Mexican J-Bass for three bills. Worth it?

[Terpodion]

I'd like to have a classic bass with flats on it to add to my arsenel. I know that Fender went through a rather bad period. I have the opportunity to pick up a J-bass for about $300. It's Mexican made from the early '90's. It gives me pause.

 

[ispunk]

As long as there are no visible issues, I'd hit a MIM for 3 bills all day every day

 

[Skeezix]

Picked up my fretless MIM Jazz a few years ago for $300.
Well worth it to me. But what do I know.

 

[nattiep]

I managed to nab an '05 fretless J for $300 and then later on an '11 fretted J for $350. Worth every penny.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I'd like to have a classic bass with flats on it to add to my arsenel. I know that Fender went through a rather bad period. I have the opportunity to pick up a J-bass for about $300. It's Mexican made from the early '90's. It gives me pause.

That is pretty high for a Standard Jazz bass of that vintage. If it is a one-piece guard, not a chance. Unless the bass really speaks to you, I would hold out for another one. You can find 2017~ Fender Standards in that price range.

 

[Terpodion]

Advice well taken. I think I'll let it pass. It's a bit road worn and banged up as well.

 

[bobba66]

Maybe.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

banged up, offer $200
if it's got a case, $225

 

[JGbassman]

300 is about adverage for what I'm seeing on eBay and reverb, if you go cheaper you start running into junk. Keep an eye out and you will do fine. The black label mim's out of the mid 90's will be running less as they are considered to be a cheaper built instrument, and priced accordingly.

A standard silver labeled mim for 300 is about adverage priced, maybe a bit low. If the bass is in good shape, I'd look at it.

 

[jd56hawk]

If it sounds, looks and feels better than the other $300 Jazz basses it might be worth it.

 

[LuckyScott]

I love my MIM Jazz Bass. Not as much as the Corona built Fender Jazz, but almost....

 

[Artman]

I just picked one up and paid a lot more for it, but I love it and have no regrets. If the neck feels good, and the body balances well, buy it, clean it up, tune it up, play the crap out of it, and smile all the while!

 

[Snakeman1066]

$300 for MIM instruments is about right...

 

[osonu]

Nah, you could get an MIM P for that price! ; )

 

[tjh]

Almost like comparing apples to oranges when it comes to talking about Fender products only by country of origin ... there is quite a difference component wise with a MIM Standard from the 90's, and say a post '08 MIM Standard ... although there was very little model variety for Fenders MIM from the 90's, there are several models since (and currently) that are MIM Fender products, which again have very different components than either a '90's or much later model ...

 

[mikewalker]

I have a 94 MIM "Urge" and it's a real keeper. Seems by that time they had started in using the "good" woods ( not that crappy pale bland maple you used to see on the earliest first-gen MIMs....)

 

[bassnyc1]

I have nothing against MIM Fenders. I own one myself (‘08 Classic Series P bass) and I wouldn’t hesitate buying another if I had the chance to try it first.
However, those early 90’s MIM Fenders we’re around $300 NEW and they weren’t nearly as good as the newer MIM’s. Fender really upped their quality around the same time the American ones improved (around 2008 or so)
If you try it and it speaks to you, then it’s your call but for me, I wouldn’t consider it if it were more than $200 in near perfect condition.

 

[selowitch]

If it is a one-piece guard, not a chance.

I've never seen a pickguard consisting of more than one piece. Are you referring to pickguards with more that one layer?

 

[Dalewyatt]

Maybe he is referring to when they did a pickguard without the metal control plate? I think they were 94-95 ish.

 

[klejst]

If it checks out as far as good physical overall condition as well as play ability with no issues (or with the electronics) then yes that'd be worth the price for it.