The Fender Zone is a reworking of the Contemporary Precision Lyte bass line from the decade prior. The Lyte is a really interesting Fender (for a lot of the same reasons of the Zone) due to most of the classic fender elements being slightly reworked for a really killer fast and tight playing bass. They even slimmed the width of the headstock to follow suit!
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
Great info! Thank you
@svmarco3304 Жыл бұрын
Hi, there Effectively, very close to the fender lyte japan, I owned it since 1987 with a P.J config and active preamp. Still using it today in a small gig. Thanks for sharing S.V
@ajkandy Жыл бұрын
IIRC the original Stu Hamm Urge Bass was derived from the Lyte, with slightly reshaped horns and 32” scale, with the same slimmed-down headstock.
@PaddyLeggBass Жыл бұрын
You can get great Japanese Fender Precision Lyte’s fairly easily in the U.K. usually about £750-850, I’ve always fancied one - I’ve got a thing about Japanese Fenders, mainly cos I could never afford US ones and the Japanese ones offered comparable quality but much cheaper, BassBros over here have them in all the time
@larrythetigerdones Жыл бұрын
I was going to mention the P Bass Lyte but looks like you have it taken care of. I have one from around 87 to 89 I think based on the serial number but have never taken the neck off to check exactly. It is truly a great playing bass. I'd be very interested to see one reviewed here!
@flipper2gv Жыл бұрын
"When Warwicks were attainable". Bought my German Thumb BO 5 off talkbass in 2008 for like 900 CAD + 250 CAD shipping.
@vince80814 ай бұрын
When Fender made boutique basses. What a beauty, and it sounds awesome.
@johnhughes3796 Жыл бұрын
Fender trying to make an Ibenez.
@jeremydumoit4487 Жыл бұрын
Aesthetically kind of reminds me of those yamaha TRB basses
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
I can see it, especially in the lower horn
@kamen_p Жыл бұрын
Yep! Same finish for the most part, similar active pickups and knobs.
@oscarsantos2608 Жыл бұрын
Yeah it does, have a trb1005f in the same color...😊
@PorchBass Жыл бұрын
My trb 5 ii will never be beaten! Lol this looks good though true
@oscarsantos2608 Жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster have you done a review on a trb bass? It would be nice if you could do one on a trb 1005f !
@Earthshaker1965 Жыл бұрын
Definitely a "sleeper" that never really caught on. That grain of the wood is gorgeous! Love the sound of the active pickups.... and that's coming from a basic P bass guy.
@thomashaapalainen4108 Жыл бұрын
One of my favorite basses was my 2006 JB24. Quilted maple top, Seymour Duncan pickups, Seymour duncan Preamp, 24 frets. The mid 2000s was a great era for Fender. They took chances and didnt just ride on their name.
@bassclef1962 Жыл бұрын
They were nice basses. Actually they were made by Cort in Korea
@mauricemusician7636 Жыл бұрын
I want one of those so bad!
@meyersguitars2196 Жыл бұрын
The early 2000’s were the last great era they have had. This bass is amazing along with jazz bass and p bass deluxe. Those were amazing basses and taking a great design and making it better. I wish they would bring these back along with trying new things.Great video
@carlton1390 Жыл бұрын
What about the Larry Thomas era- Select, (1st) American Vintage series (2012- 2017) etc?
@mikeymacaque6 ай бұрын
It’s funny reading this now because I practically LIVED on TalkBass back then and people were saying that same thing, but about the 1980s lol. People don’t remember how much people HATED the S-1 switch in the American Standards, or how bad QC supposedly got back then.
@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 Жыл бұрын
This bass was Fender's answer to the Peavey Cirrus. However, I have to knock each for using ceramic pickups which never sounded any good to me. As discussed before, the best basses are still produced from Fender in Japan. The Japanese have always had an impeccable quality control ethic regarding fit and finish. They actually take pride in their work.
@michaelkearney5769 ай бұрын
I have the same bass. Agreed on the pick ups, so switched mine out for custom wound alnico Vs.
