80's E series MIJ Precision (how does it stack up against USA version?)

[Rat Blitz]

I've been looking for a Precision for a while and have found a great deal on sunburst 1980s MIJ model with serial number starting in E.
I'm just wondering how this would stack up against American versions from the same time period or the MIM 50's Classic version?
My last "basic" Precision was MIM Standard version from about 2001 and to tell you the truth I didn't care too much for it. But I've played some older 70s and 80s American versions that sounded great.
I've got an 90s MIJ Jazz (and a 80s Tokai Jazz) and I love both of them.
Don't tell me to check it out first because of course it's a 3 hour drive (as always it seems) and I like to do my research before buying.
Cheers

[Personatech]

To be honest, every 80s MIJ Pbass I've ever hoisted has been a blast. I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing a seafoam green/maple one that was on sale a while back.

[genstormbringer]

Originally Posted by Rat Blitz

I've been looking for a Precision for a while and have found a great deal on sunburst 1980s MIJ model with serial number starting in E.
I'm just wondering how this would stack up against American versions from the same time period or the MIM 50's Classic version?
My last "basic" Precision was MIM Standard version from about 2001 and to tell you the truth I didn't care too much for it. But I've played some older 70s and 80s American versions that sounded great.
I've got an 90s MIJ Jazz (and a 80s Tokai Jazz) and I love both of them.
Don't tell me to check it out first because of course it's a 3 hour drive (as always it seems) and I like to do my research before buying.
Cheers

for a time in the 80's MIA was MIJ

[kenjikun]

The '80s MIJ Fender specifically those from JV, SQ, A and E series were the best at that time.

[BigOldHarry]

These were underrated bases at the time... Good, solid instruments. I liked the P-bass lyte myself... Aside from the stupid name, the bass was dandy.

[Catbuster]

MIJ Fenders are underrated... An 80s P was my first bass.

I'll go so far as to say it was the best bass I've ever owned.

[Instagator]

Originally Posted by Personatech

To be honest, every 80s MIJ Pbass I've ever hoisted has been a blast. I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing a seafoam green/maple one that was on sale a while back.

I got it..



I'm a big fan of the MIJ Basses..

Cheers.

[paganjack]

Originally Posted by genstormbringer

for a time in the 80's MIA was MIJ

Truth. There were 2-3 years there where there was no American Fender plant operational. I think '84-'86. E-series falls into that time slot. They're phenomenal basses.

I have an MIJ Fender E-series P bass. It is the one bass I will NEVER sell.

[banikek]

I have an 83 E series MIA precision and an E series Squier MIJ Jazz. Both are very nice and the Squier is very respectable. They have both been used at many gigs over the years and when I take one I do not take a backup. I will be keeping both for a long time.

[Marton]

I have one, which is pretty much not original. The guys before me changed the pickup, tuners and pickguard. I changed the body because the other was too heavy. But, wow, the neck on this bass is probably the most comfortable I ever played.

[Marton]

Mine is a 1989 by the way, serial E9.

[Basshappi]

They are every bit as good as American made Fenders and in most cases they are better.

[SpecialBlender]

Back in the mid 80's I was looking for a new bass & decided I wanted a Precision. Turns out there was a sale on and I tried out a bunch of them, everything from Squires to MIA. I forget the amp I used but when trying out basses I set all EQ flat and then see what kind of sound I can get just from the bass itself. There wasn't one I liked, just couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about Precision basses. Just as I was hanging up the last Pre in the store they had their first P Lyte delivered. Friend of mine that worked there said I should try it out and said I would be hooked. He was right. Soon as I plugged it in the sound I was looking for in my head jumped right out of the amp. Only reason I sold it was when I made the switch to my Yamaha TRB5II. I had trouble switching between the 2 which was my first goal. Times were tough and I sold the P Lyte to a friend. The agreement was I get first shot at it if he decides to sell. Hasn't happened yet but I'm still hoping.

[Jacob J]

I had a 1984 E serie P, white, tort pickguard, maple board. And I tell you it was great bass. I think body was made of basswood because it was surprisingly light. Also it had reverse tuning heads to which I immediately get used to. The only strange thing was that lacquer on the fingerboard had been peeling off at some spots. I only sell this bass to get a 77 P. The 77 is significantly heavier, but the sound is fatter with a longer sustain (which is also due to Bad Ass II I think). On the otherhand I got a little bit more bark with 84 MIJ. Anyway, you can´t go wrong with MIJ E serie, soundwise you can get close to the American made counterparts, quality of build is at least equal but you gonna pay less $$ for it.

[A-Step-Towards]

Originally Posted by paganjack

Truth. There were 2-3 years there where there was no American Fender plant operational. I think '84-'86. E-series falls into that time slot. They're phenomenal basses.

I have an MIJ Fender E-series P bass. It is the one bass I will NEVER sell.

I got an 86 in the classifieds right now (shameless plug) awesome bass, really good basses move on it if you can.

[Personatech]

Beautiful bass, but probably not the one. The one I should've grabbed was at a pawn shop in Wilson, NC. Let me know if you want to let that one go, though!

Originally Posted by Instagator

I got it..



I'm a big fan of the MIJ Basses..

Cheers.