Officially Customized Precision and Jazz Basses - Fender Mod Shop Opinions 2022?

[SleepyShark]

Hey, all!

I never see much buzz here about the Invalid Link Removed offers. I figured it would be something that people here would go nuts for. Does anyone here have any experience with it?

For those unaware, it essentially allows you to configure an MIA Precision or Jazz with more options than are standard, but nothing too crazy. Essentially you choose the finish, the neck, pickup, and pickguard. A couple other options too. For those that aren't too picky about which decade the neck profile resembles, etc. etc. it seems like you get customization without the price (and attention to detail, by extension) of custom shop. As a reference - it seems you can place an order for about $300 more than the MSRP of an American Pro II.

I think the pure rosewood neck looks killer, and I'm surprised that hasn't made a bigger splash in the Fender space - although I know many consider the modern rosewoods from South Asia to be lesser than their Brazilian counterpart. Anyone have any experience there?

Precision Builder: Invalid Link Removed

Jazz Builder: Invalid Link Removed

Example Render:

 

[Torafugu]

I placed an order with the Fender Mod Shop somewhat recently and had a good experience. There does seem to be a dearth of information out there, not sure why.

I think there are a number of valid reasons to choose the Mod Shop, but for me personally it came down to dissatisfaction with current Pro II colorways and having options to semi-customize at essentially same/similar cost.

Few observations and experiences having gone through the process:

• At the time of my order (~6 months ago) the price difference vs. an American Professional II (which I also cross-shopped) was less than $100USD more for the Mod Shop - my order did include an extra-cost option.
• Signing up for Fender Play ($44.99 fee at that time) gives you a 10% discount which can be applied to a Mod-Shop order. Financially it is a no-brainer. Not sure if this is still offered by Fender.
• Available options seem to be rather dynamic, e.g. Ash was once available in the past but is no longer offered, Roasted maple necks were replaced several months back with all-rosewood, some pickup options are no longer available, etc.
• Delivery was advertised as 30+ days. My order took about 1 week from the time it was placed to the time it was in my hands - super fast.
• Alder was the only body wood offered when I ordered mine, now they have roasted pine for an upcharge.
• I selected a transparent finish and received a 3-piece body. Bass weighs 8lbs even.
• I believe Fender may be spraying the bodies to order since mine was lightly off-gassing what I am speculating was new poly for a couple days after I received it.
• Neck and fretwork are impeccable.
• Overall fit and finish are excellent, couple very minor nit-picks.
• Setup was good out of the box, but more time was needed to get it great.
• Nothing extra worth noting in the case, just the standard toolkit in leatherette pouch, straplocks (if that's what you specify), case keys, tags, build sheet and certificate of authenticity.
• Mine shipped directly from FMIC Corona.

Overall I would recommend the Mod Shop and would use it again if I were in the market.

Hope this helps.

By the way - I agree with you, that all rosewood neck looks amazing. No personal experience, but would like to try one some day.

 

[SleepyShark]

I placed an order with the Fender Mod Shop somewhat recently and had a good experience. There does seem to be a dearth of information out there, not sure why.

I think there are a number of valid reasons to choose the Mod Shop, but for me personally it came down to dissatisfaction with current Pro II colorways and having options to semi-customize at essentially same/similar cost.

Few observations and experiences having gone through the process:

• At the time of my order (~6 months ago) the price difference vs. an American Professional II (which I also cross-shopped) was less than $100USD more for the Mod Shop - my order did include an extra-cost option.
• Signing up for Fender Play ($44.99 fee at that time) gives you a 10% discount which can be applied to a Mod-Shop order. Financially it is a no-brainer. Not sure if this is still offered by Fender.
• Available options seem to be rather dynamic, e.g. Ash was once available in the past but is no longer offered, Roasted maple necks were replaced several months back with all-rosewood, some pickup options are no longer available, etc.
• Delivery was advertised as 30+ days. My order took about 1 week from the time it was placed to the time it was in my hands - super fast.
• Alder was the only body wood offered when I ordered mine, now they have roasted pine for an upcharge.
• I selected a transparent finish and received a 3-piece body. Bass weighs 8lbs even.
• I believe Fender may be spraying the bodies to order since mine was lightly off-gassing what I am speculating was new poly for a couple days after I received it.
• Neck and fretwork are impeccable.
• Overall fit and finish are excellent, couple very minor nit-picks.
• Setup was good out of the box, but more time was needed to get it great.
• Nothing extra worth noting in the case, just the standard toolkit in leatherette pouch, straplocks (if that's what you specify), case keys, tags, build sheet and certificate of authenticity.
• Mine shipped directly from FMIC Corona.

