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Has anyone gone fenderless??

Do you use Fenders or Brand X

  • I have only Fenders

    Votes: 66 11.4%

  • I use both Fenders and non Fenders

    Votes: 257 44.3%

  • I have never owned a Fender

    Votes: 149 25.7%

  • I sold all my Fenders for Brand X

    Votes: 108 18.6%
  • Total voters
    580
#181
When I was younger I went Fenderless on purpose just because everyone said you have to play/like Fender.

As I matured, I started using them - mostly MIM basses with mods to pups, different preamps, the usual.

Then I found the Internet and G.A.S. hit - as well as the desire to try something other than what was stocked in local stores which was minimal at best. Started with G&L for me, then Ken Smith and on and on.

I currently have a pair of Roscoes and my Geddy Lee. The Geddy stays while the others get rotated as I try new things. As others have said, I'm not anti/por Fender (anymore) nor am I anti/pro other makers - although if you go "boutique" I think Roscoe is as good as anyone.

Play what you like for your preferences and situation. Lord knows there are enough options out there these days in all price ranges.

I think these discussions can be fun and interesting but they alway turn ugly.

FWIW - if I decided I need to pay some bills, I'll be fine (though sad) if I have to sell the Roscoes and play the Geddy.
 
#182
My only genuine Fender is a Telecaster guitar. I love it to pieces, but I'm more of a Gibson guy when it comes to basses. Although I have a nice parts Jazz clone that I plan to keep, Thunderbirds suit me better. Even for jazz, apparently. :help:
 
#184
I was a Fender Jazz man for many years, but a few years ago I discovered Sandberg basses made in Germany. I currently have a P style 4 stringer and a P style 5 stringer from Sandberg, but I still have a Fender P as well. The Sandbergs both have TI flats on them, the Fender P has Labella flats. Between them, I have all the tones I need for my three bands :)
 
#185
First time I ever went into a shop with the intent of buying a bass (1982) I had my heart set on a Fender. Way out of my price league, so the assistant pulled an Aria TSB-400 off the rack & it was love at first feel… I've got 6 of the buggers now :D

Main players are two 1980 SBs. All the tone I need.

P.
 
#190
Fenders forever. Once in a while you'll find the one Fender that stands out. One that's a keeper. I could never opinion by only having one of any bass or even three unless you happen upon the one that has a much better sound than the one before. It does happen like that. It could take years.
 
#192
I have regular access to an American Deluxe Jazz Bass V, and an American Standard P-bass 5 string owned by friends of mine.

Those basses are great, but they're kind of expensive here. I have saved enough to buy one now, but did some research and tried some local luthier stuff and got hooked.
For a similar amount of money I'll have my bass built to my taste, looks and tone-wise.

It was not in my plans to have it this way, i saved the money for an American Standard Presicion bass, maple neck.

Today I tried a bolt on 4 string Stingray-ish bass built by this luthier and was instantly amazed. Looks are great, olympic white and black pickguard. A real beauty. Neat construction, high quality materials.
Even before we plugged it, it sounded great. The wood selection and the construction
made this bass sing on it's own. Once plugged I was blown by it's clarity, bottom end, mid articulation, really a great sounding bass.

I'm not triying to talk down on Fenders, I still think they're great basses, but if I can get
more bang for my buck i'll go for it. If it says fender or not is no big deal for me. It has to sound good, that's about it.

On the other hand, I also prefer to give my hard worked money to a really knowleadgeable guy who really knows what he's doing, instead of giving it to a multi-billion company, even if they also know how to make a good bass.
 
#193
I had a '78 P-bass since about '93, had to sell it a few years back to pay some bills that had to be paid. Went without any kind of bass until '09, when I came into some money and the first thing I did was buy me a brand new Jazz. I currently have that Jazz and two Squiers. So, yes I was "Fender-less," but not voluntarily, and only for a short time. Hopefully won't have to go without them ever again.
 
#197
Never owned a Fender. When I first started playing back in highschool I covered my music binder with fenders. Never have bought one cause never quite liked the sound and the way they feel. Now I have all long scales except a J style semi custom bass that looks like a fender but isn't verdict is still out on it. But like my long scales much better. Second bass ever that I still own is my Washburn XB-500 5 string. Love that thing to death. I plan on having the burried with me... lol
 
#198
I can't say I am Fenderless, even though at the moment I technically do not own a Fender. I have a Squier VM Jazz, and I also have a few P and Jazz basses that are not Fenders.

Even though I don't have a Fender I have Fender style basses, and Squire is close enough.
 

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