I LOVE/HATE - CAN'T STAND/CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT A FENDER

[UK Philip]

I like them! Obviously the Precision Bass is a classic and always will be, but only one is needed for me.

Lately I tried an [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], though, and for the money I'd have to say that it took the cake over anything Fender are offering. But it is a different animal.

 

[ScarfFace]

I like em

 

[tedious1]

It is certainly okay to like other makes even more because they are more suited to a style or preference, but anti-Fender fervor is irrational and unbiased.

FWIW, I love carrots...

But, when I was playing that smaller bass with the cheese wires for strings (I think they call it a gee-tar) I had no time of day for Fender. I played Gibson/Epiphone exclusively to start, and ended up playing EBMM's before I switched to bass.

When I switched permanently my first thought was an EBMM, then I saw the price tag and decided that might be for down the road (didn't know about S.U.B.s and from what I've read since, I'm glad I didn't...) So I naturally was inclined toward Gibson/Epi as my second choice, but I don't like most of their basses. I've since found a couple Gibson/Epi basses I would be willing to play, and likewise a few Squire/Fender guitars.

Switching had the effect of mellowing my irrational positions on all the manufacturers, I now reserve my loathing for where it rightly belongs...boutique builders

 

[DD Gunz]

15 years ago I avoided P Basses and my quest for tone took me all over the map.

I have since reverted back to the P Bass and it just feels and sounds right in every way. I am not at all against playing another basses, but it's been about 5 years since I have wanted to play anything else. It's not my fault. It just kind of happened. I never thought it would unfold like this.

 

[Midak]

I got a made to order musicman a few years back took about 4 months to get it but I only paid about $2100 and got zero attitude from this folks. Believe what you will

DiabolusInMusic didn't say that you cannot order a Custom Shop MusicMan, he said that Ernie Ball's Custom Shop has limited options compared to Fender's Custom Shop.

I do own a Fender Custom Shop and I believe they are clearly a cut above their production line. So, to me they are completely worth the extra cash.

 

[Gaolee]

Switching had the effect of mellowing my irrational positions on all the manufacturers, I now reserve my loathing for where it rightly belongs...boutique builders

You are doing it wrong. Your loathing should be reserved for Rics. Just saying.

But carrots are excellent.

 

[tedious1]

You are doing it wrong. Your loathing should be reserved for Rics. Just saying.

But carrots are excellent.

In my defense, I've never played a Ric, I've only dealt with Ric owners, which is probably why I thought Rickenbacker was a boutique builder...

 

[Gaolee]

In my defense, I've never played a Ric, I've only dealt with Ric owners, which is probably why I thought Rickenbacker was a boutique builder...

Well, then maybe you are doing it right. And, there's always carrots.

 

[Nedmundo]

I love Fenders, and at one point owned five Fender basses and two Strats. But I've found I prefer G&L, so they've kicked some Fenders out of the herd, and I'm down to two Jazz basses, with one for sale. Still love the Strats, but I have a G&L Comanche on order.

Despite the G&L invasion, I don't think I'll ever part with my four-string 2003 Jazz and 2004 Strat. They're just wonderful instruments, in matching Chrome Red/maple to boot!

 

[twinjet]

Never saw myself buying a Fender. A Mexican jazz came up in a real steal of a deal, so I snatched it. It's a keeper, for sure. Kind of my universal bass. Good for anything!

 

[spiritbass]

None of the poll choices matched my feeling toward Fender basses so I did not vote. The three basses I own are are tributes to Leo's genius and based on his iconic designs. One is a five-string jazz, one is a four-string jazz with p/j pickups, and one is a precision. All crafted with exacting care in Saskatoon by Sheldon Dingwall and crew. Leo would have been quite flattered.

 

[MrMerrey]

I find fender basses really uncomfortable to play however I don't have anything personal against them, but I do feel that there a lot of builders doing more modern and interesting things that could open new doors. Fender are still stuck in the 50's a bit.

 

[deeptubes]

I'm a fan, but I love basses. Generally speaking, there is no manufacturer that I don't like, only individual models.

 

[VWbug]

it seems to me there is a lot more anti Fender/anti P sentiment than for any other maker or model. I know why it is.
I remember when IMB was the big dog in the computer world. Everybody hated IBM. They had all sorts of stories going around about how IBM was crap and everything else was super, how they were overpriced, etc. etc. etc. Now, everyone hates Microsoft and I hear the same biased statements about them. It is the old envy problem. Everyone wants to bring the big guy down. Those who hated the big dogs didn't like the fact they are the standard that everyone goes to. It was once a saying that no IT manager ever got fired for choosing IMB.

Fender is and has always been the big dog among bass makers. Like choosing IBM, showing up with a Fender is always acceptable. Fender is better than many makers and, of course, there are some that are better. I don't necessarily mean custom makers. G&L (IMHO) pays more attention to detail and turns out a more consistent product. And this thread is not an argument about the relative quality of builders. It is about unrational, biased attitudes.

So le'ts talk about the quality factor perception. After CBS took over Fender, the Pre CBS instuments were considered the very best and all the CBS stuff was crap that an uncaring corporation foisted on us for an evil profit. Now those instruments are considered valuable collectables and excellent instruments. There have been other periods of the new stuff sucs and the old stuff is great as well.

There have been a lot of advancement in technology and Fender hasn't always been on the leading edge. But again, that is more a matter of what you are looking for. If you are looking for true vintage, you get a Fender Precision, string it with flats and play it through a B-15. That is vintage. As you move from that, it becomes less and less vintage.

It is certainly okay to like other makes even more because they are more suited to a style or preference, but anti-Fender fervor is irrational and unbiased.

Only my opinion, but I think you hit the nail on the head.

 

[Nobody]

it seems to me there is a lot more anti Fender/anti P sentiment than for any other maker or model.

Seems that way but isn't. The reason it seems that way is because they are the most talked about basses on talkbass. You do read more negative stuff about Fender than others brands but that's only because you read WAY more about Fender than other brands in general. With that much talk some of it is bound to be negative.

 

[Haji]

My apathy towards Bumper really knows no bounds. They'd have to do something radically different to get my interest. I think they're still the standard, but the standard isn't what I want.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Seems that way but isn't. The reason it seems that way is because they are the most talked about basses on talkbass. You do read more negative stuff about Fender than others brands but that's only because you read WAY more about Fender than other brands in general. With that much talk some of it is bound to be negative.

Good point.

 

[Igotsoul4u]

I really like Fender tone, but they don't feel right for me. P-bass necks are to the point where I just don't bother playing them anymore. Jazz necks are much better but I don't like the body. If I ever bought a fender it would be a Pbass deluxe would be my best options. I agree with the poster above that they are not great for players with smaller hands. There is even something about the jazz neck that makes my hand cramp up a bit.

It has nothing to do with the brand at all or the fact that they are everywhere. I have tons of respect for Fender legacy.