Fender MIM Fretless Jazz?

[dhagler]

I was in my local guitar shop and they have a Fender MIM Fretless Jazz Bass for $325. This would be my first fretless (I currently play an Essex 5-string Jazz). The salesman (a guy I trust) says it's a recent trade from a guy who didn't have it very long. Should I pull the trigger?

By the way, Merry Christmas.

 

[ClassicJazz]

$325 seems like a good deal. I had one and it was a great bass. I say go for it!!

 

[Greg Johnsen]

I played one the other day too, and truthfully, these fretlesses are the best MIMs I've played because quality control doesn't have to deal with frets on a fretless.

Go for it dude, and then slap some duncans in there

Greg

 

[SuperSnake2012]

If you get it, just remember to not put rounds on it I played a MIM fretless and it was interesting. I didn't know what to do with it so it seemed kinda gimmicky but you get a really cool sound when sliding

 

[SBassman]

Check it out carefully.
If there's something wrong, it's obviously not much of a deal. If there is nothing wrong, it's a very good deal.

What year is it?

 

[ClassicJazz]

If you get it, just remember to not put rounds on it I played a MIM fretless and it was interesting. I didn't know what to do with it so it seemed kinda gimmicky but you get a really cool sound when sliding

I have rounds on all my fretless basses. Not a problem and I like the sound better.

 

[SuperSnake2012]

^ I heard that rounds on a fretless destroys the fret board... any truth to that?

 

[Figjam]

The new MIM fretless jazzes are great.

 

[tplyons]

^ I heard that rounds on a fretless destroys the fret board... any truth to that?

Flats destroy a fretboard too, with bad technique.

Just remember light touch, vibrato parallel to the strings as opposed to parallel to the frets as you would on a fretless, and you'll be fine.

I play most of my fretless basses with rounds. Only one has flats.

------

To the OP: that's a decent buy there. Check the serial number to find out what year the bass was made. Post 2001 I'd jump on it. (Meaning the serial would begin with MZ1 or higher)

 

[saxnbass]

I have a MIM Fretless Jazz and love it. My bass teacher really likes it too. He is a pretty big time bass player here in the area and been playing for a long time. I've been considering a MIA Fretless Jazz...What are the major differences between the MIM and the MIA Fretless?

 

[tplyons]

Same difference with a MIM and MIA fretted Jazz.

Heavier duty hardware, better pickups, better attention to detail, polyurethane finish as opposed to polyester. Personally, a good bass is a good bass. I don't care where it's made.

 

[the low one]

For the money they are a great fretless. I have one and can't put it down. It's all I play ay home and I play it live whenever I can along side my fretted P bass.

 

[Bassist4Life]

GREAT PRICE!

What's wrong with it?

Joe

 

[Orpheus55]

I have an MIM fretless & love it. Mods, yes; I recommend the Fender Vintage Noiseless. BAII bridge helps, as do teh vintage reverse tuners. I guess you're all sick of seeing this thing, but it's my baby. Seriously, post 2001 MIMs are really good quality overall, but try before you play if possible.

 

[Bassist4Life]

My MIM Jazz. This is a great friggin' bass for the price.

Joe

 

[dhagler]

Thanks to everyone who responded. SBassman, I don't know the year--I will have to call the shop to find out. I might also ask them for contact information for the previous owner. I will probably at least put in on layaway.

Again, Merry Christmas!

 

[guitarkim79]

I believe the pre-2002 MIM fender jazzes had pickups that can't easily be replaced by aftermarket pickups. If you plan on changing the pickups, that's something to consider (if the bass is pre-2002).

 

[gkbass13]

i have a 96 MIM fretless with rounds on it and i love it. great basses, especially for the money.

 

[dhagler]

Happy New Year, Everyone!

The serial number is MZ2209747. What does that mean?

Actually this is a moot post, as I have already put it on layaway, but any additional info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[tplyons]

Happy New Year, Everyone!

The serial number is MZ2209747. What does that mean?

One of the latter models (made in 2002 - Z denotes zero, 2 following is the year... zero two... '02)

Means it's made from alder, proper sized pickup routes and are much better instruments than the previous years (2001 and earlier)