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2008 MIA Fender Jazz Semi-Review

PolkaHero

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,646
3,312
Michigan
#1
I'm going to call this a "semi-review" because I didn't get a chance to actually plug the instrument into an amp. This was at the local Guitar Center and I figured it was pointless with all the other "riff-raff" going on, you guys know what I mean!

This is going to come off somewhat negative, but according to Fender the new tuners are 30% lighter. Well, the neck still dives! My MIA Jazz Deluxe is much better balanced. Also, the neck profile seems very thick from fingerboard to back whereas my Deluxe is much thinner and comfortable. I haven't played a Geddy Lee, but I would imagine the profile of the Deluxe neck is closer to that of the Geddy model than the American Standard I tried today.

Because I didn't plug it in or could hear the bass acoustically, I can't vouch for the thinner body finish and how that is supposed to improve the resonance of the instrument. Nor can I make a comment on the new higher-mass bridges and whether or not they also improve the tone.

Fender claims the necks have "richer, deeper tints for a more elegant appearance". Well, I thought the tint was the about the same as my Jazz Deluxe which is pretty pale! If I want a deeper neck tint, give me a neck finished in nitro-cellulose lacquer! I also thought that the tortoise-shell pickguard (this was a sunburst model) looks cheap.

One positive: the fingerboard edges were very smooth and the fretwork looked really good. Nicely crowned tops and no rough edges on the sides.

I'd like to hear some other comments on Fender's "improvements" to these 2008 models. I'd also like to hear if any of these changes affect the actual tone coming from an amplifier.
 
#7
Dude, your ridiculous.:scowl: How the hell can you make an objective "semi" review when you haven't even plugged it in.:rollno: I've been playing bass for 30+ years and my 08 MIA Fender Jazz V'er doesn't neck dive at all, plus it's the punchiest bass I've ever played. The workmanship on this stick is fabulous. Bass Player Mag gave it an Editor's Pick Award, and my pickguard sure the hell doesn't look cheap. It's a passive bass not active so quit comparing to an active "Deluxe" Jazz.:rolleyes: Nuff said.
 
#10
I would say "ridiculous" is being kind.:spit:

I have an '08 MIA Jazz. It has no neck dive at all. The finish is beautiful and the construction is top notch.

How can you judge a bass without plugging it in? The externals on mine are excellent and the sound is even better.

I have owned quite a few basses and this one is at the top of the list construction and tone wise, along with my MM Bongo.

Sorry, but you are dead wrong on this one!:rollno:
 
#12
Aw, c'mon - he said it was a semi-review, and it being unplugged is why. I disagree also, but you can't say he is invalid in his opinion, you can only say that you disagree. Calling people ridiculous for their opinions just makes Fender owners look like a bunch of closed-minded bullies. IMO, yada yada yada...
 
#13
I disagree with the OP also. I think that the 08 fenders will be like the 60's and 70's fenders in the future, the playability and tone of the ones that I have tried are really something else; especially compared to the 07 fenders with the S1 switch.

They're a great passive bass, and the tone smacks of 70's jazz bass, something I personally love.
 
#15
BillMason said:
Aw, c'mon - he said it was a semi-review, and it being unplugged is why. I disagree also, but you can't say he is invalid in his opinion, you can only say that you disagree.
Click to expand...

Of course, but his opinion is a bit of an odd one to have, considering he's said that he couldn't even hear the thing. The problem with the neck dive he's pointed out can be sorted with a thicker strap. The rest are all dependent on player preference.

I think the main problem people are having is that he's used the word review, and not even heard the bass acoustically let alone amplified.

And for some reason, people can't take fender bashing.
 
#17
I have to agree with the rest of the group. I also own the 08 Jazz and it is really great. Even without plugging it in you can see that it is a well made instrument. Mine has no neck dive at all. The hardware is real nice and the fretwork is very smooth. By the way, I'm not saying good things because I own it and am trying to justify my purchase. I'm just saying, it is what it is. A real great bass, plain and simple. Are you sure you didn't try the MIM version? because my 60's jazz does have some neck dive (yet it is still one of my favorites).
 
#18
I'm going to have disagree also. I'm a MIA Standard Deluxe owner. I gave a couple of these 08's a whirl and found them to be very sweet. They have great tone and sound, going through a Messa Boogie head and 115 cab.

I noticed no neck dive considering I played sitting with no strap.

The neck does feel different then my Standard Deluxe but, still very comfortable. Comparing the two (MIA Standard Deluxe, MIA 08) to a Geddy Lee, the Lee has a super thin neck and deep lacquer finish. The thin neck makes it super fast but, I find the finish slows me down when my hands sweat. If you saw the video on "Bass TV" with Geddy Lee, his tech is now sanding down the back of his bass necks for just this reason.

My humble opinion would be to go back plug one in and re-evaluate. I think their pretty sweet.
 
#19
I think some of the replies to the OP have been kind of harsh, but ok - I agree this is one of the strangest "reviews" I've ever seen myself. Like test driving a brand new car by just sitting in it without even starting it up & coming back with a negative review on it. I don't think this is gonna put anyone off from buying this bass based on this "review" alone. Like with any gear you are checking out, everyone should get out & try one for themselves. But be sure to actually fire the baby up & take it for a spin! :bassist:
 
#20
stingray69 said:
I think some of the replies to the OP have been kind of harsh, but ok - I agree this is one of the strangest "reviews" I've ever seen myself. Like test driving a brand new car by just sitting in it without even starting it up & coming back with a negative review on it. I don't think this is gonna put anyone off from buying this bass based on this "review" alone. Like with any gear you are checking out, everyone should get out & try one for themselves. But be sure to actually fire the baby up & take it for a spin! :bassist:
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. It actually took me about 4 days (going to the shop once a week, so really a month of pondering) of really playing it before I made the choice. The price (for me) was a big gulp ( as was my Deluxe P bass) to swallow considering that until that point my most expensive bass was the Geddy. For me it is well worth the cost.
 

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