Fender Basses

[pica]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a search and didn't find an answer.

Is there really much difference in sound between the MIM Fender Jazz and the American made Fender Jazz? I know the woods used are different and the electronics are different but does that really affect the sound to be noticeably different.

[Nobody]

Some say yes. Some say no. Try some and let your ear tell you.

[ysand]

Really?
You searched for something like "MIM vs MIA" and you found nothing?

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by pica

I'm sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a search and didn't find an answer.

Is there really much difference in sound between the MIM Fender Jazz and the American made Fender Jazz? I know the woods used are different and the electronics are different but does that really affect the sound to be noticeably different.

All basses sound, look, feel, and play exactly the same, amps too - just ask anyone.

[pica]

Originally Posted by ysand

Really?
You searched for something like "MIM vs MIA" and you found nothing?

Yea, I typed MIM Fender vs. American Fender and did not find the answer I was looking for.

[spade2you]

SX basses are $11

[pica]

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

All basses sound, look, feel, and play exactly the same, amps too - just ask anyone.

If I wanted a smart ass answer I would have asked my 12 year old brother.

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by pica

Yea, I typed MIM Fender vs. American Fender and did not find the answer I was looking for.

Hmm, I found 959 "MIM vs MIA" results.

[PaulDouglas]

I have a MIM-P that out plays a MIA P-Bass in feel and out-put.
Hell, I have a 10 year old Squire-by-Fender Delux P (P bridge and a J bridge pups) that out plays a MIM.
Then again, Bass "A" will play differently then bass "B" or "C" and so on all from the same lot. Play many Basses and then pick the best one for you:
Trust your fingers and ears; forget labels......

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by pica

If I wanted a smart ass answer I would have asked me 12 year old brother.

Sorry pica, it depends who you talk with but the answer is yes (not all MIA are the same either).

[Collider]

Try both and see what you think...

[Nobody]

Originally Posted by spade2you

SX basses are $11

and worth it.....

[darkstorm]

The sound diff between two basses who only diff is body woods who have recognized diff tonal char between them will result in two basses with small diff between them tone wise. When you also add in diff pups the tone diff becomes bigger between them esp if diff types of pups such as P and soapbar. Try a few and go for the one with nicest for you tone and playability. That may or may not be the more expensive one. Sometimes lower priced version can have pups whose tone one likes better, or one might prefer unfinished.not painted neck for playability which is often only found on lower price models.

Too answer your question spec about the two j basses. Tone diff will be there but not as big as if one was comparing basses with diff pup types in most cases.

[pica]

Thanks for your explanation darkstorm. Much appreciated.

[SuperSnake2012]

For me the biggest difference is in the quality of the necks. MIAs will tend to have nicer necks with a better finish. However, I own several MIM guitars that play and sound great. Swapped out the pickups of my MIM Jazz for SD's though. I have a MIM player's deluxe Strat that's 100% that sounds fantastic. So I would just go out there and get which ever sounds best to you.

[Fendr1320]

And keep in mind that, strictly sound-speaking, you can get a cheaper MIM (as long as you love the way it plays) and put any aftermarket pickup you want in it to change the sound. You can even put authentic MIA pickups in a MIM if you want.

And that's all assuming you find the MIM sound lacking. I wouldn't assume there's one unless you try them both and compare and come to that conclusion on their own. MIAs are great, don't get me wrong, but you don't have to assume that you're going to like them better.