NBD- Nate Mendel Signature Precision

[cataract]

A friend of mine let me play his Nate Mendel Precision last week and the GAS was lit. I hadn’t played on one before but it exceeded my already high expectations— 5 days later, I now have my own 2019 model.

More like Candy Apple RAD amirite?

 

[stefanb]

Love these - Very faithful 70s reproduction and the only one in the NA fender lineup really.

I wish you could buy those exact SBP-3 pickups somewhere (if you are reading this have stock Mendel ones and are selling lmk) because they don't have the Seymour Duncan script and the pole pieces are roadworn already - which to me is the ideal look, much more subtle.

Have fun!

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

Great basses, I regret selling mine (but only a little ).

 

[Zoobiedood]

You can always order any of our pickups without a logo if you don't want it. They go through our 'Shop Floor Custom' program for a small upcharge.

 

[cataract]

You can always order any of our pickups without a logo if you don't want it. They go through our 'Shop Floor Custom' program for a small upcharge.

NICE. I was wondering if the pickup poles in my friend’s Mendel were hit up with a Sharpie but I really dig the no logo / roadworn treatment on these Quarter Pounders.
First time trying these pickups out- they certainly did not disappoint @ band practice this evening.

 

[WillyW]

I had to look up who Nate was, but that’s a sweet bass, makes me wish I hadn’t spent money on a Geddy Lee.

 

[cataract]

I had to look up who Nate was, but that’s a sweet bass, makes me wish I hadn’t spent money on a Geddy Lee.

Nate’s been a huge influence on me as a player.. fell in love with Sunny Day Real Estate back in the early 90’s (the good old bass novice days) and of course the first two Foo albums have always hit the spot for me. I’ve coveted his OG red Precision for years!!
I’m surprised at myself for not picking up one these signature models earlier- it really does tick off all of the things I’m looking for in an instrument and the NECK is absolutely divine. Keeping this one stock indefinitely.
I’ve played both good and bad Geddy sigs, they’re decent but having had personally cut my teeth on bass playing with a Precision, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully appreciate or bond with a Jazz width nut.

 

[cataract]

Some questions for other users who may know- I’ve read someplace that the fingerboards on the Mendel sigs are slightly thicker than on other models. Is this true? Been plinking on mine for close to two weeks now and it’s still a joy to play. Still amazed at its unamplified richness & plugged in aggressiveness.

 

[JRA]

you have a beautiful looking ax! glad you're bonding with it. congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[cataract]

Settling in to a new home after moving from a few states away and finally about to set up the Mendel— does anyone have any photos they could share of how they have their pickups set up in their Mendel sig? Looking for height, specifically. The QP’s in mine seem set awful high and a visual aid would help immensely.
Still loving this thing!

 

[FunkHead]

I love these. True CAR and you can see the gold paint underneath in the Roadworn areas.

 

[shojii]

So, the Fender website states that the NM bass has 'special body contours'....what does this mean?

 

[shojii]

So, the Fender website states that the NM bass has 'special body contours'....what does this mean?

Here's the copy from the Fender site:
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"...Fender now brings you the Nate Mendel P Bass, modeled after his beloved, battle-hardened instrument and sharing its subtly distinctive features, including the special body contours, ..."

 

[cataract]

Here's the copy from the Fender site:
Invalid Link Removed

"...Fender now brings you the Nate Mendel P Bass, modeled after his beloved, battle-hardened instrument and sharing its subtly distinctive features, including the special body contours, ..."

The “special contours” are subtly different from the norm. The forearm contour is less angled (a bit more parallel to the strings)

The back contour is deeper and bigger overall. There’s a decent amount more material gone but it makes for a super cozy instrument. Feels like a candy apple hug!

Hope this helps.

 

[SJan3]

My '04 American Series looks very similar!

 

[shojii]

The “special contours” are subtly different from the norm. The forearm contour is less angled (a bit more parallel to the strings)
View attachment 3768102
The back contour is deeper and bigger overall. There’s a decent amount more material gone but it makes for a super cozy instrument. Feels like a candy apple hug!
View attachment 3768108
Hope this helps.

Thank you - BTW the generosity of your approach and comprehensiveness of your answer reveals much of your character. Whakawhetai ki a koe

 

[cataract]

Excited to finally snag a set of Dimarzio Model P PAF pickups— especially in these iconic creme covers. Gonna use them to replace the stock QP’s in my Mendel tomorrow. Will report back with results.

 

[brian579]

A friend of mine let me play his Nate Mendel Precision last week and the GAS was lit. I hadn’t played on one before but it exceeded my already high expectations— 5 days later, I now have my own 2019 model.
View attachment 3628573
More like Candy Apple RAD amirite?
View attachment 3628583
View attachment 3628580

Congrats! Nice bass! Nothing like a good P bass.

 

[PotsdamBass8]

I really dig these basses, and more and more it seems that 70s p basses are the ones that call me the most. I hope someday I can grab one.

Having had a P with the dimarzio model p, it’s awesome. Enjoy!

 

[steveinohio]

Love these - Very faithful 70s reproduction and the only one in the NA fender lineup really.

I wish you could buy those exact SBP-3 pickups somewhere (if you are reading this have stock Mendel ones and are selling lmk) because they don't have the Seymour Duncan script and the pole pieces are roadworn already - which to me is the ideal look, much more subtle.

Have fun!

I took the script off my Duncan’s with a pencil eraser. It’s also good for taking a bit of shine off the pickup cover.