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Post subject: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 6:45 am
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I don't know...

Innovation is always a nice thing... Up to a point.

I will not name companies here (I am talking about liking Fender, not bashing on anyone), but some guitar makers are just messing things up IMHO. Changing models way too radically, robotic tuners (hey, there's something called BOSS TU-3, and guitar players learn how to tune the instrument), weird logos...

What I really like about modern Fenders is that they're up-to-date guitars but still the classics they've always been.

I mean, pick a new Strat. Is it a modern guitar? Positive. Thin undercoat, improved bridge, and so on... But what is it in the end? A classic strat. Same with Teles, Jaguars...

If you go to a store and buy a new Fender, you know it's a Fender just like the one your father purchased decades ago (I'm not discussing CBS/ non CBS issues here, that's another story).

I hope they keep doing it right... Modern, just like in the old days. 8)

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:37 am
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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:18 am
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I just wish they'd expand the American Vintage Bass line. That way I can get a Fender that plays like a Fender without having to pay boutique prices.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:59 am
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de Melo wrote:
robotic tuners (hey, there's something called BOSS TU-3, and guitar players learn how to tune the instrument)

You've missed the point that a Tronical
- lets you change between tunings in seconds
- lets you tune to another instrument that isn't in concert pitch - in mere seconds.

And - they don't remove your ability to tune by turning the peg heads, so you get additional features, and lose none.

de Melo wrote:
I hope they keep doing it right... Modern, just like in the old days. 8)

Micro-tilt, bi-flex truss rod, nut carved for .009 instead of .012 strings, locking tuners, strap locks, no lead paint, no ivory - just unlike the old days.

Progress is good. Not everything new is progress. But don't slam things because they're new and unfamiliar.


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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 2:39 pm
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I personally think that robotic tuners, which we all know Gibson are using on the majority of their electric guitars , are for lazy people and a complete waste of time. Besides, their product is just way overpriced and a lot of their QC isn't that great compared to Fender's. I have never had any issues or problems with any Fender gear I have used or owned in my 43 years of playing guitar. Do they have too much product out today ? Yeah I think they do, but they are first and foremost a business and that is how you advance and survive by being innovative and givng the public what they want and IMO, Fender has always done that but, at a much more reasonable cost than Gibson.


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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:20 pm
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I know a lot of people have issues with the robotic tuners, but I think that's a great idea. Personally, I friggin' hate tuning a guitar, and if I can save time doing so, especially for gigs, then all of the better. I also like the option for alternate tuning, as well. But as the saying goes, to each their own. If you don't like something, don't buy it. Life is simple like that. I hate smart phones and digital recorders, so there is some sort of technology that isn't always going to agree with someone else.

I've never owned a Gibson (probably due to the fact they can be expensive :P) so I can't say about their quality control, but unfortunately I've had some bad issues with Fender, with the exception of their amplifiers, which I've always liked and never had an issue with (knock on wood.) The one that irked me the most was their customer service, but I'm over that now. No point in dwelling in negativity. To be fair, with the exception of one US made standard Jazz I had briefly in 1993 which had a bad neck, these weren't the higher end instruments, so it could be a case of you get what you pay for, or just bad luck. I will say this, I've regretted getting rid of that 50's reissue P-Bass I had back in the 90's. That was a sweet instrument. It was everything you can imagine a nice P-Bass should be. Hopefully, maybe someday I can get another one like that.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:30 pm
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PaulLF wrote:
I know a lot of people have issues with the robotic tuners, but I think that's a great idea. Personally, I friggin' hate tuning a guitar, and if I can save time doing so, especially for gigs, then all of the better. I also like the option for alternate tuning, as well.


+1

I agree, but I don't think they are good for beginners, it's just a tool to help you do your job better, like giving an accountant a calculator.
8)

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:31 pm
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Arth, that's exactly what I said. Modern, yet classic. I didn't mean that the modern Fenders are built exactly like the ones from the late 50s. I KNOW a Fender American Standard Strat ain't quite similar to an early strat, but it is still the same guitar give or take a few details. Minor details, when it comes to what you want from it as a musician, not a collector.

And as much as I heard from people who bought those, the main problem with the robotic tuners is... that they don't work too well.

Anyway, I like my things plain and simple, so I enjoy the fact that Fender still makes guitars as it does.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:33 pm
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jeffo46 wrote:
I personally think that robotic tuners, which we all know Gibson are using on the majority of their electric guitars , are for lazy people and a complete waste of time. Besides, their product is just way overpriced and a lot of their QC isn't that great compared to Fender's. I have never had any issues or problems with any Fender gear I have used or owned in my 43 years of playing guitar. Do they have too much product out today ? Yeah I think they do, but they are first and foremost a business and that is how you advance and survive by being innovative and givng the public what they want and IMO, Fender has always done that but, at a much more reasonable cost than Gibson.



