Mexican J-Bass for three bills. Worth it?

[Pbassmanca]

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.

I would say at that price, if the neck looks good and feels good and you are happy with the weight and overall sound and feel of the bass guitar go for it! You can always do mods later to refine the sound and feel of the bass.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

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.

Fender went through worse periods in the 70's, but people are paying thousands for those instruments. Every Fender era has their share of dogs and great examples, some have more dogs, other eras have more great examples. Dont base it on what people say, and instead judge each bass on it's own individual merits. Go check out the bass and actually put your hands on it and play it and then make your decision. If you can't do that make sure it has a bulletproof return policy. If it doesn't have that as an option, I'd pass and just wait until one crosses your path in person.

And $300 is a pretty good price. As the price for new MIM Standards have crept up over the years, I've seen people asking $350 -$400 for used MIM Standards, and $300 is a very fair price if it's in good shape. Be aware that during that time in the early-mid 90's Fender had the "black label" MIM Standards. Some were Squiers, other were Fenders, and were called black labels because the label on the headstock was just a flat, plain black logo. They are overall pretty well regarded. I had one recently and was very surprised at how nice the neck was, but it had a cheap, 1-ply pickguard and crappy mini pots. I replaced the pickguard, pickup, pots and wiring and a buddy ended up buying it and it's now an amazing instrument.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

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.

Really? Please show us where we can find used 2017 MIM Standards for $300.

 

[74hc]

I would pass because I don't like the Fender necks in that time period.

 

[RickyWoo]

Depending on the shape, definitely.

 

[micguy]

It's about the neck. If:

1) It fits your hand well, and:
2) It's straight, plays well and clean actross the board, and:
3) The frets aren't too worn,

Then the bass may be a good deal - everything else can be dealt with, so long as it's not a total train wreck.

 

[bigtone23]

I'm not the most supportive of 90s MIM as the factory was just getting traction. $300 is top pricing for that era and a bargain for one made in the last 10 years, IMHO.

 

[MoeTown1986]

If it plays nice, and sounds nice, it's worth it. I had a late 90's P bass back in the day that I just couldn't love and ended up getting rid of. But, every other Fender P I've had has been fantastic. Give it a try and let yourself decide if it's worth the money.

 

[MoeTown1986]

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.

You can? Cheapest I've seen a new Standard is like $450.

 

[Bassa Nova]

It all depends, particularly with a J bass. I don't know the time period, but for a certain period of time, MIM J basses had the same size neck and bridge pickups/route which can impact later pickup mods. However, if it feels nice, go for it.

 

[digmeout]

My only piece of advise, make sure the frets are in good shape and the truss rod adjusts the neck in both directions, and when it is adjusted, it stays adjusted and doesn't creep back. IMHO many MIM Fender necks during this time period had that problem

 

[InhumanResource]

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

I got a fretted one NEW in 99 for $300.

 

[brianrost]

Like Inhuman, I remember when a MIM Fender was $300 new. Damn inflation

 

[LordRyan]

If it's a sunburst with tortoise pick guard I'd grab it.

 

[Eekum]

I just bought a '94 MIM Fender Jazz for $240. The back of the neck has a couple dings in it but it plays great. I just changed the pick guard, strings and knobs out. I like the dome top knobs.

 

[Diamond_Dave]

I paid $399 before shipping for a '95 LPB MIM Jazz in darn near mint condition, with the original HSC. And I love it. They're worth what you're willing to pay for them.

 

[ab2112]

Yes good deal. Do it.

 

[Eilif]

It's a totally fair price these days, perhaps even considered a pretty good deal. In the age of Squire's that sell for $350 new it's much more difficult than it once was to find MIM Fender's for less than 3 bills.

A few notes about components. 90's examples usually had poplar bodies, but don't let that scare you. It's a fine tonewood that just isnt very pretty. I would also note that the stock 90's ceramic pickups were servicable, but not great and as nice as the more recent ones, so you might want to plan for a pickup swap someday.

A bit off-topic, but my 90's MIM P has one of my favorite neck profiles. Standard P-bass width but quite thin front to back.

 

[Kmonk]

$300 is a fair price for an MIM Fender. I usually see them for $250 to $350. I had one a couple of years ago that I sold for $350.

 

[AngelCrusher]

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.

Agree. And they are really well made.