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Why so many different Fender P-Bass models?
- Thread starter bordinco90
- Start date
Often as a consumer, I do feel there is too much choice, and kinda-sorta agree with Barry Schwartz's "Invalid Link Removed" speech....
..but when I come here, and see how everyone has mashed up a P into something or other... I have to think Fender is catering to the crowd that wants mods, but doesn't want to do (or pay someone to do) them.
They know they are losing money everytime someone mods their gear, so why not just offer it that way? Same with Squier, why not get that entry level cash, instead of giving it away to someone else?
I don't see an issue.
..but when I come here, and see how everyone has mashed up a P into something or other... I have to think Fender is catering to the crowd that wants mods, but doesn't want to do (or pay someone to do) them.
They know they are losing money everytime someone mods their gear, so why not just offer it that way? Same with Squier, why not get that entry level cash, instead of giving it away to someone else?
I don't see an issue.
I really don't think that much thought goes in to it. Have you ever worked in management for a corporation? We all assume that corporations base decisions on all kinds on sophisticated scientific data, but in reality, decisions are often made on a whim by managing egomaniacs with little or no objective analysis or consideration.
Well, if you don't like all the choices, may I suggest:
1. Go to Fender's website;
2. Pretend you're LEFT HANDED;
3. See how many choices you have now.
It will simplify your life considerably.
1. Go to Fender's website;
2. Pretend you're LEFT HANDED;
3. See how many choices you have now.
It will simplify your life considerably.
As someone who hasn't owned or played too many Fender Ps, I have to ask - do all the passive 4 string P's with no bridge pickup really sound different from each other? Or is it just the illusion of choice?
Yes, I have, and all four companies were highly driven and motivated by market forces. They were highly aware of their customer base, and competition (lighting mfg, plastics, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals).
The last one (pharma) went under (two years after I left) BECAUSE they narrowed their product line too much... What's worse, it was at the request of the FDA, as they made a product that only they could produce in the U.S. at that time. When the demand for that product faded (others could make it), they had lost their customer base for their other products.
When I left there, it was to work in public safety, which has an entirely different set of problems from corporate America.
Why so many different Fender P-Bass models?
To confuse potential customers and to dissuade them from buying fender.
To confuse potential customers and to dissuade them from buying fender.
Well its just that they have so many choices. I want them all. I've had a standard MIM and now another MIM but the 50s model P bass. Now I just wanna try them all.
And if the huge number of models isn't enough, Fender also have a bunch of aftermarket products one can use to customise ones bass.
Is Fender now trying to compete with Warmoth for sheer number of product options?
I'm not complaining. Options are good. But it means I have a constant state of GAS.
Is Fender now trying to compete with Warmoth for sheer number of product options?
I'm not complaining. Options are good. But it means I have a constant state of GAS.
Because Steve Jobs went back to Apple instead of Fender.Seriously though Jobs would have had higher ups at Fender tarred and feathered for all of the product confusion and overlap.
Yes, and there would only be white basses with chrome hardware.
And they would only work with Fender Amps
Yes, I think so. I won't go into an argument about wood choices and stuff, but different pickups definitely make a noticeable difference. Some sound warm and dopey, while others are quite growly and punchy.
I think the most important difference though is feel. I've recently discovered that there is a major amount of variation in the feel of different P-basses. And in this age, why shouldn't we be able to choose, and get sound, feel, and looks, without compromise? The more choice the better I say.
Signature P - Too Expensive
Reissue P - Too Expensive
Modern "Vintage" P - Too Expensive
Import P - Good Starter or Budget
American Standard P - Just Right, Perfect
Reissue P - Too Expensive
Modern "Vintage" P - Too Expensive
Import P - Good Starter or Budget
American Standard P - Just Right, Perfect
THIS RIGHT HERE.Because Steve Jobs went back to Apple instead of Fender.
The main thing is to have models at every possible price point. If you count both Squier and Fender, there's basses atarting at about $100 and going up in four figures. Something for everybody I suppose.
I remember in the 1972 catalog I got in the mail when I was a kid, your choice was rosewood or maple board, fretted or fretless, regular or narrow (Jazz) neck and the color. All had the same electronics and hardware. For a J, it was just rosewood vs. maple and the color.
Now there's all these model choices but you can't even get the color you want unless you go Custom Shop
I remember in the 1972 catalog I got in the mail when I was a kid, your choice was rosewood or maple board, fretted or fretless, regular or narrow (Jazz) neck and the color. All had the same electronics and hardware. For a J, it was just rosewood vs. maple and the color.
Now there's all these model choices but you can't even get the color you want unless you go Custom Shop
Because everyone wants a Fender P or J but they don't want the same P or J as everyone else.
Now there's all these model choices but you can't even get the color you want unless you go Custom Shop
I think this is a huge factor with Fender. I would have stuck with Fender when I wanted a Jazz but they didn't have green so I wemt with Lakland.
As a consumer, it would be awesome to see Fender do what Carvin does and lay out all the options.
