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Post subject: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretless
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 1:00 pm
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I currently own a MIM '50s Precision (very nice instrumenet I might add) & I'd like to venture into the fretless. I have an opportunity to purchase a new limited Fender model from a Japanese dealer for $1,065 which includes the $135 shipping. It appears to be a nice traditional '70s style model with laquer finish of the back of the neck, 1.65" nut width. I like the electronics layout of the Franklin fretless & the more durable ebony board. The Drop D tuner isn't an advantage for me. That one sells for $1,600 with free shipping. That's a $535 net difference between the two. Please check out the photos. The first 3 are of the Japanese model & the last one's the Franklin.
What would you do?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34830117@N03/


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 2:18 pm
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To me there is no contest, and wouldn't hesitate to go with the Tony Franklin Fretless Precision hands down. It's a far superior design with many unique features. The ebony neck is the deal clencher. At a grand off MSRP, that's a steal of a deal.

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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:27 pm
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IMO the made in Japan bass would be a downgrade from what you already have. I'd have to go with the Tony Franklin, too.

I haven't played a Classic 50's..but the specs look like a great bass. I'd hang onto that..


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:59 pm
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Thanks both of you. I figured the extra $535 for the Franklin bass might be worth it. If the Japanese model had an ebony board too, I'd go with that one for sure.
BTW, I won't be getting rid of my '50s fretted reissue.


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:00 pm
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I'd definitely go with the Tony Franklin Fretless P-Bass.........Hands down !! :)


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:28 pm
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Thanks James!


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:58 pm
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Image

8) fretless P-Bass.

Image

Headstock decal is not period-correct. :shock:

Fender didn't make fretless Precisions until the late 1960s/early 1970s.


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 9:38 pm
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chromeface, this is the Japanese fretless I as referring to. The '50s reissue I mentioned is my current fretted bass.
I was just trying to decide between the Japanese fretless & the Tony Franklin as a fretless alternative.


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:43 am
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What James said! :D


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:41 am
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steelybob wrote:
chromeface, this is the Japanese fretless I as referring to. The '50s reissue I mentioned is my current fretted bass.
I was just trying to decide between the Japanese fretless & the Tony Franklin as a fretless alternative.


With the TF you'll benefit from the versatility provided by the J bridge pickup.

Lots of growling Jaco mwah into the mix! :P

FYI Fender Japan also did a fretless maple neck Precision in addition to the aforementioned bass you plan purchasing. It's no longer made.

Image


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:19 am
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steelybob wrote:
Thanks James!


You're Welcome Steelybob,......I currently have a Jaco Pastorius Fretless bass but the Tony Franklin Fretless P-Bass has been on my radar for a loooong time.. :)
The story behind this bass is Tony Franklin got this bass in the late '70's, ( a couple of years before he would join The Firm with Jimmy Page & Paul Rogers). Tony Routed out the body just above the bridge & installed a jazz pick up & later he would add a Hipshot Extender-Dtuner,.......now Fast forward to about 10 yrs ago,.... The Fender Custom Shop made Tony Franklin a replicated version of his bass,....in 3 tone sunburst (hence the 2 colors available ....his original Black & 3 Tone Sunburst) Custom Shop put a Tough as Nails ebony fretboard on this bass(his original bass has a rosewood fret board & ebony is a bit harder),...so you don't have to fear wrecking the Fretboard with rounwound strings...( Tony appearantly uses Nickel plated DR Sunbeams on his fretless)
another cool thing about this bass is the hex screw pole pieces & ceramic bar magnets that are used in the jazz pick up..they contribute greatly to the unique tone that comes from this bass (as does the Ebony fretboard & having a split coil P-Bass Pickup included in the mix) & as a yet nother bonus ...the side dot markers are positioned at the fretting points on the neck ...(similar to when Fender used to put the side dot markers on the fret line with the Jaco bass),.....& Tony Franklin had Fender put a side dot marker at the first fret.....there's also a vintage type bridge with single groove steel barrel saddles as opposed to the vintage saddles with what looks like the side of a screw being used as a saddle... Tony Franklin likes to say that the version of this bass that you're getting is the one that the Fender Custom Shop put together for him & it's made in the Corona California Factory,......yes a glorious Bass indeed,....& as I said I've had my eye on this bass for a whille,......I'm liking the 3 tone Sunburst version.....so like I said earlier,....I'll take the Tony Franklin Fretless P-Bass Hands Down!!.... :)


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:55 am
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Chromeface - That all-maple beauty would have been my choice.

James - Thank you for the detailed info on the TF bass. That is nowhere to be be found, not even on Fender's spec section. That made up my mind. The position of the side dots is a real help. I never understood why fretless builders would place the dots in between where the frets would be. I also like the single groove steel barrel saddles. It's the TF for me!


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:24 am
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The Franklin wins no contest. Add to the previously mentioned reasons which are enough, that USA pickups are always better to have. Based on my previous experience you should add at least $100 to the price of the Fender Japan one to get a USA P-Bass pickup installed in the Japan one. The USA one needs nothing. While you might not think you need the drop D tuner, you might find a use for it eventually. I'm not a big fan of them either and don't use one but I still like this instrument and the drop-D being present is not a negative to me. I'd think the Franklin model would have a much higher resale value short term or long term than the Japanese one. Many people think the Franklin nitro neck and body finishing is a plus, but to me less so than the other advantages. Don't lose sight of the fact that when you buy a Fender Japan instrument via a Japanese dealer but live in Fender USA territory, which is what this sounds like you are contemplating, you do not get a Fender USA backed warranty with it.

The only thing about any Artist Series instrument is that I'd strongly discourage any modifications ever to one and encourage you to try one before you buy to make sure you like it exactly as it sits. Going with the Franklin is a good decision, but only if you like it stock.


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:32 am
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Thank you brotherdave. You raise some very important considerations. In my research, the weight varies buts the TF basses I've seen weight specs on are over 9.5 lbs which is a little disappointing.


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Post subject: Re: Japanese Fretless Precision or Tony Franklin USA Fretles
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:48 pm
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brotherdave wrote:
While you might not think you need the drop D tuner, you might find a use for it eventually. I'm not a big fan of them either and don't use one but I still like this instrument and the drop-D being present is not a negative to me.


My Reggie Hamilton Jazz Bass has a Hipshot extender -D tuner & to be honest I never use it,.... but it's a handy thing to have if ever needed......kinda like that extra tool in the tool kit.
One other thing I should with regard to The Tony Franklin Fretless P-Bass & Dave will like this,...is that Tony Franklins signature is on the neck Plate ...which is great for all the players out there who don't like having another guys signature on their instrument,....all you have to do is swap out the neck plate & voila,...it becomes just another P/J set up Fretless bass....pretty cool!! :)


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