NBD: Fender CS P '57(Heavy Relic)

After years of drooling over CS guitars/bases, I finally was in a financial position to pull the trigger recently(thank god for work bonuses).

A lot has been said about fender CS on this forum. For most of my bass playing life, I played an MIM fsr jazz. This '57 relic is an amazing bass. I went back and forth on the relic thing many times. What it came down to for me(and many others) was the feel. The neck is just amazing. Specifically the aged/worn finish on the back. It feels smooth but not glossy, (like the finish on a MM but more "refined")
Do I wish the semi-cheesy looking wear spots on the lower frets weren't there? Yes. But, I cant feel the fake "wear" when I play those notes so it doesn't really bother. And ive always been a sucker for the super nuclear orange tinted maple necks...so I was sold on this particular model. The "soft V" 50's neck is like no neck I have ever played before, it fit like a glove in my hands.

The relicing along the body is somewhat mild for what is called a "heavy relic" and I am thankful for that. I love the honey blonde finish and transparent ash coming through it is something else. The little wear spots, nicks and scratches along the body don't bother me as much I thought they would and are done quite "artfully". I hope to add my own wear over time so it wont feel quite as "tacky".

Finally this thing is LIGHT!!...under 8 lbs. It feels like you are picking up a feather compared to my other P's Stingrays Rics and J's over the years. As far as tone goes, the output on the bass is almost as hot as my stingray. I ditched the stock strings almost as soon as I opened the case and threw on some La Bella flats. Classic P all the way.

The best P I have ever played. If I am smart, I will hold onto this bass for a long time.
(full disclosure: never had the opportunity to play a real vintage pre cbs P/jazz)

I know at this insane point there are many options out there. I could have even bought something with arguably better build quality and components from a boutique builder. I guess I am just a fender fan boy. I couldn't be happier with this P.

now obligatory crappy iPhone pics:

 

Surprisingly not! i haven't noticed it yet.

 

As far as "heavy relics" go, I'd say this is pretty clean compared to some other relics I've seen like Nash, Sandberg,etc

 

MusiciansFiend

 

Thanks for the correction. You are right. I had a 50s P in Honey Blonde and it was def yellower.