When is a Road Worn not a Road Worn?

[f.c.geil]

The two basses I've found that most closely resemble an unworn Road Worn (each for different reasons) are:

1) '50s Classic (MiM) P Bass, and
2) Highway One (MiA) P Bass.

The '50s Classic has the same body, neck, and components, but un-reliced, but is painted in polyurethane, so it doesn't, can't, and won't have that same feel.

The Highway One has the same body, a more modern neck and pups, is un-reliced, and is painted in nitro, so it will relic like a Road Worn, and may sound better.

I'm a fan of both of them, but have kept my Highway One as I like the nitro that much more.

 

[mcnach]

So all you nay-sayers out there, if ya dont like them, keep your opinions to yourself.

charming

you need to start your own forum if you want opinions different from yours to be suppressed.

 

[Jim Carr]

No, it would do exactly 1000.

Right---got a phone call during post! 15 seconds!

 

[Jim Carr]

The two basses I've found that most closely resemble an unworn Road Worn (each for different reasons) are:

1) '50s Classic (MiM) P Bass, and
2) Highway One (MiA) P Bass.

The '50s Classic has the same body, neck, and components, but un-reliced, but is painted in polyurethane, so it doesn't, can't, and won't have that same feel.

The Highway One has the same body, a more modern neck and pups, is un-reliced, and is painted in nitro, so it will relic like a Road Worn, and may sound better...

They are both nice basses, but IMHO the RW bodies are a bit different. On the Road Worn series, the alder is lighter and slightly thinner than the ones you cite, IME.

 

[petrus61]

charming

you need to start your own forum if you want opinions different from yours to be suppressed.

Oh my gosh, the op can't win anyone over, huh? I swear this at times reminds me of congress. Tit for tat crap that obstructs the fun and helpfull discussion this forum can provide. Howbout this: if your post isn't pertaining to the core subject, don't post!

The wear and tear aside:

I've owned both the Precision versions and yes, the RW body is of select grade and possibly the neck. The 50's Classic, Roadworn and American Vinatge Reissiue all share the same hardware. The AVRI has 62 or 57 (a 62 with raised A pole piece) pickup while the RW and Classic have the same "vintage" style pickup. The RW and AVRI are both select woods that are lightweight and both incorporate a nitro finish.

I think the AVRI is well worth the price if you like the feel and weight of the RW's but want a new finish. Just note that the finish on the AVRI will wear away faster than a poly finish and can even be coaxed with a little steel wool to the back of the neck. (I did this on my poly finished 50'S CL, so there is another option. My 50's CL neck feels just as smooth and playable as the RW I've owned. Just look at the one I kept if you want my preference.

 

[Marko 1]

...

If I get one, I'll just refinish it so that it looks immaculate, the way I think a new or well-cared-for bass should look.

+1

Also, and this should bother me, but I feel like the average patron who saw me with a worn bass would probably think I was poor and couldn’t afford a nice nice one.



Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

 

[Spleenface92]

I *REALLY* want a RW Jazz bass...in Sunburst. But I'd love it if I could get in an authentic 60's 'burst with that bright red in the middle.

 

[Jim Carr]

I *REALLY* want a RW Jazz bass...in Sunburst. But I'd love it if I could get in an authentic 60's 'burst with that bright red in the middle.

Are you perhaps confusing the '50s RW P-bass tobacco burst with the '60s RW Jazz burst?
The RW sunburst is 3 tones with plenty of red, IME.

 

[RickC]

I've actually considered buying one and repainting the body as new. I have a friend that's a luthier with a spray booth. He would do it for the cost of the nitro paint + a case of beer (I'd give him the beer after he paints it ).

A totally reasonable solution to the RW "dilemma" imo

/rick

 

[Jim Carr]

...I feel like the average patron who saw me with a worn bass would probably think I was poor and couldn’t afford a nice nice one.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

Honestly, I am very very certain the average patron of the 1000's of gigs I have played paid more attention to their food, drink, and company than they did to the dings on the finish of an anonymous musician's guitar.

Furthermore, plenty of stars, Sir Paul, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, etc. play beat-up instruments. Not that there is anything wrong with that, either.

 

[RickC]

I've let friends sit in with the band a couple of times and use my Roadworn, so I've gotten to see it from the audience's point of view. To be honest, you couldn't even see the wear; barely noticable if at all.

