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Guitar Center does it again!

#142
dxb said:
...is there a specific reason you need that info? As I understand it, all rosewood has export restrictions. Even if it were some variety that isn't quite as restricted, good luck trying to explain the difference to a customs official...
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I want to know which wood is used in the necks of these instruments for the same reason I want to know what woods each of my instruments is made from. I travel with instruments, and am concerned about the environment.

Knowing which woods they are made of also helps me understand the sound and feel of my instruments, how a wood affects me musically and aesthetically, and it aids me in assessing instruments I might consider owning and playing—especially as concerns sustainable use of the natural environment and aforesaid travel.

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#143
Here is an update from Fender Consumer Relations on exact genus and species of rosewood used in the neck of these instruments.
No surprise that it is Dalbergia latafolia. Here is Justin Gaudet's reply:

Justin Gaudet (Fender)

Nov 26, 11:08 MST

Hey James,

The species is Dalbergia latifolia and yes it is protected by CITES. Thanks again for reaching out.


All the best

Justin Gaudet

Consumer Relations | U.S. Direct Sales Representative

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. | 17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Telephone: 480-845-5146
 
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#144
Jim Carr said:
Here is an update from Fender Consumer Relations on exact genus and species of rosewood used in the neck of these instruments.
No surprise that it is Dalbergia latafolia. Here is Justin Gaudet's reply:

Justin Gaudet (Fender)

Nov 26, 11:08 MST

Hey James,

The species is Dalbergia latifolia and yes it is protected by CITES. Thanks again for reaching out.


All the best

Justin Gaudet

Consumer Relations | U.S. Direct Sales Representative

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. | 17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Telephone: 480-845-5146
Click to expand...

Thanks for update!

They are nice looking necks.
 
#146
I played the pink/rosewood jazz today, and although it was set up like a longbow, it sounded great. I didn't care for the fact that the truss rod adjustment screw is the Philips head type screw in the heel, only really accessible with the neck off like vintage fenders. It also had a V before the numbers in the serial number, as the AVRI series basses do, yet the tag said American Professional Series Special Edition. The headstock looks nice in person, "fender" is very subtle, but once you are right in front of it it's easy to read. This one had very nice grain in the rosewood.

The truss rod adjustment and guitar center setup, it sounded great. I was really impressed, to be honest. I also grabbed a couple American Pro jazz basses down to compare and the rosewood necked bass sounded better to my ears. I didn't know what to expect, but it sounded super fat and more present in the low mids. If I were taking a jazz home from there today it'd have been that pink one.

Another note, they are $249 more than the standard American Pro basses.
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#149
I played this rosewood necked P-Bass at GC today. The back of the neck felt great and it sounded awesome. The neck had way too much relief to really evaluate the playability. That seems to be a trend with these. I wonder if it's a rosewood thing or just typical GC lack of interest in setting up basses on the floor. The fit and finish were great and if this was a 5 string it would probably have gone home with me.

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#151
Just bought the Jazz model last week. First thing I noticed was too much relief in the neck. I've owned several maple neck Fenders and never needed a truss rod adjustment. Virtually straight as an arrow with no lower fret buzz. I'm scheduled to take it in for a pro setup today (Monday) but am having second thoughts about keeping the bass after reading the entire thread and many comments about it being neck bow-prone. Might this be an ongoing problem? If so, it's not an issue I want to live with.
 
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#152
mihayloff said:
Just bought the Jazz model last week. First thing I noticed was too much relief in the neck. I've owned several maple neck Fenders and never needed a truss rod adjustment. Virtually straight as an arrow with no lower fret buzz. I'm scheduled to take it in for a pro setup today (Monday) but am having second thoughts about keeping the bass after reading the entire thread and many comments about it being neck bow-prone. Might this be an ongoing problem? If so, it's not an issue I want to live with.
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The only problem that exists here is Guitar Center not bothering to adjust the necks before putting them on the sales floor (and apparently, shamefully before they go out the door).

