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MIM for MIJ?
- Thread starter WayneS
- Start date
This may have been true a few years ago, but they're all produced with the same machines now. The quality of the MIM is up there with the MIA and it would be a shame for a young person considering a purchase to believe this old-wive's tale today.
The differences in the Standards nowadays are in features such as rods to strengthen the necks, string-through bridges to increase sustain, and rolled fretboard edges to facilitate ease of playing. Some may not want these "improvements". The differences in the "vintage", "classic" and RI lines are even less distinct.
The truth is that you should play the bass first (and make sure it's been set up) before making any decision.
One thing I have learned at my own expense is that a MIM or MIA neck does not fit a MIJ or CIJ body (and vice-versa).
Make your choice based on the way each instrument feels and sounds, not where it was made.
And remember, (this doesn't hold true for Japanese Fenders) -
MIM or MIA, all Fenders are built by Mexicans.
This
I have a MIM 50s P and a MIJ 51 reissue. Both are excellent axes. The 50s P is my go to bass.
Don't worry so much about where it's made. With mass production and CNC machines any generalization is meaningless.
Just play them both and see which one speaks to you more.
And remember, (this doesn't hold true for Japanese Fenders) -
MIM or MIA, all Fenders are built by Mexicans.
They are? I heard the necks are always made in America, but the bodies are made in their respective areas.
If the neck part is true, why do MIM & MIJ/CIL, Indonesian Squier necks necks always feel great and many of the (just about every one I have ever played)
the MIA necks all feel like the cutting edge of a chainsaw?
To the OP, play them both through the same amp and decide which one you like best. I'm a big fan of maple necks, but I have had and still have two rosewood necks. I do not know that I can really say one is better than the other.
Definitely try them both out back to back and see how they compare, and which you like better. Don't pay attention to resale value while doing this.
Make sure to upgrade the bridge on whichever you decide.
I own two MIM Jazz basses, and I love their feel, sound and playability. Like I said, the only thing lacking on them is the stock bridge (CIJ basses too), and I have upgraded them both.
Make sure to upgrade the bridge on whichever you decide.
I own two MIM Jazz basses, and I love their feel, sound and playability. Like I said, the only thing lacking on them is the stock bridge (CIJ basses too), and I have upgraded them both.
