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Post subject: Thoughts on Reissue Models ('62 vs. '64)
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:59 am
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I've been thinking about getting one of the Reissue Jazz Basses. I recently purchased a new MIA Precision (Tony Franklin Fretless) that really impressed me. Now all that's missing is a Jazz Bass to compliment it. Because I really like the nitro cellulose finish on my P Bass, and I generally like smaller frets, I've been gravitating towards the reissue/vintage Jazz Basses.

I'm presently looking at the Fender American Vintage '62 Reissue and the Fender Custom Shop '64 NOS (please note that I'm interested in a new instrument vs. one that has been road worn or relic-ed). Other than the stacked controls on the '62 vs. the standard (2 volume, 1 tone) controls on the '64, both models seem pretty similar (at least in terms of the published specifications). Are there any meaningful differences between the ’62 and ’64 models?

Of course, the price points are very different. Therefore, I'm wondering if the Fender Custom Shop models are worth the extra money. Are the Custom Shop Basses that much better (sound, playability, build quality, feel, etc.)? Given that I’ve had a great experience with my MIA P Bass, I’m wondering just how much better the Custom Shop might be. Financially, I’m hoping that the answer is not much better.

Any thoughts or experiences that anyone has had with either instrument would be appreciated. I'm just looking for a good bass to play regularly as a hobbyist.

Thanks.


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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:52 pm
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Matt, I went through a similar process before buying my last Jazz bass and I opted for the AV 62. I didn't have a CS 64 to compare directly but knew from my experience with my CS 59 and AV 57 P-basses that the fit and finish of the AV line is nearly as nice as the CS basses. The CS are better but the AV basses are nearly as good and half the money. I believe they use the same pickups and hardware, other than the tone knob configuration which you already know about.

The main differences are the CS finishes are 100% nitrocellulose whereas the AV are nitro over a thin polyurethane finish, and the sunburst finishes on the CS basses are better (more color, brighter yellows, etc.). The CS necks are also quarter sawn whereas the AV are flat sawn like the American Standard necks (which just means the wood grain is prettier on the CS basses).

Since I was getting mine in Olympic White the finish difference became a non-issue, so I eventually opted for the 62 AV. I've had it less than a year but I still find it to be the nicest playing Jazz I've played, and expect it will be a permanent part of my collection.

If you're wanting a sunburst finish and money's no object I'd steer you towards the CS 64, but otherwise the AV 62 gets you almost the same thing at half the price and (for me) that's good enough. The best advice I could give is to play a few before buying. You may also want to inquire with my buddy Robby Resnick at Sweetwater.com. He's been my sales agent for a few years and he's great. Tell him what bass you're looking at on their website gallery (CS or AV -- they have some of both) and he'll take them out and inspect them for you while you're on the phone, he'll take and send you email pictures, etc. whatever you need to help make an informed decision.


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Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:43 pm
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Thanks for your insight - it's extremely helpful. It sounds like we think alike. Based on your feedback, the Customer Shop version may be 5%-10% nicer, but it's 100% more expensive that the AV version. Given that I'm very happy (and impressed) with my current MIA P bass, I'm definitely leaning towards the AV '62. I'm really just looking for a great sounding, great playing vintage bass, not a collector's item or status symbol.

It's great that you mentioned Sweetwater too. That's where I got my P bass. I've usually worked with Alan, but he referred me to your guy for my nit-picky bass specific questions. What a great company to do business with.

Thanks again


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Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:33 pm
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mattj1stc wrote:
Thanks for your insight - it's extremely helpful. It sounds like we think alike. Based on your feedback, the Customer Shop version may be 5%-10% nicer, but it's 100% more expensive that the AV version. Given that I'm very happy (and impressed) with my current MIA P bass, I'm definitely leaning towards the AV '62. I'm really just looking for a great sounding, great playing vintage bass, not a collector's item or status symbol.

It's great that you mentioned Sweetwater too. That's where I got my P bass. I've usually worked with Alan, but he referred me to your guy for my nit-picky bass specific questions. What a great company to do business with.

Thanks again


Cool, tell Robby that Ron said hi! (FYI -- a few months ago I was looking at a 62 Jazz at Sweetwater and Robby pulled it for me to inspect while we talked. He wasn't happy with a few things, including a tone knob that kept sticking, and refused to sell it to me. He said he wouldn't sell me a bass unless he felt it was 100% perfect and that I'd be entirely happy with the purchase. How many sales guys are that honest???? He'll take good care of you.)


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