Fender Jazz Bass - MIM vs MIA

[EJOT]

Hi There,

The moons have aligned and I am on the cusp of being able to make my next big decision. Do I get the cheaper MIM bass, or do I hock some of my other guitars and stuff to invest in the 'double the price' MIA option? The Geddy Lee MIM is an option that I'm considering. I want the maple fretboard which is available on these as you would know.

I want this next purchase to be the one I stick with into the foreseeable future, so I'm prepared to do what's necessary to get the MIA if needed. I just don't want to sell other cherished 6 strings to make it happen if I can essentially get the same thing (or very similar) in a MIM.

From your experience, what are the little things I will miss out on if I go the MIM option?

I really am only looking at the maple fretboard, I they play much faster IMO. Speedwise I would rather that I be the bottle neck in the equation as opposed to the instrument.

Would really love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

EJOT

 

[klokker]

It depends on what you value. I have a MIA Fender P Bass and it doesn't sound twice as good as the MIM bass. I doubt anyone could tell the difference. Fit and finish are a different story IMO. The MIA is just better, mine is just great. That leads to a feel that I enjoy everytime I pick it up. Some of it might just be in my head as well.

So is MIA worth twice as much? Nope. But I bought one anyway.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I bought the MIM Geddy because I wanted the maple neck and I liked the block inlays. My buddy has both an MIJ Geddy and an MIA Jazz bass. In both of our opinions there is no discernible difference in quality between the MIM and the MIJ, and really the only difference with the MIA is that it says so on the back of the headstock. You cannot go wrong with the Geddy Lee, its a tone monster and plays wonderfully.

 

[DigitalMan]

You can get a US Geddy for close to the price of a US Standard. IMO that's the best choice of them all.

 

[twinjet]

All depends on if material quality and craftsmanship matter to you. Just remember that you get what you pay for.

This is not to say there are no lemons out of Corona and no gems out of Ensenada, though!

 

[The Chuck]

I have a MIM Geddy and love it. I also have MIA Jazz and love it too.

Which one do YOU want?

EDIT: They are both killer but sound and feel a little different. I like them both but if I had to keep only one it would be the MIA. It feels more solid and I like that.... a lot.

 

[garp]

As the fortunate owner of MIAs, MIMs and CIJs, I don't feel I'm "missing out" on anything between instruments. Sure, there are differences, but whether they're meaningful to the player is entirely subjective. Features like rolled fingerboard edges and graphite rods aren't absolutely essential to a great instrument. As always, my advice is – if at all possible – play before you pay.

For what it's worth, my #1 is presently an MIM Jazz.

 

[Iheartreverb]

The feel of the neck is always the biggest difference to me. The Mexicans kiss feel crap if you sit with the, both. Sure the pickups are better in the American if you A/B them but if you don't they sound more than passable.

The best jazz bass in the catalogue for my money is the Classic 60's lacquer

 

[steamthief]

The Mexicans kiss feel crap if you sit with the, both.

Huh?

The best jazz bass in the catalogue for my money is the Classic 60's lacquer

Agree 100%.

 

[Iheartreverb]

Sorry. Spellcheck and wasn't looking. Should say "feels crap if you sit with both"

That being said, the classic 60's lacquer is by far the best jazz I'm the range anywhere

 

[Malak the Mad]

The best jazz bass in the catalogue for my money is the Classic 60's lacquer

I dunno…the Classic '70s and Aerodynes (I know, I know…they're MIJ, not MIM) are pretty kick-ass for the price-tag too, but that's just my personal opinion. I hope I get a chance to give a Classic '60s Jazz a fair shakedown trial, Lacquer or otherwise. They're rather "thin on the ground" in my neck of the woods.

 

[Glazenn]

Hi There,
The moons have aligned and I am on the cusp of being able to make my next big decision. Do I get the cheaper MIM bass, or do I hock some of my other guitars and stuff to invest in the 'double the price' MIA option? The Geddy Lee MIM is an option that I'm considering. I want the maple fretboard which is available on these as you would know...
Would really love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
EJOT

175. It's the number of OTHER THREADS in this forum (meaning several thousand posts) that title : MIM vs. MIA, or American vs. Mexican, and however, there are still plenty to come...

 

[EJOT]

It depends on what you value. I have a MIA Fender P Bass and it doesn't sound twice as good as the MIM bass. I doubt anyone could tell the difference. Fit and finish are a different story IMO. The MIA is just better, mine is just great. That leads to a feel that I enjoy everytime I pick it up. Some of it might just be in my head as well.

So is MIA worth twice as much? Nope. But I bought one anyway.

Thanks

 

[EJOT]

Thanks for all the responses on this, its greatly appreciated. Some interesting points raised. Now its decision time...