I'm a 67 year old 'beginner, and I have to say this Fender American Vintage 11 3-color Sunburst Bass is perfect! I bought the same Bass as yours direct from Fender. Best decision I've ever made. Gave up the Ukulele to learn Bass with this Fender American Vintage 11.
I used to have a 1962 Precision which was the best playing, best sounding bass I have ever had. I sold it after about 30 years and have suffered seller's remorse ever since. So this bass interests me greatly even if it is about 20 times the price I paid for my 62!
3:09 A round-laminated fretboard is just a relatively thin (compared to a slab board), curved piece of rosewood veneer that is glued to the neck. It is one piece of wood, not multiple layers. The curve follows the radius of the maple neck, while with the slab board, the neck is flat and only the fretboard has a radius.
Technically, this is Fender’s third addition to the AV series, as the second release was in 2012, the first in 1982. Slab rosewood board is going to give the bass a warmer tone over a maple or veneer rosewood over maple board. Overall, the bass sounds real good. Love the burst on this release as it reminds me of the FCS NOS 59 RI’s from the old Time Machine series. Well done!
Great bass! I have the Custom Shop version of this bass in Aged Black and with the heavy relic treatment. Playing it is like putting on that worn in, comfortable pair of jeans. The tone is just always "there". I have a 2011 AVRI '62 Precison in Olympic White too, and that has a slab rosewood fretboard, plays like butter. I always prefer the slab boards over the laminate. The just "feel" better to me.
Is the truss rod adjustment( removing neck) a big deal? How often realistically does it need doing? Should it be a deal breaker for a rookie's first Pbass??
Great review, thank you! This new 60's pickup sound so sweeter then the cs63's, which is anything but a 60-ish pickup. I hope Fender will sell the new pickup separately.
I'm not sure on that yet. The pure vintage pup's have always been available, so it remains to be seen if these become after market options. I really like them! Thanks for watching - Anthony
Excellent Bass, and only one step down from Custom Shop. I like how the neck is C shape instead of Thick C, and the voicing is year specific on this series, instead of decade span. It will always hold it's value, and will be around longer than us. Back up Bass unnecessary...lol
Fender round lam fretboards are not comprised of plies of the veneer. It's a single solid piece of rosewood, like a so-called slab rosewood fretboard is, the only difference is how the faces for glue lamination are milled with a radius instead of flat.
Yep... I totally stand corrected on that aspect. Should have done my homework better before stating that. I should be better. Thanks for the comment and info - Anthony
Does the difference in output compared to the overwound PV63 pickup on the Am orig 60 make this pickup (PV60) sound weak and lack push in the low & low mids?
That wasn't something that I noticed at all, but did not do a side-by-side comparison. This line has been very very nice across the board. Thanks for watching - Anthony
Do you guys think that pickup sounds wayyyy darker than other Pbasses? I own one in daphne blue which I really like. But sometimes it feels like I could use one more turn on the tone knob to clear things up but then I find out its maxed out… it doesnt seem so dark in your video. I wonder if the bass was designed this way or if mine has something wrong? Its personality really shines with the tone knob backed off though. Never had a bass that sounded so dark and mid forward like that. Not even my former BB735 which was quite dark too
No... I can't say that was my takeaway from these. I'll have to listen with that in mind next time. I always feel the character of "vintage" spec pup's does lean darker, but this wasn't anything outside of the norm to me. Thanks for watching and the insight - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh thanks for checking it out! Im wondering if I need to have it serviced. Your input will help me deciding. It sounds really muffed especially when ABing it with my AO60s jazz
@@EmpireMusicPgh Nevermind. Found out I have tone suck problem through my pedalboard. The bass on its own is downright fabulous. Keep on the good work I love watching your videos
@@stingray-wolves not sure about that. They’re different. Am Pro 2 are awesome and sound really good , but with flatwounds the 1960 is unbeatable. And to me the feel in the hands is way better.
@@stingray-wolves bought my 1960 in october 2022. Kept rounds on it for 6 months and then put LaBella flats on it. Went through the 4 seasons (in Quebec) and the neck has not moved. Only set it up once like a week after bringing it home from the store and thats it. I also have an AO60s jazz bass and the neck is rock solid too
Great Anthony!!!! I like your reviews, you are always very professional, but honestly I preferred the last version. The 9.50 fretboard was very better. I don't understand why they are returned in the past with these models...
