Opinion Needed

Mike 257 · #1 03-09-2011, 12:31 PM

Hello everyone, Wanted to get some feedback here. Im about to buy my first bass, Im 48 yrs old and will probably buy one bass in my lifetime. If I can learn to play halfway decent in the next few years I might possibly buy a second.

Now I know some will say I should buy something cheaper untill I see if I like bass but that now how I do things. I have this narrowed down to the Macus Miller Signature or an American Standard with maple neck. Im not crazy about the MM being made in Japan and not sure I need the extra stuff on the MM . My other problem is I dont see any new American Standards with the natural colored body and maple neck like the Marcus Miller, So if I go with the American Standard it seems I will be limited to the color black .

skwee · #2 03-09-2011, 01:23 PM

I have found the Japanese-made instruments to be great. You might want to look for a used instrument as well: less expensive, and if you get a good one, all the kinks are worked out for you already.

Mike 257 · #3 03-09-2011, 01:29 PM

Thank you , I was thinking about looking for something used as well but then knowing how I am I will end up in the vintage section .

FretlessMainly · #4 03-09-2011, 01:51 PM

Is your concern the quality of the Japanese instruments or just that you would prefer to buy American? I have two Made/Crafted in Japan Fenders and they are of excellent build quality. In the early 80s, when the American-made Fenders were at a real trough in terms of quality (there are still plenty of good ones, but the 70s and 80s produced some real variability), the American Fender management took a number of employess over to Japan to see how the Japanese were making the Japanese Fenders - to show them what build quality was all about.

If the Japanese instruments have a weakness, it is, ironically, in the electronics. Not that they are bad; they just aren't as good as some other electronics on other Fenders. You can get a MIJ/CIJ Fender bass used in the ~$600 ballpark and they are generally very well worth it.

But at the end of the day, get one that feel comfortable in your hands and sounds great to your ears. Looks are nice, but nothing beats a smooth playable axe that sounds just like you want it to.

Mike 257 · #5 03-09-2011, 02:03 PM

Yes my concern with the Japan made is quality. I have very little knowledge of guitars but I have always been under the impression that the American Made Fenders were the best . Although after reading here seems some dont have a problem with MIM ,or MIJ .
For me I just want to try and get something I could play for a long time . In my mind Im thinking I cant go wrong with and American Made instrument Used or new. Im comfortable spending up to $1200 if I find something for less that would be great. I am a little leery about buying used since I know very little I dont even know what to look for beside visual defects, that is the only reason I would lean toward buying new.

BassCentral · #6 03-10-2011, 08:28 AM

Hey Mike,
Can't go wrong with a Jazz!
Concerning your question about Japanese quality... the earlier posters are correct about CIJ/MIJ instruments. I actually own a MIJ non-export 75RI (picked up on vacation) and it's my main bass right now. I DID change out the hardware and pickups (altho my particular model did have the US p/ups) and IMO it could stand with any J I've played (in all fairness it IS heavier than the equivalent US75RI's...). Alos, having played/inspected MANY MM basses, I can tell you that they are a good deal for the money/quality and you shouldn't be disappointed. THAT being said, the American Standard Jazz is a great bass as well. FYI, they offer Maple boards with all 'standard' Standard colors. At this time we've got Black/Maple, 3tsb/Maple and Olympic White/Maple IN STOCK! PM to you with pricing on the way.

Mike 257 · #7 03-10-2011, 08:06 PM

Thank You Bass Central for the info and also the pricing. I will be contacting you soon for my first purchase .

kevin_lindsay · #8 03-21-2011, 04:36 PM

So Mike257, did you get your order placed?

If so, welcome to the bass brotherhood, and also - which bass did you opt for???

Mike 257 · #9 03-21-2011, 10:21 PM

Kevin

I have not placed an order yet got a few things I need to take care of first, I will be ordering within the next few weeks.

Jeff K · #10 03-23-2011, 10:12 PM

Mike, if I were you, I'd snag that Olympic White/maple American Standard if they still have it. The new American Standards ('08 and newer) are excellent basses. I have an '08 Am. Std. Jazz and an '08 Am. Std. Precision. Very nice tone, looks, craftsmanship, and comfort. Good luck!

oldsalt · #11 03-25-2011, 12:14 AM

My opinion, for what it's worth.
If you are only going to own one bass, go for the American Standard Jazz. It's the gold standard in basses for a reason. Versatility, classic design & worldwide recognition. Nothing quite cuts through a mix like a passive J. The newer models are incredible! I played 140 shows last year on a new Jazz & was constantly asked whether it was a vintage bass or not.
On a different note, everyone is steering you right about the Japanese basses. The quality is top notch & disappointment won't be a factor at all.
That said, my vote is still for the American J. It's the most copied bass in history. As a beginner, you will be more focused on other things. Don't crowd your focus with having to worry about the extra features of the MM. It is a wonderful bass! It also has it's own sound. But, if you are going for that classic "bass" sound & feel, there is really only one place to get it & that's the American Standard series.
Again, just my opinion. You can't go wrong with either choice, really. I'd ask myself what the end result I'm looking for is & go with whatever gets me there more efficiently.
Peace!

steamthief · #12 04-12-2011, 11:20 AM

Get the '75 Jazz RI - natural finish, Made in America, and the bound and blocked neck!