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Post subject: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 11:18 am
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Hey folks,

What better way is there to ring in the new year than some sweet new Custom Shop models? We're kicking off 2014 with a trio of Proto series (formerly the Pro series) guitars and basses that represents the latest strides in Custom Shop experimentation and creativity, with feature sets used primarily on our Master-Built instruments.

The 2014 Proto series Strat® guitar is just one example of how Custom Shop builders have combined the best of old and new into one striking instrument, with features that include a hand-selected light ash body, AAA birdseye "C"-shaped maple neck and completely stripped-down circuitry. The pickup configuration is equally unique: Texas Special™ Strat pickups at the middle and neck, and a versatile Super 55 Split-Coil pickup in the bridge.

Also introduced is the 2014 Proto series Precision Bass® guitar, which also comes equipped with an exciting new array of features. Along with a hand-selected alder body and a one-piece quartersawn hard rock maple neck (with vintage-style 7.25" fingerboard radius) this Proto P Bass sports a Custom TV Jones® Thunderblade pickup and the new high-mass RSD bass bridge for added sustain.

Check out the rest of the new Proto series, including the 2014 Proto series Telecaster® guitar, and stay tuned for more cool new Custom Shop models!


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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:18 pm
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Fender Proto Series Models are beautiful thanks for posting. P-bass Artic White, maple neck is stunning using the viewing features. :D

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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 8:48 am
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I wanna put this guitar upside down! :P

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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 7:31 am
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ForumAdmin wrote:
Check out the rest of the new Proto series, including the 2014 Proto series Telecaster® guitar, and stay tuned for more cool new Custom Shop models!

Ha - interesting middle saddle on the Tele bridge. Is that new, or have I just been unobservant for a long time? Other manufacturers have solved the saddle intonation problem slightly different ways: I'm fascinated to think about the machining involved in this particular approach.

Anyhow. Not exactly what you'd call affordable. But I wouldn't kick the sunburst with the maple fingerboard out of bed...

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:33 am
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Ceri wrote:
Ha - interesting middle saddle on the Tele bridge. Is that new, or have I just been unobservant for a long time? Other manufacturers have solved the saddle intonation problem slightly different ways: I'm fascinated to think about the machining involved in this particular approach.


Yeah, I don't really get that one, though. If the main focus is intonation, six saddles does that even better. If it's the higher sustain of more massive saddles, use tungsten instead of brass and you get that with six saddles too. So I can only guess it's a compromise for those who want better intonation than vintage without sacrificing the three saddle look?

The "Josefina Red Hot Tele® pickup" raises the question of whether they're handmade by Josefina Campos, machine wound based on one of hers, or something in-between. It would be interesting to hear those, perhaps especially in a neck setting.

I think I'll wait for the 2015 proto, though. Perhaps then we'll get Tronical tuning and a return to Lace sensors.


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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:31 am
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arth1 wrote:
Yeah, I don't really get that one, though. If the main focus is intonation, six saddles does that even better. If it's the higher sustain of more massive saddles, use tungsten instead of brass and you get that with six saddles too. So I can only guess it's a compromise for those who want better intonation than vintage without sacrificing the three saddle look?

There's quite a widely held player belief that traditional brass barrel-type Tele saddles contribute to classic Telecaster tone and nothing else will do. Right or wrong, some people won't use modern six saddle Tele bridges for that reason.

However, there are already two different designs of brass barrel saddles that deal with the awful intonation problems of the traditional design. This -

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and this -

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I think both of those are designed by Trev Wilkinson and probably made by Gotoh. They both are readily available and make good intonation of a Tele easy.

I guess what we're seeing on these Proto Teles is that Fender don't want to use another maker's parts in this case and have come up with their own design. Which is fair enough. By the look of it, Fender's version is probably the most tricky to manufacture, I'd have thought, so that reveals how far they are prepared to go to keep a small part in-house.

No rights or wrongs to any of that. Just interesting.

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:45 am
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Ceri wrote:
I guess what we're seeing on these Proto Teles is that Fender don't want to use another maker's parts in this case and have come up with their own design. Which is fair enough. By the look of it, Fender's version is probably the most tricky to manufacture, I'd have thought, so that reveals how far they are prepared to go to keep a small part in-house.

No rights or wrongs to any of that. Just interesting.


That doesn't bode well for my hope of seeing a return of the Lace sensors in the protos, though... :/


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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:55 am
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arth1 wrote:
That doesn't bode well for my hope of seeing a return of the Lace sensors in the protos, though... :/

I'm with you: I love Sensors, but I've a feeling we shouldn't hold our breath hoping to see them back in Fenders anytime soon. We'd suffocate!

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: New Custom Shop Proto Series Models for 2014
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:27 am
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The CS still uses Laces but less often; the latest custom creations I saw while surfing on the Web - such as this beautiful Jason Smith Masterbuilt Bass VI - featured Alumitone humbuckers.

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Here's another Jason Smith Masterbuilt creation, this wonderful Cherry Blossom Sunburst 55 P-Bass Custom sports a Lace Aluma P in the neck:

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