Is my Fender a real fender?

The concensus here seems to be that the Modern Player basses are made in China. Fender says they are Fenders so they are Fenders.

 

it does that sometime. maybe the database is ancient

 

the question is "is it a real Fender"... very broad and potentially controversial..

Some might argue that there aren't any Real Fenders post-1965 .... others might say, Real Fenders are only made in the USA.. While others might say anything "Licensed" by FMIC is a Fender.

My suggestion is don't worry about it.. So long as you didn't pay more than $400-500 for it, enjoy it and master it, then when you're older, and have more money treat yourself to a US Made Fender of your choice, maybe even hit the Custom Shop for one that is made to your liking!

 

China should have a Fender like the rest of us. They gave us Bruce Lee.

 

Is that a real poncho or a Mexican poncho?

 

Its a Fender made in China. Very good and versatile instrument. Enjoy! I do with mine

 

I don't think the OP is asking whether or not a Chinese made Fender is a real Fender I think the question is more around whether or not he got a fake bass. That series is made in China and that website is probably not always up to date with all of Fender's current offerings which is why it's not showing up. It's not often that people fake or misrepresent the lower lines that Fender offers. Enjoy the new bass!

 

CGF is used on Chinese Fenders, Starcasters, maybe others. I suspect made in the Squier plant.

 

Is that a real Pancho or a Sears Pancho?

 

Derail, but when I read gui****aterproject.com, I read it gui**** Ate R Project.

Sorry!

 

I've been reading these threads about counterfeit basses - especially the Rick threads. Without inappropriately going into my opinion about that topic, I will say that it made me think about the Modern Player series. I really suspect that these are simply basses that Fender specs and orders in bulk, and that they really have nothing to do with manufacturing them. Admittedly, it is just a guess, but it is a reasonable guess. It explains why the Modern Players fall into their "limited" category: Fender ordered 1,500 of this particular model, and when they are gone, they are gone.

If I am right, the Modern Player is something of an odd duck. The limited run and the fact that they were issues by Fender could make them somewhat collectible, assuming that the collectors eventually get past the "Made in China stigma. On the other hand, these basses really have nothing to do with Fender except that Fender ordered them and sold them. In that sense, the Fender Modern Player series is something of an "officially licensed counterfeit."

On the other hand, the bass the OP has is a "real" Fender because it was sold by Fender and it legally says "Fender" on the headstock. Regardless, whether you consider it a real Fender or an officially licensed counterfeit, they are nice playing, nice looking affordable instruments. Except for the MP Tele bass I borrowed briefly: it played just fine, but sounded like poo and the sunburst finish has an odd green tint to it.

All IMO. And I am wrong a lot.

 

I like Fenders, dont get me wrong, but the market is so oversaturated and polluted with Fenders from all over the world, not to mention Warmoth and countless copies from other companies( good and bad) how can anyone tell......get a Pedulla, no question there.

 

I honestly don't know anyone who would counterfeit a Fender Modern Player Jazz which sold for $400. There's no profit to be made in that ruse, they're more apt to counterfeit a MIA Fender Jazz. The bass is made in China.
So yes OP your Fender is very likely a real one. Best way of verifying it is contacting Fender about the serial # if you really want.

 

The Modern Players are made in the same Chinese factory as the Squier Classic Vibe range. Very high quality and excellent all round instruments for the money.

I'd imagine yours is a genuine Fender - As others have said, if in doubt, contact Fender directly. They'll be able to put your mind at rest.

 

There lies the answer then if he is in fact worried about it being a counterfeit of a Chinese Fender... or on Monday, call 480-596-8690 and ask them, they're more than always helpful.

 

I just now put in the serial # for my 1997 Custom Shop Jazz Relic that I bought New. It came up - Unrecognizable #. I wouldn't put a lot faith in that list.

 

I have a red Fender that is for sale.

It has a few dings and dents in the finish.