• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

If Fender Went Belly Up...

I've always played Fenders. Nothing against any other brand, they just have always been a good fit for me and I've always been lucky enough to own some pretty good ones.
With that being said, I checked out a Stingray a couple of weeks ago at GC and I wouldn't hesitate buying it. So if I couldn't have a Fender, it would be that Stingray.
 
Heh. All the post-CBS Fenders would then become 'pre-' something else.

I was thinking the same thing. If Fender couldn't pay its creditors, the likelihood is that the biggest lender would be China. Then people will list their Chinese Fenders and Squiers as "pre-China" Chinese Fenders and Squiers. With a $500 start and some stuff from Wiki about how the CNC's mojo was removed as a cost-cutting exercise.
 
If Fender were to disappear entirely (as likely or unlikely as that may be) the truth is that my present all Fender bass collection would likely outlive me since I am not that young a guy. Maybe my niece and nephew would win the lotto so to speak if the value of the rather plain MIM basses they would likely inherit from me were to skyrocket by the time I die! But if Fender went away and I did need a new bass at some point there are so many excellent choices out there I would miss Fender only in the same way I miss Oldsmobile. It is sad to see a storied old brand go away but it hardly prevents one from buying excellent new gear!

Ken
 
I've always played Fenders. Nothing against any other brand, they just have always been a good fit for me and I've always been lucky enough to own some pretty good ones.
With that being said, I checked out a Stingray a couple of weeks ago at GC and I wouldn't hesitate buying it. So if I couldn't have a Fender, it would be that Stingray.

Same here! The MusicMan basses are beautiful! I like the StringRays alot myself and I must say that would have been my second choice for a bass if they made lefties!
 
It has been said but I'll say it again. This is how it works for Famous Brands.

Current ownership dumps for low offer or files bankruptcy to get out. If bankruptcy creditors take ownership and either keep or resell. New ownership changes company either a little or a lot, but Famous Brand is still around.

In all honesty even through a bankruptcy the company could change less than it did after Leo Fender sold to CBS.

Speculation about the recent failed IPO was that the largest current owners, a private equity firm called Weston, were looking for an out, and they probably still are.