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Question About American Series Fender

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by OldDirtyBassist, Dec 19, 2014.

  1. Dec 19, 2014 #1
    OldDirtyBassist

    OldDirtyBassist

    Mar 13, 2014
    Is the title "American Series" a legality loophole, kinda like calling Asian-made EMG's "Selects"..or how some companies call their cheaper line the "Pro Series"? I have a feeling those 2001-2007 Fender's were named differently for a contractional reason. "American Series" seems like a production instrument that's supposed to resemble the U.S. made Fender. They kinda felt and played that way too IMO.
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2014
  2. Dec 19, 2014 #2
    wvbass

    wvbass Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2004
    West Virginia
    I don't think so. I am 99% sure that the American Series was just a rebranding of the American Standards that coincided with a few design tweaks. (The body edges were more rounded and the edges of the fingerboard were rolled? And the S-1 switch comes from this era?) A few years down the road and a few more design tweaks later, they were renamed back to American Standard.

    FWIW, my general impression of early 2000 MIA Fenders isn't good. I think Fender American Standards from the mid to late 90's were great (I have a 96, 97 and 98 right now), but I've played a couple 03's that I thought were a big step down. And, of course, the general consensus is that the newer American Standards are a step up in quality, so I would say that, on the average, the "American Series" is one of the low points in Fender's quality. All IMO - I don't mean to upset anyone that has an American Series bass that they love; I'm sure there are some great ones out there.