How does a Fullerton AVRI compare to a Custom shop?

[Tomie Kawakami]

As the Fullerton AVRI being the unicorn everyone is chasing, is it really worth to spend $4k for a Fullerton AVRI instead of getting a fender custom shop at the same price? I’m asking cause I have $4000 to spend on either a Fullerton 57 p bass or a custom shop 57 p bass. I’m wondering if I should hold the money and wait until a Fullerton shows up for sale someday. It would be helpful if anyone could comment on this and explain why one is better than the other. Thank you.

 

[Ricoco]

I have owned both a Fullerton AVRI (62) and a couple of CS P Basses (one relic 59 one NOS 62). While not owning all at the same time, all have been bought and sold the span of approx 18 months.

Firstly, I can say all of the basses were exceptional in terms of sound/tone and build quality and I think you’d be happy with either of your options. Ideally if you go down the Fullerton path, I’d recommend seeing/playing first, as there are some quirks such as ski-jumps to look out for, as well as lots of non-original pieces out there. In my opinion, if it’s not all original, it’s not worth the expense.

My current p bass is a early 2000s NOS 62. For me, it has been the full package. The fit, finish and tone are all exceptional. It feels and sounds like it’s price tag. While some opinions are that the NOS models are in a similar league to the latest AVRI/American Original Series…having also owned a NOS 64 Jazz Bass which I did have the chance to A/B with an American Original 60s Jazz - I stand by my thoughts that the NOS CS models are in their own league.

The relic 59, also sounded fantastic and was still obviously a high-end bass, I personally just could not gel with the relic’d neck, nor the aesthetics. Each to their own.

The Fullerton had loads of mojo and sounded maybe the best of the bunch by an extra 5%. I sold this bass due to covid last year and while I sometimes wish I could have found another when I was in a position to replace it, the NOS 62 is ultimately every bit as good (give or take that 5% of tonal difference) and by comparison does “feel” like a $4000 bass. Whereas I felt with the fullerton I was paying a premium for that MOJO and it did not “feel” as expensive.

I’d say if you have the chance to play both, that would be ideal as you can make the most informed decision. If you have to buy online/remotely I’d suggest there is “some” risk involved in the fullerton. Where as from my experience, a plus for the custom shop is that there is an element of consistency there, having owned 3 including the J bass - all of which are/were exceptional basses.

All the best with your decision making and search.

 

[ajkula66]

Fullerton would be my pick, but I can't see myself paying $4K for one. Probably because of the fact that I owned them and played them when they were new and am spoiled by that aspect.

The 1st generation '57 re-issue is arguably the finest post-'65 Fender bass I've ever owned - not counting the Walnut Precision Special - BUT including current and past Custom Shop offerings. I felt that way 35 years ago and the plethora of Fenders that I've laid my hands over that period of time hasn't changed my mind. That bass just felt and played right...almost like the real thing. Dangerously close, in my view.

But that's me.

I'd make sure to check out all the available options in person, and decide that way even if it means taking a trip someplace where you could A/B a few of them. In the long run, it will probably be worth your while. IMO, that is.

Happy shopping.

 

[Tomie Kawakami]

Fullerton would be my pick, but I can't see myself paying $4K for one. Probably because of the fact that I owned them and played them when they were new and am spoiled by that aspect.

The 1st generation '57 re-issue is arguably the finest post-'65 Fender bass I've ever owned - not counting the Walnut Precision Special - BUT including current and past Custom Shop offerings. I felt that way 35 years ago and the plethora of Fenders that I've laid my hands over that period of time hasn't changed my mind. That bass just felt and played right...almost like the real thing. Dangerously close, in my view.

But that's me.

I'd make sure to check out all the available options in person, and decide that way even if it means taking a trip someplace where you could A/B a few of them. In the long run, it will probably be worth your while. IMO, that is.

Happy shopping.

Thank you. You made me feel worse cause I missed the opportunity to buy an '83 Fullerton 2 days ago. LOL. Wish I'm lucky to find one soon.

 

[Tomie Kawakami]

I have owned both a Fullerton AVRI (62) and a couple of CS P Basses (one relic 59 one NOS 62). While not owning all at the same time, all have been bought and sold the span of approx 18 months.

Firstly, I can say all of the basses were exceptional in terms of sound/tone and build quality and I think you’d be happy with either of your options. Ideally if you go down the Fullerton path, I’d recommend seeing/playing first, as there are some quirks such as ski-jumps to look out for, as well as lots of non-original pieces out there. In my opinion, if it’s not all original, it’s not worth the expense.

My current p bass is a early 2000s NOS 62. For me, it has been the full package. The fit, finish and tone are all exceptional. It feels and sounds like it’s price tag. While some opinions are that the NOS models are in a similar league to the latest AVRI/American Original Series…having also owned a NOS 64 Jazz Bass which I did have the chance to A/B with an American Original 60s Jazz - I stand by my thoughts that the NOS CS models are in their own league.

The relic 59, also sounded fantastic and was still obviously a high-end bass, I personally just could not gel with the relic’d neck, nor the aesthetics. Each to their own.

The Fullerton had loads of mojo and sounded maybe the best of the bunch by an extra 5%. I sold this bass due to covid last year and while I sometimes wish I could have found another when I was in a position to replace it, the NOS 62 is ultimately every bit as good (give or take that 5% of tonal difference) and by comparison does “feel” like a $4000 bass. Whereas I felt with the fullerton I was paying a premium for that MOJO and it did not “feel” as expensive.

I’d say if you have the chance to play both, that would be ideal as you can make the most informed decision. If you have to buy online/remotely I’d suggest there is “some” risk involved in the fullerton. Where as from my experience, a plus for the custom shop is that there is an element of consistency there, having owned 3 including the J bass - all of which are/were exceptional basses.

All the best with your decision making and search.

Thank you very much for your input. Guess I'll sit on the cash I have until a Fullerton shows up. Meanwhile I'd probably just get an early-year Corona AVRI for daily use.

 

[mikeswals]

4k sounds like dealer asking pricing, no way in heck Id pay that for a fullerton.
I've had both, yeah you gotta watch for neck issues. The finish on mine was very thick and heavy. But that slim profile neck played great.
My CS had a thin finish more like originals. Both had very similar deep body contouring.

 

[WoodyJ]

I agree that $4K for a Fullerton is ridiculous, at least at this point in time.

With that said, I have two Fullerton Precisions ('57 & '62) and two CS Precisions ('59 and '61)

If I was comparing them blindfolded, I don't think I could tell any significant difference sonically or physically. If I had $4K to spend. I would go with a Custom Shop one.

 

[Tomie Kawakami]

I agree that $4K for a Fullerton is ridiculous, at least at this point in time.

With that said, I have two Fullerton Precisions ('57 & '62) and two CS Precisions ('59 and '61)

If I was comparing them blindfolded, I don't think I could tell any significant difference sonically or physically. If I had $4K to spend. I would go with a Custom Shop one.

Thank you for the input