I just don’t get it

[JRA]

 

[No Compute]

I mean, the OP does have a valid point…

Why would anyone ever go to a McDonald’s or Wendy’s or a (shudder) In N Out while Louis’ Lunch is still open for business? Can you get more ‘burger’ than the original (which Fender is not)?

Nobody cares that you have a :30 minute lunch break. Drive up to New Haven, or don’t eat a hamburger. There is simply no middle ground here…

 

[ELG60]

As long as it has tort, I don't care.

 

[Dorado Pulido]

Yall play Fenders? I'm lucky to be able to afford a Squire.
It's funny seeing people argue over champagne and caviar when I'm making do with a PB&J.

 

[GIBrat51]

I was just wondering why so many people spend so much money on a Fender Jazz made by someone else and look for that vintaged sound or feel they have a better Fender than Fender. Before you chime in yes I have tried some of the boutique basses ( no names ) and in some cases other than the ergonomics of the neck I just don’t get it. On the vintage sound, amps and cabinets today are not tuned like the old acoustics, ampegs, peavys, fenders of old. Imho no SS head will never sound and feel like a SVT or old Fender Bassman ( all tube amps)

I'll be honest; I have never wanted a Jazz Bass - Fender, or anybody else's idea of one. They feel... weird, they fit me funny, and - for the Fenders, anyway, I can't see buying a bass that I have to fix the electronics, before I can play the thing. The Jazz Bass-sized, optional "A" neck on my '78 Fender P-Bass is about as close as I care to get. Besides; I have some very nice twin-SC pickup basses that aren't Jazz Basses, anyway, so... you can keep them all...
But, regarding the "why buy an X instead of a Fender?" That's the way a free market society works. Sometimes it's not necessary to build a "Better" mousetrap. Sometimes, just building a different mousetrap is all you need... But if I ever decided that I wanted to torment myself with an ill-fitting bass like a Jazz Bass? Because my left-handedness makes my choices very limited, I'd probably buy a neck and body from Warmoth - and build my own. So much for brand names...

 

[bassGtar]

I was just wondering why so many people spend so much money on a Fender Jazz made by someone else and look for that vintaged sound or feel they have a better Fender than Fender. Before you chime in yes I have tried some of the boutique basses ( no names ) and in some cases other than the ergonomics of the neck I just don’t get it. On the vintage sound, amps and cabinets today are not tuned like the old acoustics, ampegs, peavys, fenders of old. Imho no SS head will never sound and feel like a SVT or old Fender Bassman ( all tube amps)

Uh, you can’t buy a Fender Jazz made by someone else. But let’s say you could. OK, thats a great idea. Now, what was that about the amps?

 

[FRoss6788]

Oh that's right, Fender is not the original Jazz bass...

Good lord...

 

[Jason Sypher]

VW made a new Beetle years ago. It’s a better car in almost every respect. Would I prefer a nice ‘62? You can bet your life on it. Same goes for Fender. But above all of this I’d rather be an incredible musician/bassist. This is where I put all my energy and time.

 

[Dust2Dust]

Yall play Fenders? I'm lucky to be able to afford a Squire.
It's funny seeing people argue over champagne and caviar when I'm making do with a PB&J.

+1

 

[Dust2Dust]

I actually really like my Squiers though, to be honest

 

[No Malarky]

"This is my Fender. There are many like it but this one is mine..."

With Respects to 'The Creed of The United States Marine Corps.'

 

[roadyboy]

Without innovation and change, we'd all still be driving model t fords.

 

[bassGtar]

One could only dream. Unfortunately, too many people have had QC issues with brand new Fender basses that they spent good money on to be able to say any Fender is necessarily equal in quality to any other Fender. That's one of the reasons people buy FSOs from companies other than Fender. Most of the smaller companies get the QC right the first time.

But if Fenders have quality control issues and the other Fenders don’t, then this becomes a feature that differentiates the Fenders from the other Fenders, and to not have a defect could become a feature gap vis-a-vis the Fenders. I totally get the fact that some companies put in too many feature just to look better in product comparisons, so for some people getting the other Fender might be a good option. But for the rest of us ….

 

[salmon256]

I mean, it's already been said but because uh, simply everyone has a reason and preference. A lot of people say the Yamaha TRBX604 sounds like a Jazz bass, well I like it because it has a comfy neck and feels good when I played it. I love my two CVs but comfort is the biggest key. I see no point in buying something for loads of money if you can get a cheaper or equivalent that you like. Fender is the most cloned basses (I'm guessing but I see a lot of folks say this on here and R/bass.) Everyone has their reasons. Also I can't afford a Fender or any of the cool sadowsky type brands lol, so... Classic Vibes and Harley Bentons here I come!

 

[bassGtar]

Without innovation and change, we'd all still be driving model t fords.

But it wouldn’t be the same driving them on modern roads.

 

[chanson]

Reasons people might prefer a Fender styled bass made by someone else-

Ergonomics
Aesthetic options
Quality control/craftsmanship
Options/quality at different pricepoints
Perceived improvement of tone

 

[Queue]

I paid Fender prices for a non-Fender J, because I wanted specs that Fender didn't offer. Soundwise, I was just looking for the J-style ballpark, no specific Fender sound.

I paid Fender MIA prices for a Fender MIJ Jazz, because the short scale Jazz is only available in Japan.

Result? An awesome bass. No regrets. Does it have that vintage sound? IDK, it sounds great, cuts through the mix, and plays great, and it's pretty light, I'm happy.

 

[REMBO]

I Love Fenders! I’m Loyal To Fender and I’m Happy With The Sound & Playability Of Fenders!

I respect what other builders build! I’m just loyal To Fender!

 

[krfoss]

I'm with you. I like the fender headstock more than other. But, why pay more for basically a fender. But yah, people will pay for what they want. If that's more for the same, not my problem.

 

[MrB64]

View attachment 5032539

I'd like that twice if I could!