Given that in each case the body wood is alder, is there any difference in body wood only between a bass MIA, MIM, etc? MANY thanks!
you will (or at least should ) get a better quality cut of wood. A more aged cut. Better book matched pieces if you have a 2 pc body. Things like that.
A lot of people would say that alder is alder, and that the only difference is that with American you get a body made out of less different peaces, but I agree with the qoute above. My experience is that the better basses (MIJ MIA) get better wood. There are from time to time lesser pieces, but my japanese and american fenders had way more resonant wood then the mexican made. Allthough I've played some very good mexican ones to.
As far as alder is alder, you may be correct. I think this comes more into play when you get into woods like mahogany. Gibson is cranking out crappy guitars and basses so fast that they are all made with very green mahogany. aged mahogany will sound better and wont move around ie: because the neck is made from un-aged wood and required a truss rod adjustment every week.
If i were in the market for a fender and open to all options I would seek out 1) MIA (new or used any age) 2) MIJ (older ones are awsome) 3) MIM
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