Tittle says it all. I was almost positive I was going to go MIA Fender Precision Bass but MIM is alot cheaper and would allow me to buy an acoustic bass..
thanks
epy
thanks
epy
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How Big is the difference between MIA and MIM
- Thread starter epy
- Start date
It is harder to find a well built MIM (although not impossible) than finding a well built MIA, MIAs have a little better quality, and better electronics, materials etc....
When I bought my P-bass, I auditioned the MIM, the Highway-1, and the American. My opinion was that the American made was the best sounding. It was significant enough that I decided to save for the American. Side-by-side-by-side auditioning was important for me. You may actually prefer the tone of the MIM better than the MIA, you never know.
I've auditioned several multi-thousand-dollar basses that I just did not like the sound at all. I've played inexpensive basses that actually sound good. (To be fair, I've played some multi-thousand-dollar basses that sound out-of-this-world.... and some inexpensive basses that should be smashed on the stage after the show to please the crowd).
My main bass is a MIM J-bass and I will not give it up. I love the tone. But when it came to buying a p-bass, I could no kid myself: I thought the American sounded the best.
I've auditioned several multi-thousand-dollar basses that I just did not like the sound at all. I've played inexpensive basses that actually sound good. (To be fair, I've played some multi-thousand-dollar basses that sound out-of-this-world.... and some inexpensive basses that should be smashed on the stage after the show to please the crowd).
My main bass is a MIM J-bass and I will not give it up. I love the tone. But when it came to buying a p-bass, I could no kid myself: I thought the American sounded the best.
I'd say play a bunch of MiM's find one that feels good, upgrade the pickup and/or electronics to a MIA p'up off e-bay, or a Duncan or something.
You'll save a bundle.
You'll save a bundle.
It depends on the MIM model. People tend to group the MIM models together, but there a difference in models. The standard models are great instruments. Way better then your entry level instruments, and contrary to what people say, the quality of these models has gotten much better over the years. Many of the problems people assume have to do with quality, are more due to how the instrument was stored and shipped, and how well the stores keep the instruments setup. I had two standard jazz basses and both were great basses. I had no issues with any of them.
Now if you move up to the Classic Series basses (you would be interested in the '50s Precision Bass) which are MIM, IMHO they are every bit as good as the MIA basses. My Classic Jazz had flawless fit and finish, great vintage hardware and USA pickups. Worth checking out. The classis series cost more then the standards.....but less then the MIA models and well worth it!
Now if you move up to the Classic Series basses (you would be interested in the '50s Precision Bass) which are MIM, IMHO they are every bit as good as the MIA basses. My Classic Jazz had flawless fit and finish, great vintage hardware and USA pickups. Worth checking out. The classis series cost more then the standards.....but less then the MIA models and well worth it!
Paging SamJ, please report to this thread.
The American Fenders have better parts. Chrome controls plates, knobs, tuners... It's the little things that make a big difference. I also recall the Mexicans being 3 peice bodies and the Americans being 5 peice.
The American Fenders have better parts. Chrome controls plates, knobs, tuners... It's the little things that make a big difference. I also recall the Mexicans being 3 peice bodies and the Americans being 5 peice.
never fear, Vindy, SAM IS HERE.. 
It's all in the parts and design.... and the workmanship is "arguably" better on the MIA, those some here will ARGUE that it's not.
Generally speaking (there are MIM's that defy this rarely in certain areas like the pickups)..
-the wood is different quality
-the number of pieces in a body (3 on MIA, vs 5 on MIM)
-the neck is 1/4 sawn maple on the MIA on the MIM it's what's available
-MIA has more expensive finnish process
-string thru body on MIA with a MUCH beefier bridge
-Schaller Tuners on MIA, Made in China tuners in MIM
-USA Made brass, plastic parts on MIA, China on MIM..
-Graphite re-inforced neck, with fret-board side mounted truss rod on MIA, vs old style "Skunk tail" mounted truss rod on MIM
etc.. etc..
bottom line, for me it's worth the twice the price, but if you don't have the $1000 laying around, an MIM is a DARN good value, and I've just played one yesterday that actually felt very nice.
It's all in the parts and design.... and the workmanship is "arguably" better on the MIA, those some here will ARGUE that it's not.
Generally speaking (there are MIM's that defy this rarely in certain areas like the pickups)..
-the wood is different quality
-the number of pieces in a body (3 on MIA, vs 5 on MIM)
-the neck is 1/4 sawn maple on the MIA on the MIM it's what's available
-MIA has more expensive finnish process
-string thru body on MIA with a MUCH beefier bridge
-Schaller Tuners on MIA, Made in China tuners in MIM
-USA Made brass, plastic parts on MIA, China on MIM..
-Graphite re-inforced neck, with fret-board side mounted truss rod on MIA, vs old style "Skunk tail" mounted truss rod on MIM
etc.. etc..
bottom line, for me it's worth the twice the price, but if you don't have the $1000 laying around, an MIM is a DARN good value, and I've just played one yesterday that actually felt very nice.
this is interesting if anyone is "interested"
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.pbase.com/jroy/fender_factory_corona
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.pbase.com/jroy/fender_factory_corona
If you're not opposed to used, you can usually get a used MIA for close to the price of a new MIM.....
Also don't let the playability of the instrument on the shelf be the judge wether it's good or not. ask for someone to do a setup on them before you play them. Fender is known for not doing any setup of the instruments as they leave the factory they leave that for the shops to do, but guess what, most of the time they don't setup the basses and hang em on the wall right away. This leads to a very radom playability where some mim fenders plays better than some mia. In my experience, a mia fender can be setup with a lower action without buzzing and they hold their setup better and longer than the mim's. not to mention they sound better because they have better pick-ups, hardware, woods and finish
There is a big difference between the two I would not even waste my time on a mim Fender they just feel cheap.
I just got back from the Music Store and side by side was a Highway 1 Jazz and a Mexi Jazz. I liked them both but the quality and sound of the Highway 1 was stellar. So much, I'm going to buy a Highway 1.