Overall I would recommend the Mod Shop and would use it again if I were in the market.

Hope this helps.

By the way - I agree with you, that all rosewood neck looks amazing. No personal experience, but would like to try one some day.

Thanks for taking the time to write this. Honestly, I think it's just an issue of marketing. IMO, most of the Fender crowd is going to have an aversion to the word "mod" - "I don't want to be a modded bass. I just want a stock P Bass" type thing. In reality, it's not a mod at all. It's mostly a cosmetic customization.

I think if they marketed it as customized, etc. it would be more popular. I was shocked there wasn't a thread of people ordering their favorite color combos and showing them off, yet whenever there's a refresh to the base MIA line of Ps and Js there's almost always a thread of people talking about which ones they're ordering.

 

[SleepyShark]

I also find it strange that they don't allow you to select a J neck with a Precision and vice-versa. Seems like a no-brainer that people (myself included) would love to select.

 

[ZedLepp]

I'm thinking about ordering one soon myself.
I only wish that they would bring back painting the headstock black and would introduce black hardware.

 

[Torafugu]

Honestly, I think it's just an issue of marketing. IMO, most of the Fender crowd is going to have an aversion to the word "mod"

Interesting hypothesis. This never personally crossed my mind when I was in the market as this is, of course, a factory built and assembled item vs. a homebrew hack. If I were buying one used I would definitely want the build sheet and certificate of authenticity as provenance.

I think if they marketed it as customized, etc. it would be more popular.

Most likely they deliberately omit the word "custom" so as not to compete or cause confusion with their custom shop.

I also find it strange that they don't allow you to select a J neck with a Precision and vice-versa. Seems like a no-brainer that people (myself included) would love to select.

Yes, this seems like a reasonable request. By not offering this option though they can potentially sell you on a separate J neck to accompany that Precision you just bought, or even better they sell you entirely on a second standalone J-Bass.

I'm thinking about ordering one soon myself.
I only wish that they would bring back painting the headstock black and would introduce black hardware.

My guess is that they regularly evaluate options and discontinue those that are financially imprudent for their business and/or unpopular with customers.

 

[jd56hawk]

Big no for me.
They should change to Nom-Mod Shop.

 

[JRB]

I also hope they expand the options to include j neck on a p, sculpted neck heal, and maybe some additional pickup or hardware options. Given that many industries are transitioning to more of a direct to consumer model it may be that this is part of a slow roll out that depending on market trends would allow fender to transition to a direct to consumer focus if/when they want. The future of guitar center may also impact those decisions. I have no idea, but it is just fun speculating about a companies future strategic planning.

 

[SleepyShark]

I also hope they expand the options to include j neck on a p, sculpted neck heal, and maybe some additional pickup or hardware options. Given that many industries are transitioning to more of a direct to consumer model it may be that this is part of a slow roll out that depending on market trends would allow fender to transition to a direct to consumer focus if/when they want. The future of guitar center may also impact those decisions. I have no idea, but it is just fun speculating about a companies future strategic planning.

Interesting thought for sure. If I'm remember right, Fender crushed it with sales during the 2020-2021 time frame, a lot of which would have been people buying online - why not cut out the middle man? Especially with the currently supply chain madness forcing people to wait anyway. At this point, the online retailers are just another link in that damaged chain.

