"higher end" Fender basses

[uncle psychosis]

Hi folks

 

Intrigued as to the "consensus" on the forum as to the quality of the "higher end" Fender basses out there. 

 

How do things like the American Vintage and/or American Professional II series compare in comparison to, say, a Vintera or Player series model? Where do the Japanese ones fit in in 2025?

 

Noticeably better? 

Bit better but not worth the cash? 

Different ballgame altogether? 

 

What about custom shop? Whole different conversation? 

 

I'm definitely of the opinion that mass produced instruments with bolt on necks definitely have a quality:price ceiling where the diminishing returns get silly but I'm not sure I know at what price point that happens. 

 

Obviously the right answer is "go and play a bunch" but I'm interested in your thoughts as well. 

 

(FWIW - I'm afraid if its not a Fender I'm not interested, yes there are lots of awesome basses out there that aren't Fender but that's a different thread for a different day). 

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 21:28 by uncle psychosis

[Burns-bass]

People will have different views, but I e gigged with Squiers, Mexican, Japanese and American jazz basses.

 

While all are great instruments (and some can be awful) the American higher end models sound better, are built better and come with a nice case.

 

Whether this is worth the premium, that’s a question of personal choice. But for me, my Professional series jazz basses is the best instrument I’ve used and we’ve done hundreds of gigs together.

 

Edited Monday at 21:54 by Burns-bass

[Jack]

Ime it's your option two: better but not worth the cash. They're not better enough to be worth the extra over the lower end models and also they're not commensurate with other basses you can get for that money. 

 

Yes, I own a mia Fender P... 😁

[HeadlessBassist]

You really have to treat the various mass produced Fenders the same way per model/series, in that you really need to try before you buy. You can usually find one diamond in a batch of 10-20. I've owned a lot over the years, and currently have a 2018 American Original Jazz, 2012 FSR Limited Edition Hand Stained Jazz & a 2016 American Elite Jazz, with a couple of Mex/USA Mustangs as well.

 

Generally speaking, the current higher end Mexican ranges (Vintera II & Player II Modified) are very good. They really seem to have bumped up quality a lot at the Enchilada plant. The American Standard/Professional series seems to go in two steps per series - the 2008s were great, whereas the updated 2012s with the custom shop pickups were a bit meh. The 2016 American Pros were great and the later Pro II less so. They seem to have a habit of making something great that appeals to the pros and then dumbing it down a bit to appeal to more players. (Obviously they're there to sell as many instruments as possible!)

 

In my own personal opinion, the peak for the 'Deluxe/Elite/Ultra' line was between the 2010 Deluxe (with N3 pickups) and the 2016 Elite. The Ultra models produced since are showing signs of production cost cutting, with a return to the cheaper neck construction with the skunk stripe at the back and top loaded truss rod. 

 

You'll have to ask someone else about the Custom Shop offerings. I have no experience. 

 

So yes, I do believe that you do benefit from the higher up ranges, but they are getting very expensive now and musicians' earnings aren't keeping up.

Edited Monday at 22:02 by HeadlessBassist

[Lozz196]

I’ve had pretty much the full range from Squier Affinity up to Fender US Deluxe/Ultra. All were perfectly good, and imo ascended up to the US made ones. The Deluxe/Ultra, great basses they were, were imo Deluxe/Ultra due to the added active circuitry which I didn’t really use, so the peak for me was the US Standards. 

 

So if I had £1000/£1500 available to spend on a Fender I’d put the money to a US Standard, my fave range of those being the 2013-16 ones with Custom Shop pickups. Sure I could get a Mex Player or Vintera and change pickups and have a great bass, but for me the US Standards are the best.

 

I’ve briefly played Custom Shop Fenders - a Precision and a Strat - and they were easily the best instruments I’ve ever played, though I don’t think I’d ever shell out that amount on an instrument.

Edited Monday at 22:18 by Lozz196

[Schnozzalee]

Shuker.

[BlueMoon]

I’ve played most of the range of Fender basses. For me, Fender Japan puts together the most consistent instruments and they represent the best value for money. Other opinions may vary, of course.

[Burns-bass]

8 hours ago, HeadlessBassist said:

You really have to treat the various mass produced Fenders the same way per model/series, in that you really need to try before you buy. You can usually find one diamond in a batch of 10-20. I've owned a lot over the years, and currently have a 2018 American Original Jazz, 2012 FSR Limited Edition Hand Stained Jazz & a 2016 American Elite Jazz, with a couple of Mex/USA Mustangs as well.

 

Generally speaking, the current higher end Mexican ranges (Vintera II & Player II Modified) are very good. They really seem to have bumped up quality a lot at the Enchilada plant. The American Standard/Professional series seems to go in two steps per series - the 2008s were great, whereas the updated 2012s with the custom shop pickups were a bit meh. The 2016 American Pros were great and the later Pro II less so. They seem to have a habit of making something great that appeals to the pros and then dumbing it down a bit to appeal to more players. (Obviously they're there to sell as many instruments as possible!)

