What's the problem with Fender?

[purfektstranger]

I think Fender turned the corner in 08....especially the US models.
They scrapped the S1 switching and improved the overall quality.
I would (and actually will) look for an 08 p bass.

 

[P. Aaron]

I ran the Fender P-Bass rack at GC a few weeks ago for over an hour and the new stuff was really good from instrument to instrument.

I can't comment so much for the Jazz basses cause tone-wise, they aren't for me. But the new stuff was really good.

 

[GeneralElectric]

Just look at violins, they're still trying to figure out how Stradicastorus or whatever his name was made them sound like that centuries ago.

They found the secret behind the Stradivarius violins. Its the extremely uniform density of the wood he used as well as his varnish.

Here's the kicker. They can make new Stradivarius violins (albeit unplayed, and therefore they won't sound as good for awhile) yet to do so they'd have to hack one of the surviving examples apart and they don't wanna do that.

 

[Zureta]

All this talk of Leo Fender as Henry Ford, and the validity of "old" designs of basses and everyday objects has been done, and rather well, in this recent thread.

To me the fact that 50 year old designs being considered among the best of the guitar/bass industry today is curious to say the least, but the argument that it must be a bad design because it's old isn't very convincing.

Back on topic: I have no personal experience on this, but I've recently read from Ed Friedland that the 2008 and 2009 MIA Fenders he has tried are better quality instruments than ever before. And the guy has seen his fair share of basses! Until I can have an educated opinion of my own, I'm inclined to believe him.

 

[Kyon`]

Here's the kicker. They can make new Stradivarius violins (albeit unplayed, and therefore they won't sound as good for awhile) yet to do so they'd have to hack one of the surviving examples apart and they don't wanna do that.

That's such a double edge sword... One side of me says do it so I can have one, the other feels like I am condoning rape.

Anywho all of the 08 09 Fender's I have tried have been wonderful. I would imagine just the sheer volume Fender sells at, the chance of lemons are increased, though I haven't tried one in store that I haven't liked this year. I just wish they'd give more options here like they do in Japan in terms of finishes and blocked necks etc...

 

[lousybassplayer]

My problem with them is they are kind ofa fly by night company.I mean, who is out there playing these things? It is unlikely you will be able to find any technical support or information about them, and if they go belly up, which happens with these types of manufacturers, you may be stuck witha broken unknown instrument for years until it gets any collector value. THen again, they may just be the Edsel of basses.

 

[Jeff K]

Maybe I've just been exceptionally lucky, but almost all of the MIA Fenders I've had over the years have been pretty darn nice. Of course some have been more special to me than others, but all in all, no major problems.

I'm not quite understanding where you (the O.P.) get the idea that new Fenders get bashed a lot here on T.B. I've found that the '08's have gotten a LOT of love on this forum. Some people just like to bash because they hate (insert brand name here).

I bought an '08 P-Bass from The Perfect Bass, obviously without playing it first. A couple tweaks to get it set up how I like it, and it's a sweet-playing and sounding P.

I bought an '08 Jazz from my local G.C. Played a few and picked the one I liked the best. But all in all, I was impressed with the consistent quality and tone of all the '08's I've played.

IMO, it's not that much of a risk to buy one on-line. Many people live in places where it's not always easy to "play before you buy". If you buy one and DON'T like it, it's generally fairly easy to turn around and sell it without losing money, especially if you shop around before buying.

 

[Hawaii Islander]

I've noticed the opposite, actually.

All the new Fender's I've played seem to be extremely consistent in quality.

Oh well.

+1

My 08 Fender American P-bass V was beautiful and playable right out of the box. No issues Same with my 06 MIM Mike Dirnt P-bass.

The only problem I encountered was with my 03 MIM Deluxe Jazz that had a string nut groove cut too deep. I replaced the nut and all was good.

Edit: All my Fender basses were bought through major online stores and all arrived brand new in factory sealed packaging.

 

[mongo2]

They found the secret behind the Stradivarius violins. Its the extremely uniform density of the wood he used as well as his varnish.

I know, I was just being facetious. But still, it sure took them long enough.

 

[LCW]

I read about Stradivarius violins and although i do not play i have always wanted one, no not to sell it just to own an instrument 300 years old would be awesome. Maybe if i live another 300 years i can own a 300 year old fender. Being immortal has its perks.

 

[GreaserMatt]

+1

The TB community always has great basses for sale, usually with great setups. I got a good deal on my ESP here, and I couldn't be happier. I've had hit-or-miss experiences with basses on ebay.

Same here; I got one bass that I was very happy with, & one bass that was nowhere near as good of condition as the buyer said it was...

Also, I've played MIMs that were great & MIAs that were not, but also vice versa; it all depends on a set up, etc. Strings have a big difference to me as far as playability. I've put new strings on a bass before & it changed the way the bass played & felt...

 

[wallshakerpbass]

I just got a US pbass in march. The thing is an absolute dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaam to play. The neck is so smooth to play with that satin finish, and the hand-sanded edges on the fret board don't make your fingers go numb after five minutes of playing. The pickup is great too. You can make it sound twangy and thin, to deep and booming(not to mention anywhere in between). On top of all that, every component of it is high quality. This thing will not dissapoint.

 

[Kyon`]

I actually think sometimes, it's the Fenders that go to the local shops with clueless owners that can give a lot of bad rep. I mean just about every shop carries Fenders right? And occasionally you get the guy who doesn't know what he's doing and just plays with the truss rod for the heck of it thinking he's giving it a setup.

 

[Mr. Ray]

I don't think there is a "problem" with Fender.
Fender basses have been a money maker for me. They have always worked in the majority of the live/studio projects I have been involved in.

Any bass needs a proper setup to give it a fair and proper critique/assessment.
Remember the "law of averages" there will always be some extra special basses in every production run, as well as a few below average specimens.

You have to go out and try as many basses as you can.