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Mexican Precision 2009

T

Tensing

Aug 26, 2009
3
0
#1
Hi all, been reading a lot of threads and seen the decent no-nonsense approach to giving advice - so here's a question for you.

Currently looking at purchasing a bass at around the £400 mark, been most interested in the Standard Precision 2009. I hear this is a MIM model - is this something I should worry about? Seems to be a mixed bag of responses across the board as to the quality and sound.

There are a few other decent basses around that mark but the Precision is the one I keep being drawn back to - mainly playing hard rock/metal/acoustic/punk/eclectic stuff, currently on a borrowed Ibanez (which isn't ideal - mainly as it's not been cared for particularly well).

Will be for used for gigging in the foreseeable future, once we find a singer we're happy with!

Cheers guys.
 
#4
mim fenders can be very good, or bad, depending on the individual piece...just keep that in mind when making your decision, and if it's a good one, it should be a good choice at that price point that will sound and play well with a good setup
 
#6
Refer to MIM Precision threads/reviews on the web and you'll find some interesting reading. And, test drive the '09 P. The MIM P is not low priced, and nothing to scoff at quality-wise for those seeking this type of bass.
 
#11
1) Purchase instrument 'off the wall' ( play many until you find 'the one' that speaks to you )
2) Take it in for a good pro set-up. Have he/she give the frets a little extra love and attention (leveling, dress ends, etc.)
3) Budget down the road for upgraded electronics (pots, cap, etc). If you like the sound of the stock pickups, fine. But the P pickup is so simple, it's cool to swap different brands and see the difference.
4) If you ever sell it, don't expect to recoup more than 1/2 back of what you have invested.
5) Upside to #4: you have a great sounding and playing bass you can take anywhere. If it gets thrashed or stolen, go build another.
 
#12
Thanks guys, good advice there - nice to know that you've had some good experiences with the MIM models and the 2009 looks a decent bit of gear for the price.

Will definitely be looking to tweak and upgrade further down the line and I'm not going to stress over resale - will be hanging onto it for the foreseeable future while we cut a swathe through the local music scene :P

Now I need to think about colours...... but they all look so nice!
 
#13
Willicious said:
1) Purchase instrument 'off the wall' ( play many until you find 'the one' that speaks to you )
2) Take it in for a good pro set-up. Have he/she give the frets a little extra love and attention (leveling, dress ends, etc.)
3) Budget down the road for upgraded electronics (pots, cap, etc). If you like the sound of the stock pickups, fine. But the P pickup is so simple, it's cool to swap different brands and see the difference.
4) If you ever sell it, don't expect to recoup more than 1/2 back of what you have invested.
5) Upside to #4: you have a great sounding and playing bass you can take anywhere. If it gets thrashed or stolen, go build another.
Click to expand...

I sold my MIM Mike Dirnt P-bass for $500 USD. I paid $730 USD for it new.
 
#15
For £400 consider seeking out an MIJ/CIJ precision (have a lok on basschat for more local options than TB). I recently sold a 70's reissue P-bass for nearer £300. They're a better bet than the MIM basses IMHO.

Just to clarify, I'd still have the bass but didn't get on with the neck profile. The fit and finish was superb. If it'd been the '62 reissue I'd probably still have it. Once Christmas roles around and I get my upcoming wedding over with I'll be on the hunt for another MIJ P-bass. As for not buying without playing first - living in Northern Ireland I don't have that option unfortunately. Having read lots about the various 'grades' (MIA/MIJ/MIM) I have to say I'd be happier buying MIJ unseen/unplayed than MIM and at least on a level with MIA.
 
#16
I'm in a similar boat Bigwan - across the water on the Isle of Man. Part of the reason for buying new is having more confidence in quality over buying pre-owned and there is not a huge choice over here in basses, making it difficult to play before purchase.

I'll have a look on Basschat, would feel a little more comfort than buying blind on ebay.
 
#20
Bigwan said:
I have to say I'd be happier buying MIJ unseen/unplayed than MIM and at least on a level with MIA.
Click to expand...

IME, you probably would be happier w/ MIJ
over MIM since you cant try either first...

Ive never had an MIM I was happy w/, but they were both Jazz basses and both very cheap- I think the MIMs have come a ways since then. The newer MIM 50's P basses are getting a lot of love around here, and as was previously stated- a good setup (and realizing that there isnt much resale value) will go a long way.

As w/ most things- the amount of money you spend on a MIM bass will usually equate w/ satisfaction level: the MIMs getting the most love around here right now are the more expensive ones :hiding: Of course that could also go w/ buying a cheap one and spending money on setup/upgrades...
 

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