@dylancole819110 ай бұрын
I've gigged with this bass since 2009. There's a beautiful sweet spot in the blend, just on the neck side of even. The neck is a joy to play on! The pickups are super responsive to your technique, rounding out closer to the neck with really great sustain, thumpy over the middle, and a nice punch with a pick closer to the bridge pickup. Sound engineers have complimented it in both live and studio situations. The light weight is super nice on a longer night too. Picked it up for $500 used, there's no way I could have paid sticker for it lol
@danschneider9921 Жыл бұрын
Back when I started playing bass in 2004 this was one bass I coveted. I borrowed the money off my then girlfriend whose parents were, um lets say "loaded". I played mine until 2008 when I traded it towards a 75 J bass reissue. Still have that axe. This makes me want to hit reverb now and find another...
@stuntman2219 ай бұрын
Every few years Fender steps out. This zone bass, the dimension bass, and now the meteora bass! I love my American dimension V!
@jasongordon1123 Жыл бұрын
Wow! What a gorgeous albeit modern Fender bass. Very responsive - no bad notes to be found on this one. Well done!
@stuntman221 Жыл бұрын
Review a Fender American Dimension! I love mine!
@asherrowland7173 Жыл бұрын
Fender with Peavey style pickups… so awesome
@michaelkearney5769 ай бұрын
I have one of these. Absolutely love it, and never seen another in person. Changed the pick ups out for custom wound alnico Vs. Run flats, it’s a killer modern take on retro.
@somebrains5431 Жыл бұрын
The double J routed basses are such a pain to upgrade if you want to preserve the factory look.
@EirikHasselberg Жыл бұрын
I had a 2002 model of that US one and a Mexican 2006 PJ in Sienna Burst. Eventually ended up selling both again as I did not agree with the electronics. My wife judge the basses by their looks and gave the US version top grades. Here is what Fender wrote about the basses at the 2001 NAMM: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) will release two edgy new basses this summer with the introduction of the American Deluxe Zone Bass and the Deluxe Zone Bass at the 2001 Nashville NAMM show. Both of the new Zones Basses offer cutting edge features including newly designed pickups and electronics, and in the case of the American Deluxe version, a choice of exotic woods. "This is a very ambitious step for Fender basses," says Richard McDonald, vice president of electric guitars for Fender. "We've put a great deal of effort over the past few years in finding out exactly what players want in a contemporary bass. What we've come up with is this new line of Zone basses, and we are very proud of the results." The American Deluxe Zone Bass is one of Fender's first ventures into the realm of exotic wood basses, offering a choice of either a highly figured maple top over alder, or a walnut top over mahogany. Engineers in Fenders Research and Development have spent the last two years designing an entirely new electronic platform to match and maximize the tonal characteristics of each of the options, including new hum canceling pickups designed to increase the low frequency response and extend the upper frequency range. Both neck and bridge pickups are designed with ferrous steel pole pieces contained within the core of each bobbin. They are driven with low-profile, wide area ceramic magnets located at the base of each pickup, with the ceramic magnets offering optimal strength and excellent string transfer characteristics that result in incredible clarity and articulation. The unique sonic nature of the exotic woods and their body mass require electronics that can bring the most out of these instruments. To accommodate this, the new American Deluxe Bass circuit is tweaked at the input stage - pre-shape, boost and EQ settings - to match and compliment the instruments characteristics. The Bass frequencies are centered at 40Hz± 12db with a 4db per octave slope, while the Treble is centered at 8 kHz± 10db with a 2db per octave slope, with the Treble cut working as a more passive control for warm, organic tones. The Mid control is centered at 500Hz± 10db and -15db, with a wide-band slope to bring out the growl and new distinctive voices of the electronics. The circuit is powered by a new 18 Volt supply. The bridge on the American Deluxe Zone Bass is deluxe chrome plated steel. The maple neck is C-shaped has a 34" scale, 9.5" radius with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets. This bass is made at Fenders state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Corona, California. US MSRP is $1,949.99. The Deluxe Zone Bass is styled after the American Deluxe version, offering straight ahead, professional features and the signature value that is associated with products made at Fender’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The Deluxe Zone Bass features two new pickups designed specifically for this instrument, with the popular American P-Bass“ serves as a starting point for the neck position pickup. Fender has added more of a top end response to the flush mounted Alnico magnets, brining more top end definition to the full bodied nature of this pickup. The bridge position pickup is a fully customized version of Fender’s Active Deluxe Jazz Bass pickup, with quarter-inch Alnico magnets and end-to-end hum canceling vintage style construction. The new active EQ circuit is controlled by Volume, Blend/Pan, Treble, Mid and Bass Controls. The solid alder body features a contoured top. The maple neck is C-shaped with a 34" scale and 9.5" radius, rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets. As with the American Deluxe version, the bridge is deluxe chrome plated steel. Available colors are Sage, Pewter, Black and Sienna Burst. Made at Fender’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
@bevinmodrak4997 Жыл бұрын
Reminds me of Jeff Berlin's that he modded years ago before getting signature basses with I believe Dean and now Cort. Really cool.