 

In my own personal opinion, the peak for the 'Deluxe/Elite/Ultra' line was between the 2010 Deluxe (with N3 pickups) and the 2016 Elite. The Ultra models produced since are showing signs of production cost cutting, with a return to the cheaper neck construction with the skunk stripe at the back and top loaded truss rod. 

 

You'll have to ask someone else about the Custom Shop offerings. I have no experience. 

 

So yes, I do believe that you do benefit from the higher up ranges, but they are getting very expensive now and musicians' earnings aren't keeping up.

I found the FSR Fenders to be the best. The one I have is an absolutely amazing instrument. I was luck enough to try a few of them and picked the one I liked the best. 
 

I have two basses I will never sell and this is one of them. The rest I’m sort of ambivalent towards.

[Steve Browning]

1 hour ago, BlueMoon said:

I’ve played most of the range of Fender basses. For me, Fender Japan puts together the most consistent instruments and they represent the best value for money. Other opinions may vary, of course.

For me, this. The Japanese Fenders are consistently well manufactured instruments. 

 

As for the more expensive variants, I haven't really tried many, as I've not been in the market for one. 

 

I would expect my SVLs are easily on a par with the Custom Shop. I really only got those because Simon (Law, the man who makes them) asked me if he could make me a bass. 

 

They replaced the two Japanese PB70US basses I was using at the time. Should have kept them. 

 

Would particularly like my ash bodied one back.

[Supernaut]

4 hours ago, Schnozzalee said:

Shuker.

I think you have the wrong thread. 

[LeftyJ]

Following

 

 

Quite curious about this myself, mostly for being unable to put it to the test as a lefty. When I walk into a store I should be happy if they even have a Squier I can play. It's been 15 years since I last played a Mexican Standard Jazz Bass and I've NEVER played a recent US-made Fender Bass in my life. I have owned several MIJ and CIJ Fenders and Squiers, but buying two very recent US-made Fender g**t*rs recently has changed my perception on the brand somewhat - I still think they're overpriced but they're really, really good. 

 

1 hour ago, Burns-bass said:

I found the FSR Fenders to be the best. The one I have is an absolutely amazing instrument.

 

 

FSR can be anything with Fender, be it Mex, Jap or US. I recall a cool MIM Jazz Bass in natural ash which were well-received, and several US models in limited edition finishes (like Sea Foam Green). What do you have? 

[Schnozzalee]

19 minutes ago, Supernaut said:

I think you have the wrong thread. 

 

If I had the budget for a Fender Custom Shop (Precision) bass, I would be going to Jon Shuker.

 

I went Carvin for my Jazz, but you can't find them anymore, so I'm not sure what I would recommend now.

 

You can beat Fender basses at any price, but not their amps.

[Reggaebass]

I only play fenders now really and over the years I’ve had a lot of different ones , imo the AVRI series are the better ones, especially the earlier ones which is what I have, I couldn’t find much difference with them and the custom shop models by way of quality, the 62 RI jazz and precision are my favourites along with a few vintage 

[HeadlessBassist]

2 minutes ago, Reggaebass said:

I only play fenders now really and over the years I’ve had a lot of different ones , imo the AVRI series are the better ones, especially the earlier ones which is what I have, I couldn’t find much difference with them and the custom shop models by way of quality, the 62 RI jazz and precision are my favourites along with a few vintage 

 

Agreed - the AVRI/American Vintage/American Original/American Vintage II line instruments can be sublime. You still have to try before you buy, but these instruments are always very faithful to the period they are copied from. The nitro finishes in particular make a huge difference to the sound/character of the bass, and they always have that 'just right' feeling to them.

 

 

[Rich]

I have yet to be in the same room as a top end Fender Custom Shop instrument, let alone play one. I would dearly love to, just to see if they're worth the considerable wedge. To date, the best Fender-style bass I have ever played was a Celinder Jazz. It was sublime. The CS basses would have to go some to beat that.

Generally though, I have to say that this...

13 hours ago, Schnozzalee said:

Shuker.

...is also my usual answer to anything bass. 

Edited Tuesday at 17:11 by Rich

[gjones]

I've owned three American basses. A 75 reissue American Vintage, a Deluxe Jazz (both now sold) and a Precision Elite.

 

I bought the first two second hand and the Elite new. The RRP of the 75 reissue was about £2.5 k, when bought new, and the Elite cost me £1.9k.

 

The two Jazzes played beautifully with very low action.

 

Were they worth the money, if bought new? Well you can buy a less expensive bass and take it to a guitar tech who will get it to play fantastically. 

 

I have a parts Jazz, with a Korean Squier neck, and a vintage modified body, which has been set up really nicely and plays as good as my American Jazzes did.

