Fender Showmaster Scorpion Blowout

[bongolation]

Nobody seems to have posted anything about this blowout deal, so I will before they're all gone.

They're at Musician's Friend and at Guitar Trader (where they are temporarily out of stock) at $299.99, delivered. MSRP is $900.

Here's a better photo layout.

And a spec sheet...

Yes, I know a lot of people won't think of these as "real" Fenders, but they are actually very nice instruments. Made by Cor-Tek (Cort) in Korea, they have superior workmanship to typical MIA and MIM Fenders, particularly in fingerboard detailing. The pickups are US-made Fender humbuckers.

There are some single-pickup versions for the same price, but this seems the best deal.

I have one coming in tomorrow, and the folks who have already received theirs are extremely impressed!

 

[gvarko]

Nice!

Those are sweet, but then again I have always considered MIJ & MIM Fender's real Fender's.... I like the binding around the body, reminds me of the new Aerodyne Bass they are making...

 

[bongolation]

The "unFenderly" part isn't the country of origin so much as the configuration and specs:

Dual humbuckers
Carved top
Jumbo frets
Shallow fretboard radius
Set neck

...and soforth.

I've been looking for an axe like that and this came along. I don't really think of this as a traditional Fender, but it fits the bill and having "Fender" on it is probably worth a few bucks in itself. I don't think I've seen anything quite in this class for under $500 for a while.

I have also been extremely impressed with the Cor-Tek contract work they've done for FMIC over the past five years or so. The wiring is sometimes sloppy (though perfectly functional), but the fretboard work is usually immaculate - better than anything I see on US Fender or Gibson - and the finish is usually at least as good.

I'll know more about this one tomorrow when mine's delivered.

 

[bongolation]

It's here.

Amazing guitar. Utterly flawless, despite having taken a terrific beating in transit.

Perfect fret detailing, perfect finish, perfect binding. All the stuff US manufacturers can't seem to do at any price. Oh, and the thing is actually set up well.

One problem - and it's not unexpected - is that the selector switch is noisy. I think this is a construction issue rather than debris in the switch, or possibly it was damaged in shipment. I may try to repair the switch or see if I can get a replacement from Fender. The wiring is done well and the pots are quiet. The switch has to go.

It's indeed manufactured by Cor-Tek, as I suspected. While I love their work, I'm not crazy about their proprietary switches and jacks.

Sound? Incredible. Remarkably resonant and sustaining unplugged and very beefy when plugged in. I'm still trying to get the various sounds sorted out and to find a good jazzy rhythm sound with one of my amps, but I imagine it'll come in time.

Heads up: For those who love traditional Stratocasters and Telecasters, keep your eyes peeled for the new 2004 "Light Ash" MIKs (with US pickups) coming in - if they're from this supplier, they will be great.

Anyway, the Scorpion HH is an excellent guitar and most of you know how incredibly hard it is to get that rating from me.

 

[Monsterpop]

WOW,,that looks a real black beauty of a thing!
i need a guitar for a USA tour later this year,,and im sure i could use that!i got an ESP LTD last year for less than $300,,
and thats a great guitar too!
Thanks a lot for the link!

Nobody seems to have posted anything about this blowout deal, so I will before they're all gone.