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Is Fender a scam?
- Thread starter widdelywaahhkid
- Start date
- Status
I agree with everything in your post. But as long as there is a market for cheap stuff, it will continue to be made. I'm guilty of this but I try to buy US made wherever possible.
As long as it's not "Fender American Standard Precision Bass." That could really add up.
Once upon a time Fender bass and electric bass were almost synomous. Think James. Fender bass ads would mention the percentage of hits that used a Fender bass. I seem to recall it being 90%. Now there's many more options.
Be glad that you can buy a playable bass for $225. Which in todays world isn't a lot of money. In 1965 a Fender Bass would probably go for about that same amount. And believe me, it was a lot of money.
Be glad that you can buy a playable bass for $225. Which in todays world isn't a lot of money. In 1965 a Fender Bass would probably go for about that same amount. And believe me, it was a lot of money.
You said the USA product and the overseas product (except for electronics) was the exact same product, which it is not.
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a similiar priced Fender smokes both Nordy and Sadowsky, IME. you risk your integrity with this type of post. you have the gall to compare an assembly-line product with a so-called boutique?!!
i've tried both of your recommendations against a CS Fender and the CS was MUCH better! amazing, isn't it!
One of the things I used to love about talkbass was the fact that many here would post great reviews (and great pictures) of excellent basses, basses that not only could I not afford but also that were hard to even get my hands on to try...because the only stores that carry them are bass speciality stores which require a long drive to get to.
Those days are gone. Now it seems every other thread is either bashing the mid to high priced gear, or claiming the low and extreme low end gear is just as good, and you are either deluded, a fool or a head stock whore if you prefer or like them.
This is like going to a car forum, expecting to see threads about high performance cars, and instead finding thread after thread extolling the virtues of Yugos, Kias, Ford fiestas and honda civics. All cars that can take you from point A to point B, but are not particularly inspiring, desireable or even really fun to drive.
I just can't see bragging about taking a Honda Civic on a test drive through the countryside, and how great it was compared to all the vettes and mustangs and BMWs that passed you by.
I have said it countless times here. If economics means all you can afford is a Squire..that's fine. It is universally agreed that the cheap gear today is much better then the cheap gear from yesterday. But I think as a good craftsman, you should dream big. At least I do.
And what bothers me are the inaccurate statements being made in bulk on this forum. I am glad at least a few are starting to also point it out. Myself and bass player magazine (plus all the pros that play pro level instruments cannot be the only ones that see this.
The last issue of bass player mag makes it pretty clear. Read the section in Hutch Hutchinson.
On page 28, he says " You have to have the right tools for the job"...and then he goes on to list the Laklands and MIA Fenders he considers to be the "right tools".
I am not making this stuff up, people.
Then in the same issue, we have "the real world" where they show amatuer players..this month the guy shown is playing Warwick and Peavy...then there is "dig my rig"...A nice trio of Sadowskys....
Then, the players: Wendell Rand- Modulus and lakland.
Mark Kelly- Warwick and Fodera
Then Artie Reynolds- a Fodera, again.
This is just one issue out of many I have read over the years...and in all of them there is scant mention of Squires and SX and other low end beginner basses. Why is that?
Oh yeah, they are all paid endorsers?
puuulleeeze!
Is there something about good quality instruments that these pros know that people on talkbass know better?
Those days are gone. Now it seems every other thread is either bashing the mid to high priced gear, or claiming the low and extreme low end gear is just as good, and you are either deluded, a fool or a head stock whore if you prefer or like them.
This is like going to a car forum, expecting to see threads about high performance cars, and instead finding thread after thread extolling the virtues of Yugos, Kias, Ford fiestas and honda civics. All cars that can take you from point A to point B, but are not particularly inspiring, desireable or even really fun to drive.
I just can't see bragging about taking a Honda Civic on a test drive through the countryside, and how great it was compared to all the vettes and mustangs and BMWs that passed you by.
I have said it countless times here. If economics means all you can afford is a Squire..that's fine. It is universally agreed that the cheap gear today is much better then the cheap gear from yesterday. But I think as a good craftsman, you should dream big. At least I do.
And what bothers me are the inaccurate statements being made in bulk on this forum. I am glad at least a few are starting to also point it out. Myself and bass player magazine (plus all the pros that play pro level instruments cannot be the only ones that see this.
The last issue of bass player mag makes it pretty clear. Read the section in Hutch Hutchinson.
On page 28, he says " You have to have the right tools for the job"...and then he goes on to list the Laklands and MIA Fenders he considers to be the "right tools".
I am not making this stuff up, people.
Then in the same issue, we have "the real world" where they show amatuer players..this month the guy shown is playing Warwick and Peavy...then there is "dig my rig"...A nice trio of Sadowskys....
