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Fender MIJ Foto-Flame Basses

N

nance511

Apr 29, 2009
47
9
#1
There's a used MIJ Foto Flame J bass hanging up in the GC around the corner from me that they're listing for $449.
I pulled it off the wall and played for a solid hour on it. The thing's a cannon; I'm thinking someone either put their own overwound pickups in it or went in and tooled with the stock ones because there's a VERY noticeable difference between it and the other J's in the room.

Anyway, has anyone ever owned any of the Japan manufactured basses?
Any horror stories/love stories?
 
#3
The quality of the MIJ basses is very high, typically. I've owned several and still own three.

I had a 'photo-flame' Tele years ago that was top-notch. The photo aplique finish is a little cheezy, but nobody's going to know from a distance. They're very good instruments.
 
#4
I was a bit sceptic about those basses - basswood plus 'fake' finish? Nuuh.
I've bought something resemblin' FotoFlame bass nonetheless. It's P and it can very possibly be a factory custom with FF body or something like that, as the neck is regular 57 RI, but it comes from the same lot from the same factory. I've written 'bout her previously, but I know U guys love pics, so one small pick ain't gonna hurt ya':
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Hell of a bass I could have found once in a lifetime and I did. Custom PU's give perfect sound for my preferences. Very light, yet very powerful axe, I already customized her even more.

And she's a looker!
 
#8
Dude if you're lucky enough for it to still be there grab it! My MIJ's CIJ's 62' reissues play sweet.

fotoflamebodyfront.jpeg
 
#9
I just brought a used Sunburst MIJ Jazz bass Foto flame from GC for $500.00 out the door and this thing kicks butt!:bassist: I had my eye on it for several months and just sold my Warwick Fortress one for $500.00. This bass has the Foto finish but someone took care of it so it's in very nice condition. The sound is well defined clear and punchy. This bass is as good as any I have seen from Fender or G&L and I have owned both. What can you buy for $500.0 that is this good? I'm really happy with it.
 
#10
The fotoflame Ps are exremely good players. Opinions differ on the finish - which I quite like - but most people who play them swear by their quality and comfort. I wasn't a P guy until I picked up fotoflame P and was blown away by how quickly I bonded with it.

If it feels that good to you, then don't second guess grabbing it. $450 is a fair price. If it turns out you don't want to keep it then you can get that much for it here on the classifieds.
 
#12
:cool:

The MIJ Foto-Flame Basses are real sleepers in the Fender world.
I've owned two. They are reissue quality. for under $500.00. used.
Sweet necks, pickups, and look cool. There can be finish problem sometimes.
But the ones I've played were all good.
 
#16
Dricoman said:
I just brought a used Sunburst MIJ Jazz bass Foto flame from GC for $500.00 out the door and this thing kicks butt!:bassist: I had my eye on it for several months and just sold my Warwick Fortress one for $500.00. This bass has the Foto finish but someone took care of it so it's in very nice condition. The sound is well defined clear and punchy. This bass is as good as any I have seen from Fender or G&L and I have owned both. What can you buy for $500.0 that is this good? I'm really happy with it.
Click to expand...
I just sold my Fender Foto flame. After getting it set up and putting a tortoise shell pick guard on it it was mighty fine looking but I still could not handle the weight which was 9 lbs. on a bathroom scale. Just to heavy for me with neck and back trouble. But for $550.00 found a 1987 Pedulla MVP fretted which I'm going to get fine tuned. This seems to be a pretty rare bass.
 
#18
Dricoman said:
I just sold my Fender Foto flame. After getting it set up and putting a tortoise shell pick guard on it it was mighty fine looking but I still could not handle the weight which was 9 lbs. on a bathroom scale. Just to heavy for me with neck and back trouble. But for $550.00 found a 1987 Pedulla MVP fretted which I'm going to get fine tuned. This seems to be a pretty rare bass.
Click to expand...
 
#19
If you still aren't happy with the Pedulla let me know. Ihave a Spector 10th anniversary rebop that I would trade you. It's very light. I hung out with Doug johns when I was younger and have been looking for an MVP every since
 
#20
I look at it like entertainment.
As long as I buy the thing half way smart, I get to have a new instrument to have fun with; if it doesn't work out I can sell it usually at a small loss.
The cost of entertainment!
 

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