 

I own a Japanese Fender that also plays beautifully. 

 

So logically, buying American doesn't buy you a bass that plays better than a much cheaper instrument, so you may ask 'what's the point in spending so much more money?' . 

 

Is it kudos? Peer pressure? The American dream?

 

I bought my American basses because I wanted a 'Real' Fender, not one of those copies from overseas (however good they might be).

 

Ironically, when I bought my brand new Fender Elite it didn't have 'Made in the USA' on it, because, legally it isn't actually an American bass, as too many components are made overseas. These days Fender instruments have 'Corona California' stamped on them instead.

 

 

[Reggaebass]

9 minutes ago, Schnozzalee said:

 

 

 

You can beat Fender basses at any price

I’m sure you can , but if it’s fenders that only appeal to you then you probably won’t want anything else , I’ve had many other makes but always end up going back to a fender precision or jazz 

[HeadlessBassist]

29 minutes ago, gjones said:

I bought my American basses because I wanted a 'Real' Fender, not one of those copies from overseas (however good they might be).

 

 

This. Exactly. It may be seen by some as badge snobbery, but who cares?

[Linus27]

I pretty much solely play Fender basses and have had high end American Vintage, Standard US, Japanese and Mexican Fender basses over the last 40 years. As already said, it can be a hit or miss across the board but personal choice is that the Japanese Fender basses are the very best at playability and quality. However, you need to pick the right ones. Japanese basses made in the 80's are consistently incredible, certainly with Ash and Alder bodies, US hardware including pickups. They feel and play like a really good original vintage American Fender bass and are sublime to play. I have two and they are amazing with so much mojo. Saying that, some of the more modern Japanese Fender's made with basswood and non US hardware are not so good and seem thin and lacking to me. I personally would not touch them.

 

I also had a Mexican 70's Classic Jazz that came out around 2008 I think and that was one of the nicest Jazz basses I ever played and I really wished I'd kept it. I also have just picked up a Mexican Player II Modified Active PJ and that is really nice. Superb quality and plays very nice but I do have a few doubts on the pickups sounding a bit thin. I've also played and toyed with the idea of getting the Mexican Telecaster bass as the ones I have played have all been excellent for the money. I would happily say, the Mexican Fender basses are superb these days, especially the more high end, signature and re-issue models.

 

I've also had many US made Fender basses and I found the standard US basses to be ok but nothing special. Clinical and a bit lifeless but good quality and functional. I've also had two 75 AVRI basses and one was out of this world and the other was dull and lifeless with no personality. I also recently played the AVRI II 54 P-Bass and that was really special. Sounded fabulous and the quality was on another level. It is on my list of basses to buy at some point.

[Geek99]

I think Mex stuff these is as good as o need it to be, at a premium price band, but still not as premium as the US and CS models. I get that they’re objectively a bit better, but not by enough … in my humble opinion 

Edited Tuesday at 10:41 by Geek99

[Cato]

I've got an Am pro ii strat which is lovely but I find myself playing the Mexican Baja tele more.

 

My MiM Precision Deluxe Special is my main bass, at the time I bought it I could have got a US Standard Precision  (or whatever the US model at the time was called) for a couple of hundred quid more, but preferred the Deluxe, very possibly because of the J neck as well as the active PJ thing.

 

As for the custom shop stuff, the heavy focus on reliced finishes is a real turn off for me, regardless of how the instruments feel and sound so I'm very unlikely to ever want to pick one up

[chris_b]

I played a Pino Precision once. Everything about it was better than any other Fender I'd played. A fantastic bass.

 

Having said that the Standard Jazz bass I briefly owned, about 10 years ago, was good enough for everything I play.

[Chiliwailer]

I’ve only got 2 basses now, one is a Custom Shop Jazz that feels divine, and remarkably just like my old 1964 Jazz.

 

I’ve had truly brilliant USA Standards too, and played some pretty poor/average Custom Shops, including Pinos (dare I say it here  ).  
 

A few years ago I had a great Mexican 50s P Bass, and a fine AVRI, but I just prefer the quality of the Custom Shop, and don’t need a P and a Jazz as Ps were mostly a gigging bass for me - but if I was still able to gig then the Mex would have been great with a Fralin pickup (and I say that as a person that used to gig with an original 1964 & 1966 P). 
 

A lot of Jap Fenders are Basswood bodies -  not a huge issue really - but as a traditionalist I prefer alder or ash on a Fender.

[uncle psychosis]

Interesting reading. 

 

For my own part, I've never been sure about Japanese Fenders. Some are really good. Others are no better than their Mexican equivalent....

[Mrbigstuff]

The difference in quality of components between the factories are marginal. The quality of build isn’t consistent for any of them but there is more QC time the higher up the food chain you go.

 

For not much more than a new US made artist series Fender bass, I purchased a handmade jazz new from Overwater. The difference in quality is undeniable.