If you're worried about what the audience is thinking about your fake wear, don't worry - they aren't.

 

[Jim Carr]

I feel the way you do. I'm glad you started the thread because it brought out a lot of positive comments about the road worn series. I may play one of them someday, and if I like it I may go for it.

If I get one, I'll just refinish it so that it looks immaculate, the way I think a new or well-cared-for bass should look.

Do you think Road Worn basses are by definition "poorly cared for?" I would be surprised if you do. Looks can be deceiving.

 

[interp]

That's the best reason to buy it. Nothing else matters.

+++++++

 

[Diogenes]

... he claims the wood for the RWs is mechanically shaken over 15,000 times (he claims it is to re-align the molecules to simulate thousands of hours of playing time)...

This is gold.

 

[joeyl]

kinda related, it's the first time I see someone buy a new worn instrument and complain about the wear ( I do see his point, that wear patch was not well done but still)

Amazon.com: Profile For jeff: Reviews

 

[The Bass Clef]

Hey everyone, I just picked up a sunburst RW Jazz and I'm loving it! I also have a vintage 1969 Jazz that I love and play everyday, but I needed something to play at bars and other shady places that isn't worth more than my truck, lol. So after some internet reading on them, I tried out a RW at the local GC and I decided I needed to find a good deal on a used one because these basses are awesome!

I've had the '69 Jazz for over 10 years now, and while I've definitely contributed to the natural "road wear" on the bass, I know 80% of it was made by someone else. This bass was already out playing for almost a decade before I was even born, lol! Someone commented that "they like to make their own marks" which I understand, but on the other hand, all vintage instruments have previous wear. It may be authentic wear, but I still can't say I made it all myself.

I guess you could say that all reissues could be considered "fakes", but IMO, the RW series are just that much more authentic than a non-reliced RI bass. I personally think the relic job looks pretty darn good on these RW basses too.. especially considering that the CS charges soooo more for their relicing work. I personally wouldn't pay that much for something that's just a novelty to me, but that novelty on the RW is worth it since the price is so good.

I also used to have a '64 CS NOS Jazz and sold it because I wasn't thrilled with the way it sounded and felt for the $2K+ I paid for it. I honestly think I like this (used) RW that I paid $650 shipped for on ebay better than that CS '64. I have to admit, The RW sounds closer to my real vintage bass than the CS did and the CS was also heavier. I weighed my '69 a while back on a nice scale and it was 8.1 lbs. The RW feels the same, I can't tell which one is lighter so they must be within a 1/4 lb. or so. The RW has the same exact body thickness as the '69 (I'm not sure if the CS '64 did or not).

I've had a lot of new and old Fenders through the years and IMHO, the RW Jazz (and I'm sure the P too) is hands down, the nicest bass I've ever played for under $1000. And I believe it can compete no problem with lots of $1500-2500 basses.

OK, on to some pics...

The red has all but faded out of the '69..

Coming from an owner of a beat up old bass, 99% of people would not know a RW from an original.

 

[ksandvik]

Yes, I would also say Highway Ones with nitro finish. As a bonus, you could make your own unique road-worn look with those.

 

[maxiegrant]

Anyway, he claims the wood for the RWs is mechanically shaken over 15,000 times (he claims it is to re-align the molecules to simulate thousands of hours of playing time).

Has anyone else heard this?

You know, I'm not about to bash the Road Worn phenom, though I just don't have the money to spend extra to beat up a perfectly good guitar, and I already have a real road-worn '70's era bass (my Ric) with buckle rash and water damage to the finish, as well as a couple of ceiling kisses lovingly planted on the top of the headstock (white paint and/or plaster embedded into the top).

However, the claim that "molecules" are being "re-aligned" is flat absurd. That sounds suspiciously like something I'd read on Stereophile . . . these guitars are probably just made to a higher level of quality to overcome the perception of being beat to hell.

 

[edpal]

However, the claim that "molecules" are being "re-aligned" is flat absurd. That sounds suspiciously like something I'd read on Stereophile . . .

I don't know brother, after giving the bass several thousand vibrations with the electric sander, I think it sounds different. (please note sarcasm)
I think the Roadworn idea is great - you can stop worrying about the finish and get back to playing. I just relic-ed a Carvin today. Heh!

 

[afzoomie67]

It's there ->Invalid Link Removed

When You're Readytm​

Waaait, why does the Jazz have only two knobs?!