Fender Masterbuilt Basses. Are they worth the hype?

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with pretty much every bass that I’ve ever seen come out of the Fender Custom Shop in California. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, we get the Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt instruments. This is Fender Custom Shop AND THEN SOME!

In today’s new video, I delve into some of the questions that I keep getting asked about these awesome custom instruments, namely: who are they for? Why are they so expensive? How are they built? And are they really worth the hype?

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)

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[juliachild]

To be honest, most of the value of a master-built instrument is psychological. We tend to perceive instruments that are built by one person as being better than the equivalent instrument that's built by several people. However, if the builders are highly skilled and quality control is properly implemented, then there should be no real measurable or discernable difference. Anyway, that's a dope-ass bass, breh!

[timothyrice]

I've never even spent $700 on a bass... I like my used MIMs just fine. They often come relicked for free too

[billytai]

Congrats Scott. That bass sounds and looks killer. I totally get why got that instrument. May it bring you years of joy and happiness. Cheers from Canada.

[Facu_Roldan]

$7k for a Pbass is just insane. It's just a freaking bolt-on bass with a single pickup.

[ibalrog]

For my money, I'd rather have a master luthier carefully go over (and possibly customize) a production line instrument, rather than doing everything from scratch. But for your money, you got something that you had a burning desire for, and something that is bringing you happiness. That is awesome to see (and hear).

[vodekz]

I have one master build jazz bass and it is a step up from a custom shop. I had a few Fender Jazz Basses but this one is a keeper. Better feel and details I can admire. I feel pleased to own one, Expensive? Yes, but I gave up some other things to get this one. It is more of a personal choice.

[kevindorr]

I have a 99 Warwick Thumb 5 that was built by one person. I paid 3k for it in 2000 and now it’s worth a little less than 9k. So in the long run, a master built will appreciate in value over time. I love my Bass, it’s been around the world with me and I have played it for every show I have ever preformed. It’s been through the wringer being played for thousands of sets, and yet, she is my soulmate!

[LawsonK]

So much love for Vincent!
Brilliant player, incredible builder and he also shows the bass community a lot of support on social media - I’d be overjoyed to own one of his basses some day

[RTOutdoors]

As long as it’s worth it to the owner, that’s all that really matters. 👍

[flanneljoe]

At a certain point, the added functional quality hits a wall. The price point then becomes more the visual, the work and story that makes it art. I guess. Great vid. Great bass. Thanks

[offbeatbassgear]

After searching a few listings for basses manufactured for the masterbuilt line, it appears that they're running around seven grand US, approximately, and that's really stupidly high, even for a handmade. P-Basses are by their nature a basic, straight-forward instrument. Charging more for one than any of the boutique bass brands like Alembic, Ken Smith, Spector, Warwick, etc is really totally absurd. This bass is still a really really simple instrument not requiring refined hand fitting and finish, it's a bolt on instrument, a single pickup, and a slightly contoured body, really nothing requiring intensive crafting.

[jodyhendrix]

I think Fender Master Builds our amazing. Getting that complete customization is unmatched. Having a ‘master builder’ builder do the final set up is absolutely a huge part of what you are paying for. It is true that you get what you pay for, having Fender do it will hold and keep the value for years to come. One way you can come close to this on a value budget is to search and actually buy a neck you like and a fender body from the year you want. Then assemble it with the pickups and hardware you love. If you are not confident in your abilities pay someone to do the final set up; While this wouldn’t be the same as a Fender custom build and will not carry the same value, you will have an excellent instrument at approximately a 1/4 of the price.
Thanks Scott for this video and all of your awesome content.

[nickf]

I remember when the custom shop opened. It was primarily to build a guitar with the features you wanted that were just not on the current production list. A premium bump for that service, sure. But now Fender has of course exploited this like all money grubbing corporations do....and essentially they are making the best instrument they can (and should be doing anyway) and then turning around, and making it seem like now it has some special Mojo, that you need to pay thousands of dollars for...its a frigging racket.

[BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

If you love it, it's worth it!

Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿❤️

[benrolston]

Scott, it would be nice to see a comparison of this bass and the Olinto

[justincase]

It's just my opinion, of course, but instruments are like wine. Once you get into a high price range, you can't find much difference. In my experience, listeners couldn't care less what you play- unless it's the wrong thing. I've 3 Warmoth custom basses that cost less than that one Master Built; and for me, it's money well-spent.

[iansimpson]

Great bass Scott! I see you’ve never talked about De Gier basses out of Nederlands. They’re worth looking at!

[rebootver]

To me it's just fetishizing a tool. I'm sure it's a joy to play but honestly - how much better than a american made or custom shop bass can it really be? Let's not get carried away.

[viniciuscomacento]

just passing by to say that those bass lines were AMAZING, Scott! would totally listen for hours of it.

[thefool]

That bass looks and sounds incredible. I can only imagine the playing experience completes the appeal. Well worth the price for a serious musician. It’s a modern-day Stradivarius. Gorgeous bass, Scott.