The other Dimension

You've read about the Fender Dimension bass here; how it started as an affordable Fender model & now being offered as a Standard & Deluxe American models (the very affordable Modern Player version is still available, no worries). This 2015, the Dimension trickles down into the Squier range & it's offered in a 5-string version as well. If you are not too keen with the P/J type basses, the Dimension should be worth checking out.

Fender: Modern Player Dimension bass

Another adventure in the Chinese territory- the Modern Player Dimension bass. The Chinese origin always gets the flak even before getting started. If you wish to implore the fact that such instruments are actually disguised duds, then it's entirely up to you; there is no compulsion for embrace. However, upon a chance encounter, do not forget to acknowledge (no praises necessary) the fact that the MP Dimension bass is a well-made instrument through & through (Disclaimer: Test model is not always a true representation of the herd). What might be a little objectionable here is the fact that the Dimension bass manifests a neck diving encounter when played sitting down; we do note the scaled down body as opposed to the P & J basses. Strapped on, it's a different story.

Tone-wise, you won't hear a specific single coil affair coming from a 'Fender'; the pickup is a Triple bucker, it's inclining towards a Stingray affair, more than anything else. Then again, it's not an accurate inclination but it's in this territory & that would be a good reference. Another displeasure here is the fact that there's no tone control, you get a 5-way rotary selector manipulating the triple coil's various possible combo; from a compromised single coil to a real humbucking affair & everything else in between. Again, upon a chance encounter, so acknowledge the fact that this bass sounds contemporary & there's no hiding its move away from its immortal P & J siblings. Slap players looking for an affordable humbucking instrument would be rewarded with those deep but defined tones.

As far as I am concerned, the Modern Player series are very acceptable permutations of traditional Fender takes & they should be treated with respect. Dissenters out there would highlight the fact that it's a product from the Chinese Squier factory, one which had been re-labelled into a 'Fender'. That's absolutely true but its sheer goodness is present for your consideration. Recommended.

Fender: Modern Player Dimension bass

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: $699

Fender: American Standard Series... a little expansion

The good people at Fender have announced some additions to the American Standard series. The manufacturer promises the unwavering build & quality of the good 'ol American Standard with some fine revisions. I'm attracted to these 3:

The Dimension bass has gone HH with a pickup selector option. We are looking at more Fender basses withe selector options & it's a good thing because bass geeks can now switch pickups on the fly & won't be second fiddle to guitar dweebs in this aspect.

The Strat receives a dual humbucking treatment (not the first time, though) but the humbucker might be acquired taste for some; it's inclined towards the vintage tone but a more full sounding take.

The other dual humbucking newbie I would like to check out has to be this Tele; finally, there's a full humbucking Tele in the American Standard range. It seems that the manufacturer had always kept a single coil in there but this time it's a full-sized humbucker in both positions. 

Thank goodness, there are absolutely no robot tuners in any of these darlings. Top marks to Fender this round.