[quote name='bassjim' timestamp='1442835285' post='2869797']are they overpriced? i can only go by the american deluxe range as i think these are up against the higher priced basses. even here they are a bargain. ie: 2 grand plus vrs approx £1500.00
they have exactly the right machinery so they consistently get it right. sure there will be some duff ones but these will be less so. [/quote]
I'm confused. Are you saying that they are consistent, or not? Of course, every piece of wood is unique (even from the same tree), but getting things like string alignment and how well the neck fits into its pocket wrong is very poor on instruments at this price point (even MIM basses).
And comparing USA Deluxe fenders with bespoke, handmade "boutique" basses is like comparing apples with oranges. Different market altogether (IME). The Fenders (even Custom Shop to a certain extent) are mass-produced by machines. As such they are (IMO) overpriced - even allowing for shipping, import duties and so on.