@EddieG1888 Жыл бұрын
Where was a time when Fender were actually doing some really interesting stuff, and looked to be pushing the market on a little bit with new basses for them, such as the Dimension, and the Roscoe Beck four and five strings (I had the five string version, it remains the best 5-string Fender ever produced). But then they got really scared, regrouped and went back to producing the American Jazz, Mexican Jazz, Player Jazz, Vintage Player Jazz, Roadworn Jazz etc etc.
@yanivsh16 Жыл бұрын
Took my words I have the Roscoe Beck 5 Can’t part with it. The best fender and a very unique one
@EddieG1888 Жыл бұрын
@@yanivsh16 Absolutely! Wish I'd kept mine, but I've used the wiring and switching schematic in every bass I've had since.
@chrismorris3897 Жыл бұрын
Awesome Bass! Thank you Ken, and thank you Lobster!
@user-md1id4xb2d Жыл бұрын
Great Review Lobster! This bass sounds really great, and I completely agree with those other users who somewhat regret that the "Big F" company soon during the early 2010's focussed back on the basic, traditional models. Even if I am not really a "Leo guy" (with only one Squ CV Jag bass out of several instruments), I kept the 2006 F brochure, where the Zone bass, the JB 24, the Roscoe Beck model and the (then brand new Tony Franklin) models are visible. And I will keep it for the future as a good example how nice this kind of printed document could be (as soon afterwards, everything started to be "100% online"). They really made some interesting gear back these days! There was also the "S-1 switch" on some US-made J and P models during this period. A feature which seems to have been forgotten meanwhile. Yet, looking back sadly does not mean much, if it was finally the bassists' (our) majoritary acquisition behaviour, which lead to the production stop of such nice instruments....
@IAmInfinitus208 Жыл бұрын
Almost looked like a Wal Mk. 2 Bass for a second!
@sunn_bass Жыл бұрын
Those are nice basses. I tried a used one years back that was such a pleasure to play. I really liked it better than the Peavey Cirrus. Fender and Gibson suffer do from their own history. People don't go to Fender or Gibson for new innovative instruments or radical shapes, people want traditional ones from them. Like it or not. I have heard players literally say if they want a Strat or Tele type, they'd get a Fender or Squier, but if they want something different they'd go Ibanez, PRS or something else. Fender really has done some nice basses such as this, the Heartfield (joint venture), the Lyte, The Elite (early mid 80s) and others that venture away from their traditional features and/or designs, but people seem to ignore them no matter if they are good or not. Just like Gibson refusing to change the 17 degree headstock angle on the Les Paul because customers only want the original spec. Most sensible makers use 10 or 11 degree, even Epi uses a 14 degree headstock angle to minimize the issues with short grain at the weakest point. But part if it is economics, Fender and Gibson are mass produced; producing a smaller number of high end instruments doesn't add much value to the bottom line. Sure they have the custom shop stuff, but those are primarily just higher quality versions of their standard stuff. A note about Fender Quality. Fender quality has never been best of class, and I do mean never. They generally make acceptable instruments with a premium for the brand, but then again they (and Gibson) do hold resale value more than most others. They had a few missteps in the Covid and Post-Covid era, but the newer ones I've seen seem to be more like post-covid quality.