They wanted to change it up... and honestly I enjoyed playing this one immensely. 7.25 never bothered me, but it's totally a personal thing. I can understand with sides. Thanks for watching - Anthony
Sweet vid. Thanks Anthony. I'm currently a MIM Jazz player looking to make the jump to a P. I'm ready for a fatter neck and sound. With that said, I'm a little torn beweetn this FAV II and the the American Profession II. Main concern is necks. Do you have any thoughts on the difference of these two Necks. Obviously my J bass is super thin so the change is pretty big. Like I said, I'm ready to get fatter but a little worried the FAV II is too fat. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks again. Oh, also what about weight is the FAV II much heavier that the AP II? Thanks again.
Weight - That's a big variable. I've seen heavy and light in both lines. Am Pro II is definitely a little thinner profile and width. Graphite Rods and modern truss access in the neck are a great addition. I personally gravitate towards the vintage thing, but enjoy the versatility of the Pro II's. Shoot me an email if you have any further questions anthony@empiremusic.com. Thanks for watching and commenting - Anthony
Sent you an email. Hankering for a 2nd P alongside my (actual) 1970 that I can string with flats and this may be the ticket. Hard to choose whether I need to shell out for custom shop or a ‘real’ one but it would be nice not to and still get a great bass
I agree! I think that majority or players I've sold too end up putting flats on a P-Bass regardless of era. Fender generally ships w/ rounds though, and I prefer to give a customer a representation of what they are going to receive. That said... FLAT ALL DAY!!! Thanks for watching - Anthony
American Original? Not 100% sure I agree w/ that. However, that's the glory of the videos, different models, and this platform for talking bass! Thanks for watching - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh I repent your right. After listening more I realized the vintage 2 is more low end warmer. I am wondering to buy this or customer shop
I noticed that but if you watch closely as he moves up and down the neck and the bass shifts around the apparent streak changes, presumably do to the cast of a shadow around that area. I suspect that at least in part it's due to an unfortunate placement and direction of an overhead light, possibly a studio light for the video shoot.
@@YTPartyTonight perhaps but I happen to be very picky about my wood grain, and I'm always on the hunt for even-streakless, almost ebony-like rosewood. I think it's getting rarer and rarer. I see one in maybe 20RW guitars having acceptable fretboards to me. It's unfortunate because I have to scour reverb and sweetwater every day until I get a hit. It can take years sometimes. The upside is, I've got a real beauty for life!
@@YourFavouriteColor Made-to-order from Musikraft in New Jersey is great source to absolutely top grade Fender type necks and for very fair prices, especially compared to Fender American Original necks. The quantity, range and quality options they offer are the best around for necks.
I'm a 67 year old 'beginner, and I have to say this Fender American Vintage 11 3-color Sunburst Bass is perfect! I bought the same Bass as yours direct from Fender.
Best decision I've ever made.
Gave up the Ukulele to learn Bass with this Fender American Vintage 11.
Finally a video of something other than the blue!
I used to have a 1962 Precision which was the best playing, best sounding bass I have ever had. I sold it after about 30 years and have suffered seller's remorse ever since. So this bass interests me greatly even if it is about 20 times the price I paid for my 62!
Awesome basses! Highly Recommended! Email me at anthony@empiremusic.com and we might be able to help you out on the $$. Thanks - Anthony
how much did you sell your 62 P bass for?
3:09 A round-laminated fretboard is just a relatively thin (compared to a slab board), curved piece of rosewood veneer that is glued to the neck. It is one piece of wood, not multiple layers. The curve follows the radius of the maple neck, while with the slab board, the neck is flat and only the fretboard has a radius.
Thank you for that explanation!
So much groove Anthony! Looking forward to a Jazz 66 Vintage II video!
Technically, this is Fender’s third addition to the AV series, as the second release was in 2012, the first in 1982. Slab rosewood board is going to give the bass a warmer tone over a maple or veneer rosewood over maple board. Overall, the bass sounds real good. Love the burst on this release as it reminds me of the FCS NOS 59 RI’s from the old Time Machine series. Well done!
