[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378577236' post='2202091']
These posts from a thread on TalkBass:
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]'According to folks on Forums.Fender.com it's actually an 'anchor' hole. Apparently they first clamp onto the raw (rectangular?) body blank, and then route the pickup cavities/neck pocket/control cavity and anchor hole, and then they insert clamping tools into one of the pickup routes AND the anchor hole to hold the body still and in the correct position, while they shape the outside contours. This makes some sense as the hole is directly under a flat portion of the back, and as far as possible from other routes(mechanical advantage). In other words it provides a worry-free place to clamp the body during shaping.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]'Here is the weird thing. On exact same models, Fender sometimes has the hole and sometimes don't. The 60's classic Jazz bass, for example does not have the CNC on its earlier year versions. Same with the Road Worn series. When I was searching for a Road Worn jazz recently, I asked if it had the CNC and it did not so I purchased. (of course the RW's have "ROAD W" carved in 'em. But other models don't have carvings or pickup routes and Fender goes ahead and kills the look with a CNC.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]'It seems as though Fender has standardized their manufacturing and many of their later year models will have this CNC hole.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]But the AVRI series never did, not on even one. Wonder if the new American Vintage series has the CNC or routes for that matter?[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]'If you want a clean body free of routes and CNC holes look at anything MIJ or CIJ. The Japanese made basses are free of this.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Even the black Geddy Lee I own has no guard on it right now and looks very cool IMO. BUT since Fender changed manufacturing plants from Japan to Mexico you will notice that there is now a CNC under the guard. I also had a '62 Jazz that was CIJ and that had no holes/routes. Japanese manufacturing plants seem very concerned with aesthetic detail IMO. I noticed their sunburst finishes always seem perfect. Again IMHO.'[/font][/color]
[/quote]
Ah I see, it makes sense now cheers