When Arctic is actually Olympic...

[mysteryclock]

So I ordered a "Fender Alder Precision Bass - Arctic White" body for a new project. What I received is a lovely alder body, nicely finished and surprisingly light weight in a box labeled "AW"...in Olympic White. Setting it next to my Arctic White bass (currently FS below) even my 17yo son could tell the difference right away, and we both agreed the new one is much more "creamy" and less "ultra-bright" like AW typically is.

Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled! I prefer OW over AW generally, but I had no idea they were making replacement bodies in OW. Fender should probably advertise it that way, however, because anyone who's really looking forward to the ultra-bright AW could be disappointed.

 

[mysteryclock]

"Pics or it didn't happen"

 

[elgranluis]

If you have a color code for both ,you will understand the difference between them.

 

[rumblinbass]

Thanks for posting.
I have been wondering myself because the picture on the Fender page does not look like Arctic White.
I almost started a new thread posing the question.

 

[mysteryclock]

They are both nice colors in their own way, each on a very nicely finished body. I would just like Fender to label them correctly or at least explain what's going on.

I sent an email to their customer service...fat lot of good that'll probably do. If there are any Fender employees lurking here feel free to PM me and I'll get you a copy of that email and take whatever other pictures you'd like!

 

[MrKpawz]

I hope theyll solve the issue!

Both colors are nice, however when you expect a specific color, wait for that color, and receive a different color that's gotta pinch a nerve as you unbox it

 

[C Stone]

When Arctic is actually Olympic...
A mistake or after about thirty years of use including but not limited to smoke filled bars, jam rooms, uv light from outdoor gigs

 

[friedlbug]

I’ve seen all sorts of shades called either, but wholeheartedly agree with your interpretation of those colors. I’d call that Olympic white all day.

 

[wvbass]

Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled!

This would be a very pleasant surprise for me as well. OW > AW

 

[hypercarrots]

looks smaller too

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I had the same thig happen recently. I just kept the OW and put a red tort on it and called it a day.

 

[hypercarrots]

it's not the first time i've seen fender mix up their whites
NBD: Was I duped by MF/GC?
fender has had a lot of whites
5 olympic white
7 vintage blond
15 polar white
16 white
23 pearl white
34 buttercream
41 vintage white
49 ivory
55 frost white
80 arctic white
81 arctic pearl
81 bright/brite white
89 mystic white

 

[mysteryclock]

it's not the first time i've seen fender mix up their whites
NBD: Was I duped by MF/GC?
fender has had a lot of whites
5 olympic white
7 vintage blond
15 polar white
16 white
23 pearl white
34 buttercream
41 vintage white
49 ivory
55 frost white
80 arctic white
81 arctic pearl
81 bright/brite white
89 mystic white

It's like I always say about I.T. - "Standards are great....let's have a bunch."

 

[mysteryclock]

I had the same thig happen recently. I just kept the OW and put a red tort on it and called it a day.

I'm going blue for this one...

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I'm going blue for this one...

View attachment 4614432

Those SH's are pretty cool too. I have some QP's I thinking of switching out for those. Can't decide.

 

[Dave TB Killer]

it's not the first time i've seen fender mix up their whites
NBD: Was I duped by MF/GC?
fender has had a lot of whites
5 olympic white
7 vintage blond
15 polar white
16 white
23 pearl white
34 buttercream
41 vintage white
49 ivory
55 frost white
80 arctic white
81 arctic pearl
81 bright/brite white
89 mystic white

Good Grief. I feel like I'm at the paint counter at Lowes. Wonder how many different Blacks there are. No No No! Never mind!

 

[BassyBill]

White,for me, should be arctic white. Minimal absorption, maximum reflection at all visible wavelengths. Anything else is just nearly but not quite white. YMMV etc.

 

[mysteryclock]

Those SH's are pretty cool too. I have some QP's I thinking of switching out for those. Can't decide.

I'll let you know when I get it back from the fellow doing the tuner & zero fret work how it turns out. I was greatly impressed by the SD Apollo Jazz pickups for a "homemade Geddy" type build so I figured I'd give the SH's a whirl for this one.