New Fender "Black Top" basses

[Spleenface92]

IMO the Blacktop name is fitting because it's I think they look like ASS and it's Fender's FAULT....ass fault...see what I did there?

ahahahahaha, nice one. Even if I disagree.

 

[Blackened Soul]

I think they look nice. P Basses always look better with black scratch guards. Are they doing a fretless? when I click on their page I get "we are having technical difficulties":scowl:

 

[nashman]

The dual humbuckers on the P look like they are set well back - close to the bridge. Way further back than say an HH Stingray.

 

[benjammin420]

they definitely look interesting, I'm curious how they sound. The Blacktop guitars are great for the money

 

[Tom Howland]

Dig the dual P-pickups.
Put a P-neck on that bass and I would bite.

 

[BioDriver]

The Blacktop guitars are all MIM so I'd imagine these would be as well. And is it just me or are those the same pups in the Roscoe Beck? If so then I'll definitely be all over one of those.

 

[GobBass]

Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.

 

[Kragma]

The weird pickup configurations seem more like an attempt to be unique than to sound good, but that may be a harsh judgement to make.

I follow a lot of Japanese bassists and I swear "weird pickup configuration you've never even thought of" is how they sell basses in Japan. Double P is almost commonplace, both in Jazz-styled bodies and P-styled bodies (none of these are Fenders from all I can tell). Some of the more oddball ones are stuff like a jazz with a MM pickup crammed in between the single coils, and a huge array of knobs (7 ish?) to control it, or replace the MM with a P in the middle, or anywhere among the three pickups. Probably the weirdest is a 5 string I saw with a jazz pickup at the neck placed directly next to what I believe to be a basslines soapbar, with another soapbar at the bridge. I really have to wonder what the point of some of them are, like what kind of sound are you even after? More likely it's just novelty.

That said, I'll probably at least give this new jazz a shot. Who knows, it might surprise me.

 

[superbassman2000]

do I only see two knobs on the P? assuming it's volume and tone, is there no pickup selector?

 

[benjammin420]

do I only see two knobs on the P? assuming it's volume and tone, is there no pickup selector?

I think I see 3

 

[gunlak]

do I only see two knobs on the P? assuming it's volume and tone, is there no pickup selector?

it's VVT bro, the input jack is on the side.

 

[drewfunk]

do I only see two knobs on the P? assuming it's volume and tone, is there no pickup selector?

There are deffinately 3 knobs, the third is a small one where the jack normally is.

 

[srxplayer]

Please baby Jesus, let Fender give us a maple fretboard option with these!!!!!

Amen Brother!!!!! +1

 

[ThaLowEndTheory]

Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.
Make a Squier version.

Already did back in the 90's, except it was a 5 string. I love it btw, and I'm definitely interested the new one.

 

[MrJack]

Huh, didn't know Duff rocked a Squier onstage...

 

[Robert Sjea]

I'm amazed to see this, because I'm currently having David Certain PP'fy my already beastly Certainbass P-bass. I'll post a pic and some impressions when I get it back from him. I've got two basses from him and he always seems to be ahead of the curve.

 

[nocontrols]

There doesn't need to be a Squier Blacktop series because the point of the MIM Blacktop series is to offer upgraded, aggressive machines that are cheap right off the shelf. I think they've done a good job.

With the double-humbucker P-bass: Three knobs in the VVT configuration would indicate that it's passive and I would have expected this bass to be active. Does anyone have any thoughts on that? It seems like a strange choice to me.

Great stuff, though. I love more choices and more variety and black is always the most stylish color.

 

[nocontrols]

Huh, didn't know Duff rocked a Squier onstage...

Duff has always had very "regular guy" taste in gear. Uncomplicated and utilitarian. Doesn't surprise me at all.

 

[drewfunk]

There doesn't need to be a Squier Blacktop series because the point of the MIM Blacktop series is to offer upgraded, aggressive machines that are cheap right off the shelf. I think they've done a good job.

With the double-humbucker P-bass: Three knobs in the VVT configuration would indicate that it's passive and I would have expected this bass to be active. Does anyone have any thoughts on that? It seems like a strange choice to me.

Passive is simpler and less expensive. And better...

 

[GrapeApe]

Duff has always had very "regular guy" taste in gear. Uncomplicated and utilitarian. Doesn't surprise me at all.

I remember him saying in BP he was strictly 4 strings, no batteries. He tried an active at one point, and it went dead on a live tv gig, as they were starting a song (with a bass intro, iirc). He swore them off after that. Can't say I blame him.