Then, the players: Wendell Rand- Modulus and lakland.
Mark Kelly- Warwick and Fodera
Then Artie Reynolds- a Fodera, again.
This is just one issue out of many I have read over the years...and in all of them there is scant mention of Squires and SX and other low end beginner basses. Why is that?
Oh yeah, they are all paid endorsers?
puuulleeeze!
Is there something about good quality instruments that these pros know that people on talkbass know better?
Yes, a scam. On the order of the Chevrolet, Tide, McDonald's, Crest, Pepsi, etc. scams, but not to the same magnitude. None of these equal the Haliburton scam though, you know, the scam that controls th.... never mind.
you are missing the point man. I surely never said that fender sucks whatsoever! I think they are a great company. Though what i have learned in making this thread, is that squiers quality and standards have been stepped up quite a bit. I am being as unbiased as i possibly can. however, when you go out and buy an american made j bass. and pay almost 3 times what you would of a squier bass. then a month later, you go out to buy a new back up bass, aka squier p bass special. and you almost prefer the playing and sound, of this cheap bass better than the USA made one. It just kind of raises questions..thats all, for me to say fender is a scam..was a bit over the top. and i now realize this. and seeing peoples responses. made me realize a few things. not every instrument is created equally. you need to find one that fits you, doesn't matter what the name is. and you need to stick with what fits you! best advice ive heard in a while to be honest.
Also, i believe if you are going to be paying top dollar for a product. then it should be top notch! not just average. Im not saying my MIA is bad, because its not, its great. though is it so much greater than my squier? I am going to have to say, its really not. ive played bass for a long time. ive played so many different basses..and i know my instruments pretty well. I can say in all honesty. i think im a blind test. most people would honestly say..yeah, these two basses are very comparable to one and other, and they seem to be close to the same quality. Maybe i just didn't get a greatly made MIA j bass? but thats something that shouldn't even happen! for the money we spend on it.
Yes, i would love to buy american made all day. Lets face it though, american made products are like buying custom products now..everything is so expensive. the average joe can't afford it. they can't even think about affording it.
Wrong, and also wrong - I've played plenty of Tokai's, and they definitely are not better than a typical MIA Fender - in fact, almost always inferior... also, Gibson's QC problems are well documented...
- georgestrings
interesting event just unfolded,..
my friend is a beginner that recently bought a new Squier. after 2 months he bought a Fender and is much happier! even this novice could tell the difference in the construction!
@Munji,...
of all people! lmao
he must be brainwashed
im kidding, hey i am more than a novice play man. And i can tell the difference in quality as well. Im not dumb bro.
i have my fender sitting next to my squier at my bands practice space. played them side by side. and i still firmly believe that they are close in the same quality. is my USA made better, yes. we all know that it is. but is it so much better than it should cost 5 times more than the squier. simply, no!
very excellent point man. however i still think fender is charging too much money for their MIA instruments
The value may be your opinion, but the labor is easily 10x, not to mention the cost for environmental compliance, real estate, and higher quality materials.
let's face it,..
there is just so much fail in this thread that it's as funny as it is sad. the OP is naive, IMO. look at your 2 basses and compare the parts. there are obvious differences, so if your Fender is faulty, fix it, set it, and enjoy!
there is just so much fail in this thread that it's as funny as it is sad. the OP is naive, IMO. look at your 2 basses and compare the parts. there are obvious differences, so if your Fender is faulty, fix it, set it, and enjoy!
Me.
I own 2 MIA J's and MIK Squier J and MIM Squier P.
Both MIA J's cost over 3x what I paid for the Squiers. Are they 3x the bass? Ummm .... No. But the MIA basses are better in all regards; playability , feel, craftsmanship, apperarance, etc...imo..
I know that Squier manufacturers dont use select woods for crafting the bodies. Fender does. Even when the bodies are to be painted.
I toured the Fender Mfg plant in Corona. I was amazed at the heap of beautiful unfinished guitar bodies piled up the REJECT bin. All tossed in there for some miniscule defect. I doubt if Squier manufacturers even have a reject bin.
I like my Squier basses. I love my Fenders.
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a similiar priced Fender smokes both Nordy and Sadowsky, IME. you risk your integrity with this type of post. you have the gall to compare an assembly-line product with a so-called boutique?!!
i've tried both of your recommendations against a CS Fender and the CS was MUCH better! amazing, isn't it!
I didn't say anything about boutique basses being better basses than a Fender, or a Squire in my post, did I? Gear preference is a personal thing and whatever floats your boat is fine with me. What I was making reference to was the consistency of the basses that come off their line and I stand by that comment 100%. Fender makes some great instruments, but IMO, you often have to pull quite a few off the wall at Guitar Center to get one that really has the magic in it. Don't believe me? Head down to your local GC and try it for yourself sometime.
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