@TheAlfaproyect Жыл бұрын
Even producers want "the classic sound" and a P bass can do it. Basses like this one are for us bass players that like to fiddle a bit and try new things even though we still go back to the classics at the end of the day😅
@sunn_bass Жыл бұрын
@@TheAlfaproyect Absolutely. A stock P or J are on more recordings than any other bass for good reason. Those have the lows and mids that just work to cut thru a mix and lay a good foundation. Ric's work too for their unique sound. But I do love the exotic ones too.
@miguelfernandes333 Жыл бұрын
it sounds great
@AVeelcheck Жыл бұрын
Best sounding Fender Bass to me and one of the best 'modern' sounding basses I've ever heard. To nowadays Fender - get your shit together. EDIT: I don't want to insult Fender in any way. It might be customers wanting 'legacy' stuff from them, unfortunately
@Stsanchman Жыл бұрын
Kind of reminds me of a Lakland
@bertilbroddeus8458 Жыл бұрын
Hello ! Now several of us has bern waiting the test of SireV10 dx 5 str. This is very interesting since they seems listen to your advice !!!! come on !!’
@gabormeszaros2435 Жыл бұрын
Factory tuners seem to be Schaller BM Lights w/o logo. Great review as always.
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I will edit the description
@samuelbrainsample Жыл бұрын
If all goes well, I’ll have one of these tomorrow.
@bertilbroddeus8458 Жыл бұрын
Sire V10dx 5 str. Please 🙏 Because you have made them do the upgrades so good !!!!!!
@jamesmarkham7489 Жыл бұрын
Between this and the jazz 24’s there were some really cool designs 20 years ago
@mateusrangel7486 Жыл бұрын
Hi Lobster, love your videos! Would you review a 59 DC long scale danelectro? The "new" one haha. Never saw a good review and don't see it much on internet. I think is pretty unique bass
@paultraynorbsc627 Жыл бұрын
Excellent Review Lobster 🦞🎶🎵🎸
@wessmusic4501 Жыл бұрын
This is a truly rare instrument, unusual for Fender, and at the same time with an extremely beautiful sound, judging even just by this specimen featured in this video. I'm not even talking about the craftsmanship, whose perfection is undeniable! ______ OT In a way, it reminds me a bit of the Dimension bass that came out about 9 years ago. My expectation then was that this instrument would offer a modern and rich tone, but my interest in it "waned" and the reason for that was due to the fact that the Warwick Corvette $$ was a much better alternative in every respect.
@maliwilliams7262 Жыл бұрын
Most Beautiful "F" I've Seen
@labass3055 Жыл бұрын
Definitely looks better than it sounds.....
@mirage6632 Жыл бұрын
Quick reply! Excited to watch, sure it will be a great video as always!
@vincesforza9479 Жыл бұрын
I have to get one that bass is awesome
@pwokaren Жыл бұрын
What a great Bass. I think it would compete well with G&L’s M-2000 and the Peaveys of its time. Fender should take more risks like this !
@carlton1390 Жыл бұрын
Quality bass! Zone vs Dimension?
@FlightofElixirs Жыл бұрын
Hey lobster. Love your videos. Keep it up. Quick question. I just bought a bass like a cort curbow. It's by a brand called Hudson basses and the bass model is called the Project Bass. . It's the same as the Tanglewood canyon bass. One pickup affair. Was wondering if you know of a pickup to fit so I can upgrade it. Really cool modern looking bass. Check it out it you have a second. Bass knowledge is power hee hee cheers
@braddietzmusic2429 Жыл бұрын
That was audacious pricing in its day as new. With the influx of new instruments today at so many price points (especially the sub- $1,000 price point) that are GREAT for the money, makes $2,000 basses from Fender seem ridiculous, and if adjusted for inflation makes this Zone bass a $3,000 proposition as new now… that’s offensive. I shudder to think if I went to the Fender Custom Shop and said: “Please give a quote to make me a Zone Bass.” I think they’d give me a five figure (!!!) quote based on the Custom Shop kind of upcharges.
@user-mr6xp6nk7q Жыл бұрын
I want one
@mattfoley6082 Жыл бұрын
What are pros and cons of neck plate vs. no neck plate?
@matthewwithanm Жыл бұрын
Sweet shirt!
