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Am Std vs Mex Std

#61
I played a used MIA P-bass in a local store and it was very good. It helped change my kind on the whole P bass concept. But...I bought a brand spankin' new MIM P-bass for several hundred less. It is a real looker and super light. Change the pick-up to a Dimarzio DP-122 and off we go. It does what a p-bass should...simple. The P-type thing that would turn my head may be a G&L along those lines, like an LB-100.
 
#64
I just snagged a MIM. Played three in the store, they were all a bit different - not in a major way but they just felt different. You would probably find the same with MIA Fenders, I wouldn't know cos I wouldn't pay that much more for a minor difference that no-one would notice at a gig. So IMHO if u get a good MIM u are happy playing, u have got all u need. Save yourself $$$ and buy your partner something nice. I know others see it different, and I respect that :thumbsup:
 
#67
If I was buying sight unseen, I would go with the USA. It's not that they are automatically better. It's a matter of odds. And the odds are it will be of higher quality. But that's sight unseen. If you have the opportunity to play the instruments, get the one that feels the best at a comfortable price point. It could go either way there.
 
#68
Mine are made in Mexico and made in China.
Basically my view is the made in America stuff is nice but it’s in a price range where they simply aren’t very competitive with other basses at those prices. You get into that $1k-$2k range and you start competing with Mia G&L, Mia musicman, Dingwall combustions, used high end Warwicks and . Spector and so on. Every time I’ve seriously considered buying a Mia fender I found something I liked more in the same price range.
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#69
secondbestcody said:
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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In rough estimates:

… Different body blank (both Alder, but additional machining on AmStand for STB, and for ferrules) $$ ?? value
… Different bridges, stock MIM Standard $29, High Mass Vintage on AMStand $79
… Different pups, the 58262/3 ceramic mag set in MIM Standard (no idea, probably $30-50), CS set in AmStand $119
… Different neck (blank), MIM Standard $199, AmStand $549
… Different machines, MIM Standard $40 set. AmStand $89 set
… AmStand comes new with hard shell case (era depends on model), $100 ??

The $$ difference between used Fender MIM Standards, and used American Standards, basically comes down to component value (even if you leave out any difference in fabrication attention they may receive)… take both apart and market each piece individually, you see the $$ difference in it's components in the market place … drop by Stratosphere and do the evaluations …

.. if you can justify the more expensive components used on the American Standard (based on preference/specs), then the increase expense is justified. If you are fine with, or even prefer the less expensive components on a MIM Standard, then the increased expense is NOT justifiable … makes more sense than simply buying based on country of origin, with little consideration of components/specs preference because they are supposed to be 'better', which can be completely subjective … they are 'different', and up to each buyer which is 'better' for them in their own (playing/financial) situation ...

One thing is certain, if you buy new you will take a more substantial $$ hit if you are the type that tends to turn things over often ... but, if you buy used wisely, it is almost like money in the bank …

JMHO's .. as always …
 
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#70
dmt said:
FWIW, I liked the older, non-"Custom Shop" pickups better (2012 and earlier, I guess).

Anyone else feel that way?
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well..I have 2001 american jazz which I switched the pickups to seymour duncan quarter pounders..sounds considerably better..the magnets are 1/4" diameter on the seymours and 1/8" on the originals..so more magnet means more power..also..there are more copper windings on the seymours than the original and the diameter of the copper wire is also different..I have a 2000 mexican jazz that plays just like the american before I took the original pickups out..but it doesnt play as strong tone wise as the american with the upgraded pickups..at least thats what my ears hear..
 
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#75
To be honest, this forum has been around 18 years or so and can't believe the mods allow these kinds of questions, still after the countless times this has been discussed. They just lead to a million pages of nothing.

Newsflash: They're both good. Buy to your budget.
 
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#76
@saabfender pointed out that the American models have the truss rod adjustment at the heel and often have string-through-body bridges. I for one much prefer setting neck relief on 4 string basses with headstock end adjustments, it's just way more convenient to do in playing position, for me (on 5 string, the middle string is in the way regardless, so you'll have to displace the string to get the wrench or driver in, and the string deflects easier at the heel in that case) .

As for string-through-body, I STRONGLY dislike it. It makes string changes SO much less fun and way more time consuming. I much prefer top-load quick release bridges, and have never been able to discern the slightest tonal or sustain advantage to stringing through. I just about only ever use string-through on basses which have it on the lowest string and only then solely to allow for the string wrap / taper to fit properly past the nut and shy of the tuner post. Mike Lull (and probably a few other luthiers) does string-through on the B, but I've never found it does anything but complicate string selection and installation.

Finally, neck reinforcement rods may offer greater neck stability, but they can also add weight, and could conceivably affect the resonance of the neck. I have basses with and without and have never been able to determine a clear advantage. All need minor seasonal adjustment to play their best regardless. Resonance has more to do with the way the tree grew than anything else anyhow.

IMHO of course.
 
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#77
Kro said:
Hey OP @codiak , which of those three did you end up going with?
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I haven’t picked one out yet. The one I was leaning towards sold the day I posted this. But there are now two of the MIM on GC used so I’m watching them. I sold my Mustang PJ so I have enough to buy an MIM but if I can sell my Player P too then I’ll have enough to get a USA made bass. I figure put the money from basses back into another bass.

I’ve never owned a MIA Fender before so I’m leaning towards that. I started looking at some Am Pro’s on Reverb and GC used. Still looking for the right one.
 
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