Is the Fender Custom Shop worth it?

[JamesBass]

Back in April I foolishly played a mint 1966 Fender P Bass up in Denmark Street and ever since then I've had an obscene level of GAS for a vintage Fender or for a bass that gets me as close to that feel and sound without costing vintage prices!

So what's peoples experiences like with the Custom Shop basses? The 64 Heavy Relic looks and sounds lovely from the few sound clips I can find, but is it worth the price tag when compared to something like a Limelight, which many who own vintage are raving about?

[Weststarx]

Limelight Guitars

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/243644-the-show-us-your-limelight-thread/"]http://basschat.co.u...melight-thread/[/url]

That sounds like a great option for you. They seem to go down really well with a lot of the guys on this forum.



*Just saw he already knew about Limelight Guitars - please delete* haha!

Edited November 5, 2014 by Weststarx

[CamdenRob]

It depends how much you want it to say Fender on the headstock....

[throwoff]

And even if you do Limelight will do that for you.

[Chiliwailer]

There is some slating of Fender on BC, the big boys always get that. Considering how many pros use then they must be really bad....

I love the CS basses, quarter sawn necks, excellent woods and great pickups. Plus they look very cool, and unlike other makes, can actually resemble a vintage Fender, rather then a 'reliced guitar'.

Of course, like any make, you sometimes get the odd duff one. But rarely.

By the way, that 66 you liked used to be mine, and is now for sake on this forum!

[karlfer]

[quote name='throwoff' timestamp='1415184324' post='2597477']
And even if you do Limelight will do that for you.
[/quote]

Not anymore they won't. If you want it with Fender on the headstock, I think you have to do your own now..

[thebassist]

I don't think it is myself. I think it's a real shame Fender don't really open up the custom shop to offer 6-string options, etc. I'd love a 6-string US Standard Fender Jazz Bass.

Edited November 5, 2014 by thebassist

[CamdenRob]

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1415186929' post='2597530']
...I'd love a 6-string US Standard Fender Jazz Bass.
[/quote]

Something along these lines would have me interested...

Edited November 5, 2014 by CamdenRob

[thebassist]

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1415187360' post='2597541']
Something these lines would have me interested...


[/quote]

Yeah, and call me shallow, but I really want Fender on the headstock. A 34-inch scale, US Standard passive 6-string Fender Jazz Bass is exactly what I'd like

[CamdenRob]

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1415187679' post='2597549']
Yeah, and call me shallow, but I really want Fender on the headstock. A 34-inch scale, US Standard passive 6-string Fender Jazz Bass is exactly what I'd like
[/quote]

I reckon Fender must have looked into doing a proper sixer and decided it's not worthwhile... I'd imagine that six strings are a very small percentage of the bass market.

Personally I think a six-string jazz deluxe would be a reasonable seller.

[thebassist]

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1415188163' post='2597559']


I reckon Fender must have looked into doing a proper sixer and decided it's not worthwhile... I'd imagine that six strings are a very small percentage of the bass market.

Personally I think a six-string jazz deluxe would be a reasonable seller.
[/quote]

I'd buy it!

[Chiliwailer]

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1415189259' post='2597580']


I'd buy it!
[/quote]

What annoys me is that they could make it, it'd just take up to 3 years to get it in your hands! I don't know about you, but my GAS may not survive that long period!

[Drax]

I'm new to Limelight. Am I right in saying they're new basses, made to look old? I really really don't get this. Possibly I've quite understood what they are..

[Hobbayne]

[quote name='DanR' timestamp='1415189959' post='2597591']
I'm new to Limelight. Am I right in saying they're new basses, made to look old?[/quote]

Yes

[Drax]

Ok. So when you buy a '72 Jazz or whatever, you're buying it for the build / the sound / the heritage etc - the chipped paint and oxidised tuners, is just a by-product.
Isn't this like putting a Jaguar e-type bodykit on a Ford Escort, or a fake Rolex? Yes it looks the part, but it just isn't?

Edited November 5, 2014 by DanR

[Dazed]

Not a custom shop I know but how about a Steve Bailey sig?

[thebassist]

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1415189403' post='2597582']
What annoys me is that they could make it, it'd just take up to 3 years to get it in your hands! I don't know about you, but my GAS may not survive that long period!
[/quote]

They did a Steve Baily 6er a few years ago. Thing is, I don't like signature instruments.

[Lw.]

How much are custom shops - about 3k?

It's not a ridiculously huge amount of money to pay if you're really into the Fender sound & look, especially if you're the kind of player that has a few paying gigs each month.

This isn't really the place for discussing the merits of Limelight, but I don't think it's right to compare the two - they're completely different ends of the market.

[CamdenRob]

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1415190852' post='2597604']
Not a custom shop I know but how about a Steve Bailey sig?
[/quote]

I had no idea these existed..

[karlfer]

[quote name='DanR' timestamp='1415190658' post='2597601']
Ok. So when you buy a '72 Jazz or whatever, you're buying it for the build / the sound / the heritage etc - the chipped paint and oxidised tuners, is just a by-product.
Isn't this like putting a Jaguar e-type bodykit on a Ford Escort, or a fake Rolex? Yes it looks the part, but it just isn't?
[/quote]

Probably is, yup, but, if that's what I choose to spend my gig money on.........................

Or put another way, dream bass, after ensuring everything is original, not fake etc, 63 Sea Foam Green Jazz with matching headstock, if one exists, if you can eventually find one, what, £6000 ish?

Mark's Limelight, looks the part, plays superbly, puts a smile above my multi chins at every gig, way under £1000 and not afraid to gig it at this weeks Dog and Duck.

Horses for courses, don't knock until you've tried

[Drax]

Cool - ok thanks, understood
Didn't fully appreciate the difference in cost. I knew there was some logic behind it, given the support from bassists who seem passionate about nice instruments.

Edited November 5, 2014 by DanR

[karlfer]

[quote name='DanR' timestamp='1415192049' post='2597637']
Cool - ok thanks, understood
Didn't fully appreciate the difference in cost. I knew there was some logic behind it, given the support from bassists who seem passionate about nice instruments.
[/quote]

Sorry Dan, I came across as an arrogant tosspot. Which I am

I'm just using any tactic to avoid finishing my year end accounts, to stave off the tears a little longer

[BigRedX]

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1415187679' post='2597549']
Yeah, and call me shallow, but I really want Fender on the headstock. A 34-inch scale, US Standard passive 6-string Fender Jazz Bass is exactly what I'd like
[/quote]

That headstock is already far too large without needing room to fit a Fender logo!

[Chiliwailer]

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1415191033' post='2597610']

This isn't really the place for discussing the merits of Limelight, but I don't think it's right to compare the two - they're completely different ends of the market.
[/quote]

Nice one, Limelight sure are good for the price point, but is a tricky comparison along side a CS bass.

[thebassist]

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1415191357' post='2597615']
I had no idea these existed..


[/quote]

Yeah, I do quite like it actually. Just wish Fender would do a standard/non-signature model.