So I've known for a while that my MIM std jazz's neck feels a lot more comfortable than my MIA std jazz's neck. It's not a matter of craftsmanship or quality but more so the shape - It's just a tad thinner front-to-back and a little flat where your palm sits rather than making a perfect 'C' curve. I find it to sit very naturally in your hand and doesnt cause me any cramping when I play more complicated stuff compared to the MIA (i know that a lot of people complain that their hands cramp with the small nut width of a jazz).
Lately I've found this applies to all MIM standard guitars. They all have that inherent slim front-to-back and flat shape to their necks that just make them sit so nicely in your hands. Of the two bands i recently went on tour with, one had a MIM std P bass and the other had a MIA std P bass. And the MIA (although a much nicer bass overall) just didnt fit as comfortably. Same goes for my mate's MIM teles/strats vs his MIA teles/strats.
Dont get me wrong, i love my MIAs. In terms of every other characteristic (build, sound, overall feel), the MIA jazz blows my MIM out of the water! I would never hesitate to pick that for a gig over its cheaper counterpart. However i just cant help but notice that Fender's MIM standard line have some of the best necks I've ever played.
This isn't a complaint or a praise or anything. Just an observation and I just wanted to see if anyone had the same experience and for them to share it. Or maybe you have the exact oppostie experience! I'd love to hear. YMMV
Sorry for the long-winded post
