• 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.

Thoughts on Roadworn Fenders

#42
I have a sunburst RW Jazz bass from '07 that I picked up 'new' about 6 months ago. They must not be selling very well in this area, because the shop I bought it from is blowing out all RW basses and guitars at 50% off.

Anyway, I absolutely LOVE this bass. I did put some copper shielding under the controls and swapped the pickups out for Fender Custom Shop '60's. HUGE difference in tone - for the better. I love the way it feels, sounds and looks. I'm having trouble with the reverse tuners, tho. :)

Overall, it's a fantastic instrument compared to all the MIA, MIM, CIJ, MIJ Fenders I have owned in the past. This one stands head and shoulders above them all.

I know it's been said before, but it's really too bad Fender didn't offer it non-reliced. IMO they wouldn't have been able to keep them in stock.
 
#43
mccartneyman said:
How come there's no market for "road worn" cars?
Click to expand...

There is.

1929 Ford Rat Rod | Ford Rat Rod | Ford Rat Rod for Sale

Rusty Rat Rods for Sale - Rat Rod Picture Rat Rods Pic of Hot Rod.

Nice '39 Ford:

gg-38.jpg
 
#44
bassbully said:
Most are not that bad that I have seen and played but remember its a Mexi.
Click to expand...

What does that remembering "its a Mexi," do for you? The Mexican workers building RW instruments in Mexico were trained by the Custom Shop Builders in the US. Many of the CS workers are, yes, of Mexican ancestry. :D :D :D

I don't think you really meant what you implied. And I do know that MIM can mean a lower quality and lower priced instrument for those with less means. You don't really judge the instruments based on who or where they were made, right?

The Road Worn basses are not perfect vintage basses, each unique in tone and mojo—but! they are darned good. I play mine more than I play my Sadowsky and Lakland and vintage Fenders. Why? Vintage sound, great feel, and old school utility.

bassbully said:
IMO the RW are great basses but way overpriced for what they are.
Click to expand...

SKY Guitars in Denton, TX has them for under $900 new. I bought my used Fiesta Red Jazz for $675 used over Ebay. They are CHEAP for what you get, IMHO.

Finally check what Ed Friedland says here: Invalid Link Removed

I'll quote it for you with emphasis added:

Fender Road Worn Jazz

This is one of the new Fender Road Worn Jazz basses. Many people are skeptical of their quality because they're made in Mexico, but I think this is an excellent instrument. Aside from the cosmetic aspects of it being a relic (and way less expensive than the custom shop models), they are using higher grade materials - lightweight alder, nitrocellulose lacquer, reverse tuners and period correct bridge. Even if this bass was shiny and new, I would have bought it because it sounds great. And, it feels like I've been playing it for years. Currently strung with Lakland Joe Osborn Flatwounds, this baby is my go to bass for roots stuff.
 
#45
Jim Carr said:
What does that remembering "its a Mexi," do for you? The Mexican workers building RW instruments in Mexico were trained by the Custom Shop Builders in the US. Many of the CS workers are, yes, of Mexican ancestry. :D :D :D

I don't think you really meant what you implied. And I do know that MIM can mean a lower quality and lower priced instrument for those with less means. You don't really judge the instruments based on who or where they were made, right?

The Road Worn basses are not perfect vintage basses, each unique in tone and mojo—but! they are darned good. I play mine more than I play my Sadowsky and Lakland and vintage Fenders. Why? Vintage sound, great feel, and old school utility.



SKY Guitars in Denton, TX has them for under $900 new. I bought my used Fiesta Red Jazz for $675 used over Ebay. They are CHEAP for what you get, IMHO.

Finally check what Ed Friedland says here: Invalid Link Removed

I'll quote it for you with emphasis added:

Fender Road Worn Jazz

This is one of the new Fender Road Worn Jazz basses. Many people are skeptical of their quality because they're made in Mexico, but I think this is an excellent instrument. Aside from the cosmetic aspects of it being a relic (and way less expensive than the custom shop models), they are using higher grade materials - lightweight alder, nitrocellulose lacquer, reverse tuners and period correct bridge. Even if this bass was shiny and new, I would have bought it because it sounds great. And, it feels like I've been playing it for years. Currently strung with Lakland Joe Osborn Flatwounds, this baby is my go to bass for roots stuff.
Click to expand...

I don't think you read into my posts. Most of my MIM diss I said was being sarcastic...I love MIMs and the Classic 50's I used to own was as good as my 78' P bass for sure.
I like RW's but the new prices were to high when they came out vs say a MIA. Today a used one or finding one at a discount like the shop in my area has had them ($800 range) is a steal and If I can get one I will.
 
#49
bassbully said:
I don't think you read into my posts. Most of my MIM diss I said was being sarcastic...I love MIMs and the Classic 50's I used to own was as good as my 78' P bass for sure.
I like RW's but the new prices were to high when they came out vs say a MIA. Today a used one or finding one at a discount like the shop in my area has had them ($800 range) is a steal and If I can get one I will.
Click to expand...

Sorry. It appears I misunderstood. If you want me to check one out here in Denton for you, let me know! :D
 
#50
Johnny Alien said:
Multi-piece bodies are not a Mexican only thing.
Click to expand...

They are essentially USA basses, but finished in mexico, because of emissions policies. Best part about a RW is you don't have to worry about scuffing it up, why? Cuz its done for you!(personally I like to do the finish removing from dents and dings, just cuz it means more and has a history)
 
#59
I have never played a RW bass and have heard and seen mixed reviews about them. However when it comes to the whole road worn thing they just seem phony to me. I have a P bass that has lots of ware, but it was done by being used and gig'ed with heavily over the last 20+ years. Not made in a factory to make it look like has years of ware and costs more because of it.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back