Hutton Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 What is the difference (apart from relicing) between the Mex 50s Road Worn and the Mex 50s Classic Precision. I’m sure there is great wisdom amongst forumites on this issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 The 50s classic is finished in modern polyurethane paints, but is still a very good bass with a very different sound and feel to a modern Precision (I have both). I believe the Road worn is, I think, finished in Cellulose. I should find out out soon as I have one on the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) Didn't the Classic 50s with the poly finish get replaced by the Classic 50s Lacquer with a nitro finish a few years ago? That would make the only difference between them being the relic job. The RW gets raved about, but I had a RW and Classic 50s in the house at the same time and the 50s walked all over it when it came to resonance and tone. Of course basses vary individually so it could just as equally have swayed the other way! That 50s was the best sounding P I'd ever tried except I did not get on with the combination of wide neck, curvy radius, and sharp fingerboard edges. Edited January 2, 2018 by dannybuoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 Theres also a bass that bridges the gap between the two above - the 50's Classic Lacquer Precision. Finished in a thin nitro cellulose lacquer like the Roadworn but no roadwearing done..... Its a DIY Roadworn effectively And it comes in black/maple.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 JINX! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I don't think the lacquer version replaced the road worn as it only comes in the one colour, as mentioned above. If they did the red or sunburst classic in lacquer without the wear, I'd have one or both right now. I've had a 60s classic Jazz bass in lacquer for 4 or 5 years now, and it's the only jazz I've kept. It has real character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 All 3 are still listed on the Fender site - the Poly, the Lacquer and the Roadworn. There's a couple of hundred quid between them as you go up through the range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I`ve had the Classic 50s, great bass, felt really solid and chunky, and was possibly the most aggressive sounding Precision on the market that I`ve played. Not had a Road Worn but have played a few and love them, aside from a Pino Palladino Custom Shop probably the most comfortable Precisions I`ve had the pleasure to play. If they did them in black I`d have one, but they don`t, so I haven`t. So my vote is for the RW, exceptional basses in, unfortunately, colours I don`t want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 Lozz, how about the nitro finish Classic 50, same neck etc, and it won't take long to start gaining some road worn class as the paint wears easily. Only available in black, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 18 minutes ago, FinnDave said: Lozz, how about the nitro finish Classic 50, same neck etc, and it won't take long to start gaining some road worn class as the paint wears easily. Only available in black, too! I`ve been tryin to resist even checking those ones out, Dave, as I fear they may bankrupt me. I just loved the worn-in feeling of the necks on the RWs, which I didn`t get from the Classic 50. Great chunky neck, but that well-played feeling isn`t there, for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I've got a road worn arriving some time this week, it will be interesting to compare it to my Classic 50s. I really like the wider neck, but still have 4 US Standards to fall back on. I even played my Jazz Bass this afternoon, just to make sure I wasn't getting too set in my wide neck ways! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 4 minutes ago, FinnDave said: I've got a road worn arriving some time this week... You lucky, lucky bastard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 3 minutes ago, Lozz196 said: I`ve been tryin to resist even checking those ones out, Dave, as I fear they may bankrupt me. I just loved the worn-in feeling of the necks on the RWs, which I didn`t get from the Classic 50. Great chunky neck, but that well-played feeling isn`t there, for me. I reckon that 'worn-in feeling' is mainly down to the satin finish instead of the hard plastic feeling poly finish. I'd say there's a good chance the Lacquer version has the same smooth feel as the RW just without the dirt and cigarette burn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I think I`m going to have to check out the Laquer ones then. Drat, just as I was being sensible and selling gear I no longer needed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 2 minutes ago, dannybuoy said: I reckon that 'worn-in feeling' is mainly down to the satin finish instead of the hard plastic feeling poly finish. I'd say there's a good chance the Lacquer version has the same smooth feel as the RW just without the dirt and cigarette burn! The Road Worn has a lot of ageing work, it's not just the paint and the fag burn. The neck is really comfortable and plays like a vintage job. The bass overall is very resonant and the relic work on the hardware is particularly effective. It just feels right, it plays really well and it sounds fabulous. The cosmetic aspects are a red herring really, the RWs are very good indeed and as close as you'll get to get to a genuine early P Bass. Without the expense, obviously. