Are american Fender basses much better than mexican made ones?

Yes

 

Mostly, but not always, and not always by as much as you’d expect.

 

Not necessarily.

 

opinions vary

 

From my experience, there IS enough difference, to make it worth the difference in cost.

 

Again?

 

At least 9 times out of 10, Si.

 

I have MIM Fender P. It's nice. Also have a 2004 MIM Fender Stratocaster... bought new in '04. In my experience, there's not much dropoff from MIA to MIM.

 

No, definitely not for the price difference. The MIJs were the best.

 

This x 1,000. A MIA Fender P maybe be worth $400 more... but not $800. I couldn't justify paying the extra $800.

 

I have 2 americans and one Mexican fender bass. You do have to remember that the Mexican basses are intended to be at a lower price point, so its not completely where they are made, but lesser hardware, woods, etc, but the differences with the way they are made, improvement in the pickups etc is getting to be less and less. Both are easy to upgrade hardware and pickups if you need too. I haven't felt the need as yet.

 

For currently made models the build quality is about the same in my experience but American Fenders are equipped with hardware+pickups that Fender seems to think is better. I don't necessarily agree, especially if we're talking about current MIMs vs American Professional. I would take a Player or a Vintera over an American Pro any day (and I own all of them).

The American Originals are generally better than MIMs but they are very inconsistent, have known production issues and they're not nearly as good as the American Vintage series they replaced IMO. Based on my American Original 60s P-bass and the others I've tested in stores I personally don't think they are worth the price vs MIM. $2000 for a mass manufactured passive P/J is simply too much when they're just "good" rather than "great". I've got Squiers that blow my American Original 60s out of the water to be honest.

The Ultras... Not a fan of active Fenders but I'm sure they are nice if that's your thing. I actually LOVE the new colors! You don't get those on MIMs.

 

In that case I will make it short!

It depends on who you ask!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

Sometimes yes, other times no.
I have an American Elite Jazz V and a Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Precision (China). Both are great . If I add another , it will probably be a Mexican Roadworn Flea Jazz or Jazz.

You can find great and bad Fenders at every price point.

 

Mostly component/material quality differences. Still Fenders.

 

Love the MIM Road Worn series—but if you want a better non-vintage relic, you are going to have to go Custom Shop, IME.

 

A lot of Fender parts and instruments cross the border more than once before they hit the retail outlets.

 

I certainly think so...

 

mine is.... 2004 J with proper neck and bridge pickups