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whats the diff between made in usa/japan or mexico?
- Thread starter devinfine
- Start date
USA are generally regarded as best with Japan a close second, but it varies from model to model and from one specimen to another.
Try and work out what options you *need* then play at least a half dozen basses with those features including some you can't possibly afford, so you get some perspective on the value of what you end up buying. Buy informed!
Try and work out what options you *need* then play at least a half dozen basses with those features including some you can't possibly afford, so you get some perspective on the value of what you end up buying. Buy informed!
Japanese made are at least on par in quality with made in USA but they also tend to be more consistent in quality control than MIA are. MIM tend to have inferior ancillary parts and less consistent quality control.
A good bass is a good bass regardless of where it was built. Similarly, a bad bass is a bad bass regardless of where it was built. This is not taking politics into account though...
Right, and just the top ones (e.g., CVs).
Again, not really my opinion, just what seems to be the conventional wisdom around here these days.
Again, who gives a crap about resale value. Given two basses, an MIA and a Squier, if I like the Squier better, I'm gonna get that one, regardless of whether or not the MIA has a better resale value. I buy basses to play, not to sell.
It would also depend on where you live. Hint to OP, update your profile 
MIJ used to have slightly more resale value than MIA here in Ottawa since they where seen as more consistent. Not sure it is still true. Obviously, in the US MIA will be greater than MIJ.
But as others have said, a great bass is a great bass.
MIJ used to have slightly more resale value than MIA here in Ottawa since they where seen as more consistent. Not sure it is still true. Obviously, in the US MIA will be greater than MIJ.
But as others have said, a great bass is a great bass.
Well you see, Made in America means that they are made in America. Made in Japan, believe it or not means that the instrument is made in Japan.
As far as I know, Made in Mexico means its made in Mexico, but i'm not certain about that, correct me if i'm wrong.
As far as I know, Made in Mexico means its made in Mexico, but i'm not certain about that, correct me if i'm wrong.
90% of guys out there buy basses to play but the same 90% will sell one at some point an american bass will give you a better return if and when you decide you want something else...
where i think the USA brand makes the differance is the USA has more street cred, and higher resale value.well at least on this side of the world it does.but if you were to be blindfolded and asked to play all 3 i honestly doubt just using your touch and your ears many people could tell the USA from the MIJ to the MIM..while they might notice "A" little thing i would say they would not know enough to say for sure thats a USA or MIM..i doubt very very much i could...
Oh, I know that, I just think some place too much emphasis on resale value. It never fails, someone starts a thread about comparisons between the quality of American and foreign made instruments, some wag always pipes up with " The Americans have better resale value." It should fit somewhere in your calculations when buying a bass I am sure, but it should not be a major factor in the decision, if all else is good about the bass, resale value should be the LAST consideration. IMO, of course.
I think it comes down to how many you have to try before you find a "good" one. The cheaper basses have more "nope, not that one..." basses but you can still find a killer instrument once in a while.
Dan K.
Dan K.
