Hot or Not? New Fender Standard Series - made in Indonesia

[bsman]

“We wanted to make Fender more affordable and to a wider amount of people”: Fender launches new $599 Standard Series lineup – and it marks a major shift for one of America’s most iconic guitar brands

The Indonesian-built Standard series brings the concept of an affordable Fender back to the table – and it’s the greatest show of faith yet in its facility

www.guitarworld.com

Fender launching a new line of poplar-bodied guitars reportedly (by Andertons) made at the Cort plant in Indonesia. What say you?

Pros: Wooden truss rod plug, reasonable specs
Cons: ceramic pickups, laurel FBs

 

[jrockbridge]

I like the idea of getting iconic, yet affordable, guitars in the hands of more players.

 

[jp_nyc]

These are basically Squier instruments that cost more because they have a Fender logo on the headstock.

 

[jrockbridge]

These are basically Squier instruments that cost more because they have a Fender logo on the headstock.

Are you saying they're charging too much for that logo?

 

[baimun]

These are basically Squier instruments that cost more because they have a Fender logo on the headstock.

The true test will be specs on the thickness, contours, neck pocket, etc… there are many Squire instruments with thinner bodies or slightly different neck pockets… where the MIM and USA are much more compatible.

 

[bsman]

These are basically Squier instruments that cost more because they have a Fender logo on the headstock.

Sort of reminiscent of the modern player MIC series…

 

[Honkridge]

That burgundy one looks nice. The rest are meh...

In my experience Poplar is too heavy and sounds dead. Basswood would have been a much better choice and still kept the price down. I'll admit that Basswood soaks up more paint though...

 

[PunkKitty]

I'd rather buy a Squier CV.

 

[Dogsinplastic]

You folks seemed to cover my thoughts, that the Squier CV and Paranormal series are much more appealing options than these. The part that gets me, cuz I'm old, is that my '92 Am Std Strat was about $595... Yeah, it's been 33 yrs (holy FUCK!), but this price seems too high for where it's made. I have had a hard time buying new gear based on what shit costs now, and I assume that I'm alone. It's not logical, cuz I get inflation, but "back in my day..."