I think instruments are a lot like the car market, though, where retailers (dealers) still have significant lobbying power with the manufacturers. Who knows why. For cars it's simpler: some states literally have laws against selling cars direct-to-consumer. Nothing stopping Fender with guitars, though.

 

[TheOtherSteveM]

I ordered one in September and received it somewhat delayed by their timeline in November, but I was absolutely thrilled with the final product. I ordered a P bass with the roasted maple neck, right at the tail end of them offering those as an option. Super smooth and fast. I was kind of worried about the thickness, since I usually gravitate towards J Bass nut width, but was relieved to find it wasn’t more cumbersome at all. I went with the Pure Vintage 63 pickups & have to say they give me the tone I was expecting. Even though I know that I was basically just picking parts from their “grocery store” for them to assemble, it feels very “me”, which was something I couldn’t get just ordering an Am Pro II straight up. I didn’t have a chance to give it the pro photo shoot treatment yet, but here’s a shot I took when I first got it.

 

[SleepyShark]

I ordered one in September and received it somewhat delayed by their timeline in November, but I was absolutely thrilled with the final product. I ordered a P bass with the roasted maple neck, right at the tail end of them offering those as an option. Super smooth and fast. I was kind of worried about the thickness, since I usually gravitate towards J Bass nut width, but was relieved to find it wasn’t more cumbersome at all. I went with the Pure Vintage 63 pickups & have to say they give me the tone I was expecting. Even though I know that I was basically just picking parts from their “grocery store” for them to assemble, it feels very “me”, which was something I couldn’t get just ordering an Am Pro II straight up. I didn’t have a chance to give it the pro photo shoot treatment yet, but here’s a shot I took when I first got it.View attachment 4550355

The roasted maple neck is killer. I really want to try the full-rosewood neck they currently offer - and I would do awful things for an ebony fingerboard or full neck option.

 

[Ian774]

Sorry for the zombie thread, I have a question about the Mod Shop.
Do maple fretboards have a satin finish, or gloss like on some of the Mexican made models?

 

[Killing Floor]

Sorry for the zombie thread, I have a question about the Mod Shop.
Do maple fretboards have a satin finish, or gloss like on some of the Mexican made models?

Can only speak to my Mod Shop experience. My Tele maple has a satin finish that is very smooth and fast. My P has all rosewood and not sure what’s on it but no paint/lacquer, feels natural.

I have a maple MiM with the heavy clear finish that’s a lot different than the Mod Shop.

Also note they stop production in December so add a month to lead time. Also if you’re not always home you can order Mod Shop from any authorized CS Fender dealer including Sweetwater. I get mine through a local shop and they set it up because Fender pays them a commission to receive it. Safer than my porch. Same cost as online. The dealer enters a code on your order.

 

[Ian774]

Thanks for the reply. Speaking of your Tele, is the satin finish on both neck and fretboard?

Also I’m in the UK, don’t know if dealers here take Mod shop orders.

 

[J Wilson]

To me they're just a retail remix of the usual features, and it's a way for them to pick up extra sales outside their dealers. What I would order (matching headstock, rounded heel, side jack, compound radius neck, different hardware, five strings, etc.) is outside the framework they offer at this time.

If you can't find what you want at a dealer, it's a way for you to get what you want at a higher profit for them: They eliminated the middle man.

 

[blackat]

I cut Fender slack because all their guitars are modular by design. That's the beauty of them. So if there's a particular color combo you want, they have the parts that will make you happy and what you envision is not available as a stock model, it's a great way to get a guitar.

Is CS better? Maybe so. Probably a bit more attention to detail and they're nitro not poly. But Mod Shop will be 1/2 the price of a CS.

 

[Ian774]

Sorry for the zombie thread, I have a question about the Mod Shop.
Do maple fretboards have a satin finish, or gloss like on some of the Mexican made models?

Any more info on that? Am Pro II models with maple fretboard do have a gloss finish on the fretboard. Can someone confirm that Mod Shop basses with maple fretboard have a satin fretboard?