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Thoughts on Roadworn Fenders

#201
Even if in the shooting below, Rob's playin' a Fender Jazz Bass,
his Nashes, for pricey they'd be, still retain a few adjustments like more powerful/modern soundin' pickups and, sometimes, more proficient/resoundin' bridges, even if bearing that obligatory fake wear'n'tear kinda look.

Thinkin' about that, Fender RoadWorns, either you're just posin' and lookin' for sumthin' accordin' to it, or still, be in need of a killasoundin' bass, so requiring futher upgrading,
bear not so affordable street prices for the overall quality.

The ones I found in shops on my periodical wishroute, are
still there after all these few years. While Classic versions
never still at all.

Just my 2c BTW

Cheers,
Wallace
 
#202
beatdatthang said:
If a bass gets "road worn" due to actual road wear and play that's fine and can add character.

I just don't get why someone would pay for a "new" bass that's been beat to hell at the factory to look "relic'd".

If you want a road worn instrument, do it yourself... ;)
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Not only that, they pay extra for the 'treatment'!! :p

To each their own I guess, but it sure is a silly concept.
 
#206
"Modded" my RW P. :D

15069ec7.jpg


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Man do I love this freaking bass. I have been beating the crap out of it all over NY & NJ the last few weeks. :bassist:
 
#207
coyote1 said:
Not only that, they pay extra for the 'treatment'!! :p

To each their own I guess, but it sure is a silly concept.
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I "paid extra" for an instrument with a lighter, more resonant body and a thin nitrocelluose finish. If there had been no forearm wear I still would have bought. It is a really solid, excellent quality instrument that has been a wonderful touring bass.

To each their own I guess.
 
#209
C.Linton said:
The thing is, I can see no reason why you can't get as good sounding and as playable a bass without having to pay extra for the faux relicing.
Again, that's just my taste, I understand that others may think the antiquing might be worth it. Not bashing anyone's choices here.
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Haven't you ever picked something up that just felt right?

It's got the weight, the resonance, the thin finish, the look (aging notwithstanding; still looks like a 50's P!) and it sounds great to boot!
 
#210
C.Linton said:
The thing is, I can see no reason why you can't get as good sounding and as playable a bass without having to pay extra for the faux relicing.
Again, that's just my taste, I understand that others may think the antiquing might be worth it. Not bashing anyone's choices here.
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personally, i wasn't attracted by the look. the salesman was very enthusiastic about how great it played and i told him i wanted something else and purchased a 5 banger. while he ran off to the register, i picked up the RW and was floored by the super nice feel of the neck as well as the weight.

the real shocker was when i demo'd the CS 64 Jazz Relic!:hyper: everything i ever played on a bass was seemingly 2X easier.:confused::)
 
#211
I actually wrote Fender and asked if they would consider making a model of the RW without the relic. Kinda like a Highway 1, thin finish but, with the RW neck. I told them that whatever was the process to make it feel that way, relic it, throw it down a flight of stair, I don't care but leave the body alone, just make it with the same finish and don't scuff it up, just leave it dull.

MY response was no plans for anything like that.

We'll see :)
 
#215
coyote1 said:
Not only that, they pay extra for the 'treatment'!! :p

To each their own I guess, but it sure is a silly concept.
Click to expand...

But that's not necessarily true, is it. If Fender made the exact same bass without the "treatment" and charged $100 or so less, then you'd have a point. But they don't. Truth is, many (most?) buy these basses in spite of the treatment, not because of it.

Besides the fact that profit margins and retail price are determined by many things besides cost to mfg, it's not even clear that the treatment is actually more expensive to produce. You can easily see how QC costs could make it cheaper to do a relic'd finish over one that had to be flawless.

/rick
 
#217
I just thought I would comment on RickC's fitting quote here...

"Truth is, many (most?) buy these basses in spite of the treatment, not because of it"

I had planned on ordering a American Vintage 62 reissue jazz but decided to take the "Road Worn" home for a few days...I was not in it because of the faux finish at all...it was an awesome jazz bass period...the weight and feel and tone sold me on this bass and I couldn't be happier...really, as I have mentioned before...I have bought and sold a pile in my day, and for a classic style jazz four banger...this is one that will never hit the trade/sale market...works perfect for my needs and I got it well under $1k...
 
#219
C.Linton said:
Yup, brand new SX Ursa P-bass,Squier VM P AND J, and an '08 MIA Jazz. And no faux relicing on any of them.
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No nitro finishes either. They will NEVER age gracefully the way those wonderful old 50's and 60's basses did, or at all for that matter.

I wish people would stop saying "just wear it out yourself". Unless you're starting with a thin nitro finish, it will never happen.
 
#220
jbiscuti said:
No nitro finishes either. They will NEVER age gracefully the way those wonderful old 50's and 60's basses did, or at all for that matter.

I wish people would stop saying "just wear it out yourself". Unless you're starting with a thin nitro finish, it will never happen.
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+1

i'd also like to add that there is a huge difference between a naturally worn bass and one with wear from abuse/neglect. :hiding:
 

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