Hey guys, found this American Deluxe locally and am intrigued even though I really don’t need another bass (yes I do). Owner says it’s a 2003 American Deluxe, has an xtender and is in really nice condition overall. Any experience with this model? I’ve not seen the double j pickup config before on a factory model, but truthfully I’ve not really looked for one either. It’s a good price for a USA fender, but I’m curious what the thoughts are here...
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Thoughts on this Fender American Deluxe
- Thread starter Gustopher
- Start date
I had one identical to this one, as well as 3-4 others. They are great all-around basses and provide plenty of tonal versatility. The only problem I ever had with them, and it was on all of them, was noisy preamps. It got so bad on my last one, a late-1990's in Shoreline Gold, that I removed the preamp it made it just a full passive bass - the noise was gone.
I have used this model in a 4 string for over ten years. I believe it represents the best of the modern Fenders. If it is in good condition I would highly recommend checking it out. They’ve held their value over the years and tend to go pretty quick on Reverb. I think you’ll be pleased with it.
Fender Deluxe Model was among the best production basses ever built by Fender. IMO, of course.
A couple of key design features endure even if this design is gone; asymmetrical compound radius neck is extremely comfortable to play, the deeper body cut, slightly reduced body size, and contoured neck joint makes access to the upper register much easier and comfier and bass is very easy to play, The pre-amp allows you to dial in anything from classic Motown Pbass, Jaco JBass burpiness, and even tones very reminiscent of a MM Stingray. The humbucker is the same pickup used in the Roscoe Beck basses (another of the finest production models Fender ever produced). I believe, designed by famed pick-up builder, Bill Lawrence.
The deluxe models from this era have some nice cosmetic touches too; mother of pearl dot inlays and a metal embossed headstock logo. Just part of the "Deluxe-ness."
The mid-range control on this particular pre has a very wide Q and many Dbs of cut and boost. This can get you into trouble as cutting the mid too much reduces the overall output of the bass to an unusable level... if you know that, then just be careful, it's not really an issue.
I believe the PDeluxe with the humbucker was discontinued in 2009. I think it is one of the best P basses to come out of Fender. Extremely versatile tonal variation moving into MusicMan Territory at one extreme, plus many jazz and P tones you would expect. The build quality is from the top of the Fender food chain and compares well with anything out there. You do not see a whole lot of these for sale because people hold on to them. They are great basses. Very well made, great compound radius neck, sound fantastic live and in the studio.
If you found this model in great shape for a bargain price, grab it quickly! This opportunity in not likely to present itself again.
A couple of key design features endure even if this design is gone; asymmetrical compound radius neck is extremely comfortable to play, the deeper body cut, slightly reduced body size, and contoured neck joint makes access to the upper register much easier and comfier and bass is very easy to play, The pre-amp allows you to dial in anything from classic Motown Pbass, Jaco JBass burpiness, and even tones very reminiscent of a MM Stingray. The humbucker is the same pickup used in the Roscoe Beck basses (another of the finest production models Fender ever produced). I believe, designed by famed pick-up builder, Bill Lawrence.
The deluxe models from this era have some nice cosmetic touches too; mother of pearl dot inlays and a metal embossed headstock logo. Just part of the "Deluxe-ness."
The mid-range control on this particular pre has a very wide Q and many Dbs of cut and boost. This can get you into trouble as cutting the mid too much reduces the overall output of the bass to an unusable level... if you know that, then just be careful, it's not really an issue.
I believe the PDeluxe with the humbucker was discontinued in 2009. I think it is one of the best P basses to come out of Fender. Extremely versatile tonal variation moving into MusicMan Territory at one extreme, plus many jazz and P tones you would expect. The build quality is from the top of the Fender food chain and compares well with anything out there. You do not see a whole lot of these for sale because people hold on to them. They are great basses. Very well made, great compound radius neck, sound fantastic live and in the studio.
If you found this model in great shape for a bargain price, grab it quickly! This opportunity in not likely to present itself again.
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Everything this guy said is right about this bass with one exception - I believe the humbucker on the 4 string is a Fender design, whereas the 5 string is a Bill Lawrence design. I’m on my mobile so I’m having a hard time corroborating. Take it with a grain of salt.
Doesn’t make a bit of difference though - they both sound fantastic (I have both).
PDeluxe holding its own against a very expensive custom bass