Great video. Can’t wait to see one for the 50’s P Bass too!
Great bass! I have the Custom Shop version of this bass in Aged Black and with the heavy relic treatment. Playing it is like putting on that worn in, comfortable pair of jeans. The tone is just always "there". I have a 2011 AVRI '62 Precison in Olympic White too, and that has a slab rosewood fretboard, plays like butter. I always prefer the slab boards over the laminate. The just "feel" better to me.
Very nice. I'm dying to get my hands on the Vintage II 1954 P-bass reissue. And waiting for you guys to get one to review.
I swear to God Anthony if I closed my eyes I would have ssid this is a Maple neck with its bright tone!!!..you sound great on a P Bass!
So from what it sounds like the AO is a tad chunkier in the neck...I also agree that the AO sounds a little more clear or snappier if you will...
What is the ohm reading on the pickup? The PV63 was in the 12’s.
Is the truss rod adjustment( removing neck) a big deal?
How often realistically does it need doing?
Should it be a deal breaker for a rookie's first Pbass??
I like it for the laquer finish and the authentic reverse tuners. ❤
Great review, thank you! This new 60's pickup sound so sweeter then the cs63's, which is anything but a 60-ish pickup. I hope Fender will sell the new pickup separately.
I'm not sure on that yet. The pure vintage pup's have always been available, so it remains to be seen if these become after market options. I really like them! Thanks for watching - Anthony
they do now
Reserved the black one today. Thanks!
We have one in-stock NOW!! Call me at 412-343-5299 or email me at anthony@empiremusic.com
Excellent Bass, and only one step down from Custom Shop. I like how the neck is C shape instead of Thick C, and the voicing is year specific on this series, instead of decade span. It will always hold it's value, and will be around longer than us. Back up Bass unnecessary...lol
Fender round lam fretboards are not comprised of plies of the veneer. It's a single solid piece of rosewood, like a so-called slab rosewood fretboard is, the only difference is how the faces for glue lamination are milled with a radius instead of flat.
Yep... I totally stand corrected on that aspect. Should have done my homework better before stating that. I should be better. Thanks for the comment and info - Anthony
I bought the AO precisely because of the 9" radius fretboard. Having said that, I have the AV II '54 P on order.
Excellent instrument. Thats a lifetime friend.
Great demo, and best review to the 60s AVII that I have seen so far. Thank you. I hope you also soon make a demo to the 54 AVII 👍
We posted that video last week! Check it out on our page. Both basses are killer! Thanks for watching - Anthony
Great videos after watching many diff ones, this guy is Solid!!
Nothing like the great American precision bass
Gotta get me one of these!!
Pecora !!! great video bro!!!
Love the pickup on this one
I did too!! Fender nailed it! - Anthony
I would be rad if you get one of those new Fender ACB 50 amps to demo these fine P Basses!
I really love the sound of this one more than 58 Empire custom
Does the difference in output compared to the overwound PV63 pickup on the Am orig 60 make this pickup (PV60) sound weak and lack push in the low & low mids?
That wasn't something that I noticed at all, but did not do a side-by-side comparison. This line has been very very nice across the board. Thanks for watching - Anthony
Do you guys think that pickup sounds wayyyy darker than other Pbasses? I own one in daphne blue which I really like. But sometimes it feels like I could use one more turn on the tone knob to clear things up but then I find out its maxed out… it doesnt seem so dark in your video. I wonder if the bass was designed this way or if mine has something wrong? Its personality really shines with the tone knob backed off though. Never had a bass that sounded so dark and mid forward like that. Not even my former BB735 which was quite dark too
No... I can't say that was my takeaway from these. I'll have to listen with that in mind next time. I always feel the character of "vintage" spec pup's does lean darker, but this wasn't anything outside of the norm to me. Thanks for watching and the insight - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh thanks for checking it out! Im wondering if I need to have it serviced. Your input will help me deciding. It sounds really muffed especially when ABing it with my AO60s jazz
@@EmpireMusicPgh Nevermind. Found out I have tone suck problem through my pedalboard. The bass on its own is downright fabulous. Keep on the good work I love watching your videos
@@stingray-wolves not sure about that. They’re different. Am Pro 2 are awesome and sound really good , but with flatwounds the 1960 is unbeatable. And to me the feel in the hands is way better.
