Which of these options would be the best?

[Tupac]

1. Get a MIM Jazz bass, and have it professionally set up and straighten out any manufacturing issues (sanding wide frets, ect.)


2. Go to a higher price range, and get something like a Lakland 44-01 or American Special without having it seen by a professional

 

[benthughes]

Just because you get a MIM Fender doesn't necessarily mean you'll need to send it in to get it playable. I've got a MIM deluxe P and it plays like buttah with just a bit of set up. If you get to pick the bass you can get a real winner with the MIM Fenders.

That being said why not get a more expensive bass if you can swing it? The 44-01 is a bit of a different animal than a Jazz bass, what made you decide on this? I'd look at a used American Fender, G&L, Musicman or Cirrus. These are all in the same price range and are incredibly well built basses. What sound are you after?

 

[wigworld]

For playing, or as an investment (for most people, it's both).

Try both and see what you need!

 

[waleross]

I have a few expensive basses that needed set-ups before I could play them. Purchasing on the .net has its drawbacks. I got a tBird from Guitar C. and sent it out for new strings and a pro set-up(from Samash !) . I spent the extra $ after already spending a lot ($+1700). On the other hand my Ric Jetglo also bought sight un-seen on the .net came right out of the case without needing a set-up. Point is each bass is different and while I do change strings , I would rather leave the set-ups to the Pro's......Good luck

 

[Tupac]

Just because you get a MIM Fender doesn't necessarily mean you'll need to send it in to get it playable. I've got a MIM deluxe P and it plays like buttah with just a bit of set up. If you get to pick the bass you can get a real winner with the MIM Fenders.

That being said why not get a more expensive bass if you can swing it? The 44-01 is a bit of a different animal than a Jazz bass, what made you decide on this? I'd look at a used American Fender, G&L, Musicman or Cirrus. These are all in the same price range and are incredibly well built basses. What sound are you after?

Really? I've heard that the MIM's are made of great stuff, but are set up poorly. And going past the 700 range would seriously push my budget, and I wouldn't be able to afford much else if I did.

 

[Wannaflea]

My MIM jazz was set up PERFECTLY apart from action, but I play mine hilariously low so I expect to have to change that anyway haha

 

[WoodyG3]

No matter how well a bass is set up at the factory, by the time it has been shipped it may still need to be set up again. Every player has a little different preferences in set up, as well. This all applies to any bass, regardless of price or manufacturer.

Are you buying locally where you can see and play the bass, or online with luck of the draw?

 

[benthughes]

Don't get me wrong! MIM Fenders are good stuff but sometimes you have to pick and choose, they can vary a bit. These basses sound pretty good out of the box and are well worth upgrades! Neat thing about jazz basses is that they're like grown up legos! There's a million parts available to customize them in any way you'd like, the sky is the limit. Nothing wrong with a MIM Fender, especially if it means you don't have to eat Ramen for a month.

 

[Tupac]

No matter how well a bass is set up at the factory, by the time it has been shipped it may still need to be set up again. Every player has a little different preferences in set up, as well. This all applies to any bass, regardless of price or manufacturer.

Are you buying locally where you can see and play the bass, or online with luck of the draw?

Online with luck of the draw. Not too many options around here.