@christocr Жыл бұрын
I remember lusting after and wanting one of these when they were being produced. But at the time, the price was way out of my range.
@93greenstrat Жыл бұрын
I think Fender has the "problem" of being a so-called legacy brand. If it's not a Tele, Strat, P or J Bass, people aren't as interested.
@steffomca762 Жыл бұрын
Which is sad, and boring
@MrStu945911 ай бұрын
I own and play mine to death! Just love it ❤
@josephromero4585 Жыл бұрын
I like the downsized body and smaller headstock
@davelock3166 Жыл бұрын
Top notch!
@aleksastefanovic.4451 Жыл бұрын
That bass looks amazing
@samlelowitch Жыл бұрын
Wow, that bass sounds amazing!
@handidrummed Жыл бұрын
Reminds me of a Cirrus
@rhysbooth4842 Жыл бұрын
LOBSTER WE NEED A REVIEW ON THE IBANEZ BTB805MS LITTERALY BETTER THAN A DINGWALL
@mattfoley6082 Жыл бұрын
2001 no battery door. My 1996 Ernie Ball MusicMan Sterling has a battery door.
@bassplyr4822 Жыл бұрын
How's the neck profile?
@offbeatbassgear Жыл бұрын
Very similar to a Cirrus, agreed, or to an Axcelerator bass. I really think that both are better basses than this, especially for the era and the price.
@ironblast5 Жыл бұрын
Looks alot like a Peavey Cirrus
@FlamesAt1000ft Жыл бұрын
Ah,..These ARE nice!! Fender tried to give Peavey,..Aria,..Wal & Ibanez a “Run fo’ da’ Money!”..eh!? 🤨But,..I got an ‘81 Ibanez 924DS back in the ‘80s that STILL KILLS Today!! 🤣👌🏾So,..I’m good! b(‘_
@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a cirrus meets a Spector
@RaiderClarke312 Жыл бұрын
Looks like Jeff Berlin's Bass.....
@mattfoley6082 Жыл бұрын
Active/passive toggle?
@mattfoley6082 Жыл бұрын
My 2000 Fender American Jazz Deluxe V has no active/passive toggle. Dead battery = game over. What was Fender thinking??
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
I think the pickups were active here too, so that would be a no go
@oldasrocks9121 Жыл бұрын
Sounds Fendery...
@sicilianmammalian Жыл бұрын
How many claws did it get
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
I usually don't rate basses that you can't buy new still
@sicilianmammalian Жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster you should have a favorites of basses you can’t get anymore and rank them on a tier list or something I don’t think you’ve done a tier list yet
@pilummurialis6490 Жыл бұрын
Crank that speaker up, it sounds really bad to fully show off this bass, I say this as someone who played a Walnut version of this, it sounds way better in person, unless you can record this directly, or have a proper speaker to do it justice
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
We record direct from the XLR out. That being said, I agree - gotta crank it with this bass and you will be rewarded with stellar tone. The preamp does a great job of bringing out the great character of the instrument through, and I thought we did it justice there. Nothing will beat hearing this in person through a proper rig though!
@thinkhendrix Жыл бұрын
the back looks like an atk.
@autofellatio9 ай бұрын
Flagship, no. Premier, yes.
@mattfoley6082 Жыл бұрын
22 fret = high F
@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын
Whoops!
@samuelbrainsample Жыл бұрын
How badly were you hurt in giving a Fender a good review? ;-)
@thierry18 Жыл бұрын
This is a lot like a Peavey Cirrus, or maybe a millennium.
@E111DOG Жыл бұрын
The Palaedium too!
@katelynseng8341 Жыл бұрын
That bass looks small
@tigerscott2966 Жыл бұрын
Fender is going the same route as Sears and K Mart....sitting on the brands name to make extra money instead of actually creating something new....thanks...
@tigerscott2966 Жыл бұрын
$3,000 for one bass - in today's economy? Who is pulling who's leg here?
@circedge Жыл бұрын
Yeah, what happened Fender, you used to innovate. Sigh.
@kevmac1230 Жыл бұрын
Fender's grown very boring and they already had part of the remedy.