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Post subject: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 7:43 am
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Hey all,


I'm likely going to be making my first CS purchase near the end of this year, or the beginning of next. I'm a devoted single coil P bass lover and am likely planning on getting a 55 or 51 Custom Shop Precision bass.

However, I have noticed both the La Cabronita basses out there on line and my interest is piqued to say the least. A 51 spec neck with Medium Jumbos. (I'd prefer vintage, but I can live with it since the radius is vintage) The Gretsch style Thunderblade with the Greasebucket seems interesting.

I've noticed that the Boracho Bass seems to go new for a real steal on many sites, where as the few examples of the Parazzo model I can find have not decreased in value even though they've been discontinued.

In your opinions, do you think this is simply a by-product of the Reverse Jag body and the fact that it's likely uncomfortable and limits upper register access as opposed to the Parazzo's P body? Has anyone tried one, or heard feedback from someone who has?

Unfortunately, I live in Upstate NY so the chances of me getting my hands on one of these without a serious roadtrip is nil. So any info would be appreciated.

I figured if I can get a really great deal on a CS Bass it might be worth picking one up now, and then going back for the single coil P later as one will likely be in production at least off and on for quite awhile and there is a healthy used market.

I'm really looking forward to taking the plunge into the CS pool.

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 5:33 pm
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No question- I'm a big fan of FCS basses. I played the Porrazo when it first came out, and came **this** close to buying one. I loved it's vibe, feel, and sound.

When the non-relic'd 2013 Pro model came out, i went with that instead.
Still, I would not at all mind owning either the Porazzo or Boracho basses.

I've owned (2) Gretsch basses with TV Jones pups, and I like how they sound.

The reverse Jag shape seemed to stress some players out re: higher-note access and such. I don't think it would be a major issue. I like that style myself, gets down to personal choice.

I've seen one or two of each model online, well-priced since they are discontinued, and I'm sure the Dealers want to move them.
I don't know your tastes or preferences, but I can be pretty certain that most bassists would appreciate either of these models.
I do!

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 5:55 am
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I just found out the Boracho actually has a Jazz width neck. Which disqualifies it for me. Not sure on the Parazzo. I'm looking into that.

I know there are differences between the two models. Had the Boracho had the actual 51 P specs on the neck (outside of the fretwire) I probably would have jumped on it. Even new the prices are way more than reasonable, and I'm sure I could get used to the reverse Jag body. Believe it or not I actually liked that it came with the old school two saddle 51 bridge instead of the hi mass option.

Once I get the word on the neck specs for the Parazzo the decision may be made for me. :?

I too like the idea of getting the Gretsch style pick up. I love the Gretsch style guitar pick ups in Fender guitars. The Cabronita Teles have to be my favorite model outside of the Esquire and 58 Tele RI.

Since I'm a bassist first this seems like something cool to have in the arsenal. I'll definitely be getting a CS Single Coil P and my AVS 57RI P is all the split coil I could ever want. However, the TV Jones Thunderblade just seemed to be a nice "something different" option. Not thin like a Jazz pup (though I love J tone, it's just not for me), overbearing like a Ray style bucker, or just cold and lifeless like a Gibson bass bucker. Something full, rich and smooth... but different. Add to that the playability of a Fender bass and it seems like a win/win to me.

I've got my fingers crossed on those neck specs. Hope I'm not disappointed.

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 7:08 am
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Also, this is just a general question. Anyone got a comprehensive list of on line US Fender CS dealers? The one of the CS page seems pretty sparse. However, searching blind around the internet is a pain. Just wonder if anyone ever sat down and made a list of them?

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 10:25 am
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Now I'm all confused. I had seen on line that the nut width on the Boracho was 1.5. (A (Jazz) width bass neck) I was wondering about the Parazzo so I sent an email to an on line dealer and also one to Fender Customer Relations just to verify. SO the shop comes back with "just a smidge over 1.5". Now a smidge is subjective I suppose. We could be talking about a B width p neck (1.625, or the elusive A width P which is 1.615).

However, this is what came back from Customer Relations....


"Hello Dan,

The traditional body Boracho is 1.75” and the reverse Jazzmaster body version is 1.6875”. The Porrazo is 1.75” as well.

Best Regards-

Michael Roberts
Senior Consumer Relations Representative
Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
(Fender, Squier, Gretsch Guitars, Guild, Charvel, Jackson, Genz-Benz, SWR, EVH, Groove Tubes)
17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Telephone: 480-845-5134
Fax: 480-367-5262
E-Mail: mroberts@fender.com"

Now, that means that these are both C width Fender necks. The Reverse JAG Boracho (which was the only one I'm aware of existed) having the C width neck is cool, but it contradicts the info I've gotten from on line dealers. Is this Customer Rep simply confused and is referring to the guitar models even though I specifically mentioned these being basses?