@@stingray-wolves bought my 1960 in october 2022. Kept rounds on it for 6 months and then put LaBella flats on it. Went through the 4 seasons (in Quebec) and the neck has not moved. Only set it up once like a week after bringing it home from the store and thats it. I also have an AO60s jazz bass and the neck is rock solid too
Still waiting for the black color review. Bcs i order this bass on black but she doesn’t coming yet.
Great Anthony!!!!
I like your reviews, you are always very professional, but honestly I preferred the last version. The 9.50 fretboard was very better.
I don't understand why they are returned in the past with these models...
They wanted to change it up... and honestly I enjoyed playing this one immensely. 7.25 never bothered me, but it's totally a personal thing. I can understand with sides. Thanks for watching - Anthony
Can you do a review of the jazz bass as well? no one has done a good review of it yet
As soon as we get them... I'll demo them! Thanks for watching - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh cool beans! great content as always
I love this bass! ❤
Sweet vid. Thanks Anthony. I'm currently a MIM Jazz player looking to make the jump to a P. I'm ready for a fatter neck and sound. With that said, I'm a little torn beweetn this FAV II and the the American Profession II. Main concern is necks. Do you have any thoughts on the difference of these two Necks. Obviously my J bass is super thin so the change is pretty big. Like I said, I'm ready to get fatter but a little worried the FAV II is too fat. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks again. Oh, also what about weight is the FAV II much heavier that the AP II? Thanks again.
Weight - That's a big variable. I've seen heavy and light in both lines. Am Pro II is definitely a little thinner profile and width. Graphite Rods and modern truss access in the neck are a great addition. I personally gravitate towards the vintage thing, but enjoy the versatility of the Pro II's. Shoot me an email if you have any further questions anthony@empiremusic.com. Thanks for watching and commenting - Anthony
another great review
whats the weight?
alignment of the strings seems more towards the treble side of the fretboard, anyone noticed that?
I didn't while playing! - Anthony
Should be strung with flat wounds for best authenticity. And remove plastic for presentation.
Sent you an email. Hankering for a 2nd P alongside my (actual) 1970 that I can string with flats and this may be the ticket. Hard to choose whether I need to shell out for custom shop or a ‘real’ one but it would be nice not to and still get a great bass
I don't see that email Marshall - anthony@empiremusic.com - please resend
@@EmpireMusicPgh resent it on Sunday
I say the full vintage experience demands FLATWOUND strings.
I agree! I think that majority or players I've sold too end up putting flats on a P-Bass regardless of era. Fender generally ships w/ rounds though, and I prefer to give a customer a representation of what they are going to receive. That said... FLAT ALL DAY!!! Thanks for watching - Anthony
One piece rosewood is where the pbass tone lives.
AOL sounds warmer and more low end
American Original? Not 100% sure I agree w/ that. However, that's the glory of the videos, different models, and this platform for talking bass! Thanks for watching - Anthony
@@EmpireMusicPgh I repent your right. After listening more I realized the vintage 2 is more low end warmer. I am wondering to buy this or customer shop
anyone else really bugged by the insane streaks in the rosewood??
I noticed that but if you watch closely as he moves up and down the neck and the bass shifts around the apparent streak changes, presumably do to the cast of a shadow around that area. I suspect that at least in part it's due to an unfortunate placement and direction of an overhead light, possibly a studio light for the video shoot.
@@YTPartyTonight perhaps but I happen to be very picky about my wood grain, and I'm always on the hunt for even-streakless, almost ebony-like rosewood. I think it's getting rarer and rarer. I see one in maybe 20RW guitars having acceptable fretboards to me. It's unfortunate because I have to scour reverb and sweetwater every day until I get a hit. It can take years sometimes. The upside is, I've got a real beauty for life!
@@YourFavouriteColor Made-to-order from Musikraft in New Jersey is great source to absolutely top grade Fender type necks and for very fair prices, especially compared to Fender American Original necks. The quantity, range and quality options they offer are the best around for necks.
AV II 60 better tone clarity than Avri63.
The dude sounds like a car salesman