Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
The 3 fender companies... which one?
- Thread starter WarriorJoe7
- Start date
They are all great companies! But I think that my first recent Fender purchase will not be my last. Does that mean I won't buy a EBMM in the future sometime, nope. I will never count anything out....
Scott
Scott
I have a strange love/hate relationship with my Fenders and EBMMs. I love the construction, looks, fit, finish of my EBMMs but sometimes I find myself wanting more of an old school tone. Now the Fenders I have now are awesome, but I've had some really POS Fenders, American series too. I'm with tpylons, I'd rather have a Fender, but sight unseen you cant go wrong with the EBMM.
I myself, the OP own 2 sabres, a few old G&Ls, and a few old fenders, and I would have to say the G&Ls are the best. As far as buying new I would also have to say G&L.
In order of build quality
G&L
Musicman
Fender
In order of sonic preference
Fender
Musicman
G&L
For me the jazz bass does so much for most of the music I play. I have a couple of each, but just never warmed up to the G&L
G&L
Musicman
Fender
In order of sonic preference
Fender
Musicman
G&L
For me the jazz bass does so much for most of the music I play. I have a couple of each, but just never warmed up to the G&L
Im not going to debate this too much. Ive been playing MM basses for a while now, and loving how they play, but never quite finding the tone to match my hands. Too much lows, not enough highs. Barky mids that were to brash for 1/2 of the situations i play in.
I recently picked up a Fender Jazz MIJ, and have not been able to put it down.
My vote leans towards fender, as first and foremost they created the electric bass. That makes them the most copied bass design out there. As such, they also have the most aftermarket parts available to them, which can consistantly be found at ANY music store.
My pickups go out? 3 stores have them in stock. My MM pickup breaks, i have to send it into the company and wait for them to ship me back a pickup i paid for. G&L has non-standard parts as well.
That being said, i find that for me, my hands, my amp.. its going to be Fender from here on out. I'll still have a few flavors of MM basses (HH 5, HH 4, Sterling 4), but...
My primary instrument is no longer a $1400 Musicman. its a $500 MIJ Jazz.
I recently picked up a Fender Jazz MIJ, and have not been able to put it down.
My vote leans towards fender, as first and foremost they created the electric bass. That makes them the most copied bass design out there. As such, they also have the most aftermarket parts available to them, which can consistantly be found at ANY music store.
My pickups go out? 3 stores have them in stock. My MM pickup breaks, i have to send it into the company and wait for them to ship me back a pickup i paid for. G&L has non-standard parts as well.
That being said, i find that for me, my hands, my amp.. its going to be Fender from here on out. I'll still have a few flavors of MM basses (HH 5, HH 4, Sterling 4), but...
My primary instrument is no longer a $1400 Musicman. its a $500 MIJ Jazz.
The similarities are obvious between the best efforts of the three, and I've enjoyed examples of all of them. Fender and G&L both have turned to off-shore stuff. So, I vote for MM.
I say buy American, if you can.
Ironically, I once had a '78 stingray that I never got along with. Just purchased a '97 "American Standard" Jazz. And sold an '83 G&L SB-2 that may have been the best bass I've ever owned, at least functionally.
Despite all the specs one may read and reason one may bring to bear, G.A.S. is not logical.
peace,
RD
I say buy American, if you can.
Ironically, I once had a '78 stingray that I never got along with. Just purchased a '97 "American Standard" Jazz. And sold an '83 G&L SB-2 that may have been the best bass I've ever owned, at least functionally.
Despite all the specs one may read and reason one may bring to bear, G.A.S. is not logical.
peace,
RD
Music Man is my personal favorite, but I have come to the conclusion that G&L are the best made mass produced basses. They have bi-cut, quatersawn necks, they have fancy tops, than can come with ebony fingerboards, the
L-2000/2500 have incredibly versatile electronics. Their only downside is less than great B strings.
Music Man basses are not as tricked out, but they are flawless, including their B strings. Their only downside is weight.
L-2000/2500 have incredibly versatile electronics. Their only downside is less than great B strings.
Music Man basses are not as tricked out, but they are flawless, including their B strings. Their only downside is weight.
I voted musicman
Bringing it to 63 votes for both MM and Fender
Stingrays are awsome, would be my first choice
Then a Fender Jazz or P/J setup
In last a G&L
Bringing it to 63 votes for both MM and Fender
Stingrays are awsome, would be my first choice
Then a Fender Jazz or P/J setup
In last a G&L
I would deffinitvely go for G&L... great basses. maby i should go Musicman, just so i can give their basses a proper try?
I own a Fender and a G&L Tribute, and I have played an SR4, so by the rules of the internet I'm a virtual expert.
My vote is G&L.
No, wait, it's Fender.
No, no, I mean Music Man.
Wait a minute....
My vote is G&L.
No, wait, it's Fender.
No, no, I mean Music Man.
Wait a minute....
no4mk1 said:G&L. Clear and away.
Cheers,
Chris
Those are some beautiful G&Ls Chris, especially that fretless 5!
I had a variety of Fender Jazzes in the 60's and early "70's, bought a Music Man Stingray in '76, and a G&L 5 string in '96. I thought each new company and product was an improvement over the last.
Now that Leo's passed away, I've got a Sadowsky UV70 5-string on order. I think Roger is the heir apparent to the Fender legacy.
Now that Leo's passed away, I've got a Sadowsky UV70 5-string on order. I think Roger is the heir apparent to the Fender legacy.
You can add lakland skyline to your list if ya looking leo may not be directly involved but his influence is most definately there . check their artist series out . those basses ooooz vintage fendery goodness!
Tough call. Ive owned multiples of each brand.
I'd say the MM is the least versatile. I know, I know, but that's my opinion. I never held on to them for long.
I've had multiple Fender basses - J's and P's - and it always seemed I needed/wanted to do something to them. Maybe it was because there were so many "after-market" options that I just couldn't leave it stock. Maybe they all needed something more. I think the fact that there are so many post-factory options could be interpreted a couple of ways. They are less than adequate basses and need help. There are just so many out there that after-market parts is a big money maker. You often hear they are a good starting point from which to customize to your liking. Just some thoughts.
I think G&L is a great builder. I've had 4,5, fretted and fretless G&L's and they were always well built, great playing and great looking. The finish on my quilt maple 2500 was incredble. I had mine pre Tribute days so I am talking the American models I guess.
FWIW I currently play Yamaha.
I'd say the MM is the least versatile. I know, I know, but that's my opinion. I never held on to them for long.
I've had multiple Fender basses - J's and P's - and it always seemed I needed/wanted to do something to them. Maybe it was because there were so many "after-market" options that I just couldn't leave it stock. Maybe they all needed something more. I think the fact that there are so many post-factory options could be interpreted a couple of ways. They are less than adequate basses and need help. There are just so many out there that after-market parts is a big money maker. You often hear they are a good starting point from which to customize to your liking. Just some thoughts.
I think G&L is a great builder. I've had 4,5, fretted and fretless G&L's and they were always well built, great playing and great looking. The finish on my quilt maple 2500 was incredble. I had mine pre Tribute days so I am talking the American models I guess.
FWIW I currently play Yamaha.
