Should I do this trade? MIJ for MIA fender?

[rojo412]

yours is very likely the better build quality. i'd keep yours.

This is the absolute best way to put it. Big +1 from me.
If you do try it out and dig it, certainly make sure you look at details because that is where I've seen some major QC issues with this era, versus what you have.

 

[Altitude]

I vote to hold the MIJ. Those 90s MIJ reissues are pretty nice; not quite old enough yet to command vintage prices but it won't be long based on the price trend for the 80s Fullertons right now. I suspect that may be why the other guy is willing to do the straight up trade; he's betting on the future.

The American Pro is also nice, but it's a commodity bass and you can easily find one whenever.

 

[BobKos]

Depends on what you want. A bass that is worth more in the market or one that is worth more to you as a player. IMO the MIJ stuff is so consistently good that the chances of getting a MIA that is actually a better bass are pretty slim. OTOH if you are going to flip it then have at it. IMO keep the bass you like. There is a reason the other party is willing to trade 'down' to your bass.

 

[cnltb]

For me, MiJ will always be preferable to MiA.
i would not trade in this instance.

 

[Planespotter]

I’d go check it out. I much prefer the neck and tall frets on my American pro P to any of the MIJ fenders I’ve owned over the years.
As always, try before you buy (trade)!

 

[sleddogn]

do it....
don't do it...
do it....
don't do it... TB is a funny puppy...these types of threads only divide us up, but hey follow your own gut

 

[Sithian]

If you love the bass keep it. Save up for another.

The old adage about loving something and setting it free does not apply to musical instruments.

My 1990 MIJ P is the only bass I regret selling. Absolutely should have kept it.

 

[Hounddog409]

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?

The Amerixan Pro II's are awesome.
Its your $$. Only you can decide.

My? If the pro is in good shape amd it feels good, i would.

 

[Hounddog409]

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.

Folks are weird. I had an American G&L SB-2 that I bought used. Loved the bass, but wanted to get another Jazz. The SB-2 was too polite sounding. I had it listed on local sites for $750 obo.

Dude contacts me and asks if i would take a Fender Jazz in trade. I replied maybe and to send pics/info.

He bass he sends info on is an American Elite Jazz. I replied, yes interested in the bass, but his is worth twice the G&L and how much waa he askin.

He replied straight trade.....

I had told him at least 30 times his is worth 2x mine, but he didnt care. Was looking for this exact bass. I met him at his gig that evening amd swapped basses. He was happy as can be. Smiled like a fool during the first whole first set i stayed for.

Im still shocked. And no, not stolen.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

If you can try it out I would first. Honestly, I always regret those kinds of trades. I also much prefer Japanese to American Fenders even though I know that's not popular opinion. If it's a bass a play at least 1 time a month i won't let it go. I got a near mint 79 Sabre with a rarish Jass neck profile I've been going back and forth with for years. I have been offered a ton of trades but at the end of the day what is the point of trading if its not somthing I would I would play. That being said if a dude shows up with an 87 translucent stingray with a maple neck Ill do the trade even though I'm losing 1000-1500 bucks. You should decide what you would actually trade your bass for before just accepting any deal that comes up. Gear is not selling like it was a few years ago and is priced very high so you may end up with a bass you don't like and no buyers.

 

[vindibona1]

I say no. Every instrument is unique unto itself. In every brand and model, regardless of the price or origin there are gems and there are turkeys. Japanese instruments are generally coveted. The instruments that come out of Japan are known for quality builds. I've worked on some Fender American basses, and while good they were unimpressive. If you love what you have keep it.

One quick anecdote...
I have a '96 MIM Telecaster. Like you my ego wanted me to trade up to an American. I had a deal worked out for a trade with the local guitar store. When I brought my MIM Tele in to trade I played it back to back with the MIA Tele that I was trading for. To my surprise my MIM was SO much better than the MIA that I couldn't go through with the deal. I don't think the MIA was a turkey, but it made me appreciate my MIM so much more... and I still have it and never gave it another thought to sell it or trade it. I recently did work on my buddy's newly acquired MIA Tele. I played those two side by side after I finished working on his... and I just smiled.

 

[Hot Rats]

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?

IMO, no. Your MIJ is only getting better. In 2 years, it'll be 30 years old.

 

[Bassnkeys]

Calling a lot of people out on this of late: TB etiquette — no pic, no bass. We need to see the longtime gal you’re agonizing over, and even better — a pic of the gal you’re lusting after to help with your love triangle.

 

[sleddogn]

"she" might just be too hot for us to handle

 

[IPA]

That's a yes from me, I don't buy the outright MIJ fetishism

 

[jd56hawk]

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?

One thing to consider...if you do, and you don't bond with the bass, I doubt the other guy will be willing to trade back.
Other than that, make it easy on yourself and just buy one of these.

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.

Exactly!

 

[rtslinger]

Play it first before you decide. Remember looks aren't everything, it needs to bond with you, you need to love it.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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?

Sure, why not? The American Pro II are great instruments.

 

[shirojiro]

Trade a vintage RI Jazz for a modern P?

And you love the Jazz bass?

No way for me, but I prefer Jazz basses.

I’d scratch that itch with a regular Pbass. Even the new Squiers are nice players.

 

[Pet Sounds]

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

I'd definitely do the trade if you like the Pro II. I really like mine, though MIJ Fenders also can be excellent.