comfortable would you be taking it to gigs? If it's meant as an heirloom and would be something you'd enjoy owning, vintage could be the way to go.
I own pre-CBS and early CBS stuff, and I wouldn't rule out CBS instruments, especially from the 1960s and early '70s. I have a '67 P-Bass that I like every bit as much as my '64.
Custom Shop stuff can be great -- I own a FCS P-Bass, also. But recently I had a choice between a CS '60 Jazz and a USA 60th anniversary Jazz, and I bought the '60th.
I Just preferred the sound of it.
Anything you hand down to your daughter will be a special bass, because it came from you! So I'd get a nice bass that speaks to you, be it pre-CBS, CBS, CS or vintage reissue, and play the check out of it. Your daughter will love it when the time comes for her to have it.