• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender 75 RI CIJ vs Fender deluxe USA 4 string

#5
I own a passive p bass '83. I was initially looking for a real 70s jazz but all the feedback on the forum indicates they are overpriced. Furthermore the wear and tear factor and the fact that I actually want to gig with it makes me feel like getting something new that I can actually use and not worry about having to repair/refin. I don't want an active particularly..nice to have both options but not necessary. What is the difference between MIJ and CIJ??? Thanks for the helpful advice... great forum here.:)
 
#6
remember that the japanese 75 reissue does not have the correct 70ties pickup spacing. they are good basses but they do not sound like a real 70ties jazz bass.

i sold mine and got an american vintage 75 and am now very lucky with this bass. completly different sound compared to the japanese reissue. there is a slight difference in quality. just a bit but enough for me to justify the higher price.

i also own an 2002 american deluxe jazz which i would consider as one of the best basses i ever played (yes i had good luck with that one). this one also sounds completly different compared to the reissue, very modern since it is always active. i would say the reissue does have a bit more character though.

since we are talking about fenders i can only speak for my basses. i also played deluxes that were not half as good as mine.

sandmann
 
#7
I have the MIJ 75 Jazz in that hideous teal they have. It sounds, well, like a jazz. It was very good but needed a set up and I ended up swapping out the cheapish tuners.

It is an excellent bass, which I got as a gift from my friend Dan, for about $400
 
#9
I think the MIA quality control issues is a bunch of hooey honestly, and this is coming from someone who plays bass for a living, and does set ups for fellow musicians (who almost all play Fender.)

The issue about QC comes from people going to big box stores such as GC and playing an MIA Fender which happens to play and sound like crap, when all it really needs is a setup.

The only issue I see is the bridge pup routes on certain J basses (where the route is too big on the treble side)

While not all the old American Series Jazz basses were winners, there weren't that many true lemons. However the new 08 American Standards are all winners.
 
#10
ozrider said:
seems like the best way is to buy a fender is to play it first. :( Shame about the quality control issues.
Click to expand...
That IMHE does not apply to CIJ Fenders at all. I had that very same bass (CIJ '75 RI, same color, etc) and it was perfect. It was kinda heavy though so I sold it. I also think the comment about "cheap tuners" is a bit overrated. Yes, they are not Hipshots but they do the job.

Given the two options my vote is for CIJ.
 
#11
basadam said:
That IMHE does not apply to CIJ Fenders at all. I had that very same bass (CIJ '75 RI, same color, etc) and it was perfect. It was kinda heavy though so I sold it. I also think the comment about "cheap tuners" is a bit overrated. Yes, they are not Hipshots but they do the job.

Given the two options my vote is for CIJ.
Click to expand...

I called them cheap because after 6 months they started to wobble in their posts, and then started to slip out of tune while being played. I replaced them with Schaller tuners if I remember correctly. I haven't had a problem since.:)
 
#12
sandmann said:
remember that the japanese 75 reissue does not have the correct 70ties pickup spacing. they are good basses but they do not sound like a real 70ties jazz bass.

i sold mine and got an american vintage 75 and am now very lucky with this bass. completly different sound compared to the japanese reissue. there is a slight difference in quality. just a bit but enough for me to justify the higher price.

i also own an 2002 american deluxe jazz which i would consider as one of the best basses i ever played (yes i had good luck with that one). this one also sounds completly different compared to the reissue, very modern since it is always active. i would say the reissue does have a bit more character though.

since we are talking about fenders i can only speak for my basses. i also played deluxes that were not half as good as mine.

sandmann
Click to expand...

true..my vote is for the RI, i just love passive jazzes.

sandman (just one n)
 
#14
I have a Japanese Jazz (2 years old) and it's stunning. So many people want it! It has that tone. I compared it to US instruments and it came out on top (especially in price). I have it strung with flatwounds but it zings with fresh rounds.

It is most definitely not a "cheap" instrument. Brand snobs are ridiculous. I'd never trade my Japanese Jazz for any US instrument (perhaps an original US made late 60s jazz).

My only issues I have are its weight (the thing is heavy!) and the single coil hum. However, the weight is why it sounds so good. The hum is only a problem when treble is wound up. It's not a big deal - it didn't stop the artists of the previous decades from playing!
 
#15
Hi,
few days ago I buy this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It's FJ Jazz '75, OWB too, but maple fretboard.
I love it! It's great sounding and looking!

I heard Am. Jazz Deluxe and I don't like his sound.
Fender must be passive
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back