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Squier vs. Fender ?!?

My guess would be because in recent years thay have been made in Indonesia, still very good basses but not near the quality of the "Crafted in China" basses that are still revered and ate a ton of Fenders "branded" bass market.
I still have to see a proper explanation of this claim. All I've read is people saying the Chinese Squiers are better, which means nothing.
 
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I totally agree. But I'd also say that historically, when Fender does try something different, it doesn't sell well. Or well enough. The Ashbory, JP90, Katana, Performer, Rascal, Urge... I don't know. Maybe they're just really bad at innovating? When they actually do something different, nobody wants it.
Fender made some of the best J pickups I've ever heard -- the Super 55 -- for a while. Then Fender quit making them. I have no idea why.

Fender licenses Warmoth to make bodies and necks to Fender specs. Fender could quite easily offer a ton more options for different/exotic woods for bodies, necks, and fretboards, simply by contracting with people they've already granted licenses to. But they don't. They still offer necks in any wood you want as long as it's maple. And sometimes rosewood.

I think I agree with your assessment. They don't really know how to innovate, so they're pretty bad at it.
 
Surely Fender bases their decisions on market trends and what people are actually buying... not what everyone says they want.

The American Professional II Precision is now offered in 7 colors... as per usual they always offer their standard colors and a couple others, each year or two they change it up. If at any time, one of these limited colors happens to consistently surpass the basic black, white or burst in sales, they would keep that color on. I suspect that after the newness of the non-standard color wears off, the sales trends drop off considerably and the numbers continue to favor the standards.
 
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Fender made some of the best J pickups I've ever heard -- the Super 55 -- for a while. Then Fender quit making them. I have no idea why.

Fender licenses Warmoth to make bodies and necks to Fender specs. Fender could quite easily offer a ton more options for different/exotic woods for bodies, necks, and fretboards, simply by contracting with people they've already granted licenses to. But they don't. They still offer necks in any wood you want as long as it's maple. And sometimes rosewood.

I think I agree with your assessment. They don't really know how to innovate, so they're pretty bad at it.

The Strat, the Tele, the Precision and the Jazz are still being made. Why? Because they sell, and sell well.

There are lots of models that are no longer made (Performer, Starcaster, Urge, Zone, Dimension, etc.). Some of them were pretty good, but they just didn't sell.

It's not that they can't innovate. It's just not worth the time and investment.
 
The Strat, the Tele, the Precision and the Jazz are still being made. Why? Because they sell, and sell well.

There are lots of models that are no longer made (Performer, Starcaster, Urge, Zone, Dimension, etc.). Some of them were pretty good, but they just didn't sell.

It's not that they can't innovate. It's just not worth the time and investment.

Yep. Innovation is in the blood of Fender - it’s what Leo did. It’s the customer that doesn’t want to change, and Fender is smart to keep the golden goose alive.

If you want a more unique Fender, you can always go custom shop.
 
Bro, they can’t offer everything all the time…the Mod shop has a lot of options,, Fender Custom Shop has even more…between those and looking up some used/vintage stuff, you should be able to find what you want or get close enough that you can get the rest of the way with slight mods you can do yourself, like a pickguard swap, etc..…

Buying used outside US is not so easy, especially for fretless or five stringers that are hard to find. And with the inconsistent quality, you really need to try before you buy. Mod shop also not available here.
So, it remains a dumb move (IMO) not to offer these models in black.
 
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Which is best for metal?
Pfft!

EJC01a.jpg
 
There isn't any Squire... or Squier for that matter, that is going to top either of these P Basses in my collection. Your mileage may vary.

It is not debatable that the Fender American basses have better construction, with better wood and hardware and with more attention to detail than the overseas versions. If you don't notice the differences... or don't care, then that is on you. No one said you had to dig my cup of tea.

upload_2022-4-3_11-28-28.png
 
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Fender made some of the best J pickups I've ever heard -- the Super 55 -- for a while. Then Fender quit making them. I have no idea why.

Fender licenses Warmoth to make bodies and necks to Fender specs. Fender could quite easily offer a ton more options for different/exotic woods for bodies, necks, and fretboards, simply by contracting with people they've already granted licenses to. But they don't. They still offer necks in any wood you want as long as it's maple. And sometimes rosewood.

I think I agree with your assessment. They don't really know how to innovate, so they're pretty bad at it.

Good Warmoth/licensing point. And those 55's are great.

Also, Leo got it right. Not much to innovate. Headless, graphite, fanned frets, and other fret arrangements have their place though.
 
I still have to see a proper explanation of this claim. All I've read is people saying the Chinese Squiers are better, which means nothing.
CIC Classic Vibes have are known for the consistent attention to fit finish and playability. Fit refers to how well the component parts come together and the quality of workmanship, finish refers to the completeness of attention to detail like paint, routing, fret work overall feel and playability.

These were also crafted in the "Grand Reward" facility known for remarkable construction, tighter tolerances and attention to detail. The feel great, they sound great and they are just solid players.

If you get a chance to play each and compare I believe you would quickly realize why there is so much the hype over "Grand Reward" crafted Classic Vibes. :thumbsup:
 
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There isn't any Squire... or Squier for that matter, that is going to top either of these P Basses in my collection. Your mileage may vary.

It is not debatable that the Fender American basses have better construction, with better wood and hardware and with more attention to detail than the overseas versions. If you don't notice the differences... or don't care, then that is on you. No one said you had to dig my cup of tea.

View attachment 4645033
Dog approved!
 
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