You'll end up with the same amount of basses you started off with? 
There's something wrong here
There's something wrong here
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Should I do this trade? MIJ for MIA fender?
- Thread starter jazzman64
- Start date
D
Based on the available information I wouldn't personally do it. In my experience MIJs from that era are better instruments, better craftsmanship, better QC than current MIA Fenders. The pickups were often the weak link with older MIJ Fenders but the same can be said about the AmProII, lots of complaints about that pickup. The AmProII SHOULD be considerably more valuable though... which raises a couple of red flags.
However, if I understand this correctly the OP had actually listed the MIJ for sale/trade and got a reply. You wouldn't do that with an instrument if you REALLY loved it. Looks like it's time to move on. This doesn't mean the AmProII is the answer but it doesn't hurt to test it. Make sure to inspect it carefully for flaws (like a faulty or maxed out truss rod, misaligned bridge, twists/bumps in the neck, etc.). Fender USA's quality control hasn't exactly been great recently. An offer to trade a seemingly more valuable MIA Fender for an older MIJ sets off alarm bells in my head. Also, factor in the cost of replacing the V-Mod pickup. You MIGHT like it of course but lots of people find them useless due to the difference in tone/timbre between the two coils (Alnico II vs V).
However, if I understand this correctly the OP had actually listed the MIJ for sale/trade and got a reply. You wouldn't do that with an instrument if you REALLY loved it. Looks like it's time to move on. This doesn't mean the AmProII is the answer but it doesn't hurt to test it. Make sure to inspect it carefully for flaws (like a faulty or maxed out truss rod, misaligned bridge, twists/bumps in the neck, etc.). Fender USA's quality control hasn't exactly been great recently. An offer to trade a seemingly more valuable MIA Fender for an older MIJ sets off alarm bells in my head. Also, factor in the cost of replacing the V-Mod pickup. You MIGHT like it of course but lots of people find them useless due to the difference in tone/timbre between the two coils (Alnico II vs V).
Sounds like a formula for regret later on.
I only get rid of a bass that I am not fond of. You just said you love the bass. Why would you want to get rid of it? Just because you want something new? You never know what you are going to get with Fender. I would not risk getting rid of a bass I love for an unknown
I would do it, but I also have CIJ JB-62 jazz that im trying to trade for even a MIM P bass so i'm green with envy. If you trade and don't like it you can trade it for mine lol.
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My "E" series MIJ is among the few that I will never sell or trade. I just have not found anything like it. If you want something different buy or better yet build another.
You’ll look cooler with the black and maple, and I believe there is wide agreement here that B&M is, objectively, the best sounding color combination. 
But seriously, if you really love the cij I’d think twice, maybe three times. I’ve found that instruments that REALLY work for me are rare finds.
If you’re kind of over the cij though, I’d consider that a solid trade.
But seriously, if you really love the cij I’d think twice, maybe three times. I’ve found that instruments that REALLY work for me are rare finds.
If you’re kind of over the cij though, I’d consider that a solid trade.
"I love the bass but want something new". Try learning a different genre of music then. Trading a known-good tool for an unknown one is pretty foolish.
"I love the bass but wants something new". I have a few basses partly, because of this. I gig every weekend, but it is nice to change basses - to have something that isn't the same old thing in your hands at every gig. In the long run, if your mind works this way, it's better (and cheaper) to buy another bass or two and rotate them than it is to flip your bass every time you get restless. A little diversity in the herd helps as well - to me, one P bass is great, 2 is duplication. Obviously, some folks will disagree. Perhaps an angry mob of P devotees with tortches (tort burns really well) even.
yours is very likely the better build quality. i'd keep yours.
yes on this. Even inexpensive basses. I have a $300 Ray4 bass that I play 75% of my gigs, leaving more expensive basses at home. I thought about selling/trading it for a better bass, but unless the bass cost $1000+ it would be more of a sideways move,,,
Yes on this, even a good inexpensive bass really helps this. I did this with a Ray4, I play it at most of my gigs. When I rotate to my 'better' bass at the next gig, I miss my $300 bass!
Change for the sake of boredom has bitten me in the a§ many times with basses. MANY times in 20+ years of playing.
Here's my $.13 worth:
-An American Pro II in black & maple: common enough to find all over the 'net if you want a black&maple American Precision.
- a 28-year-old import Fender Jazz with the legendary mystique of being the magic words, "vintage Japanese," and a familiarity & quality that you already know from ownership. And oh yeah: find another one just like it real quick if you decide you miss it after an impulsive trade. You probably can't.
The little voice inside my head (one of many!) would be yelling at me to NOT do the trade.
Here's my $.13 worth:
-An American Pro II in black & maple: common enough to find all over the 'net if you want a black&maple American Precision.
- a 28-year-old import Fender Jazz with the legendary mystique of being the magic words, "vintage Japanese," and a familiarity & quality that you already know from ownership. And oh yeah: find another one just like it real quick if you decide you miss it after an impulsive trade. You probably can't.
The little voice inside my head (one of many!) would be yelling at me to NOT do the trade.
If you are committed to getting rid of your current bass regardless, then I'd go for it. The AM Pro II will probably net better resale (I think? Iunno, been in the acquiring side of things for 5-6 years. Haven't sold in forever). However, if you're just gas'ing and bored, I'd probably pass.
I'd also factor in the fit/playability. If your current bass is just 'alright' then I'd probably also do the trade. If it feels like an extension of your hands to play, well, that'd be almost impossible for me to pass up. It's precisely why my thrashed (by me playin many shows caseless) '11 American Standard J has outlived customer G&L's and more.
I'd also factor in the fit/playability. If your current bass is just 'alright' then I'd probably also do the trade. If it feels like an extension of your hands to play, well, that'd be almost impossible for me to pass up. It's precisely why my thrashed (by me playin many shows caseless) '11 American Standard J has outlived customer G&L's and more.
