Vintage Fenders

[Stub Mandrel]

Last night I played a whole gig with my Fender Performer for the first time in three decades. It's 40 about now (actual dates are difficult but somewhere 85-86) do I say it's vintage.

 

I've had it about 35 years, and the tonal range I could get, combined with the ease of playing (Roto 66 40-95 and whisper-thin 24 fret neck) made its an utter joy to play.

 

I'm not sure what my point is, except having a long personal history with it adds to the pleasure, but it's rooted in the reality of the instrument's capabilities. 

[Mrbigstuff]

I’m either a fool or have a special gift then! It’s a debate that reminds me of that dress during Covid that could be either blue or white depending on people’s eyesight.

[GuyR]

5 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

That’s not the reasons I have them or anyone I know, I just like the whole vibe about them and enjoy playing them  ,but I do agree that some just buy them simply for their value 

We all have our own reasons for playing vintage basses. I bought my first in 1979 and have usually looked to buy them when I wanted a new bass. It’s alway been my default purchase.

As I have possibly said previously, in my opinion the comfortable, worn-in feel of a 60 year old nitro finish neck cannot be surpassed, so the playing experience of a vintage bass has a head start. I have had a number of more modern AVRIs, custom shops, JV Squiers and although they are very good, they are not the ones I reach for when I am searching for Musical inspiration. In fact, I almost never reach for them, when I want the best possible bass.

In my opinion, asserting that other people you have never met own vintage instruments as a status symbol or are part of a cult, are “bonkers”, or buy to prevent others from buying is an interesting point of view.

But it isn’t a view that reflects me, or as far as I can tell, the people I have met that play vintage kit, many having owned them since before they were of significant value.

 

Edited 34 minutes ago by GuyR

[Beedster]

There’s no rights or wrongs on this stuff, just opinion 👍