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New MIA Fender Jazz?

theevilplankton

theevilplankton

Jul 9, 2009
950
719
#1
I've seen the current outgoing MIA Fenders going for quite a good discount.

I've had Jazz GAS for a while....had one, sold it, regret it.

I'm currently a sole bass man - a vintage Rickenbacker 4001. Like it a lot, but wouldn't mind something a little more playable, and bottom end-y! Plus the added issues of gigging a 42 year old instrument.

If I buy one, I'd have to sell the 4001. I'd miss it on a personal level, less so in a band situation. Although it is the coolest, it's not necessarily the best for what I do.

Big dilemma here for a while.....any similar experiences to help?
 
#3
I've played some CV Squiers that sounded and played better than many MIMs. I was all ready to pull the trigger on the CV '70s P (it bested every MIM that I put it up against) before I found a great deal on a loaded MIJ '57 RI P body and built me a P bass. CV Jazz basses are just as good. For $400, they can't be beat.
 
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#5
Are you willing to give up the Ric? Not likely you will find another, without getting lucky and paying a premium. Remember how you feel about selling the Jazz. The only bass I ever sold was a Ric, my first good bass, and I miss it.

Unless you are, start shopping around. You might find a good deal, and then you can have both.

I am not a fan of flipping. Unless you bought used at a good price, you take a bath.
 
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#7
That's my rub. Even after over 20 years of playing, I feel I am evolving. My Ric obsession is my teenage fixation.....I always come back to, and I long to let it go. Weird?

Guess I'm scared of being 'another' bass player with a Fender. Even if it might help my playing.....
 
#8
theevilplankton said:
That's my rub. Even after over 20 years of playing, I feel I am evolving. My Ric obsession is my teenage fixation.....I always come back to, and I long to let it go. Weird?

Guess I'm scared of being 'another' bass player with a Fender. Even if it might help my playing.....
Click to expand...
If you're set on a Fender bass, perhaps try a G&L? Be different, but have your hands on the best instruments Leo Fender himself ever put out. They put out American Jazz basses, ya know. :)
 
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#9
twinjet said:
If you're set on a Fender bass, perhaps try a G&L? Be different, but have your hands on the best instruments Leo Fender himself ever put out. They put out American Jazz basses, ya know. :)
Click to expand...
Bah... the G&L USA jazz bass seems to be a jazz bass with a different headstock and maybe different pickups.
I played a used one some time ago and it was very well set up and easy to play but it didn't differ too much from my MIA Fender jazz bass.
However they are very difficult to be found 2nd hand if you are on a budget.
 
#12
Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati said:
Bah... the G&L USA jazz bass seems to be a jazz bass with a different headstock and maybe different pickups.
I played a used one some time ago and it was very well set up and easy to play but it didn't differ too much from my MIA Fender jazz bass.
However they are very difficult to be found 2nd hand if you are on a budget.
Click to expand...
Well, remember that it's an improvement; not a renovation. A JB should sound and feel familiar to a Fender Jazz because it is Leo Fender's own creation (I'm guessing you already knew this :)). Biggest differences being construction and build & material quality.
 
#15
Ya know, Rics are cool but have never been my flavor. That being said, I think you would be crazy to get rid of yours. 4001s are certainly not decreasing in value, so unless a bass purchase is going to take food off the table, please keep it.

You can find an excellent Fender Jazz for $500. Just keep looking and it will come to you.
 
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#16
theevilplankton said:
I've seen the current outgoing MIA Fenders going for quite a good discount.

I've had Jazz GAS for a while....had one, sold it, regret it.

I'm currently a sole bass man - a vintage Rickenbacker 4001. Like it a lot, but wouldn't mind something a little more playable, and bottom end-y! Plus the added issues of gigging a 42 year old instrument.

If I buy one, I'd have to sell the 4001. I'd miss it on a personal level, less so in a band situation. Although it is the coolest, it's not necessarily the best for what I do.

Big dilemma here for a while.....any similar experiences to help?
Click to expand...

I would do everything I could to get the new one (whatever that my be), and think really hard about NOT getting rid of the Ric. If you need an intervention, call me @ 1-800-HIGH-END.
 
#19
meowcow said:
just buy an MIJ or something
Click to expand...

Have never seen the MIAs as worth it... There are some pretty awesome MIJs that give you the same quality and comparable sound and IMO, sometimes better feel/playability. Try to try a few different ones and compare before you drop the coin just for the sake of it being an MIA. Though I've never experienced it, I've heard of folks that have noted quality inconsistencies on the MIM side of the house...
 

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