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NBD - Road-worn Precision Bass surprise

#23
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I have the sunburst one with a GZR. I think I've had it around 10 years now and have never found myself looking for another P, it's that good. I've gigged it hundreds of times and it has picked up a lot of dings and wear over the years that makes it look even better IMO. They're great basses.
 
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#25
The Road Worn series was a very successful line for Fender - they sold years worth of them. Because of or regardless of the 'look', players bought them because they were great sounding and playing basses. I agree that the factory wear was stylized and not really convincing, but the concept was sorta genius in my opinion. As in, one played it w/o worrying about dinging or scratching it. As they had more of a satin finish, there was no need to polish it within an inch of its life. And, used ones would look the same as a new one. Fender de-emphasized the iconic "preciousness" of a vintage instrument, and focused making an affordable instrument (that sorta looked vintage) meant to be played. Some ($$$) FCS relic finishes look convincing, some not so much depending on who at Fender did it. In my opinion, Nash ($$) relic finishes are not convincing. Point being, relic-ing can either be well done.., or not.
 
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#29
Mark Kendrick was given the assignment by Fender to head up the Road Worn production at the Fender Ensenada Mexico factory. I have a first-year production model. I purchased it at Wild West Guitars in Riverside, CA. I had their tech set it up for me. It's one of the best playing jazz basses I own. An incredible value at $900.00. I would highly recommend the J or P model.
 
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#30
Pocket Dave said:
In my experience, it's been more than a simple finish option. The three RW instruments I have all have an unmatched resonant tone.

They're also lighter weight.
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Oh they're awesome instruments, no doubt about it. Oteil played one with The Allman Brothers Band FCOL
 
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#31
I have the non-relic'd, non-nitro version of your bass.... The Classic 50s, also in Fiesta Red. Its a great bass, fit and finish are superb, sounds and plays fantastic, although I could never get use to the 1.75" wide nut. Its been packed away waiting on a buyer. As far as intentional relic jobs go, I think those Olintos with solid color relicing over exposed flame maple are so beautiful. I'm not a big fan of the concept of factory aging, but yeah, I could go for one of those.
 
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#32
BluesBrothers51 said:
Mark Kendrick was given the assignment by Fender to head up the Road Worn production at the Fender Ensenada Mexico factory. I have a first-year production model. I purchased it at Wild West Guitars in Riverside, CA. I had their tech set it up for me. It's one of the best playing jazz basses I own. An incredible value at $900.00. I would highly recommend the J or P model.
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I nearly bought a RW J for a similar amount years ago but I really didn't need another Jazz bass. As Pocket Dave said - it felt/played nice, sounded great and was light. They had Fender PV63 J pu's which they initially sold separately but were quickly bought up and then no longer available. PV74's which are also good can still be found for sale now & then.
 
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#33
JIO said:
The Road Worn series was a very successful line for Fender - they sold years worth of them. Because of or regardless of the 'look', players bought them because they were great sounding and playing basses. I agree that the factory wear was stylized and not really convincing, but the concept was sorta genius in my opinion. As in, one played it w/o worrying about dinging or scratching it. As they had more of a satin finish, there was no need to polish it within an inch of its life. And, used ones would look the same as a new one. Fender de-emphasized the iconic "preciousness" of a vintage instrument, and focused making an affordable instrument (that sorta looked vintage) meant to be played. Some ($$$) FCS relic finishes look convincing, some not so much depending on who at Fender did it. In my opinion, Nash ($$) relic finishes are not convincing. Point being, relic-ing can either be well done.., or not.
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When they first came out I didn't have an issue with the relic thing (if you've seen my P Bass of Doom). I just liked them for the lightweight and nice neck feel. I also liked the Classic 60s series in lacquer but not always as light as the RW. I do have a first-run Classic 60s Jazz.
 
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#34
andare said:
Can you elaborate on this?
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I really wish I knew how, but they just feel and sound better. The ones I have played were all 8.5lbs or less and were extremely resonant. The neck was perfect and the action was effortlessly low with no buzz. I have played 2 from this era and they felt like leaps and bounds above the newer ones of the same model. Coincidence maybe? hard to say.
 
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#35
The Road Worn series are great basses. In my opinion they are the best MIM Fenders ever made. Maybe even some of the best instruments Fender have ever made. But it has absolutely nothing to do with them being relic'ed. They are good basses because they are well made instruments. The relic'ing is purely cosmetic and a matter of personal taste.
 
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#37
Lammchop93 said:
I really wish I knew how, but they just feel and sound better. The ones I have played were all 8.5lbs or less and were extremely resonant. The neck was perfect and the action was effortlessly low with no buzz. I have played 2 from this era and they felt like leaps and bounds above the newer ones of the same model. Coincidence maybe? hard to say.
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One thing is that the bodies are thinner than a standard P or J - more like a '60s vintage P or J were. Not sure what wood was used - possibly basswood which is a resonant tone wood and light. Being that it is generally softer & dents easier - again, on a 'road-worn' body such is right at home. :)
 
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