The best investment is probably a used bass if it's in good shape. But if its MIM I'll never buy it. I've only bought USA models new or used.
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Which is the better Investment, MIA or MIM?
- Thread starter 13lues
- Start date
If you buy a bass that inspires you, then you have made a good decision. MIM Fenders are completely respectable instruments for very little money.
An investment? Neither are good investments - they will both decrease in value.
You lose less money with used - even with used, you won't get your money back.
If we're assuming price isn't a problem then it's an MIA without a doubt. That one statement basically makes this entire thread pointless. Now, if price is a factor, THEN we have a good thread.
I wouldn't say either one is going to be an investment of any kind other than in your own quality of life as a player. You could grab a used American Special while they're still around. That's what I did last year and it worked out great for me.
My gf has a mim jazz that plays and sounds fantastic. The fit and finish is a tad scrappier than most Americans I've tried but it's very smooth to play and sounds really quality. Quite impressive for a 500 dollar bass at the time. I'd prefer a good mia but honestly once I get playing, I stop noticing that it's not American.
If you want an "investment bass" buy a Ric! They have that DeBeers thing going - (artificially restricted supply creates hyped demand)
They hold value better than any other "off the rack" main stream bass. Trouble is the value is directly related to condition so if you buy one
don't actually use it
I say this as the owner of two 4003 Rics, one a COY edition.
As many here have said "investment bass" is kind of an oxymoron .
Find a "pick of the litter" MIM and go with it. A big box music store with a few dozen
in stock will usually let you try a bunch out if you make it clear you are actually buying there.
They hold value better than any other "off the rack" main stream bass. Trouble is the value is directly related to condition so if you buy one
don't actually use it
I say this as the owner of two 4003 Rics, one a COY edition.
As many here have said "investment bass" is kind of an oxymoron .
Find a "pick of the litter" MIM and go with it. A big box music store with a few dozen
in stock will usually let you try a bunch out if you make it clear you are actually buying there.
Investment implies you not only make all your money back but add to it. Your own math shows you lose money either way. (and it didn't include Ebay fees either).
Buying new you will lose between 40% minimum on resale, and more likely 50%.
I love when they have all these ads saying "WE saved so much money! We now only pay $59 a month for cable (which goes up to $79)!" You didn't "save" anything... "flippers" who buy and sell for a profit had better REALLY know what they are doing, or are gaming the system some how.
Buying new you will lose between 40% minimum on resale, and more likely 50%.
I love when they have all these ads saying "WE saved so much money! We now only pay $59 a month for cable (which goes up to $79)!" You didn't "save" anything... "flippers" who buy and sell for a profit had better REALLY know what they are doing, or are gaming the system some how.
If I dwell too long on the basses that have passed through my hands and what they might be worth now I go a bit mad. At the time they were not what I needed and so they got flipped.
If you want something that is going to prove itself as an instrument in the long run then you need to try as many as you can - when you come across a good one, bag it.
IMO, musical instruments are tools for creating music and the whole idea of buying instruments as investments that will probably never get played leaves a slightly bad taste in my mouth.
If you want something that is going to prove itself as an instrument in the long run then you need to try as many as you can - when you come across a good one, bag it.
IMO, musical instruments are tools for creating music and the whole idea of buying instruments as investments that will probably never get played leaves a slightly bad taste in my mouth.
Which means that using your numbers, the resale value of an MIA is 63%, whilst for a MIM it's 60%. Pretty close!
If you can get a used MIA in the $700-800 range that's in great condition, now that would be money well spent.
The best investment is a MIJ bass at the moment. These are becoming rare beasts.
If you're buying for an investment I suggest you rethink your investment strategy. If you're buying to play go play every Mia, mim, and squier (affinity, vm, and cv) you can find and go with the one you like best. And don't believe that the more money you spend the more likey you are to get a gem. Just not true.
