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fender jazz question

rptrsn2

rptrsn2

Feb 21, 2008
890
3
Northeast Missouri
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Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: Aurora Strings
#1
what is the tone and quality difference between a mexican and U.S made jazz bass. what about in mf the diff between their standard jazz around 450 and the 750-1000 $ models.i'd like to buy one but moneys tight just wondering if all i can afford is the lower models are they even worth it.thanks
 
#2
If money is tight, look to the used market. There's definitely nothing wrong with the Mexican Fenders. They are hardly "bottom of the line" and are definitely superior to many higher-priced basses. They are made in Ensenada, which is about 3 hours drive from Corona, so it' not like Fender can't see what's going on down there. You might notice that the label says Fender, not Squier. There's a reason for that.

So don't let anybody discourage you from getting a Mexican Fender. Try some out and see what feels nice. Then go buy one used (after trying it out) for like $250 instead of 450. There are tons of them out there.
 
#4
+2 on Mexican Fenders. I'm a dyed in the wool MIA guy but every time I pick up a MIM in a music store, its like "dang, dat ain't bad." Of course, I do believe that there are differences with the MIA stuff and worth every penny, but if you can't swing the bux, MIM will definitely give you a nice gig worthy bass. Used MIA is also a good option if you are not in a hurry and can be patient for the good deals.
 
#5
After owning MIM, MIJ and MIA Fenders I think that the MIM Fenders are a great bass for the price.

If possible, play the bass first before buying. I have had some Fender basses that just don't sound that great, and the construction can vary between basses also.

The Highway One Fender basses are a great bass for the price.
 
#6
I have a '97 MIM Jazz V that I hotrodded with Fralins and an Audere Audio preamp (not to mention a Hipshot Xtender Key for the B string). Bass, $150 used. Pickups, $180. Preamp, 150. Xtender key, 70. Needed a fret job, so another $200. So $750 put into this bass, and I'd stack it up against any 5 string within 200 miles. It really is That Cool.

Yes, the MIA basses are going to be somewhat "one step up" in many respects - hardware, wood quality, finish, and so on - but ain't a one of them sounds as good as my Mexican now, I can guarantee that. :)
 
#7
I think with all basses, you have to play them first. I nearly Live by this policy. If at all possible I will play the bass first. My suggestion is, go to your favourite store, and TRY everything within your budget. Basses are like gloves and must fit you perfectly. For example, I have played Squiers that are complete garbage. And then I've played some that are Rivals to "American" quality. The new American Basses are probably the best you can get (the "Making History" line), but If your budget spells MIM, try em out. I had enough money for an American Strat last year, but after trying nearly every stratocaster in the store, the one that fit me best was a '05 Sage Green Metallic MIM.

In short, TEST DRIVE YOUR REAR OFF.
 
#9
i bought a MIA deluxe jazz 5 string last month, but I came REALLY close to getting the mexican version after I played it and was amazed at how excellent it was. (not to mention literally less than half the price of the MIA).

The mia IS nicer yes, but I HIGHLY recommend mexican jazz's too.

also.. +1 on used
 
#13
Buying Mexican Fenders is a roulette. You can find excellent one or the one which is nothing more than the shovel, so play it first!!! I didn't. I bought '60 JB which was crap, so I sold it after 2 weeks. I decided then to untight my budget and finally I bought the new American Standard JB. These are really two different worlds. Don't waste $500.
 
#14
have to go with the american's sorry mate. if money is tight, save up. or go highway series. american made is just a step up that you can't regret. make sure you play 3 or 4 of each, and then make a decision. but if there's a relatively cheap american standard jazz for $900 or so, go for it. even if it means waiting a few months before paying for it. you won't regret it. i never have.
 
#15
The MIM fender stuff is great... What you are paying for is the law of averages...

Picking 10 basses randomly out of each group you will probably get something like this

MIM
3-totally suck
4-solid instruments
2- better than average
1- Incredible

MIJ
2-totally suck
3- solid instruments
3-better than average
2-incredible

MIA
1-totally sucks
3-solid instruments
3-better than average
3-incredible

Basically, you increase your chances of getting an instrument made out of better materials, and more quality control. The MIM stuff can be great. I have seen many that our better than an MIA. Of course with the other lines you are getting better hardware.

If you can play it before you buy it




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