If I need to be crass, the AO line was a streamlined version of the AV series where they minimised the amount of models as well as details. For example the AV56 Strat was amazing and had an incredible neck, but the different 50's models were simply lumped into the AO50s, one single model (that also had a 9.5" radius for mainstream appeal).Mechanical Birds wrote: ↑Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:11 amRight but like, what else is it supposed to be? The AOs were pretty much the same as the AV ones with a few small differences. I just don’t know what they could have done all that differently with these things.
What it's supposed to be, if they were to be true to the AV line of '12-'17 that they're trying to bank on, would have the correct headstock shape, no Trump shade of orange tint on the neck, the old school style decal as on the AVs, and imo preferably F tuners, but Klusons were still being used in '66 so they get the OK on that one. I feel like I am repeating myself a lot now, so basically they went 90% there, and I think that's lame, end of story.
With that said, and many will realise the irony, is that when I had a custom Deep Seat Guitars Silverburst B&B Jazzmaster built, I specifically asked for the smaller headstock as it was a CUSTOM (read: fantasy) build, whereas Fender are trying to promote a 1966 reissue with specs that aren't totally true for a '66. So I don't aesthetically think it's bad necessarily, just not impressed with the level of quality Fender are offering at 2599€.
Lastly, my 58ri from 2018, the limited edition two tone sunburst one with the anodized guard, that one was clearly built during the same period as the AO line, but its details are much closer to the level of standard on the AV line, so this isn't about them not being able to do the research, it's simply them saving money. Remember when FMIC's CEO said that his collection of 60's offsets are bad guitars or whatever? Just because ol' man dunno how to setup the guitars? Or how Fender keep on saying in videos that they've "righted Leo's mistakes" etc because they've put on Mustang bridges instead? How they've been doing skunk stripes and incorrect block shapes for years, forward positioned vibratos on Jazzmasters, etc etc. They just don't give a shit and the public clearly do not either and continue to buy their stuff.
If you ask me, it's the opposite: the design team were like "well uh, what if we just added blocks? I mean no one'd notice the wrong headstock anyway. Amirite or am I right, team? Aye lmaoooooo, bump it brother, get some!"graceless wrote: ↑Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:49 ami can assure you that the design team is having a good laugh while they sit around a table because they know that no matter fkn what, the measurebators and 'purists' are never going to be happy because the goalposts are always going to move. finally got the b&b right? well the radius is wrong! finally got the radius right? well the color of the wiring is wrong! got the wiring right? the headstock is the wrong size!
I've said my thoughts, hoping the LPB one turns out sick nonetheless, who cares what some dogmatic, orthodox vintage masturbator on the internet thinks anyways, y'all have a good day, peace and prosperity to you all.
Long live Leo Fender!
