MIM Jazz or 70' RI Jazz

[MartinG1957]

Thinking of adding a Jazz to my armory - looking at 2011 MIM jazz or 70's RI jazz, apart from the looks any major practical differences- has anyone experience of both and any comments on a preference? Thanks a lot - playing examples of both not an immediate option as Irish music stores don't carry large selections! Cheers!

 

[IPA]

I've owned the 70s and played the MIMs several times... The main difference aside from the looks is the feel and the sound--MIM will have a more matte type neck finish and the profile is a little thicker, but the 70s is definitely not super thin like a Geddy Lee.

The pickups on the 70s are not as hot, and are more 'woody' I guess because of this. The 70s sounds more like the classic jazz bass tone to me.

Quality wise, I'd say they are about the same build quality.

If I had to pick one, it would be the 70s.

 

[MartinG1957]

Thanks very much -appreciate your feedback!

 

[Engine207]

Are you talking about the '70s Classic Jazz (MIM) vs. Standard Jazz (MIM)? As far as I know there is no "70's RI". There's a '75 RI, which I think is MIJ.

I have a '70s Classic and would choose that every day over a Standard. I've never played the '75 RI, which is a natural finish/maple fretboard with black blocks, and very well regarded...though priced much higher than the other two.

 

[MartinG1957]

Hi Engine yes, sorry excuse my error as you said that's what I'm looking at and thanks!

 

[MartinG1957]

Thanks for the advice guys: 70's Jazz ordered and on it's way!
Cheers

 

[Fendr1320]

I think you'll like it, was my main bass for a year or so and was very happy with it. People were always knocked out by the blocks/binding too

 

[Engine207]

Congrats!! You're gonna LOVE it! Next stop (after photos, of course):

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/fender-classic-series-70s-jazz-bass-club-632040/

 

[MartinG1957]

Thanks guys really looking forward to it and will of course get a pic up! Worse thing now is waiting- I live in Ireland but am Scottish - going over next weekend for a week and so ordered the bass over there for delivery to family and will pick it up there-so it might be a couple of weeks before the pic appears but it will and then I will apply to join the club-thanks again for the advice, much appreciated. Cheers!

 

[MartinG1957]

Nothing like a new bass arriving to take you back to the days of coming down the stairs on Christmas morning to see what was waiting for you.......here is the new 70's Jazz...straight out of the box.....

At my mum's house in Scotland (just to make it feel like it was a kid's Christmas!)

I had a chance to plug it in and play that evening at a rehearsal...love at first sight...love the feel of the neck, the bass is perfectly balanced for me, the sound is just what I was hoping for...just delighted...my All Black MIJ Precision sat jealously on it's stand all night and didn't get a look in...lovely bass and superb service from RedDogMusic in Edinburgh...will post their details elsewhere also! (For the observant, the Thomann box had some mics in it which had been delivered for me also...RedDog beat them on price and service on this.)
Cheers!

 

[Fenderjazz75]

I have two of the USA 75 reissue basses (years 2000 and 2006)...it is the only bass I play. All the parts and pickups are top notch and it has the perfect sound for traditional jazz. The build quality is higher on the usa 75. Better parts too! The mim will leave you wanting to upgrade various parts.

 

[MartinG1957]

Yep, may well do in time, for now I love it!
That is a really nice looking bass you have there looks class!
As a matter of interest, what would you think would become a frustration and be worth upgrading?
Cheers

 

[rummy]

70s pickup spacing is just delicious.

 

[rodl2005]

Joining this club soon. Here's the bass, but it won't be in my hot li'l hands for another week

Think I'll do the obvious & put a tort guard on asap
She'll be joining my other "70's jazz", an Alleva-Copollo EUT5, which has the 70's pup spacing.