Modern Player 2.0 basses are on fender.com

[jwj1701]

I noticed the fender refers to the MP series as a beginner instrament. So are we not going to recommend squires to newbies anymore? They do seem to be better quality.

 

[bkbirge]

Do you guys tweak your truss rods often enough to have a truss wheel? In 30+ years of playing I don't think I've ever adjusted mine. I'm sure it's been done on the 2 or 3 times I've had people work on my basses for various reasons but it's a rare thing.

I like that this is a new passive design. Based on my purchasing habits though I might pick one of these up in 15 years, right about the time everyone hates them and they aren't quite 'vintage' yet.

 

[Chef]

Here in Missouri, the shift from winter humidity to summer humidity is huge.
20% to 90%.
So, yeah, I tweak trussrods several times a year.

Why -wouldn't- you want that easier?
I *love* that feature.

Hadn't taken my Sadowsky RV to a gig in a while. Strapped it on, neck had flattened and action was bottoming out.
Grab the tool out of the bag, tweak it, and boom, you're done. Didn't even take the bass off.
Love that.

 

[lowendblues]

Truss rod wheel,, didn't see that, nice.

I'm all for making basses easier to adjust.

 

[topcat2069]

I wonder how does the five string compare to Roscoe Beck V, in terms of sound and particularly B string..

Those pickups look just like the one off an Am. Dlx. P-Bass 5 and the Roscoe Beck...... I wonder if they're Bill Lawrence design ??

 

[IPA]

The pickup switching on the new MP jazz looks cool, lots of tonal options available.

 

[S6I6X]

The wheel is not new but cool. Ernieball guitars have them. I think all basses and guitars will eventually that route since it's so simple and awesome. I like the pickup idea and the retro look is nice but not what I want on a "modern" bass (pickguard in particular). It would be really awesome if it weren't a fender.

 

[scotch]

Wow - that pickup is really effective at each setting!

 

[kbaxter26]

I am liking this more and more...GAS! So, when one of you buy one, and decide you don't like it. I will trade my MIM Jazz for it.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

Here's the 4 string Modern Player Jazz



If you look at this video, and, the 5 string video...if the volumes are all the way up, the tone is about halfway shut.

Also, the first knob is the pickup selector; I'll need to check when I get home but I think when both humbuckers are engaged, the knob is in the same position as the pickups fully on.

My guess- most like its the middle humbucker & the bridge singlecoil. (there is a chance it could be bridge humbucker & middle singlecoil). I'll try and check later. Can't listen to the video at work so its possible its incredibly obvious which humbucker is in use.

 

[bkbirge]

Hadn't taken my Sadowsky RV to a gig in a while. Strapped it on, neck had flattened and action was bottoming out.
Grab the tool out of the bag, tweak it, and boom, you're done. Didn't even take the bass off.
Love that.

Nice! I guess I've always been nervous about messing with the truss rod but sounds like I'm just behind the times. It does sound useful.

 

[audreycashin]

Not a fan of that pickguard

pickguard is what was left over when they cut out the pick guard for the JP-90....

 

[Jookbox]

Digging the Stonehenge avatar, Jooks!

haha, thanks.

 

[S6I6X]

I think this thing is hilarious. It's essentially a by Fender copy of an Ibanez copy (ATK) of a Music Man Stingray which was designed by Leo Fender. Humor by design.

I mean, sure there are a few mods, but Modern?

That

 

[verycoolname]

Nice! I've been looking for a 5 string, and that Jazz just might cut it (if only the black came with a rosewood fretboard...I can't stand black/maple...sorry to any fans out there).

I'm also fascinated by the Dimension. I'm not a Fender history expert, but is that the first time something like that's ever been designed? I really dig the shape, and the five-ray rotary switch (instead of a tone knob) is interesting. It's refreshing to see something that's not a Precision or Jazz...I really like the "Transparent Charcoal" finish too (I assume it's more "Transparent" in person)...

 

[DwaynieAD]

ugly as sin, but i get the feeling it sounds awesome. can tell just by looking =D

 

[coreyfyfe]

I'm definitely interested to check out that triplebucker. I wonder if it's noisy in the triple position. I know they had a guitar with one on it, could be pretty interesting on a bass in the MM spot...

 

[9mmMike]

Is the bassline in the demo from a well-known tune?

 

[verycoolname]

It would be really awesome if it weren't a Fender.

Sorry, but that comment makes about zero sense. If you think it's awesome then it should remain awesome no matter what brand it is. God forbid Fender makes a bass that isn't a P or a J...

/endrant, I apologize for the minor hostility...and if the original comment was intended to be sarcastic I feel like an idiot.​

I personally dig it; it's different, and in the demos it sounds pretty good. They'll throw it out into the market as a Modern Player, and then move it up to MIJ/MIM/MIA if people give it a good reception.

Honestly, what's not to like about it?

Cool (albeit odd) design? Check.
Jazz neck (my personal preference)? Check.
"Unique" (put in quotes to appease the "it's just an ATK" crowd) pickup? Check.
Trust rod adjuster wheel? Check.

Only complaint is that it doesn't come in Oly. White/Rosewood.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I'd really like it if it had a 2 or 3 band eq.

+ 1 on some constructive criticism


I would think that a preamp (even if it was bypassable) would make for a much more ohh...idk...MODERN bass lol. Other than that, it looks ok to me and the triple-bucker did sound pretty neat IMO. At least they are trying to do something different...just wish they'd jump a little further out into the water, this seems like dipping one leg in and staying there. How about a thinner neck too?