Once the neck is properly adjusted it should be okay, it is not uncommon for a neck to need an adjustment now and then, especially when new. That's why they build them with adjustable truss rods in the first place. I am sure your maple necks move a bit, maybe not noticeably enough for you.

I would not say they are prone to neck issues at this point... this is an issue with the retailer not being on the ball.
 
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#153
Double E said:
The only problem that exists here is Guitar Center not bothering to adjust the necks before putting them on the sales floor (and apparently, shamefully before they go out the door).

Once the neck is properly adjusted it should be okay, it is not uncommon for a neck to need an adjustment now and then, especially when new. That's why they build them with adjustable truss rods in the first place. I am sure your maple necks move a bit, maybe not noticeably enough for you.

I would not say they are prone to neck issues at this point... this is an issue with the retailer not being on the ball.
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Completely agree. I too own a pink jazz, and might get the green p. GC are notoriously bad for not doing any set up at all. Mine came in maybe a day or two before I bought it. It's neck wasn't a bow but not straight either. Brought it home adjusted the truss rod and it's been fine since Thanksgiving weekend.
 
#154
Pet Sounds said:
Anyone buy one of these yet? Your thoughts?
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I bought one. I also own a '15 American Std, and a geddy lee with a rose wood neck(parts bass) and must say this pink jazz has something to it. Not sure if it's the pickups or the neck or combo of both. I didnt play a professional jazz so maybe it's the new vmod pickups. I went in there specifically for this bass, and planned to walk out without it. It was also black Friday, so pretty crowded. I like mine a lot and it will be my main jazz for a while I think. I'm looking forward to trying the green p when it comes to my store.

If your on the fence go a/b it against a new professional jazz an see which one you like better.
 
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#156
Funkdified said:
I have another neck with the Phillips type adjustment. I use a paint can opener on it so I dont have to take off the neck. Unless it's really bad.
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^^^^^ This!! Why are people so hung up on truss rod adjusters like this? Firstly, it's supposed to be adjusted with a narrow flat head. It is not Phillips. Secondly, I can adjust one without taking the neck off in seconds. I dislike the head stock truss rod adjustment type as it can cause problems with the first fret. Ideally, everyone would be building things with a spoke wheel adjustment, but I'll take the double flat head version Leo Fender came up with any day over a hex key adjuster.
 
#157
Funkdified said:
I bought one. I also own a '15 American Std, and a geddy lee with a rose wood neck(parts bass) and must say this pink jazz has something to it. Not sure if it's the pickups or the neck or combo of both. I didnt play a professional jazz so maybe it's the new vmod pickups. I went in there specifically for this bass, and planned to walk out without it. It was also black Friday, so pretty crowded. I like mine a lot and it will be my main jazz for a while I think. I'm looking forward to trying the green p when it comes to my store.

If your on the fence go a/b it against a new professional jazz an see which one you like better.
Click to expand...

I am an industry rep for pro audio companies and was working at GC last night. After I got done with my tasks, I wanted to try out a Stingray but the pink jazz was in the way so I tried that one first and the neck just melted in my hands right away. It was actually setup just right.


So yeah, it’s on layaway for after Santa Claus duties.
 
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#158
Fxpmusic said:
I am an industry rep for pro audio companies and was working at GC last night. After I got done with my tasks, I wanted to try out a Stingray but the pink jazz was in the way so I tried that one first and the neck just melted in my hands right away. It was actually setup just right.


So yeah, it’s on layaway for after Santa Claus duties.
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I actually returned a new stingray special. Didn't think it warranted the price tag. Not a bad instrument at all, I own an envy green ray, the new one just didnt do it for me.

Good choice on the jazz.
 
#159
Funkdified said:
I actually returned a new stingray special. Didn't think it warranted the price tag. Not a bad instrument at all, I own an envy green ray, the new one just didnt do it for me.

Good choice on the jazz.
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Oh yeah the Stingray is an amazing beast. There was just magic with the jazz in my hands. I’ve come to terms that I’m a passive bass dude. And mostly a P player. This one just had the magic sauce.
 

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