It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 8:15 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: MIJ fretless.
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 6:03 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:50 pm
Posts: 33
Anybody know anything about 90"s MIJ Jazz basses, in particular the fretless models? Just looking for pros and cons about quality, sound, etc. I have an opportunity to buy one. Thanks in advance.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:13 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:35 pm
Posts: 109
First of all, the models changed from Crafted in Japan (CIJ) to Made in Japan (MIJ) around '97 or so, but they are both great. The workmanship and electronics are good, and best yet, the rosewood fretless boards are unlined (side dots are where you need them - on the note).

My only complaint is that there's that typical A string "rattle" due to a lack of tension just above the nut, but that can be fixed with a little effort. In general , these are very well made basses and while they were inexpensive at the time, they have gone up in price recently. I bought my '97 lightly used in '99 for $190. These days, most of 'em go for $500+.

But, if it's in nice shape (check the truss rod and electronics), $500 or so is not a bad deal these days. In short, if it's a good player and reasonably priced, get it. It may go up more in value, but it's never going to pay huge diviends money-wise. It will, however, likely be a great-quality fretless for rather short money. I love mine.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:50 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:26 pm
Posts: 2849
Location: Green Bay, WI
FretlessOnly wrote:
First of all, the models changed from Crafted in Japan (CIJ) to Made in Japan (MIJ) around '97....


It's the other way around.

_________________
Rez(# 30916)
'89 Power Jazz Bass Special-BadAssIII, EMG P/J
Project PBass-EMG PX, Schaller BM Light Tuner
'05 Aerodyne JBass
'06 Spector Legend Custom Neck Through
VT Bass
Hartke TA5000 w/XL Cabs(210, 410, 115)


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:47 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:50 pm
Posts: 33
What were the bodies made of in the 80s & 90s? I know necks were maple w/ rosewood.


Top
Profile
Post subject: body wood
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:21 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:24 pm
Posts: 175
A good rule of thumb for Fender is that if the body has a solid paint finish it's probably alder (w/exceptions - see below). If the finish is transparent and the grain is pronounced it's probably ash.

In general the cheapest Fenders (and Squiers) are basswood or agathis. The best way to be sure is to research the instrument you have the question about with a reputable source of info.

Also note that Fender sometimes has a maple laminate over a basswood body, so you really can't go by the grain or paint job and be totally sure. Just remember that ash and alder are heavier than basswood and agathis, and more expensive as well.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:16 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:00 am
Posts: 1226
Location: In the pocket north of Washington D.C.
I just bought a "Made in Japan" fretless Fender Jazz bass.

It sounds great, the bass neck is a very pretty piece of maple and the rosewood fingerboard is a very dark and consistent looking piece of rose wood. The body is black and I assume that it is alder.

I like the sound of it but I am going to add some shielding to try to eliminate the single coil hum when the pickups are soloed.

The quality of this instrument is very good and that will drive up the price.

_________________
If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: