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Mex vs USA fender... discuss.

#41
I just sold a US American Pro Jazz and bought a MiM RW Flea Jazz Bass. And, honestly, knowing it was MiM makes me like it even more for some reason. The quality of the US one was exceptional though. Ridiculously well made. But so is my MiM. I know the types of dudes who would get nothing but absolute joy out of buying a MiM and upgrading it themselves. I think that is an awesome way to spend your time and money, and one of the best things about buying Fenders IMO. The availability of parts is a form of "customer service" no one else can match.
 
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#45
In the neverending MIM verses MIA debate, I have only a few thoughts.

1) I have friends that have an unfavorable view of imported instruments, including MIM instruments. However, given that they also own imported instruments that they view as "exceptions" to their rule, I find their viewpoint lacks credibility.
2) I personally find a skunk stripe on a Jazz bass to be offensive. I know this is a ridiculous opinion, but I just can't get past it. A Jazz bass is not supposed to have a skunk stripe.
3) I see a lot of comments about an MIM "requiring" modifications in order to be satisfactory. I can only speak for my own experience, but almost all of the modifications I have ever made to any instrument have been functionally unnecessary and only due to personal preference. If I am being honest, I can only think of one modification I have ever made that was about anything other than personal preference. I have had to file sharp fret ends, but I consider that part of setup rather than a modification, and I have not found it to be caused by country of origin.
4) The more I spend on an instrument, regardless of MIM/MIA/MI?, the less time I am likely to have to spend getting the nut slotted to the proper depth. IME, most basses <$1000 ship with a nut that is too high for the instrument to play properly. It is however, an easy thing to fix.
 
#46
I think someone on TalkBass already explained it pretty good.

MIM................made by Mexicans in Mexico.

MIA..................made by Mexicans in America.

Corona factory in CA.

mar-13-2006-corona-ca-usa-file-photo-august-2004-corona-fender-plant-DP0E77.jpg


mar-13-2006-corona-ca-usa-file-photo-august-2004-corona-fender-plant-dp0e5k.jpg
 
#47
It's a fact that eating tacos make you happy and that means your bass that was made in Mexico is probably made with love and enthusiasm because of the probable taco eating prior to its construction. Therefore Mexican made basses are better..
 
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#48
Nashrakh said:
I think it's more like Whiskey vs. Whisky.

Assuming you do very extensive modifications and upgrades anyway, the mex wins. Then again, the OPs premises would turn both basses into exact clones - and based upon that, you'd choose the one that requires fewer expenses.
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This, whiskey vs. whisky. If your going to mix the whisky quality won't matter as much. If you're drinking straight then the good stuff stands out. Mex basses are plenty good as they are. If you are going to mod the heck out of it start with a Squier.
 
#52
Michael Simpson said:
So I had a bit of an argument with a guy the other day over this and was wondering people's opinions
of the matter.

Say you had bought 2 basses, in this instance a bog standard, run of the mill p bass. One a Mexican, the other a USA standard. For the sake of equality, we would say completely similar. Alder bodies, maple necks and fretboards. You had bought them both for modifying extensively, with exactly the same components (fully upgraded hardware and electronics) and then gave them an equal set up (fret ends filed, action is up to personal preference).

Which one would be "better", or would they be equal?
As in, thoroughly. Not taking into consideration any resale value or sentimentality or prejudice over where they were made, simply which one would make more sense to YOU.

For what it's worth, I would take the mex. Not only would the total outlay on buying it and all the components be cheaper than the USA, but if they're perfectly similar, I see no point in paying over the odds for the exact same. I understand the USA may come better set up and assembled in the first instance, but given the fact that they would be set up very similarly, I would definitely take preference to the mex simply for the factor of cost effectiveness.
Discuss! And please, no wars.
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We are beating a dead horse here,this debate has been going on forever.. OP says both will be nodded the same ,that's not a fair comparison if your going to make them the "same" then all your comparing is the initial cost of the bass .
Now if we are talking stock basses than it is a no brainer the USA is the winner. Now when you get into modifcation ,resale value ECT, well everything changes. You can make a bass sound or feel like you want with the right modifcations..
Find one that feels good in your hands is the first thing I look for ,you want a comfortable neck that's good in your hands,every thing else can be done later if needed.
Don't get hung up on where the bass is made buy used if you want to save money or do extensive mods
Playability is the key.. pickups and amps can do the rest and of course it's also your playing.
A good player can make the cheapest bass sound good.
Some guys or gals are modders never satisfied always have to tinker, that's ok too in its own right,it keeps aftermarket parts supplier in business..
My two cents...
 
#55
I think my original post has divided a lot of people. I must stress that I have no regional preference over where guitars are built, as I say I've owned a Roger Waters (mim) and I hated every single thing about it, even set up I just didn't understand it.
I prefer my indonesian squier p in every way possible. I LOVE the classic 50s p I've tried, even a few mex standards were nice enough. I've played Americans that were lovely, and that I've really enjoyed but then I've also played some absolute horrors out there.
For what it's worth, the whole "graphite rod" thing has never amazed me. Yes they may be stiffer and lighter, however basses in the past have never needed these, and while they are a very good idea I wouldn't shell out for a bass which only has these as a merit. Yes, the rolled fingerboards are very lovely too. But then I've rolled the edges of my vintage v4, and it feels lovely too. :thumbsup:
As I said, not taking into factor any form of resale value or sentimentality of "supporting" certain areas, I would have the mex for upgrading. HOWEVER, and this I'd a big however, if I simply wanted a nice p bass to enjoy for years to come and to keep fairly standard without modifying, it would more than likely be an American standard or professional due to the obviously better workmanship, finishing, and stock hardware.
Just my 2 cents :whistle:
 
#56
Two guys have two cars: one a Lexus and one a Toyota. They’re going to rip out and replace the interior, drivetrain, suspension.... you get it.

And oh yeah, for whatever reason the car bodies look pretty much exactly the same except for the badges and a bit of trim.

Now which car is better? More importantly, which guy is the bigger idiot? ;)
 
#59
craigie said:
Two guys have two cars: one a Lexus and one a Toyota. They’re going to rip out and replace the interior, drivetrain, suspension.... you get it.

And oh yeah, for whatever reason the car bodies look pretty much exactly the same except for the badges and a bit of trim.

Now which car is better? More importantly, which guy is the bigger idiot? ;)
Click to expand...


I added an ejector seat for passengers who use tired car analogies.

giphy.gif
 
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