Open Box Fender Nate Mendel Precision Bass Level 2 Candy Apple Red 197881278656

Okay this is a typical MIM bass. Finding a great one is hit or miss. Since I ordered this online I missed. The cosmetics of the base were right on the mark, on the other hand the bass was a complete mess. The neck was backbowed causing major fret buzz and intonation issues. The nut was cut poorly and hung out over the edge of the fret board on both sides. The fret work is not the greatest but acceptable no real sharp edges but probably could use some leveling. Bridge saddles were too high and intonation off. The fretboard was dry as a bone. It took two days of nurishment to restore the luster. Now the good... the pickups are absolutely fabulous. They blow most of the pickups on my other Fender basses out of the water just powerful and dynamic tones. So after fixing the neck, filing the nut, restoring the fretboard and intonation work it is turning into a decent bass. I think this bass is priced slightly too high for the work needed to make it a player, but right now I think everything is priced too high! It comes in a bag so I would invest in a nice case like a Gator soft/hard case which actually pretty good for the price. I will recommend this but it would be best if you could put one in your hands in the store first to see how much you are willing to do to it. If not just plan on getting some professional set up or alot of DIY work.

I play in a local "get-together band" each month... I play a Standard P Bass. This model has a jazzier sound. They will compliment each other and extend my playing range and styles.

The Nate Mendel '71 P-Bass replica has a solid tone and very long sustain. The relic job has the same "Orion's Belt" of dings just below the belly cut that you see in the pictures. A pretty good gouge is noticeable on the pick guard. Dozens of little dings on the headstock and oxidation on the tuners give that end a perfect road worn vibe. The bridge, by comparison looks like new while the pole pieces on the pickup and V/T knobs are nicely tarnished. Various locations on the front and back are chipped but the neck and fretboard are clean - if not a little dull. The frets themselves are pretty good. A few could use a little work. After doing a home set-up, the action is still a little high but playable. Tone-wise, it's limited to playing only the sweet P-bass sounds of yore. Cranking to tone down doesn't add bass as much as it rolls off the highs. For a passive pick-up, the quarter pounder is a beast. The strap hooks are too small. I've heard that they are one half of a Schaller strap-lock system. It will be around $20 to complete the package. Given that the "blemish" price was only about $25 more than the standard player MIM model, I'd say it was a good deal for a decent bass. GC seems to have a stock of blemished guitars and basses as the offer continued to be posted long after mine arrived. I just hope that the factory-seconds don't have a fatal flaw.

The bass has great sound and surprised me very much. The only drawback that I had with mine is the frets stick over the side a little too much for my liking.

This is the best P bass I have played to date. Not too heavy, great tone, comfortable neck.

I own a studio, and am a huge Foo Fighters fan. This bass has fantastic pickups, has a great feel and is honestly the best bass I've ever played in my entire life. It comes as part of the "Road Worn" series from Fender, so it has a few cosmetic dings for show. Modeled after Nate's favorite 70's P Bass. I would recommend this bass to anyone! Nate rules! (I highly recommend the Fender Chris Shiflett Telecaster Deluxe as well, they make the perfect pair!) Even if you're not a Foo fan, this bass will certainly thrill you.