Should I do this trade? MIJ for MIA fender?

[jazzman64]

I have a 1995 MIJ 62 reissue in sunburst with a rosewood fretboard. I love the bass but want something new. I had posted a listing and an interested buyer said he’ll trade me an excellent condition American Pro II P Bass (black with maple fretboard). It’s a legit bass, not a fake. Should I do the trade?

 

[ComesATime]

Is yours a Jazz or a P?

Isn't the American Pro II worth significantly more?

Maybe not with some of the used prices these days.

 

[bakageta]

Are you able to actually check out the pbass before you trade? Have any feelings about maple vs rosewood, modern vs vintage frets, etc? A lot of MIJ from that era were big on 7.25" radius and vintage frets, not sure about yours specifically but the am pro II is going to be more modern: 9.5" and narrow tall. I've made a mistake or two over the years and traded instruments I loved for something that was 'better' on paper but ended up playing like absolute dogs. I'd be pretty reluctant to trade something I love just for GAS.

 

[ComesATime]

Are you able to actually check out the pbass before you trade? Have any feelings about maple vs rosewood, modern vs vintage frets, etc? A lot of MIJ from that era were big on 7.25" radius and vintage frets, not sure about yours specifically but the am pro II is going to be more modern: 9.5" and narrow tall. I've made a mistake or two over the years and traded instruments I loved for something that was 'better' on paper but ended up playing like absolute dogs. I'd be pretty reluctant to trade something I love just for GAS.

Definitely. If you're happy with your current bass, you're sort of trading for a mystery box without being able to ty it out.

I don't know the specifics of the MIJs, but it could end up feeling very different, never mind the potential for issues.

 

[pbass2]

I LOVE CIJ/MIJ P's and J's--older ones in particular, and newer ones too. I seek them out when looking for FSO's. If you have a good feeling/sounding one, man, I dunno. They're often "better" than many new USA Fenders IMHO.

 

[sleddogn]

gonna get 50/50 response on this i'm afraid. I'd do the trade, i currently am loving my am pro II precision that i got about a month ago. I've also owned a couple MIJ mustangs and they were built very very nicely...

 

[Cloudspine]

You're trading something you know you love for a crapshoot - they're good basses but who knows if you'll vibe with this one. The values don't really matter at that point. A bird in hand is better than two in the tree.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I assume this guy isn't local. I always prefer meeting in person, so both people can check out their instrument. He's trading what appears to be a more valuable instrument straight up.

Spider sense tingling...

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Nahhhh... I think your just chasing your tail.
Keep the one you know you love.

 

[jazzman64]

I assume this guy isn't local. I always prefer meeting in person, so both people can check out their instrument. He's trading what appears to be a more valuable instrument straight up.

Spider sense tingling...

No he is local and willing to try the bass out!

 

[jazzman64]

I have a 1995 MIJ 62 reissue in sunburst with a rosewood fretboard. I love the bass but want something new. I had posted a listing and an interested buyer said he’ll trade me an excellent condition American Pro II P Bass (black with maple fretboard). It’s a legit bass, not a fake. Should I do the trade?

HE IS LOCAL AND I CAN TRY THE BASS OUT

 

[Tim Skaggs]

The Am pro might be worth a little more, but not much based on internet prices of each.

If there’s any price differences within the Am Pro II lineup, the black with maple is probably the cheapest one.

The Am Pro II probably won’t play or sound any better than what you have.
I’d have a hard time turning loose of the sunburst / rosewood, especially if it plays and sounds good.

 

[39-Bassist]

Try the bass first then decide. If it plays well and you like the feel better than yours then do the trade...if not forget it.

 

[sleddogn]

Can't hurt to try it out for sure as others are mentioning

 

[buldog5151bass]

No he is local and willing to try the bass out!

Then go look and play. Let your hands and ears decide. That's the most important thing.

 

[wysiwyg248]

As many said it, try the new bass before pulling the trigger or confirm in writing the seller return policy.
I've found the CIJ instruments very consistent -and good- relative to build quality.

 

[sikamikanico]

I suggest you decide what you want before trying the bass. Then try it and see if it meets your criteria. Otherwise it’s very easy to fool yourself, and come up with reasons for the trade after the fact. Then chances are down the road you will regret it.

In short: when you don’t know what to do, do nothing.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

HE IS LOCAL AND I CAN TRY THE BASS OUT

Sounds like you should try it out. You're interested and you won't know until you get it in your hands. Just don't be afraid to walk away if it's not right, even if the other person is crazy about your bass. Make sure it fits your needs and is a player.

My current #1 is a CIJ Aerodyne and it's my finest neck.

 

[superheavyfunk]

HE IS LOCAL AND I CAN TRY THE BASS OUT

If you try it and find that you love it, then sure. But even still, by the sound of it you just want something new… you’re lusting after novelty. That’s never a good idea in any dimension in life, in my opinion and experience.

The joy of novelty wears off pretty quickly, as anyone who’s ever bought a new bass or car, or has gotten into a new relationship or job knows. Stick with what you know works for you and you can’t go wrong.

Also, 2/3 of poll respondents seem to agree with me. The question is, did you make this post because you actually want advice that you can follow, or were you looking for affirmation on a decision that you’ve already made but feel you might regret?

 

[P. Aaron]

If you're doing paid gigs, cost over time doesn't matter. Enjoying the instrument vibe is the most important thing.

IF you can do a side by side in person, I'd say it's definitely worth checking out.

Long term, USA Fenders are valued more even tho' MIJ build quality is renown.