One of the reasons I dislike Fender, the company…yeah, I'm about as serious as a Vegas wedding.

[Rockonjp76]

Fender has had the same boring colors for their Mexican lineup for ages, they need to spice things up a bit.

 

[murmur70]

I like matching headstocks but only if they match the neck. I.e. I only really like maple boards.

 

[GreyBeard]

Lots of companies don't even offer sub-$1K basses. Of the ones that do, many don't offer matching heads.

If you'll kindly refer me to the many companies that offer you lots of matching head options under $1K I'll gladly refrain from asking the obvious question as to why this issue is specific to Fender (in your mind).

Ibanez

 

[catcauphonic]

When the carpet doesn't match the drapes, it can be a deal breaker for me, as well.

OP probably just threw Fender out there cuz that's what you see the most of. Not really a bash, but a frustration thread I detect

 

[Wesley R]

My wife (who encourages me to play and own gear) has a dislike for non-matching head-stocks, occasionally I take that in to consideration. Since she paid for my last bass and practice amp i let her dislike non matching head-stock.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

The reason I dislike Fender is because their owners The Kaman Company (and now several others) buy out other great companies, and then shut them down, after they steal their technology. Genz Benz, Ovation, Tacoma, Sunn Amps, SWR, and on and on. It's all big business. So sad, bet Leo and George are rolling over in their graves.

 

[JRA]

what matching headstock means to me:

 

[GBBSbassist]

I have a love/hate relationship with Fender. Matching head stocks don't factor into it though.

Same.

I don't really like matching head stocks all that much.

 

[CaseyJ]

Absolutely, Fender should ALWAYS spend more money to give us more features, but NEVER pass along those costs in the price of an instruments!!!!

I doubt that little amount of paint and clear coat is very costly.

 

[lz4005]

Didn't even notice it was fretless until I unplugged it and hung it back up!

I hope your designated driver got you home safely.

I doubt that little amount of paint and clear coat is very costly.

Bodies and necks are made separately and coordinating specific necks to specific bodies adds to manufacturing cost when the system is designed around necks for each model being interchangeable regardless of body color.
Matching paint batches when the bodies and necks are finished on separate lines adds cost. Not to mention added drying time for the extra layer of finish on the neck.

 

[Helix]

what matching headstock means to me:

View attachment 2856899

Damn!!......That is definitely the best bass for Metal!

And for poking a guitarist eye out

 

[mdogs]

I doubt that little amount of paint and clear coat is very costly.

Probably not, but what about the labor that it takes to tape it off and then paint it and clear coat it. Seriously, people should refrain from posting on subjects about which they have little knowledge.

 

[Turnaround]

They'll do this from time to time, but seldom with their basses under $1,000!
View attachment 2856766

Yah I agree. Who would ever put that colour on a thousand buck instrument! Makes it look cheap.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Probably not, but what about the labor that it takes to tape it off and then paint it and clear coat it. Seriously, people should refrain from posting on subjects about which they have little knowledge.

Yep, I was just going to mention that. I have painted a headstock before and it was a much bigger PITA than I bargained for.

 

[Two-Spirit]

They'll do this from time to time, but seldom with their basses under $1,000!
View attachment 2856766

Looks BA

 

[CalBuzz51]

Buy Warmoth. They will add matching laminate to the headstock if you want.

I think it's extra cost tho.

 

[buldog5151bass]

People buying less expensive instruments are a LOT less likely to want to pay for this - same reason they limit the body color choices.

 

[bassbully]

Is this a P or J bass..got a front pic?

 

[HolmeBass]

That's one. So using OP's own reasoning and taking it to its logical conslusion...

....we now hate everybody but Yamaha?

No, not at all! Only the basses with painted bodies from everybody but Yamaha.

Glad we could clear that up for you!

 

[HolmeBass]

The reason I dislike Fender is because their owners The Kaman Company (and now several others) buy out other great companies, and then shut them down, after they steal their technology. Genz Benz, Ovation, Tacoma, Sunn Amps, SWR, and on and on. It's all big business. So sad, bet Leo and George are rolling over in their graves.

I kinda wish they were better at stealing the technology and passing it on to us! Has Fender *ever* released an ABG anywhere near the quality of the Tacoma Thunderchief? I will answer it myself: NO! What is going on over there?