Custom Shop Fenders, what's the attraction?

[FretlessEric]

These days there are so many Custom Shop Fenders being sold, obviously a successful approach by Fender as it continues with named luthiers or the so-called "team built" muddying the waters.

They are (from my perspective) extraordinarily expensive compared to non-CS and I wonder what entices people to pay that sort of money for, certainly playability-wise, what could be achieved with a model lower in the portfolio and a bit of time on the bench for much less money.

Parts can easily be bought after-market and changed so just what is it that people look for and (possibly) find in a CS version, is it the relic work, wood selection, case candy or simply the "prestige" of having one?

I'll add that my personal view is that Vintage reissues offer all that apart from the relic look, which I don't want.

I'm just interested, that's all.

Thanks.
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Still after a tweed Precision case.

[GAGA]

Usually the wood is a higher grade, in terms of the ash stuff it's often lighter swamp ash. Often nitro paint too which will let the guitar resonate a lot more compared to polyester. But still way overpriced imo.
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Geelong Guitar repairs

[FretlessEric]

Yes, I accept those points, although the widely used terms like "higher grade" are debatable, except where this is evident and visibly nicer or lighter. I'd suggest that these are not solely the reserve of CS though and selective shopping around will find attractive and/or light weight (if that is an arbiter of desirability).

Nitro too is available on other models, even Mexican made.

I'd like to find out if anyone (not necessary yourself GAGA) is an owner of a CS, what were your criteria that convinced you to stump up a fair sum of money?
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Still after a tweed Precision case.

[FretlessEric]

Ah, so no-one wants to 'fess up
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Still after a tweed Precision case.

[GeoffMison]

I've visited the Fender factory in Corona California. The main factory (Fender USA models etc) was 99.9% Mexican workers, the Custom Shop was 100% caucasian workers. In the Custom Shop each guitar is handled by one or two luthiers only whereas in the main factories each guitar is handled by about 30+ workers as it goes down the line. So attention to detail on the Custom Shop guitars is much different. I suppose it's like buying a production line car or a custom built car - both will get you from Point A to B but it depends on what makes you feel the best and what you can afford.
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[FretlessEric]

Thanks for your perspective, Geoff.

Interesting to hear but, to the end buyer who doesn't see that input and only sees the result, it comes down to what's in the shop, or on the used market come to that.

As you correctly say "what makes you feel the best", that's what I'm after finding out.

I do have a "few" Fenders (from MIM to later AVRI) and played many others from Chinese to Custom Shop instruments and I have my own assessment, I'm just interested in what sways other people into buying one and what makes them see value for money.

Still no answers from any buyers, I see...
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Still after a tweed Precision case.

[fender-picker]

I've had a Fender Custom Shop Tele and Strat, and to be honest, they were good, but nothing special, and I've played standard issue versions which were as good and in some cases better. I now use a custom made Tele from a local builder which is streets ahead of the Fenders.

[daphneblue]

Having had them all, there are good old Fenders, bad old Fenders, good new Fenders and bad new Fenders. It's what feels right and sounds great when you pick it up and play it that counts.

Funny what Geoff said...you'd think it'd cost more after 30 people had help make it rather than 2

[FretlessEric]

All good and valid comments but what do people actually LOOK TO FIND when considering a CS instrument? There is a considerable cost difference between, say, a Vintage Reissue or something similar, and a CS.

Knowing that the wood was good, it was finished in Nitro, good fit and finish and the electronics were good quality and at least a reasonable set up (something I don't see mentioned at retail outlets these days, but that's another question for another thread... hmm, I might start that one up) could be considered the fundamentals - in that ball park so what exactly does one expect above that for the money?
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Still after a tweed Precision case.

[FretlessEric]

I'm smiling at the "Journeyman" moniker; it gets a few unexpected knocks in the workshop and, rather than repair it, sell it for even more

I don't not-appreciate relics but, seriously, "King's new clothes" or what?

it seems that any "whatever-you-want-to-call-it-these-days" Vintage reissue series is quietly being pushed to the background so that CS models can be marketed. When compared to CS, I suggest that there was too much value.

I still see no comment from anyone who has actually gone out with intent to buy a CS, thanks for those that have added their own view but not quite what I was aiming at.
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Still after a tweed Precision case.