MIJ Fender P Bass..Worth it?

[Larry Mal]

Fix it up, keep it. It'll be as good as any P-bass you could buy once you are done with it, and maybe you can put in a different flavor of pickup or something. The MIJ stuff is fantastic, and you got a great deal.

 

[fretlessman71]

Adding my name to the list of those who would buy it off of you if you decide to sell. I have an 80's Japanese Fender Jazz in white; this would make a nice set.

 

[fretlessman71]

Adding my name to the list of those who would buy it off of you if you decide to sell. I have an 80's Japanese Fender Jazz in white; this would make a nice set.

Tagging @Jonahly to be sure he sees this.

 

[squarepeg]

When I was a lad, taking off your g-string was illegal in 31 states.

 

[ELG60]

My experience with MIJ/CIJ basses is good. That string mounting technique, however . . . Heinous.

Heads should roll.

 

[bassliner50]

You are crazy if you do not grab it. NOW! Then, restring, set it up, clean it up, and do your happy dance for a long time.

 

[39-Bassist]

Get it now! or tell me where it is...
at that price i'd take it.
replace bridge, test and a setup....then rock that thing all night long!

 

[DISCOSTUVW]

I'd def rock that after some new electronics (the weakness in a lot of Japanese Fenders).

 

[BobKos]

The answer to your query is to go on Reverb and search sold listings. You can compare similar instruments and see what they sold for. Deduct 25% for fees and general hassle factor and you will have a realistic cash selling price.

Per Jimmy Thunder's post I would not easily be moved to buy a bass with one or more missing strings that still has one or more strings installed. To me it is a high risk and the potential for sell / return cycle is high in your stated intent.

 

[CRhodes]

based solely on my experience with mij instruments, you will inevitably love and keep it; and on the off chance you decide to sell, you'll be able to ask 8+ for it.

 

[mikecd1]

Reading through, the OP did buy it and hope he fixes it up and keeps it. Like the Peavey Furys the MIJ Pbasses are great instruments and many play and sound great. Congrats on a great find!

 

[NathOBX]

Its a steal given everything is in working order other than the saddle.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

My 84 MIJ P was one of the best basses I've ever played.
$275 even in that shape is like stealin!
I sold mine about 2 years ago for $650!

 

[pmooney]

Reading through, the OP did buy it and hope he fixes it up and keeps it. Like the Peavey Furys the MIJ Pbasses are great instruments and many play and sound great. Congrats on a great find!

I have two Japanese Fenders, an Aerodyne that is absolutely mint, and a P Lyte that's my everyday player. Love them both! Funny you mention the Fury, just bought one last night locally that'll be the wall hanger at my little shop for jams. Man what a sweet playing bass! It's 90' ish? US made unit.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I understand that!! I've been thinking about potential bad stuff and other investments.

How much could these go for? Pretending the neck works and the PUPs work.

Buy it before someone else does!! That's a killer price.

 

[tpaul]

I'd buy it for $300 in a heartbeat.

 

[fishdreams]

I'd buy it and sell my American Pbass

 

[hieronymous]

I'd def rock that after some new electronics (the weakness in a lot of Japanese Fenders).

"A lot of" are the relevant words here - I had a mid-range MIJ Jazz Bass with the Japanese pickups bought new around '87 in Tokyo - people loved the way it sounded - Jon Mouradian set it up around 2002 for me and said he thought the pickups sounded great - it had a big fat, clear sound.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hey fellas, I'm looking at an 80s MIJ Fender P Bass around $300.

I already have a nice American P bass that no other P bass could replace so I'm thinking about fixing this one up and reselling it.

I've seen some listings for MIJ Ps for $500+ and even some for $700 but they're missing big chunks of finish.


I'll post some pictures but could anyone give any useful information? Possibly if it's a reissue/standard PB.

Thank you much!!View attachment 4033684 View attachment 4033685 View attachment 4033686View attachment 4033688 View attachment 4033689

I would not buy this without having this in my hands, to check out truss rod and electronics. Just about everything else is repairable.

 

[stefanb]

"A lot of" are the relevant words here - I had a mid-range MIJ Jazz Bass with the Japanese pickups bought new around '87 in Tokyo - people loved the way it sounded - Jon Mouradian set it up around 2002 for me and said he thought the pickups sounded great - it had a big fat, clear sound.

I think that's just an internet thing and maybe refers to the boxer series with the TBX controls? I mean, there's barely any electronics in a passive instrument anyway