Fortress vs. Fender --- Need your help please !

[jlan]

Hi,

I am currently looking for a 5-string active WW. I am offered a trade for my Fender Am Dlx J-Bass V (ash) and get a Fortress One (5er) in very good ++ condition. My Fender is 2-year old, and in excellent condition, except that it needs a setup.

Do you think this trade is well balanced, or am I going to lose too much money ?

PS. I know most of you prefer any WW to any Fender, but here I'm rather speaking financially.

Thanks in advance,
Jean

PPS. Not sure I posted in the appropriate forum. Please move if I was wrong.

 

[Florin]

Hi Jean,

I cannot comment on money difference, this is different from country to country anyway.

I also like Fenders too, some of them.

Trying to be objective, I think you make a very good deal soundwise. I don't like the 5 strings Fenders, their low B is not comparable with the Warwick's.

My 2 cents

 

[Owdkasd]

I love Many 4 string Fenders but never found a 5 string Fender that was acceptable> I tried many many times but they just don't cut it. After 30+ years I Got a Warwick & could kick myself for not trying them out sooner. If the Fortress 1 has a Flamed Maple Body, It's worth even more. I'm sure it was pretty expensive when new. The Wenge necks are Sweeeet. Honestly the Warwick is in a class well above the Fender. The newer Fender 5R's have gotten better but You should make the Swap in my opinion. Good Luck

 

[jlan]

OK, thanks for your inputs, and yes, probably I better forget the money thing and do that deal. Anyway, my appraisal on the money difference does not go past 200 euros or so. Not a big deal.

Yes I need a stronger B string, and I also need a neck that resists better to string tension. From my long-time luthier, the mistake Fender commit is mounting .045/.130 sets on necks that are not solid enough to handle them.

Guess these "maybe 200 euros" will be the price of serenity.

Thanks again,
Jean

 

[Pedro]

OK this is very much my opinion and could be very wrong, but if you want a bass with a much fuller tone than definately go for the Fortress. If you want something a little sharper and more prominent, but less rounded and beefy, go for the fender.

As i say, this is only from what I can gather hearing recordings of both basses, so could be a load of BS lol