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) The one I had felt like a dead plank though compared to the Classic 50s. Like all basses some of them sing and some don't! Edited January 2, 2018 by dannybuoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 (edited) 58 minutes ago, dannybuoy said: I reckon that 'worn-in feeling' is mainly down to the satin finish instead of the hard plastic feeling poly finish. I'd say there's a good chance the Lacquer version has the same smooth feel as the RW just without the dirt and cigarette burn! My Lacquer Classic has a satin finish to the back of the neck although i think a previous owner may have wire wooled it. It isnt the same as the Road Worn neck - it doesnt have rolled edges - but it feels better (to me) than the Poly Classic 50. I played them all back to back within a week so got a pretty good idea of the comparison. There was hardly anything in it re the sound of them all but i just preferred the lacquer ones because i like beaten up basses- i was gonna try and grab a Roadworn on here but the Lacquer popped up significantly cheaper so i grabbed it and i'll wear it in myself. Its been started by the previous owners and its a nice thin finish so it wont take long :-) Oh and its black........i would have been happy with a burst RW but i dont like the red personally. Edited January 2, 2018 by Mudpup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 7 hours ago, FinnDave said: I don't think the lacquer version replaced the road worn as it only comes in the one colour, as mentioned above. If they did the red or sunburst classic in lacquer without the wear, I'd have one or both right now. I've had a 60s classic Jazz bass in lacquer for 4 or 5 years now, and it's the only jazz I've kept. It has real character. This man speaks the truth. The Classic 50s nitro version is an addition to the range, and only came in black (and maybe sunburst too? can't recall) while the poly finish Classic 50s came in fiesta red (sort of faded), black, sunburst and a creamy sort of vintage white. Both RW and Classic 50s have a wide neck, but the RW is chunkier. The feel is very different too, as the RW's neck has the lacquer worn out and the Classic 50s has the glossy poly lacquer (that I love). Sound-wise, I prefer the Classic 50 as well but I have only tried one example of each. My Classic 50 is a lovely bass. The nut width is noticeable larger than in just about any other 4-string bass I've played, but it's a very comfortable neck and has a lovely sound. I had read reviews over on TB about replacing the pickup, but I love mine, so it stayed. The RW was very light, and most RW basses I've tried were light too... not that the Classic 50s I have is particularly heavy, but another thing to think about maybe. I'd go for the Classic 50s Precision. The RW has a lovely worn-in neck but I find the 50s more comfortable and I'm not a big fan of relic jobs, no matter how good they are... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks for all the replies. I think that the Classic 50s Lacquer has got my attention. Some thinking and negotiations with the keeper of the purse now need to take place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 14 minutes ago, Hutton said: Thanks for all the replies. I think that the Classic 50s Lacquer has got my attention. Some thinking and negotiations with the keeper of the purse now need to take place. If you're anywhere near Essex/Herts you're welcome to pop round for a go.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highfox Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 If you can find somewhere to try them all that would be best Love my RW P with flats for that kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 Unfortunately, I live in the guitar shop wasteland of Aberdeen in north east Scotland. There is only one music store here (Kennys) and their stock of basses is very limited. Many thanks also to Mudpup for the offer, it is much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzz Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 13 hours ago, discreet said: The Road Worn has a lot of ageing work, it's not just the paint and the fag burn. The neck is really comfortable and plays like a vintage job. The bass overall is very resonant and the relic work on the hardware is particularly effective. It just feels right, it plays really well and it sounds fabulous. The cosmetic aspects are a red herring really, the RWs are very good indeed and as close as you'll get to get to a genuine early P Bass. Without the expense, obviously. I liked the couple I've played...although when I popped into PMT recently, they're £1250 these days... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 (edited) 13 hours ago, discreet said: The Road Worn has a lot of ageing work, it's not just the paint and the fag burn. The neck is really comfortable and plays like a vintage job. The bass overall is very resonant and the relic work on the hardware is particularly effective. It just feels right, it plays really well and it sounds fabulous. The cosmetic aspects are a red herring really, the RWs are very good indeed and as close as you'll get to get to a genuine early P Bass. Without the expense, obviously. I read somewhere that the Roadworn is made from better materials, i.e.select woods Mine is certainly very light weight, and as others have said, feels "worn in" - as though it has had many years of playing I used to have a RW Jazz too (which I now regret parting with) and that was the lightest weight Jazz I've owned.... and the best Jazz I've played I'd also read that the Roadworn series are finished in the US. Whether that is true or not, I couldn't say for sure (as with the matter of "superior materials") But every Roadworn P or J I've picked up has been a superb instrument..... I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. The necks really are something else - so comfortable to play, and with a feel of sheer quality and superb finish. I've owned & played quite a number of US, MIM, MIJ basses and for me, the roadworns are the best If you're thinking of getting a brand new Classic 50's - then may be a second-hand RW is a similar price..... Edited January 3, 2018 by Marc S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 15 minutes ago, Muzz said: I liked the couple I've played...although when I popped into PMT recently, they're £1250 these days... A bargain compared with a pre-CBS bass. And if you can find a Road Worn second-hand, it would be rude not to buy it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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