So Does Fender Have Something Against 24 Fret Basses?

[Herrick]

I thought maybe one could not create a good-sounding 24-fret bass without active elctronics because most of the 24-fret basses I've seen are active. I thought maybe Fender thought they would not sell a lot of these basses, because if one desires a Fender (like Herrick), they're most likely not looking for an active bass (like Herrick). However, I have seen at least one Warwick bass that was passive and had 24 frets. I think it was a Warwick Corvette or something like that.

So since it's possible to create a 24-fret passive bass why doesn't Fender offer 24-fret basses as part of their regular lineup? Also, if Fender made good passive 24-fret basses, would you get one? I would.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

The number of frets has no real bearing on the electronics be they active or passive.

Why doesn't fender have much in the way of active or 24 fret basses? Simple, Fender relies, mainly, on it's name and the classic designs they produce. Part of that classic design, be it the P or J bass, is passive electronics and 20 frets.

I've also had a number of 24 fret basses, and, well, never really had much use for them, but I know that's me and not everybody!

 

[ga_edwards]

Probably because the traditional Fender body shapes do not have deep enough cutaways to make all 24 frets accessible. They'd have to redesign the body shape somewhat to make it viable.

Actually, this wouldn't be a bad thing. I've always found the P and J bodies a little on the cumbersome side. Yes, I know I play an Attitude which is P derivative, but the Attitude's body seems to feel a little more streamlined.

 

[cdginger]

Yeah I know how you feel. I would definitely get a 24 Fret passive fender if it was available.

 

[spade2you]

Fender has something against 24 fret passive basses. They don't sell like hotcakes. Fender will ONLY produce what they think they can sell in great numbers. If it does, they'll keep it around for a while. If it doesn't, it gets discontinued. Simple as that.

 

[nixdad]

Classic Fender bass designs actually only have 20 frets. When you make the most popular basses in the world and those designs continue to be relevant, the most sought after, and the most copied, there is no reason to change the recipe.

 

[BarkerBass]

have fender dropped all their 24 fret basses? there used to be the Urge basses as well as the Jazz 24 in 4 and 5 string. I almost bought the jazz 24 4string and it was a beautiful bass, played really well, the neck was gorgeous but the preamp was noisy and the passive mode was so quiet compared to active that I couldn't face planting money into a bass to have to replace the pre straight off, BUT it was a great bass and I find it strange that fender would discontinue it but the like Spade2you said so well, if it won't sell fender won't make it... check out squier I think they have a 24 fretter out atm

edit: nope squier don't offer 24 frets ether, maybe I'm just assuming squier are making up for fender's lack of innovation (don't take this as a bash on fender) too much atm and wishing they'd produce the ultimate anti fender... 6string neck through 24 frets piezo singlecut headless beast of a bass but then won't, they're fender's little brother, make great gear but can't live up to that dream... sigh lol

a 24 fret fender would be great, there's threads round here on tb somewhere about a 24 fret precision petition i seem to remember

 

[dalkowski]

Fender has something against 24 fret passive basses. They don't sell like hotcakes. Fender will ONLY produce what they think they can sell in great numbers. If it does, they'll keep it around for a while. If it doesn't, it gets discontinued. Simple as that.

+1. Welcome to Business 101. This will be on the final. Now, I'm going to work out on my 24-fret Bongo.

 

[waleross]

I once played the original Ampeg Plexi Bases and it had a double octive G ( 24 frets) and it was passive as well. 22 frets is enough for me and most players.

 

[PJRL]

Classic Fender bass designs actually only have 20 frets. When you make the most popular basses in the world and those designs continue to be relevant, the most sought after, and the most copied, there is no reason to change the recipe.

Well said, I agree. I love my V-RI stack knob J these days so I'm happy.

Another way to look at it though: It really keeps the door open for small custom builders to have something unique to sell. In a way I think it works well for Fender and everyone else.
My take on it anyway…..

 

[PJRL]

Classic Fender bass designs actually only have 20 frets. When you make the most popular basses in the world and those designs continue to be relevant, the most sought after, and the most copied, there is no reason to change the recipe.

Well said, I agree. I love my V-RI stack knob J these days so I'm happy.

Another way to look at it though: It really keeps the door open for small custom builders to have something unique to sell. In a way I think it works well for Fender and everyone else.
My take on it anyway…..

 

[SteveC]

This is why I don't play Fender. I tried to use a Geddy Lee for a while, but I find I really do use and need 24 frets. I also use and need 5 strings.

Oh well, that's why there are lots of companies making basses.

 

[Jon_West]

The ONLY thing preventing me from getting a fender is the lack of frets and the wide string spacing.
If I got a 5 string, 24 fret, 16 mm string spacing jazz bass, that actually looked like a jazz bass, I'd get it without hesitation.

 

[Reaper Man]

I heard Metallica is the reason Fender doesn't make 24 frets

 

[GregC]

Fender has something against 24 fret passive basses. They don't sell like hotcakes. Fender will ONLY produce what they think they can sell in great numbers. If it does, they'll keep it around for a while. If it doesn't, it gets discontinued. Simple as that.

GregC agrees.

 

[lug]

Fender's first 24 fret bass was built in 1985.

 

[hover]

and besides, there's no money above the 5th fret anyway, so stop wanking, you noodlers.

 

[Herrick]

The number of frets has no real bearing on the electronics be they active or passive.

Thanks for the info, mang. I didn't know about that. What about the effect the number of strings has on the electronics? I know this is sort of off topic but I've been wondering...I never see any six-string passive basses out there. Why is that?

I read from a completely unreliable source that Fender thinks 24 fret basses are ghey.

LoL

 

[spade2you]

Thanks for the info, mang. I didn't know about that. What about the effect the number of strings has on the electronics? I know this is sort of off topic but I've been wondering...I never see any six-string passive basses out there. Why is that?

Typically, a lot of 6 string players will utilize active electronics. I'm not going to go into an active vs. passive debate, but as a whole the kind of player who wants a 24 fret 6er will usually want active electronics. Naturally, if you go custom, you can get anything you want. This is not to say that passive 6 strings aren't available.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Thanks for the info, mang. I didn't know about that. What about the effect the number of strings has on the electronics? I know this is sort of off topic but I've been wondering...I never see any six-string passive basses out there. Why is that?

Probably down to the facts people have already listed. Many people who want the extended range aren't wanting just the classic tones. I think it just comes down to what the marketing departments think will sell best.