Ditto.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:51 pm
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I'm not a big fan of the robotic tuners, but I can see where they might have their place. Particularly with people that use variations in tunings, which I don't do.

I own both types of guitars, and I've never had any quality issues with either. I will say that for me I'm much more comfortable with my "other" brand than I am with my strat. And some of that does relate to the difference in the way they are made and that's what I got used to playing early in my career. The difference in how they're made does account for a significant part of the cost difference I'm sure as it's much more man-hour intensive than a typical Fender design.

I'm not knocking the Fender design in any way however. It has it's place in my arsenal of tools for a reason. But as far as a subjective opinion about what feels more natural to me in playing, I'd have to go with my "other" brand.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:44 pm
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jeffo46 wrote:
I personally think that robotic tuners, which we all know Gibson are using on the majority of their electric guitars , are for lazy people and a complete waste of time.

As one who has used a tuning fork for generations, and tune by ear more often than not, I think a little laziness isn't to be shunned. I like not having to crank start my car too, and even appreciate electric windows. It's pure laziness. And fully justifiable.

As for quality of the top two electric guitar brands, ask a guitar shop guy about returns, and chances are he'll let you know that you're mistaken. Lately, Fender has achieved a rather bad rep, alas. And as for pricing, can you get an American made brand new Fender for under $500?


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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 4:55 am
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I own guitars from both Fender and "Brand G". I love them all- each is different, but all are quality instruments.

To be fair, I do NOT buy high ticket items like these sight unseen. I want to see it, play it, check it over, and make sure it's a good guitar- for ME- before I shell out my dough. Thus my experiences are overwhelmingly positive- with both brands. The convenience of online ordering comes with a price.

I can also say that the only time I needed warranty service from Fender, it was a painless process, and my amp was back in my hands in short order. I can't argue with that.

I agree with the OP. The fact that you can get a Strat or a Tele, and have them still be basically the same as they always were, is a plus. AND they are relatively affordable for a flagship guitar. Yes, there are crazy expensive CS Fenders out there. But the American Standard Strat is still under $1400. That's pretty reasonable for a high quality US made icon, complete with a hard case. And if you can't afford the American Standard, there are plenty of other price points- a lot of them damn good. For comparison's sake, The LP Traditional is over $3 grand...

It's also a plus that they make other versions of their guitars in different configurations. Why pander only to the vintage spec fanatics and collectors. Aren't there enough actual vintage instruments out there to "invest" in? To me, it seems kind of stupid to keep building the same well known flaws into guitars decade after decade just to keep the vintage spec guys from squawking... But again, the other brands with iconic models offer alternate versions as well. Everyone wins. (except for our wallets!)

I'm a bit of a 'ho when it comes to guitars- I like em all. As for amps, I'm a Fender guy- including those that are more or less idealized versions of Fender amps , like many of Tone King's offerings. I've simply found that pretty much any decent guitar sounds good through a good Fender amp. (Okay, fine- Peavey's Classic series is also top notch for tone in my ears.)

My GAS list is still mainly Fender gear- Jazzmaster, Coronado, Blues Deluxe, SuperSonic 60 et al. Not because they say Fender on the headstock, but because they sound and/or play good!


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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 3:36 am
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That's the one thing about Fender which I really love, is the fact that they are well aware of the consumer's needs. By that I mean , they have Guitars that start at around $350.00 ( Modern Player line ) and go up to 3 grand or so ( Custom Shop ). They realize that not everyone is made of money. Hell, even their Squier line today is putting out some amazing product which is very affordable but still high quality as well.


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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 5:04 am
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jeffo46 wrote:
That's the one thing about Fender which I really love, is the fact that they are well aware of the consumer's needs. By that I mean , they have Guitars that start at around $350.00 ( Modern Player line ) and go up to 3 grand or so ( Custom Shop ). They realize that not everyone is made of money. Hell, even their Squier line today is putting out some amazing product which is very affordable but still high quality as well.


Indeed.

And there are lines like the American Soecial and some OF the MiM guitars that are really good guitars (NOT a bang for the buck, they're GOOD indeed) and don't cost a kidney.

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Post subject: Re: One of the reasons why I still love Fender.
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 7:17 am
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There's a couple issues I've had with the robotic tuners from gibson. I recently got a 2015 DC les paul with the G- force tuner. It's a neat idea but I found myself changing tuneings so often I was popping strings. Also it takes more than a few seconds to get it right. So I removed the tuner and replaced it with some locking tuners and love the guitar. Best thing is to learn to tune your guitar yourself, it's just as fast.


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