Should I Trade my MIA for MIJ?

[darthplagis]

as has been said before, with any MIA or MIM you run the risk, due to the social structure of the USA (and most mass industry TBH) that you 'could' buy that one bass that was made on the last few hours of any given friday. hence a shoddy job.

there will always be a few lemons in any batch, from any factory...... just the japanese work force have more pride in their products than most western companies, so the lemons are still there just not as often, or as serious.

and yes MIM, MIA and CIJ what ever label they are still fenders, but like any product range you get what you pay for, there is a varying range for a reason.

 

[dvh]

Don't think so much about country of origin as much as what bass serves you better and feels best to you.

 

[Kenny Allyn]

I've owned and played several MIJ 75 reissues (including the Geddy) and owned and played several early 70s originals the MIJs are good but don't really have the look and feel of the originals IMO.

However the closest neck feel I have found to the original 70s is the Allparts Fender licensed blocked and bound neck specifically the maple with black blocks, it's got about 96% of the look and feel of my original 1973.

If you like your MIA body, you might consider changing the neck (keep your old one) ... also read this thread for some really good tips on getting that vintage vibe http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=581201

Pre amp wise check out the Audere, it's an easy drop in and sounds great!

A big advantage to using your existing body is you can always put it back stock should you need/want to.

... Best of luck on your quest

 

[Prime BASS]

My first thought when I read roundsound's post. I used to work at a Fender dealership. I would only add that the MIJ/CIJ stuff I played was of a higher quality on a REGULAR basis than the MIA stuff. Yes, there are some amazing MIA fender basses. But there's more crap than is coming from Japan as well. I wish it weren't true but it is.

So am I right to think that in most cases MIJ are of better quality than the MIA's counter parts

 

[Commreman]

I have an MIA FSR Jazz and a CIJ '75 RI jazz. Both are SUPERB basses, with excellent quality. I like the neck on the MIA a tad better; the CIJ has tone for days (probably because of the '70's spacing and spec), and also feels great.

Get both!! You'll be a happy boy!

 

[Supertanker]

I think most folks with MIJ/CIJ basses love them.

The problems with MM's are documented, with the most extensive documentation being on Marcus Miller's site.

Also the fixes for the MM's are well known.

I also had a Sting bass (CIJ) that is/was the best bass I've owned to date.

It had that magic that everyone is trying to capture...

 

[Kenny Allyn]

The only issue if you will with the MIJ 75ri is that it does not have the pickup spacing of the original USA 75s (only an issue if you are wanting 70s spacing).

The top picture is of a MIJ 75ri you can see the relationship of the bridge pickup to 2nd volume knob.

This is a picture of an original 1975 Fender Jazz the difference is visable.

... This issue comes up a lot RE: MIJ 75s vs original 1975s

 

[darthplagis]

no offence meant kenny but i cant really see a difference........ what am i looking for?

oh right now i see it, the RI is about 5mm more neckward

 

[Roundsound]

The MIJ has the 60's and modern spacing.

Look from where the screws holding the bridge down are, to the pickup.

 

[fenderfunker]

OK. Even if they are made in the South Pole, they are still Fenders.

 

[manutabora]

While I will agree that MIJ quality is as good or better than MIA, I think the OP might want to hold on to his MIA Fender because it might appreciate more in the long run than the MIJ. Especially if it is an 08 or 09, I bet those are going to be very sought after in 20 years.
Just my opinion.

 

[Thor]

Less than 1% of the people on this board keep a bass
20 years. It's known as the Quadzilla effect.

 

[98dvl]

Because you mentioned trading for a Jag:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=589845

Might be a better deal to keep your bass and pick up a new one

 

[J. Crawford]

I traded my old Geddy for my current MIA P, and both myself and the other person are much happier.

It can be a good thing.

 

[SirGrotius]

I just bought a MIJ Geddy, and I already own a MIA Jazz. I thought I was going crazy, but I just loved the *feel* of the Geddy so much more. That said, I wasn't blown away with the pickups and I'm replacing them with DiMarzio.

I'd do what your heart tells you to do. Don't over-analyze these types of decisions, because it's about having fun not necessarily doing what's most logical.

 

[purfektstranger]

I wouldn't trade without trying it first....the grass is always greener....or is it??

 

[ljazz]

Man, if you have a quality MIA Jazz, then keep it and play the finish off of it.

Thirty years from now, you'll be happy you kept the MIA.