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Post subject: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:07 pm
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New Fender Bass lover here. Looking to purchase my first Fender Bass but as a newbie do I need to be concerned about where my Fbass was made? Made in Mexico, Made in Japan, Made in Indonesia (?). I know I can't afford a Made in the USA model, but should I be seeking Made in Japan only? How bad are the Made In Mexico's? Suggestions from experienced/non-experienced Bass enthusiasts welcome.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:38 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2012 3:08 pm
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The made in Mexico basses are professional level instruments that are priced lower than the Japanese and U.S. basses(check out the price list above). Play before you buy to find out which model bass fits your hands.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:10 pm
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Rock Star
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Location: North of Pittsburgh
Very sound advice. My thoughts exactly.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:16 pm
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Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:16 pm
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Location: In this country town, where the laughter sounds...
I agree with Dalembic, and Oxfan. I have no problem comparing my Mexican Fender Mustang to a Japanese Fender Mustang.

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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 6:10 am
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Rock Star
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Location: Albemarle, NC
Today's MIM instruments have never been better made.

I'm not a big fan of Fender Japan stock instruments as the electronics are never very robust on passive instruments. I think Fender MIM ones are electronically superior, but the Japanese ones have better fit & finish usually (but not always.)

Fender MIM Precision or Jazz Standards is MORE instrument than 95% of all players need. Having a USA Fender is nice for anyone, but most players have more invested than they really needed to invest to meet their need.

I figure with either Fender Japanese or Mexican models you are looking at a pickup upgrade eventually.

One particular model that is a total steal is the Mexican P-Bass Special. This MIM bass is amazing for the price. There have been some SPECIAL RUNS called FSR models in non-standard colors. If you should be lucky enough to run across one of those FSR ones, jump on it. Saw one in sea foam green with a white guard and it was a spectacular instrument. Here's a video of it and I'm looking for one in the Carolinas like this now. http://www.bassguitarvideo.com/fender-precision-bass-special-fsr-review/

I like about everything about the P-Bass Special except the neck profile, stock color scheme and the fact it is active only. It is a remarkable instrument for the money if you want an active bass though.

Another plus to the FSR special runs is that frequently they have non-stock body woods too. There have been ash bodied FSR model Standard P & J basses in the USA for a long time offered by Guitar Center and their online music dealer cousins like Musicians Friend/Music 123, etc. One has to wonder how long a FSR model can go on before it is no longer "special." Those FSR models have been offered so long that it is astounding. Another FSR model that has been real popular recently is the Antique finish ones.

There is no doubt the USA Standards are great and worth the money, but really the MIM Standards for most people are perfectly fine. The FSR, Road Worn and Classic Series MIM's are actually in some cases not just good instruments, but GREAT ones.

PLAY a bunch of them and buy the one you like best. A more expensive one isn't better if you don't like it. Here's my current MIM gigging P-Bass which started out as a 2004 Standard P-Bass:

Image

Image


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 9:26 am
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Professional Musician
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Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
It's exciting shopping for your first Fender, and a decision you will never regret.

If I was looking for a new Fender bass and could not afford a MIA, I would give the Carbronita a look - because it has that cool factor. I have no idea how it plays, but I would still look at it and give it a test drive.

MIM instruments are both very good quality and a very good value. Both Standard offerings are nice, and have a very loyal following here in SW Florida. Mexico would definitely be my next stop after USA.

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Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:46 pm
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Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:03 pm
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Thanks for the replies, Brother Dave! and others. I've been a bass lover to a while but have stuck to playing my guitar in my room alone for a while. I started purchasing some home recording equipment to put down ideas and decided to learn to play bass.

Brother Dave, I love that sunburst!


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Fri Apr 26, 2013 4:04 pm
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Professional Musician
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Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:56 am
Posts: 2766
Location: metro Chicago USA
'Use an MIM Precision for weekly church ensemble and it is a sweetie. Well over 300 outings.

'Bought an MIM Fretless Jazz in '00 and it's still a fave.

Yes, an American Standard is way above, but for a pure take out and play, in this opinion, the Fender MIMs are outstanding value-quality-sound-playability.

PS, both the Precision and Jazz look hot with covers, very early 60s retro. Takes a bit of getting used to for playing, tho.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:50 pm
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Rock Star
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Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
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Location: Albemarle, NC
Rchacon wrote:
....Brother Dave, I love that sunburst!
That's the "3 Color Sunburst." 2 color lacks the red treatment.


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Post subject: Re: MIM, MIJ, MIA Jazz or P-Fender Bass for newbie
Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 1:19 am
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Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
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Location: Athens, Greece
brotherdave wrote:
Image

Image


Your 2004 MIM Standard looks pretty close to an original NOS '66.


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