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Post subject: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:22 pm
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So I've been the process of submitting a quote to the Custom Shop. I'm looking to get a 55 Precision teambuilt with no body contours. Just the belly and forearm cuts. In addition, I was also looking to outfit it with a football style jack, the RSD bridge and the custom mute system. (The one that comes on the Sean Hurley 61 Precision) Apparently The Custom Shop will not install or sell me the mute. So much for the "custom" shop.

I guess real custom work is reserved for industry elitists and their egos on the models they put their name on. As if there's anyone who buys a Hurley sig because he plays it and not because they want a 61 Precision. What a joke. Honestly, I don't even think I'm going to bother ordering at this point. I might as well just get a Time Machine 51 or 55 used and save myself a ton of money and headache.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:54 am
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Some specific features such as the Sean Hurley custom mute are exclusive to certain models. Therefore they're unavailable for other CS instruments without the artist's consentment.

It's business. :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 12:00 pm
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That's a shame. Is it something that can be bought aftermarket perhaps from a 3rd party?

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 12:48 pm
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chromeface wrote:
Some specific features such as the Sean Hurley custom mute are exclusive to certain models. Therefore they're unavailable for other CS instruments without the artist's consentment.

It's business. :wink:



It certainly is. Business they won't be getting from me, I guess.

nick_s wrote:
That's a shame. Is it something that can be bought aftermarket perhaps from a 3rd party?



There is a company that makes something similar, but not as well built looking.

I guess my point being is that as a working musician I would really like to have a vintage spec American Made Single Coil Precision Bass. Something Fender doesn't seem to deem worthy of putting in the American Vintage line up.

So I bite the bullet and decide to actually pursue the Custom Shop route. Which honestly is pretty damn expensive, but worth it. So I decide I want something practical to make the bass as versatile as possible. (ie: a High Mass bridge with the mute system to give the option of modern and vintage styles at will) Only to find out that the custom shop isn't really all that custom.

To be honest, I could see if I was trying to order a Pino or some other 60's split coil with it and them saying. "No, if you want it you've got to buy the Hurley." However, what does that say to us Single Coil P, and J lovers?

Well, I hope that signature was worth it. Because it just cost them a sale.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:16 pm
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Other forum members such as ZZDoc are concerned by this disadvantage.

A couple of years ago Arne asked the Custom Shop to make an exact representation of Buddy Guy's "Dalmation" Strat for him. The CS politely rejected his request.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:38 pm
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chromeface wrote:
Other forum members such as ZZDoc are concerned by this disadvantage.

A couple of years ago Arne asked the Custom Shop to make an exact representation of Buddy Guy's "Dalmation" Strat for him. The CS politely rejected his request.

Image



While I think that's crappy, too. It's not the same thing. You're talking about recreating someone's private instrument that they don't want recreated. This is simply a part. Moreover, it's not even a part that was really made originally for Hurley as I've heard tale of Bob Babbit having something similar done years ago for a personal bass from the Custom Shop. We're not talking about copying someone else's personal design specs, or putting someone's personal signature or logo on an instrument they don't endorse. It's a mute system. That's it. I've no interest in a 61 Reissue. I have a 57 Reissue and that's all the split coil I need. If Fender thinks limiting their options to a model that the average working player would be just as happy playing an AVS 62 or 63 Reissue in it's place then more power to them. I'm not about to shell out over 4 grand for a single coil P that the only unique features on it are no body contours and my choice of color. I can live with the 55's contours or the 51's lack of belly and forearm cut and just pick up a used model and spend half that.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 5:48 am
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They also will not do the recessed "Gilmour" switch, but at least I can just have a regular toggle instead.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:08 am
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Echoes71 wrote:
They also will not do the recessed "Gilmour" switch, but at least I can just have a regular toggle instead.



That sucks, but at least you can get the same functionality just not the low profile of Gilmour's mod. In my case my options are order the bass with the RSD, and then get an aftermarket and install it myself. Which definitely hurts the worth of the bass as it's integrity as a complete original instrument is gone. Or simply not get the RSD and go with the traditional two saddle bridge so I can use the cover and mute. Then not have the ability to change between sounds easily. (or I suppose walk around with a dish sponge in my pocket and wedge it between the strings and the body)

Again, if this was something that Hurley dreamed up and built himself I'd understand it. It's not. Not even close. It's just something that the Custom Shop had already done and had existed that they did for him and now released to the public on his model. He didn't even have a mute system before they did it. He used the old sponge trick. It's basically marketing. Which is fine I suppose if you're in the market for an early 60's split coil.

However, if you prefer any other kind of Fender bass I guess it's not something they will do for you. I'm certainly not willing to skip getting a single coil Precision to get another split coil just for a mute. When a Custom Shop starts setting limits on what they will and will not do they kind of defeat the purpose for existing. They become just an overpriced American Vintage or Deluxe line. There are plenty of used Custom Shop 51 and 55s out there. If I'm going to be modding a bass I'd rather not do it to something I just paid a custom shop and arm and a leg to do a halfway job on.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 10:08 am
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I can see Fender selling an absolute ton of those mutes as an afermarket accessory. I'd buy one or two. Also that RSD bridge is killer too, and would be a hot selling accessory on the aftermarket. I'd take whatever bridge I had on my bass and fling it in the dustbin for an RSD! 8)

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 11:09 am
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linnin wrote:
I can see Fender selling an absolute ton of those mutes as an afermarket accessory. I'd buy one or two. Also that RSD bridge is killer too, and would be a hot selling accessory on the aftermarket. I'd take whatever bridge I had on my bass and fling it in the dustbin for an RSD! 8)


Yep. You said it. I'd order one for my 57RI in a heartbeat. The combo of the RSD bridge and the mute system would give me the ultimate flexibility. I'm really, really let down that I can't get it. Just found a 90's Masterbuilt 51 on line for less than the Custom Shop teambuilt I was going to order. Might jump on that instead. Really disappointed. :?

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:54 pm
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If you want the mute that badly, buy the "Sean Hurley 61 Precision", remove the mute and resell. You'll take a loss on the guitar, but you'll have the mute that you want. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:48 am
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shimmilou wrote:
If you want the mute that badly, buy the "Sean Hurley 61 Precision", remove the mute and resell. You'll take a loss on the guitar, but you'll have the mute that you want. :idea:



I think I covered above that it's not the case. Doing something like that just encourages companies operate in the manner they do.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:45 am
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Interesting.

On the bright side (I hope!) I can attest that the RSD bridge is superb; I hope they offer it
aftermarket or as a choice on an FCS ordered bass.

Curious- Did you speak with someone directly at Fender Custom Shop, or was the answer relayed through a Dealer?

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 1:57 pm
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Relayed through a dealer. What an absolutely obnoxious process THAT is! They come back with half assed answers and partial information. I submitted the original request well over a month ago and I'm still getting the run around on things. It would be a lot simpler to deal with someone directly who has a list of things they do and don't do. Like I said. When the dealer calls me back with the latest partial batch of information I'm just going to tell them to forget it. It takes a week and a half to get anything back and when you do hear something it just leaves you with more questions. I get it. The Fender Custom Shop doesn't want to do business with bassists unless they are "in" the industry, or willing to overpay for what amounts to the stuff they churn out every year anyhow. I'll just spend my money on a used Time Machine model and save myself the hassle, and some cash. Screw 'em. This must be the "new era" of Fender we've been hearing so much about. CBS v2.0. Lovely.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 4:22 pm
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Hmmmm. I understand your reaction; when I'm ready, willing, & able to give my hard-earned $$ to someone, and they for whatever reason seem to shrug it off- Bummer.

However, there's only one way to get a FCS bass, and that's through the FCS.

Suggestion- Every time I've needed to contact either FMIC or the FCS, I've been able to actually speak to someone who helped me out and gave me the info & results I needed.

I'd suggest you call FCS direct, tell them you weren't happy with what the Dealer relayed, & see if there's a way to get your build done the way you want it done.
In the end, the answer may still be "No" but the squeaky wheel gets greased, and it only would take (1) player involved in the process to authorize it, and get it done.

Good luck, I hope you get the instrument you want.

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