MIM Fender basses - Page 4

Dredmahawkus · #61 12-05-2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward G.

FWIW, GC could greatly boost its sales of stringed instruments by setting them up well before putting them out on the sales floor. I've only rarely handled an instrument there that didn't need a complete setup overhaul. This could have at least something to do with your experience.

I realize that....even my MIM I just bought needed a setup.....but the MIA I played just didnt feel right in my hand. like unbalanced.

the 2nd MIM like mine I played it felt like the fretboard was coming apart! besides the terrible setup.

for my next guitar I am going to build a Warmoth. Super quality unique yet still looks and feels like a jazz..cost of building even less then buying a MIA...and much better quality. you pay for name on the headstock.

xray · #62 12-05-2012, 01:34 PM

I have a Squier vintage P, MIM 50's P and a CS '64 Jazz NOS - they all play great after a good set up and the right strings. At one time I had a Squier CV Jazz and set it next to the CS Jazz - below the head stock they both looked identical and played nearly as well to boot.

Personally, I've had pretty good luck with Fender and all their lines. If you read every post on TB and make your decision off that, you'll be chasing your tail for a long time to come. Good luck on the slippery slope!

klejst · #63 12-05-2012, 01:58 PM

I too have played and owned my share of great MIM Fender's over the years. Like with anything there can be duds. My only bass currently is a Made in Korea Fender P and say what you wish, however the thing is just awesome.

tdub0199 · #64 12-05-2012, 02:06 PM

I have 2 MIM P's and both are really great players and have a great sound... One is a 2006 and the other is a 2011.....

rknea · #65 12-05-2012, 02:11 PM

Interesting thread with lots of good information!

I currently play a MTD KZ5 that I've done some upgrades on, but I'm looking for a decent fretless for some jazz work.

Right now I'm looking at an '02 MIM fretless jazz that on CL looks pristine. I know I'll probably need to upgrade the pups to something like Seymore Duncan quarter pounders or the like to get a better output.

Other than that what do I need to really be careful of? I don't have a lot of Fender experience so anythng would be appreciated!

GRAHAM SG1 · #66 12-05-2012, 02:54 PM

Has there ever been an MIM bass without a gap between the neck and the neck pocket, I have not seen one yet, its this kind of build detail that can let a bass down badly IMO

bgavin · #67 12-05-2012, 04:08 PM

I've had three, and do not remember seeing this at all.

Buster Brown · #68 12-05-2012, 04:39 PM

We all know that ANY bass can be "hit or miss", but I recently bought one of the MIM Antigua Precision basses and I couldn't be happier with it. Really nice bass!

xray · #69 12-05-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRAHAM SG1

Has there ever been an MIM bass without a gap between the neck and the neck pocket, I have not seen one yet, its this kind of build detail that can let a bass down badly IMO

Not present here. Between my Squier, MIM and CS there's little to no gap. They're all post 2010 builds.

Deepwoods · #70 12-05-2012, 04:57 PM

Gigged with mine (2008) for the second time Saturday night. It is stock and strung with Chromes. It sounded fantastic through my TH500 plus it matched the outfit! Stayed in tune and felt very solid under duress. These are great bang for the buck, easily modded basses. Mine is under 8.5# which is a bonus because we played straight through 2 hrs 45 min. (snuck in a piss break while the keyboard player did some instrumental muzak).

meatwad · #71 12-05-2012, 05:05 PM

What a shame, when people judge an entire company's product line based upon Guitar Center's current inventory.

Edward G. · #72 12-05-2012, 06:50 PM

GC just peddles it. All they care is that it sells.

electracoyote · #73 12-05-2012, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xray

Not present here. Between my Squier, MIM and CS there's little to no gap. They're all post 2010 builds.

I've seen gaps in about half the Fenders I've played, all price points, all countries of origin.

I'm also of the opinion it is usually an exagerrated, meaningless non-issue.

Edward G. · #74 12-05-2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

I've seen gaps in about half the Fenders I've played, all price points, all countries of origin.

I'm also of the opinion it is usually an exagerrated, meaningless non-issue.

Word. It's almost strictly an issue of aesthetics, which are not unimportant but do not affect the sound. A gaping neck pocket joint just looks bad. That having been said, no one can hear a wide neck pocket in a recording or a live performance, nor is it visible from any audience. If that's the kind of thing that can make you play poorly, that's really a shame. This is not a make-or-break issue under typical circumstances, IMO.

electracoyote · #75 12-05-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward G.

Word. It's almost strictly an issue of aesthetics, which are not unimportant but do not affect the sound. A gaping neck pocket joint just looks bad. That having been said, no one can hear a wide neck pocket in a recording or a live performance, nor is it visible from any audience. If that's the kind of thing that can make you play poorly, that's really a shame. This is not a make-or-break issue under typical circumstances, IMO.

Yeah, I guess if it gaped that big as to be noticeable, that would be an aesthetic issue, but most of the gaps and resulting complaints I see and hear are for very small gaps that don't detract functionally or cosmetically in the slightest.

bh2 · #76 12-06-2012, 12:46 AM

The neck fit on mine is as tight as a ducks arse... superb build quality on this one...

Thought I'd have to swap out the pups but they sound great.

It's a 2002 model.

GRAHAM SG1 · #77 12-06-2012, 03:51 AM

My MIM P is about a 2005 model and has a gap big enough for two or three sheets of paper on the top and bottom of the neck, my Antigua J 2012 has a gap big enough for one sheet of paper to slip in, I will put pics up to show .
They are both nice basses and play well so no big issue in reality, the gap is an indication of build quality though, would you accept a car or piece of furniture that has differing body panel gaps ?

bh2 · #78 12-06-2012, 05:20 AM

Only mod I did was to swap out the rather weak machines for some Wilkinsons...

They're a copy of the Fender 70's style.

Lock solid.

gary m · #79 12-06-2012, 05:51 AM

I bought my Precision Special "Cowpoke" new back in the mid-90s and couldn't imagine a better playing or sounding instrument. The fact that it's MIM doesn't even come to mind until I happen across threads like these. The build is tight, the neck is perfect for my hands and the tone is spot-on for what I do. Regardless of who made it or where it came from, THIS is the instrument that makes me want to play bass. What else could I ask for?

ShowLow · #80 12-06-2012, 06:10 AM

Just played my bargain 2011 MIM '50s Precision last night for an hour of practice. La Bella flats. That thing kills! Also plays easily and looks classy in 2TSB. Any thought of trading or selling is gone. For now.

My Black Friday 2011 MIM FSR Jazz needs a good setup (this weekend if the honey-do list allows) but with new La Bella rounds it sure sounds good!!

These excellent and well-priced instruments really deserve more love IMHO. YMMV of course.