Fender Highway One Jazz Bass

I sympathise, you really are in a difficult situation because of where you live. I would not buy any Fender unseen/unplayed, I had to try many before I settled on mine. In fact one of the best 4's I tried was a MIM Jazz Deluxe so no, MIA doesnt necessarily guarantee you'll get a good one IME

 

I think your best chances are with Fender Japan. They are very hot items now because of how well they are made. I just got a '62 Re-Issue Jazz fretless, the best Fender I have ever played! The quality and workmanship of this bass is way better then any new MIA or MIM basses I tried. Plus this bass played like butter right out of the box. If I get another Fender (I have 3 already!), it will be from Japan. Plus the prices tend to be cheaper then the MIA models. See for yourself, here is the Japanese model I just got....



The Highway 1's are very good instruments, but not as good as the Crafted in Japan Fenders......at least that has been my experience.

 

Japan Fenders are greaaaat for the price, great quality of construction, you can't go wrong with it in my opinion, if you find a good price also the Highway is a good one.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread, but where can you order MIJ Fenders?

 

There are a number of web sites you can go to. I know a number of people here in TB land have use Ishibashi Music. I used GuitarJapan.com. I liked them because they post their prices in US dollar and accept PayPal for payment. Very nice people to deal with and got my bass in 1 week (Japan to Florida).

 

can someone tell me which Jazz bass is what, though, on guitar Japan?

 

Fender Japan has almost totally different models then here in US. Most models that start with "JB62", are kinda modeled after '62 jazz bass specs, were the JB75 are after the 1975 jazz basses. Your best best is just look at the specs and compare them to what is on Fender's web site.

 

Its not a guarantee by any means but, I think on balance MIJ's (or more correctly CIJ's) probably have the best consistency going on reputation on this board. If you've have to get one unseen or unplayed ordering a CIJ probably mitigates the chances of getting a wrong 'un.

 

Your best bet is to just email them and ask...In the case of my 62 RI Fretless, it came with a gig bag.

 

i may be missing something, but...uh...wouldnt you want an amp before a second bass?

 

They're both good choices.

FWIW, I've got a highway 1 p bass. Sounds fantastsic, tone to die for, plays very well, very comfortable. I really like the "vintage alnico pickups" , very warm,clear and responsive.

The neck feels very nice, though I like a jazz bass neck a bit more. It feels solid. the neck is very stable through hot and humid summers and cold, cold winters

I don't think you would be going wrong with the Highway 1. If you can hget a highway 1 jazz bass at a reasonable price in your part of the world, go for it! It's a fine tool.

 

Here in the US of A, the big mail order houses sell them for about $675 (US Dollars) delivered , I think. I don't know how the Euro compares to the dollar right now. I'll bet that there is a converter on the net somewhere that'll tell you the current exchange rate.

The delivery thing seems reasonable.

As far as being worth it or not, I think that they are nice basses. Good Luck!

 

I think so, yes. And, just to be clear, the Highway 1 is Mexican, not American.

Fender Japan will give you the best quality for your money, as well as a surer bet that you won't get a dud.

edit: Just saw your last post, so...nevermind.