P-Bass - MIM vs. MIA

[idoru]

Thread-o-mancy apologies here. The bass was new, and ended up going back to Fender for a replacement neck as the one on it was twisted _and_ would simply not hold tension. While they were at it, they buffed out the finish issue - it's a much nicer bass now.
Electronics are still iffy, but when I finally get my tort guard I'll overhaul the wiring.

c-

 

[Johnny Alien]

got to thinking - Here's the $$ you'd spend, more or less, for a Warmoth P bass with a traditional 3 tone sunburst:

Body (Alder): $170
Paint: $220
Neck: $167
Neck finish, gloss $85

So for bod and neck, $642.
Good machines: ~$80 for hipshot tuners
Bridge: Badass II - ~$70
Pickup: Duncan quarter pound: $65
Pots/caps: $15
Misc Hardware (strap holders, knobs, etc): $20

So for a fully custom P-bass with better than stock Fender parts: $900, give or take, plus have any option you want. Pretty cool, all things considered. Pity you can't resell it for much.

Some of your quotes are a little low and none include any shipping. I have not been able to spec a Warmoth to my liking for under $1000. So yes...you could still potentially save a few hundred bucks but you also have to assemble it and what not which will cost you if you don't have the skill. Since you can find US Fenders all day and night used for under $900 I would say that is the best bet.

 

[Mikio]

it's simple... if you go MIA you can't go wrong, if you go MIM you could go wrong... so, why would you take such a risk? xP

 

[pyrohr]

The difference between the two is when you hold them and play them side by side, you will notice the MIA bass has more "heft" to it while not necessarily weighing more. You will notice when you fret the fingerboard the MIA bass has a more rounded feel to it. When you turn the controls you will notice the MIA basses controls are more fluid, this also includes the tuners! When you plug the two up side by side you will notice the MIM bass sounds a tad hollow compared to the MIA bass. You will also notice just by inspecting the two that the MIA is far superior in build quality! If you think there is not much of a difference in sound then set the amp flat so all you hear is the wood then a/b them!
Btw I own MIA, MIJ/CIJ, and MIM basses. MIM basses are great for the money and offer a lower price alternative to those who may be cash strapped, but to say they are just as good as MIA basses I would never go that far! MIM basses have their place but when it comes down to serious gigging and hearing what your bass sounds like I can surely say you will either want to mod it (pups, bridge,etc) or get an MIA bass! JMHO

Note: my MIA,MIM comparison is for the standard basses only!

 

[Orpheus55]

This is always an interesting discussion as times and values change. Anyone who has followed Pyrohr's posts knows he is a great resource on this subject. Personally, I have had great luck with the FSR MIM Fenders. I do upgrade the pickups and sometimes the tuners, but the overall quality strikes me as better than the two US models I owned in the 70s. Just my own observation. I also have 3 MIJ models which are very fine instruments.

 

[pyrohr]

This is always an interesting discussion as times and values change. Anyone who has followed Pyrohr's posts knows he is a great resource on this subject. Personally, I have had great luck with the FSR MIM Fenders. I do upgrade the pickups and sometimes the tuners, but the overall quality strikes me as better than the two US models I owned in the 70s. Just my own observation. I also have 3 MIJ models which are very fine instruments.

Mid to late 70's was not a good time for Fender.