Mexican or American(Fender)...Your preference?

[FoHBass]

I bought my jazz last August. It's an '05 MIM with a flame maple top. I got it because I've never seen a Std. Jazz like that. I compared other J's there at Sam Ash, and wasn't moved in either direction by the other MIM J's there, but the only problem with any of the MIM's was one was missing a volume knob. The MIA's, on the other hand, seriously disappointed me. Between overly noisy electronics, warped necks, rattles when certain notes are played. Not what I would look for in a $1000 bass. And I prefer the neck on my MIM compared to my friends MIA Deluxe Jazz.

They both vary in quality. I've owned a MIM Strat for close to 11 years, and the only part to actually go bad on me was the input jack. It's beat to all hell, but still sounds awesome and plays beautifully. I've also seen new MIM's with major flaws and MIA's that were built perfectly. I chose the MIM, though, because it was unique, felt good, sounded good, and was affordable. I don't plan on selling, so I don't really care too much about resale value.

For the record, this same Sam Ash (according to my friend, who's a manager there) sent a bunch of Fenders back because they had warped necks. Most were MIA's, for what it's worth.

 

[HMZ]

For the record, this same Sam Ash (according to my friend, who's a manager there) sent a bunch of Fenders back because they had warped necks. Most were MIA's, for what it's worth.[/QUOTE]

Thats amazing because I fine most of the people at Sam Ash and GC would not even know if a bass had warped neck or even care if it did. I never really like the mim jazz basses until lately they have vastly improved the quality of them. I also was impressed with the highway one series of basses.

 

[MDP]

Thats a rip off. you can get a new Fender mim P bass for $424.99.
You can get a used Fender mia P bass for $650.00.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Standard-Precision-Bass?sku=516041

Sorry, I forgot to mention it was AUS Dollars

 

[toolfann615]

correct me if im wrong, but i heard that the the parts for MIM basses are made in america and only built in mexico. i have a MIM jazz with an ash body, i love it but yeah the pickups arent that good and a BadassII would make it bettur but it costs alot less to add those then to spend an extra 500+ on a bass.

 

[HMZ]

correct me if im wrong, but i heard that the the parts for MIM basses are made in america and only built in mexico. i have a MIM jazz with an ash body, i love it but yeah the pickups arent that good and a BadassII would make it bettur but it costs alot less to add those then to spend an extra 500+ on a bass.

The mia Fenders are more then just better pickups and bridges.
They have better built necks with graphite-reinforced rods, tuners
and they just feel solid. I find the truss rod in the mims to vibrant
a lot and make noise.

 

[bassbully43]

I agree on the pickups, bridges tuners and some flash but better necks and bodies? The neck and bodies are all cut in the cali plant and some MIA have rolled necks but they are not much diffrent then MIM. The bodies have less pieces of wood. MIA feel more solid? ..really could of fooled me.I played 2 MIAs last week and i like my MIM neck way better.

 

[HMZ]

I agree on the pickups, bridges tuners and some flash but better necks and bodies? The neck and bodies are all cut in the cali plant and some MIA have rolled necks but they are not much diffrent then MIM. The bodies have less pieces of wood. MIA feel more solid? ..really could of fooled me.I played 2 MIAs last week and i like my MIM neck way better.

If your happy with it thats all that counts.

 

[steve66]

I found that its hit and miss. I played some Americans and Mexicans and that I liked and some I hated. Ive been looking to buy a Jazz for about a year. I bought one today on a whim from a music store owner that said make me an offer. I really dug that bass. Definately one of the better ones I played. Solid electronics, mint body and neck. The strings were original and like new. It didnt have a price tag on it, so I asked some questions about the bass. I noticed that it was a Mexican Fender. He told me it was used and that the person who owned it bought it for his kid who it played it a few times and gave it up a few years ago and was collecting dust. The bass the ice blue metallic and looks to be a 2003 model. I negotiated $225.00 out the door. I am keeping this stock, maybe add a series/parallel circuit like the newer ones have.

 

[dave_p]

Japanese....better than both IMO.

after all this time i have to chime in here. what is with people and this japanese fender kick? they are not better than american fenders. back when they were new they were considered 'MIJ crap' and nobody wanted them. now all of a sudden they are great? they have generic hardware that isnt stamped with any logo and anemic pickups. it was a cost saving move that offered people fenders at cut prices. quality was cut in the electronics and the hardware. some of the finishing, fretwork and woodwork was sometimes better than the american basses. some of the QC was better, but the materials and hardware were absolutely sub par to the american instruments. same with the mexicans. thats why the americans are preferable.

prices are up on the MIJ stuff now because in comparison, it is a lot better than the korean and chinese stuff that came after. although i must say anything out of the samick factory in korea looks pretty darn good. but again, generic hardware and not so hot electronics.

what do i prefer? my american jazz that came stock with gotoh tuners, a schaller bridge, lace sensors and a kubicki preamp. stamped neck plate. bookmatched 2 piece ash body and stacked, knurled and powder coated knobs.

show me a MIJ or mexican that comes new with that in an SKB flight case with tools, a cord, a polishing cloth, a strap and schaller strap locks.