Should I buy this '93 Fender MIM Jazz?

[Hubes]

I'm relatively new to bass, learning on an Ibanez GSR200, but recently came across a semi-local deal where I could purchase a 1993 Fender Standard Jazz bass (made in mexico) for $150. This sounds like a great deal, but I have a few questions.

1. Is it really worth it? Will this be a considerable upgrade from my Ibanez? As far as concerns go, I quote the seller - "The only problems i've really
had out of it are that the action is a little off and I've been too
lazy to fix it, and that it's sat in a house where the residents
smoke, so the pickguard went to a darker cream."

I believe pickguards are cheap and easy to replace, and I can get the action fixed for relatively cheap as well? Correct me if I'm wrong.

2. Are there any known issues with the '93 MIM models? Anything I should know about / check carefully if I go meet the guy? Electronics/parts etc.

3. Are there any better suggestions for an upgrade? I really want a good Fender, but my budget at the moment is only around $300 tops.

Thank you guys!

[CORBS]

The action being off could be indicative of a number of things; bent neck, improper bridge setup, unlevel nut etc. Find out why the action is off - a bowed neck can be adjusted but a twisted or warped one can not. If it just needs a setup then that seems like a decent deal.

[Hubes]

I'll definitely get more info on the action problem.

Other than that, can anyone answer any of my other questions? Is there any reason to avoid the '93 timeframe in particular? Anything else I should look for? Will this standard Jazz be a good upgrade to my GSR200?

[danomite64]

A '93 MIM is probably a Squier series bass, not a Fender. That doesn't mean it's not a good bass, but the Mexico plant has improved their products several times since then, so it's not comparable to a current one IMO. So you're looking at an 18 year old instrument with possible neck issues. Probably not an upgrade.

[Pilgrim]

It would be best to have a shop look at it if you're not up on repairs and adjustments.

If the neck is not twisted, that's a good sign. Unless it says Squier on the headstock, it's not a Squier...it's a Fender.

[ModulusQ5-122]

I wouldnt really call it an upgrade. My very first bass was a gsr200 and have owned 2 mim fenders and honestly i like the sound of the gsr200 better. It doesnt seem like a bad deal but wouldnt be much of an upgrade for you.

[Hubes]

It is a Fender, not a Squier. Ran the serial number to find the '93. The general opinion seems to be that this is a no-go. I'll keep looking around. What would be my best bet to look for in a used instrument in the ~$300 range?

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by Hubes

It is a Fender, not a Squier. Ran the serial number to find the '93. The general opinion seems to be that this is a no-go. I'll keep looking around. What would be my best bet to look for in a used instrument in the ~$300 range?

WE didn't say it was a no-go! We said that (as with ANY Fender) you'll have to judge the problems, sound, playability (price seems right) with and eye to quality and if it can be fixed. If you can't do this, then you'll need to find an experienced player who can to help you. If you can't judge the problems and fixability, THEN it'd be a no-go. Great Fenders can appear in ALL their lines as can nasty ones. So going by model etc. isn't a rule that works.

[mattpbass]

ive got a92 jazz bass mim, best jazz ive played, just recorded with it and sounded great!ive got a 73 vintage jazz too and my mim sits right up with it...
as the previous post said take an experienced bass player with u to buy it..

ive put tonerider pups in my mim jazz..

goodluck

matt

[Hubes]

Unfortunately I don't know any bassists, or guitarists for that matter, where I am currently living. I've asked the seller what he believes to be the cause of the action problem. If it's something I can cheaply get fixed, I'll go check it out. So far the guy has been pretty helpful. If he can't give me a source of the problem, I probably won't bother then. Or maybe I'll try to talk him down to $100.

While we're on the subject - is there anything else I should be looking at in the $300 price range besides used MIM/MIJ Fenders?

[bigthor]

A 150 Bucks. Dont think about it, just buy. Those are going for about 500 bucks in Thailand. Wish I had one now. I have fixed lots of fenders with neck-action issues. They always seem to come back fine.

Thor say:

Buy

[Tmw2011]

Originally Posted by danomite64

A '93 MIM is probably a Squier series bass, not a Fender. That doesn't mean it's not a good bass, but the Mexico plant has improved their products several times since then, so it's not comparable to a current one IMO.

A "Squier Series" Fender is *not* a Squier Bass, they're Fenders, and only a portion of the 93-97 MIMs were sold as 'Squier Series'. And I'd dare you to put my '94 Squier series against current models and tell me it's not comperable.

Anyway. For $150, in decent shape, I'd say it was a steal. If the neck is warped, you can always throw another one on there.

I can't comment on whether it would be an upgrade for you, though, as I haven't played the type of bass you currently have.

[fhm555]

If you don't feel qualified/comfortable checking out a used bass, arrange to take it to a tech for an inspection. If the seller is legit it shouldn't be a problem.

Or try to get the bass for $100 and then use it as your introduction to maintenance and setup. Even if the neck is bad, if the body and electronics are in good working order and not beat to crap, you can recover your $100 by parting out the good stuff.

[Hubes]

Originally Posted by fhm555

Or try to get the bass for $100 and then use it as your introduction to maintenance and setup. Even if the neck is bad, if the body and electronics are in good working order and not beat to crap, you can recover your $100 by parting out the good stuff.

This is kind of what I'm leaning towards now. If I can strike a deal for $100, I think I'll take it regardless. Learn a little bit while I'm at it.

[ModulusQ5-122]

Yea i would go for it for $100.