deaky

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1421448325' post='2661530'] Well, it looks like a Jazz, it has a J profile neck and the P pickup isn't in the right place, but apart from that it's close. That's probably Fender's logic too. [/quote] Still a very nice looking bass tho

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1421447953' post='2661517'] ..there's a Jazz PJ with blocks, but it's not the same thing. [/quote] It's not far off if you compare the specs. Nevermind!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1421447408' post='2661504'] The 2012 was lovely. But the last couple have been pretty dreadful. The thing is, the 2012 is the kind of thing that should be in their standard line. Even Lakland have one coming out. [/quote] Isn't the Fender Hot Rod bass a PJ with blocks and that's a USA made model.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1421446224' post='2661485'] If you can't see why some people think the recent prototypes are... almost comical, there's no point trying to explain it. Clearly there's a difference in tastes going on here. Y'know, that's fine. [/quote] Wasn't the 2012 Prototype custom model a PJ with blocks - that might be up your street! True it's all a matter of taste but terms like "clueless" I just don't get!!

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1421445647' post='2661477'] I get the impression that rather than think hard about innovation, Fender just adopt a 'change for changes sake' approach. Compare them with EBMM, OK, some challenging designs, but often linked to genuine innovation. As for the Custom Shop, their Prototype series seems to be losing direction quickly, which is a shame. [/quote] I don't think the do "change for change sake" at all I think they try to remain competitive and relevant which is the same for any company. The last innovative EBMM model I recall was that black "Gamechanger" bass which I havent saw much of. In what way do you think the Prototype series has lost direction?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1421444539' post='2661460'] I'd have no problem with these if they were in addition to stuff people have been asking for for years. A better selection of colours, more PJs, P's with blocks.. But they just keep coming out with nowt-nor-summink doggerel that no-one is going to buy. [/quote] Is that what the majority of people want or what you would personally like and how do you know no one will buy them?

Of course. Hey it's Fender trying something a little unusual and different not normally seen on a P of J. I don't quite get this "clueless" approach tho. It seems that anything Fender try differently is pretty much ridiculed on this forum. And if they don't try anything different its seen as the same old boring stuff. I get the impression tho that if it had Sadowsky or Lull on the headstock it would be taken quite differently. I think it will be interesting to see some of these models once the NAMM show is up and running and to see what the Custom Shop is doing this year.

I'm curious as to why they are "clueless"

About what!!

Correct^^^

[quote name='titchfieldrelic' timestamp='1420984287' post='2655768'] The Fender Jazz and Precision (and Strat) have been the inspiration for virtually every guitar manufacturer that exists.. The world of guitars would not be the same without the magic, ingenuity and skill of Leo Fender. It has been so easy for the Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian and the plethora of other lazy/envious/cheap skate manufacturers everywhere to replicate what are now iconic designs/instuments. If all these other manufacturers are so good, why don't they come up with something different? They don't because they can't. And if they've tried, in most cases they've failed. OK, so some poeple don't like or want a Fender. But often they want a copy. Sometimes better made, somtimes cheaper. There isn't anything made where these two requirements can't be obtained. Well so what! Fender have been making guitars for 60 years or more and Fender may not be here for ever. I hope they are. But Fender knockers, please, give it a rest! Let's see how many of the plagiarisers are here in another 60 years and how many guitars they've sold. [/quote] This^^^^

I would definitely recommend a Fender Custom Shop. I ordered a 1961 Jazz bass for my 30th birthday and it's one fantastic bass in both playability, construction and sound. If you want a custom Fender get one from the custom shop and not a cheaper copy basically. Fender Masterbuilt is also a great idea. A bit more costly but well worth it in my opinion.

Thanks Brian Let me know how you get on with the gear. All the best Stuart