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Talking myself into a MIM Fender Precision vs American

#21
I know I've said it before, and I hate to come across as indiscriminate, but the MIMs I've played--and own--are great. I owned some USA Fenders in the 70s that were nightmares; one P-bass (a nice natural '75 with matching neck) had a knot in the upper body that literally blew the bass apart onstage one night (I did get the $365 back that I paid for it). Today's better MIMs (and you do have to look to find them) are so far above the "vintage" stuff eveyone drools over today--IMHO--that the price difference isn't justifiable unless you're extremely picky. I remember when everyone dismissed the 70's (and late 60's) basses as "garbage" because they weren't "pre-CBS." I'm dating myself, but the P-bass is a simple animal. You just have to try a few to find one that's right. So far, I haven't met a wrong one.
 
#23
walknbluez said:
Well I did the final talking into and went ahead and bought it! :hyper:
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Post pics and we'll believe you.

FWIW, I own a 2002 MIA that I bought new. I really like it, but was surprised by how light and playable new ones were when I ran the rack at GC the other day.

PA guys and chicks, (the critics that really matter) have told me I sound great at the gigs we play. Nothin' special added, just a LH1000 and an LDS 2 x 10.

But I am thinking of a 5 string and looking at the MIM's because of the many complimentary things posted here. If it feels right and sounds good, and is well built, I'm goin' for it.
 
#25
FWIW, my MIM jazz plays wonderfully and sounds great :D I really could not justify getting MIA. Honestly, I have played SEVERAL MIA Fenders that could not hold a candle to it in terms of finish and build quality. I promise to TB on my TB honor, that those remarks are as unbiased and scientific as possible. :smug: Really, there are some KILLER MIM Fenders out there. I would venture to guess that many upon many folks would be totally stumped in a blind test comparing MIM vs. MIA. Plus, mine came with a righteous success story. :cool:
 
#27
I have an '08 MIA P and a MIM P with the same MIA pickups and the sound is night and day between them. The MIA is WAY better. Why? I can't figure it out - perhaps it is because the neck on the MIA is much fatter. It took a while to get used to it.

However, I know that there is a lot of difference between individual instruments. You just have to play them to know. For example, my MIM Jazz is simply amazing.
 
#28
If you want to save some money you can get a good MIM and mod it for $150 and it'll sound almost as good as an MIA. Here's mine -

Dimarzio Model J pickups and Baddass 2 bridge, Colloriffic pickquard just for somethin different :D

JBass5a-june09.gif
 
#31
A MIM is a good mod platform. Also its a great intermidate bass , its not a cheap toy. I was fortunate and got a used MIM P for 180$ with new guard, gotoh 201 ,duncans and strap locks +selling the old parts i only have 300$ into it.

I would only want a 2008 and up MIA becuase i heard they are excellent, right now those are like 900$ used and i cant justify the extra 600$.
 
#33
I would consider getting a classic 50's P-bass. You can find one used from '06-'07 for about $500 and these have the US '57 necks and AM Std pups. The newer ones contain std pups I think but the finishes are awesome (fiesta red, blonde, black) and they are very solid instruments, much closer to US than regular MIM's or even HW1's for that matter. They are an excellent value at the price point and largely overlooked.
 
#34
WildTrkey said:
I would consider getting a classic 50's P-bass. You can find one used from '06-'07 for about $500 and these have the US '57 necks and AM Std pups. The newer ones contain std pups I think but the finishes are awesome (fiesta red, blonde, black) and they are very solid instruments, much closer to US than regular MIM's or even HW1's for that matter. They are an excellent value at the price point and largely overlooked.
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I have to agree with WildTrkey here. I've owned a whole bunch of American Fenders over the years, and still have four. But I've gotta' tell you, the guys in my band always rave about my MIM Classic '50's P. They love the tone. Mine's an '06, and according to the Fender Customer Service people, it has American pickups.

When I'm practicing at home, I think some of my others sound better, but that Classic '50's really does sound good in the mix. If you keep your eyes open you can find good deals on used ones.

This is not to take anything away from the American Fenders. I love them. But if money is an issue, you sure can't go wrong with one of the Classic '50's. However, the neck is fairly wide at the nut; so if you feel you have to have something with a thin neck, this one is probably not for you.

EDIT: I'm sorry. I replied before I realized you already got something. As Emily Litella would say, "Never mind..."
 
#36
Overflow said:
I've heard good things about the 50s Classic MIM P. In fact, I'm getting one next week. :)
That sunburst+gold PG is gorgeous!
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I ordered this bass in black from Musicians' Friend a few months ago with part of my tax return. Free shipping, no sales tax, gig bag included. Bonus.
Right out of the box it plays and sounds great, the workmanship is flawless & the wood & finish is beautiful. Tuning machines are a bit stiff but other TBers have said they get better with use. I installed a Hipshot extender key on the E string and I've got all the Fender "mojo" I need. You should be way happy with this bass, I am.
 
#37
Jeff K said:
I have to agree with WildTrkey here. I've owned a whole bunch of American Fenders over the years, and still have four. But I've gotta' tell you, the guys in my band always rave about my MIM Classic '50's P. They love the tone. Mine's an '06, and according to the Fender Customer Service people, it has American pickups.

When I'm practicing at home, I think some of my others sound better, but that Classic '50's really does sound good in the mix. If you keep your eyes open you can find good deals on used ones.

This is not to take anything away from the American Fenders. I love them. But if money is an issue, you sure can't go wrong with one of the Classic '50's. However, the neck is fairly wide at the nut; so if you feel you have to have something with a thin neck, this one is probably not for you.

EDIT: I'm sorry. I replied before I realized you already got something. As Emily Litella would say, "Never mind..."
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No problem, you never know when I'll get GAS again!
 
#38
LCW said:
This 50's P looks cheap and the auction is almost over if i had the coin man.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Classic-...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1205|293:1|294:50
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Hmm.

I have my doubts on this instrument. The Classic Series 50's Precision Bass does not come with a bridge cover or a finger rest. The frets on this bass look a lot bigger than the ones on mine. Neck joint looks a bit loose, and it doesn't look like a one-piece neck/fingerboard like mine is. The "C E" stickers are missing from the neck plate, and the gig bag is all wrong. IMHO the Fiesta Red with the gold anodized aluminum pickguard is butt ugly. I find the sunburst, black or blond version more appealing. Buyer beware.
 
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#39
bassistkll said:
Hmm.

I have my doubts on this instrument. The Classic Series 50's Precision Bass does not come with a bridge cover or a finger rest. The frets on this bass look a lot bigger than the ones on mine. Neck joint looks a bit loose, and it doesn't look like a one-piece neck/fingerboard like mine is. The "C E" stickers are missing from the neck plate, and the gig bag is all wrong. IMHO the Fiesta Red with the gold anodized aluminum pickguard is butt ugly. I find the sunburst, black or blond version more appealing. Buyer beware.
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What is the significance of the "C E" sticker?
 

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