[quote name='Hutton' timestamp='1358759934' post='1944412']
I know that it is all down to personal opinion but I just wonder if enough people say enough times that Fenders have quality control issues then it will become a generally accepted fact. For myself, I think that the current range of Fender guitars and basses display excellent quality control. Mind you, I didn't have much problem with the previous offerings either (apart from late 70s) but the current product is first class considering how many are made each day. This, I emphasise, is only my humble opinion.
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Agree totally, it is all personal taste.
My 1977 Fender Precision (bought new, in the days of student grant lol) was excellent, once I had fitted the neck correctly and closed the pocket gap. It had the best low action I have ever had on a bass to this day. It had the 3 bolt plate (like my G&L has) but I never had any problems with it. Do not think 1970s Fenders are 'bad', use your own judgement on what you have in your hands.
What you spend your own money is your own choice, at the moment I play my £150 Chinese made bass as first choice (the vintage USA basses are kept in reserve, too 'valuable' to use?). Had my Chinese bass been available 40 years ago, with the quality to price, I doubt I would have spent vast amounts on other basses (Ric, Gibbo, John Birch, Fender). I see there is a Warwick Rockbass on the forum for £100 - the quality to price ratio on that will be beyond belief. The neck pocket will be tighter than a tight thing, the paintwork flawless. It is all down to personal choice.
I am starting to wonder if we are on another bass forum, tolerance and a broad church is a good thing.