Am Std vs Mex Std

[BassplayinBob]

You would be just as well served by a Squier classic vibe as you would the MIA or MIM. Modern production standards have really created a golden age of quality instruments. That being said, having an MIA bass allows you to walk into an audition without gear snobbery affecting your chances, yes that happens. If you want an American bass, nothing else will do. I’m pretty fond of the Indonesian basses at the moment. Ymmv.

 

[DirkP]

Most mexican Fenders have 6-8 part bodies. Those who post here about one or two piece bodies have most likely a 6-8 piece body with a thin veneer on top! The mexican classic series might be different. Some US made Fenders have 3 or even 4 piece bodies, on solid finishes anyway. A picture from the mexican Fender plant:

 

[sears]

To many, the more vintage hardware and 100% wood neck of the MiM are positives.

If you're buying used to begin with, resale isn't an issue.

 

[Kro]

To many, the more vintage hardware and 100% wood neck of the MiM are positives.

If you're buying used to begin with, resale isn't an issue.

+1 on the hardware and resale consideration when buying used. I personally have a big soft spot for the vintage style bridge and tuners.

 

[Skillet]

You can get a brand new mim jazz or precision right now for $400. Check out the thread in "Hot Deals" in the classifieds forum.

 

[thebreakman]

I sold my MIA P bass and kept my MIM P bass if that tells you anything. IMO, not a huge difference except to the ones that think that something is special about the American made basses.

 

[nilorius]

The differences could be if bought new - MIA more Fendered sound, but price, when used MIM (forget about that more Fendered sound) a lot of money saved.

 

[Stewie]

I have an old American Jazz and a later Mexican Precision. I'd take an MIM over an MIA, simply because the truss rod access is where it belongs, above the nut. The MIM neck is the best I ever played.

 

[Leonid Nidis]

I dont know what makes a bass sound and feel like it does,you may upgrade pickups and hardware on the mex but the american will sound better and feel better imo.Some people cant tell but i do.If you can afford it go for the MIA,if not the mex will do,squire will too.

 

[DWBass]

YMMV. I've owned one of each. I hated the AM Fender I owned. I liked the MIM better. Was lighter and seemed easier to play. Hardware may be cheaper but definitely not China cheap. Fully functional and no need to replace. This is my opinion only but.................I will never buy a AM Fender bass unless it's used and at an extremely discounted price (MIM area price). I feel they are overpriced for what they are. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, it won't be on a Fender. Way too many options.

 

[trothwell]

The MIA model does include a hardshell case; whether if you want one or not, that's a pretty blatant extra ~$125 cost (value?) right there.

The other aspects are more subjective, and, I get the impression, it's not so much that a MIA standard _IS_ better than a MIM standard, but rather, there is a better chance that an arbitrary MIA standard will be better than an arbitrary MIM standard. You may well find an MIM that you like better than an MIA, and vice-versa. Take the time to try to play what you're considering buying in person, if you can. One MIM in particular that I once played was VERY nice... wish I had bought it.

If you can't try them in person ... I think a better chance you can order an MIA sight unseen and be happy with it.

 

[micguy]

The necks are the biggest difference - the American ones have graphite reinforcement in them, which changes the feel and stability of the neck. On the other hand, if you buy a MIM, and decide later the neck isn't your cup of tea, you can get a MIA neck for $500 - overall, you'd still be out a bit less (if buying new) than springing for the MIA.

 

[Corevalay]

It really depends what you're looking for in a bass. I've owned and sold a bunch of both MIM basses and MIA basses. Some really great ones and some not so great ones, on both sides of the spectrum. Overall, I have to say I do prefer the MIA basses. Forget the assumed "better" make of an MIA, here's what I've found:

1. Necks feel better on MIA. More rounded, more comfortable
2. Weight is usually a little more manageable on MIA basses
3. Pickups are definitely better (IMO) on any MIA bass
4. Hardware is noticeably better on MIA basses.
5. Resale value

If you're patient and look you can find MIA jazzes or P's at really great prices. For a few hundred more I definitely feel that it's worth the extra $$$. All that being said one of my favorite basses right now is a MIM PJ build. HOWEVER, I switched all the electronics and hardware to get it to that point. I mean, in the end, it's all just wood, right?

 

[filwitheneff]

What are the major differences between the two? Is it worth it to get an American Standard over a Mexican? The reason I ask is because I was browsing GC used and found a few basses I like, 2 American and one Mexican, and wanted to know if the price difference is worth it.

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I’ve called all three Guitar Centers to ask about the specific bass for specific dings/scratches and overall condition. But is it worth another $450 for an American Standard?

My only real experience with Fenders are P-Basses. I own both a 2012 American Standard and a 2011 MIM Standard.

The American is factory-stock, and feels MUCH better in my hands than the MIM. On the MIM, I upgraded the pickup and bridge, so it has a tone that's comparable to the American.

The American is a little lighter than the MIM.

On the MIM, I have to adjust the truss-rod periodically (probably about once per year). On the American, I think I've adjusted the truss-rod once since I've owned it.

Also, keep in mind that the American comes with a nice hardshell case, nearly $200 value. Subtract the price of the case from the American, add the cost of upgrades to the MIM, and cost-difference just shrank quite a bit. Personally, I'd say "Yes", the American is worth the money.

 

[DWBass]

The MIA model does include a hardshell case; whether if you want one or not, that's a pretty blatant extra ~$125 cost (value?) right there.

Be careful when buying from a music store. Some try to make you buy the case. Had a store try that crap with me!

 

[Kro]

On the MIM, I have to adjust the truss-rod periodically (probably about once per year). On the American, I think I've adjusted the truss-rod once since I've owned it.

That's some very welcome first hand experience there. On my current basses, I typically need to adjust them once or twice a year depending on where the bass is kept and where it travels to.

 

[40Hz]

Over the years I came to realize generalizations are just that and there’s both gold and junk to be found at both ends plus in the middle of the price spectrum.

So as others have already said, try to audition a PB or JB before you buy it whenever possible.

I’ve been playing a long time and have gone through my share of PBs and JBs. And I own or have owned MIAs (nice), MIMs (also nice), and MIJs (exceptionally nice!). So if you were to tell me that someday my current all time favorite playing and sounding PB would be a Squire Matt Freeman, and my real Fender PB is largely on call as a backup, I would have asked if you had any more of whatever it was you were smoking.

Point is: You just never know what you’re getting until you try it.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Love my Classic 50's P Bass. MIM but maybe a step between MIM standard and MIA.
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[SteveC]

It really depends. I played a standard and a USA at the same store, same amp, same licks. I preferred the standard for sound and feel.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Necks of the Americans feel better in my hands. “Better” build quality and I’ve seen issues with Mexican fenders after a few years that can be fixed, but don’t come up on my Americans