Bass trade... What do you think?
 

I've got a 2002 MIM P. Black on rosewood. Leo Quan BA 2 bridge. Bassline pickups. Dig it cause I've had it for 10 years.

My buddy has a 1984-86 MIJ P. sunburst on maple. Stocks pick ups and bridge. He wants to trade.

They both feel pretty identical to me. Mine sounds a little gutsier with the Basslines.

But they're both great players. Looks like 80's MIJ's are going for double what a newer MiM is. Just wanna know what you all think.

I'd trade just because I like maple necks. I'm no help lol

I would keep the one you like. Who cares how much one is going for unless you're thinking about selling it.

FWIW, I'd do the trade and, if necessary, keep an eye out for used parts to upgrade later. A mid-80s Japanese will appreciate in value better than the MIM and, my personal, deservedly so. They just look and feel better in the wood. Only my tuppence and, TBF, I haven't looked hard at the most recent MIMs.

What makes you not like your current bass?

That's the way I am. My other 3 basses have maple. This would make a solid 4.

I like em both. That's what's tough. But I think I only like mine because we've been through 3 bands together. I don't like the black color or rosewood board.

I'm leaning that way

The color and fretboard. Feels almost exact to my buddies.

Attachment 316429
My current bass

Attachment 316430
My buddies

IF (and only IF) its a good trustworthy friend, trade him for a week or two with the agreement to trade back on a specific date ...

... after that, trade ONLY if it is agreeable to both parties .... AFTER you have each used the other bass for a time in your own scenario ...

.. or bring your bass to his gig (or rehearsal) and let him use it (with you there), and then have him agree to do the same for you ... then sit and talk about it again ...

... this is a case where you can ask opinions all day long ... you have them both in your hands, nobody can begin to know what is best for you ... JMHO

Yeah he's trustworthy. We have both borrowed each others hear before. We did a swap tonight to see how the opposite basses feel to us.

+1 this is the way to go

Barring any major problems, I'd make the trade. Mid-'80s MIJ Fenders were well-made. Does the serial number on his start with an "E" (E-Series)? I have one of those, and I love it. The original pickups were okay, but it really came to life with a Seymour Duncan SPB-1 replacement. Really nice vintage tone.

I would do the trade in a snap. Not only is the MIJ worth more but the MIJ basses are awesome and those maple necks are sick.

IMO your bass is worth $300. Add the bridge and PU.... $450-500 tops.

His bass is worth a bit more..... Maybe $550-600?

Neither will be collectible in our lifetimes, so keep yours unless you just love playing your buddy's bass.

I'm not you, I'm me. And for me, burst with maple wins! MIJ vs MIM is a nice upgrade IMHO.

My .02.

Good luck!

Don't get hung up on value. If yours plays great , you dig it and are happy with, I wouldn't chance it on another bass just because it might be worth a couple hundreds bucks more.

Value does not equate to better basses

Both basses look fantastic. I recently sold my black and rosewood MIM to a friend. He digs it and I miss it. That MIJ burst sure is a looker though. Can't go wrong either way.

If it was me, I would leap at the trade.

1. MIM and a dime a dozen.
2. Yours has been modded, which reduces value
3. Stock MIJ of that era are an investment
4. Quality wise, I will roll the dice and lean towards the MIJ
5. MIJ of that period are getting hard to find.
6. If it plays like butter, grab it.
7. DO NOT modify it with bridges, and pickups and stuff.