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2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 7:17 am
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http://www.californiavintageguitarandamp.com/
Call them- THey have a NOS Porazzo, & will measure. I played that very bass, & was ** this close to taking it home. Still regret it, still might who knows.

Then call them:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BoraBassBk/

Have the phone sales rep get off his/her arse & actually measure nut width- I always thought it was a P-Bass width myself, but maybe not.

Great price on the Borracho, good price too on the Porazzo from Cali Vintage.
If $$ grew on trees I'd want them both & then some.

Some Fender bass players unfortunately do not know or realize how awesome a combination of a TV Jones pups on a FCS bass is. I do! :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 8:25 am
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LarryNJ wrote:
http://www.californiavintageguitarandamp.com/
Call them- THey have a NOS Porazzo, & will measure. I played that very bass, & was ** this close to taking it home. Still regret it, still might who knows.

Then call them:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BoraBassBk/

Have the phone sales rep get off his/her arse & actually measure nut width- I always thought it was a P-Bass width myself, but maybe not.

Great price on the Borracho, good price too on the Porazzo from Cali Vintage.
If $$ grew on trees I'd want them both & then some.

Some Fender bass players unfortunately do not know or realize how awesome a combination of a TV Jones pups on a FCS bass is. I do! :lol:


CA Vintage Guitar and Amp is who I emailed. They are the shop that came back with the "smidge" comment. As I said, that can be subjective. A smidge to some could arguably simply be the 51/55 B width, or I suppose even C width. However, I'd say those nut widths are a world of difference.

So. Since you've played the actual Parazzo they have in stock. What do you think they'd let it go for? They are bound by the MAP online. I'd definitely prefer the Parazzo, myself. I think it's a gorgeous bass.


Honestly, as much as I want to hold off and get a 51 or 55 first. The prices on these seem simply too good to pass up. The early 50's Reissues have a very healthy used market and I can't see both of them going away. At least for an extended stretch. It seems like jumping on one of these would be a good move for me.

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2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:02 am
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Well, I think a "smidge" is not a good answer. If they want to sell, they need to take a good scale and measure.

I liked the Bass; it needed a set-up, which they would do, and I didn't like the strings, which they would have changed. Neither was a big issue.

The neck felt nicely radiused, like a good FCS should. I'm not as fanatical about neck profiles as you; If I play it & like it, it's good with me.
I generally have no problems with-in fact I enjoy-the differences in neck radii, etc. between my FCS, Warwick, Xotic, A/C, and so on.

But it's your instrument; you certainly are entitled!

IIRC- I think I offered them about $2500 for that bass. They moaned, cried, told me "they were losing money" and needed to know "If I was ready to buy it RIGHT NOW!"

I told them that actually, no, I wasn't! :lol:

It's a sharp bass, he told me one of the lightest of the batch, You'd dig it (unless the neck profile is essential to your happiness!)

Irregardless-SOMEONE should be rockin' that bass; or the Boracho for that matter.

They ARE that good.

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:14 am
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Great info! I've never cared for J bass width necks. They are very cramped for me, and while I prefer vintage frets I can live with med jumbos as long as it's a 7.25 radius neck. (which it is) Honestly, I'd be surprised if it wasn't a B width P neck. That's what the 51 neck was. 7.25 radius, tele headstock, 1.625 nut width with a U back. Why mess with that? As far as profiles my favorites are the 55 soft V or the 51 U. So I'm definitely happy there. I've got one more back up bass to sell before I'm down to my 57RI which is never leaving. Once that bass is gone I'll be ready to move. If it's still there I'll go into the negotiation with 2500 and see if they'll move it. Thanks for the info! It was way beyond what I could have ever hoped for when starting this thread! :D

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2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:45 am
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You're welcome, and good luck and have fun finding what works best for you!

The "hunt" is endless because there are so many great builders and choices.

FCS bass- You cannot go wrong!

Happy Hunting! :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Custom Shop Basses: Parazzo vs Boracho
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:54 am
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So, I've been hunting basses and I've found a good deal on a used Boracho. While I'm still not thrilled with the prospect of medium jumbo frets as opposed to vintage frets. The vintage radius and 51 neck profile are very sweet. One thing I did notice is that both these basses come with modern "Deluxe" tuning machines. Which is really disappointing as I've find them both awful to work with, and a poor substitute in terms of stability to the vintage reverse tuners. Does anyone know how involved changing from modern to vintage tuning machines would be? Is it just the mounting holes that need to be drilled or is there actual routing for the posts themselves? The first I am perfectly comfortable doing. The second not so much.

I've posted a couple of pics to show what I'm talking about.

These are the tuners on a CS 55 Precision and also on the American Vintage 50's and 60's basses.

Image

These are the tuners on the Parazzo, the Boracho and the American Deluxe basses.

Image

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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