Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

I would love to have one of those new Select Jassmasters... the channel-bound fretboard being one of the reasons for my desire.

They're cool enough for Guthrie Govan to show off his in his latest PG rig rundown.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

sosomething said:
They're cool enough for Guthrie Govan to show off his in his latest PG rig rundown.
Click to expand...

...because that's his job. Sure, it is a novel way of construction but "no, thanks", they're apparently not cool enough for me.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

So many fun-suckers sucking the fun out of these things! :laughing:

It's just a neat-o way to make you say "oh, cool" :laughing:
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

I think it looks fantastic. I wouldn't expect any unusual problems more than a traditionally bound neck. As Crusty said, I too have never had a problem with the feel of the joint between neck and fretboard. I think this is actually a cost-saving measure to have a bound fretboard look without having to do the binding. It certainly is unique (which may add to sales).
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

On a traditional, unbound, Fender neck, if you can feel an edge between the fingerboard and the rest of the neck, something has shrunk differentially.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

BrianS. said:
Could this be a way to use laminated fretboards without having to tell customers? Just a cynical thought that popped into my head.
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I don't think a laminated board is a bad thing at all. Its just perceived as bad.

If Fender went along with this, could be a thinner rosewood fretboard. Remember the round-lam boards?

My vote is for a rosewood neck with a very nice quartersawn maple fingerboard - perhaps baked to a light caramel color. :D
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

vinta9e said:
...because that's his job. Sure, it is a novel way of construction but "no, thanks", they're apparently not cool enough for me.
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Guthrie does not have a Fender endorsement.

What's your problem, here?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

I'm pretty sure he, in fact, doesn't.

He's got a few prototypes of a sig model but there is no deal in ink nor are the protos anything more than a couple of one-offs.

My point merely being that he has no financial or other incentive to talk about the guitar besides plain old enthusiasm over a cool guitar.

Govan is a gearhead like the rest of us. It shouldn't be inconceivable that he could be genuinely excited about something he recently acquired.

I think some of you dudes try so hard to be "realists" that you back yourselves into some pretty cynical corners. But whatever. I don't actually care.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
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Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

It looks cool and it's a cool idea. Given that these are only on the Fender Select (aka expensive) series, I doubt anyone will see them in a Squier or MIM guitar anytime soon.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

I'm pretty sure that Ibanez does the same thing on a few RGs within the Premium guitar line, which has been around for quite a while now.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

Sorry if I was being an asshat. Being sick of followers' cults is my only excuse.

Now whether you see the inlaid board as a stylish feature or as waste of wood is a matter of opinion.
I actually prefer the first Select Series' look, especially on strats.
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

vinta9e said:
Sorry if I was being an asshat. Being sick of followers' cults is my only excuse.

Now whether you see the inlaid board as a stylish feature or as waste of wood is a matter of opinion.
I actually prefer the first Select Series' look, especially on strats.
Click to expand...

No worries here.

I'm more fan than fanboy when it comes to Guthrie Govan, but I do get the impression that if he likes something, it's because it serves some practical purpose for him and I do take note of that kind of personal endorsement.

Regardless, I think channel bound fretboards are novel and interesting. It might constitute a waste of wood at the molecular level, but not in the tangible sense that it's still a neck and a rosewood blank being mated via one method or another.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

Looks like they found a way to make it cheaper. less hand finishing. . Cheap does not usually equate to better sounding, but you may know how I feel about the tone of new guitars anyway, so no point in beating that dead horse. Probably won't matter much. A gimmick to save money.
 
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Re: Fender's New "Channel Bound" Fretboards

Looks cool, but I think they are solving a problem that doesn't really exist...?
 
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