you’re totally right @howard
3 Likes
True, but these are not from prior experience or preference. Prior to Covid I don’t own a single Fender or Fender like basses. I have my Nathen East, which I rare touch. I have 3 Bolt on Tobias post Gibson, the Euro Spector, and another import Spector and the Yamaha Motion bass.
The Fender Phenomenon is quite a recent thing in the industry. I don’t recall that the Fender bass was a thing, sure it was a well known name but nothing compares to now with all the rage for the wrong reason, 
As far as the neck profile and string spacing, it seems like every bass companies are pushing the faster narrower jazz profile 1.5” the nut. When I play wider neck and string spacing it feels great and more comfortable, then when I go back to the faster Jazz profile, it gives me a fun experience and the change of pace. Slim and fast can be good but sometimes you just want a bigger neck to hold on to.
4 Likes
Yep, variety is fun. Playing my Cutlass feels different and enjoyable when I’m not playing my 38mm basses. Of course, I also have TI Jazz Flats on it, so it is even more of a tactile departure from my other basses. At the end of the day, it’s all good.
3 Likes
As far as my preferences go, the answer is yes. Have not owned a Fender, but every one I have tried in stores didn’t feel right. Sound great, and I will never bash Fender as I have nothing against them. Their offerings just haven’t resonated with me personally. Both on guitar and bass. My brother however loves them.
I will say though, I have become a major G&L fan. Love my J bass from them.
All companies will have missteps. Especially if they’ve been around a long time. Gotta look at the whole picture.
4 Likes
no surprise, i have immense respect for fender. but not a lot of love.
actually what would be more accurate to say is not a lot of interest. and when i have been interested it hasn’t been in the P or J.
4 Likes
Agree with you on this one. Two of the 3 basses I’ve bought this year, I had a Fender in my hands and just decided that I like the feel of the (actually in both cases it was a Yamaha) other bass. I don’t have a single thing against Fender but when guitar is in hand, I just prefer the not-Fender. I really wanted to like that Fender P bass too.
6 Likes
I just want to make an observation on Fender, Limited Editions
A Limited Edition is simply a different finish on an instrument, and is marketed by a single retailer. For example, the Antigua finish is sold only by Chicago Music Exchange (US) or Thomann (EU).
My experience limited editions has been excellent. I have three now, and have had two previously, three of them MIM, and they have all been perfect. Maybe the QC is better on them?
Worth a consideration if buying.
6 Likes
good
5 Likes
2 Likes
Absolutely! Many don’t even play instruments just collect.
2 Likes
I have always compared Fender basses to Harley Davidson too! Great minds really do think alike.
2 Likes
I like Ibanez basses, the quality can be spotty, so you have to cherry pick them. But for me, the most comfortable bass. It’s almost like wearing a shirt.
4 Likes
Maybe technically-but for me personally nothing feels or plays like my Fenders. I have little to no desire for another brand.
3 Likes
When you start talking about something that has no possible way of testing or quantifying other than opinion, all you will get are opinions.
In the range of activities that I have been involved in to any level, musicians are typically the ones most ruled by opinions because there is no way of competitively scoring music, instruments or skill, just as there’s no way of competitively scoring the best food, sculpture, or comedy.
There’s just what you like. All the machines used to make basses are available to anyone who wants to make basses. It’s just down to the amount of care taken and amount paid. Nobody I know judges instruments on their accuracy to manufacturing tolerances.
I’ve seen people on forums write “If it ain’t a Fender, it’s garbage.” which demonstrates that while people are entirely entitled to their opinion, you’re equally entitled to believe that the majority of bass players would consider that they’re wrong, based on the undeniable fact that there are other companies manufacturing basses that seem to be doing okay, and there are bass players who don’t have Fenders.
3 Likes
not at all
1 Like
Late comer to the thread, here, but for my part? As long as we have threads asking about the most Fender-esque non-Fender instruments, no, Fender has not been surpassed. Once they cease being the yardstick by which other brands are measured, maybe then they’ll have been surpassed.
2 Likes
100% correct!
There’s a catch. $100 bass and $5000 can sound 90% of each other especially in post. That leaves the last 10% of the difference. Let’s be generous and give 5% to pride of ownership, flag flying brand logo, country of origin and resale value.
The last 5% are aesthetic, fit’n’finish and feel, not to mention special or limited edition. You can’t put a dollar amount to each of the build aspect, amount of refinement and other superficial things that separates the premium bass to an affordable one.
This last 10% is what makes the GAS so much fun and exciting. Looks, size, shape, rarity, and how they feel separate you from your money faster and leaving you feel better for it, well for the most part, 
4 Likes
This^^^
Any one of these criteria is enough to draw a player to a particular bass.
Getting two of these criteria in one bass makes it that much more appealing.
Scoring three or more of these features in a single bass? It’s a no-brainer, assuming the bucks are available.
5 Likes
I can probably name five manufacturers making essentially better Fenders than Fender, right off the top of my head.
(Deviser, Black Smoker, Fujigen, Vellmor, and Atelier all come to mind, and there’s more.)
1 Like
same for me actually. Fender is the easy safe choice for me, I don’t know why I would go elsewhere. it would look like over-optimizing somewhat.
3 Likes