• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Who has an MIM Jazz bass 5 string out there?

BassNGuns

BassNGuns

Aug 20, 2010
144
18
#1
Hi, I'm thinking of getting one of these.
They are only $699 from MF (the passive ones).
How is the tone and weight and how do they compare to the American ones?
Are the active MIM's better? Thanks.
 
#2
BassNGuns said:
Hi, I'm thinking of getting one of these.
They are only $699 from MF (the passive ones).
How is the tone and weight and how do they compare to the American ones?
Are the active MIM's better? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I just picked one up recently. I think I got lucky and got a good one.....because the low B is solid and the build quality is as good as MIA. I'm sure the electronics, hardware, and wood are cheaper though. Who cares, right?;)

I like the tone. It seems to be a little more aggressive sounding than the MIA I once had.
I prefer the MIM to the MIA I had.
The MIA was nice, but I could never get the low B to tighten up.

Go to your local Guitar Center....they probably have a used one for at least half the price. If not, search GC's website.....you can always find good deals. No worries because you can return it if it turns out to be a turd.
 
#3
I own a 2006 anniversary MIM 5 string model with the Pao Ferro fretboard. I like it. It does sound different from my MIZ 4 string.
I've never thought of the B as floppy. I did replace the pickups though to Basslines and added a new pickguard.
I like the midnight wine color.
I've used it for gigs and never have had a problem with it.
It's my one passive bass I keep around. I use mainly my MIA Deluxe P-Bass 4 string but I like the Jazz V as a backup.

I think the price you're looking at is a bit pricey though. I got mine about two years ago from MF in their clearance section for $450.
 
#6
fleabee said:
Great tone but $699 is too much. You can get an active preamp Jazz V{Deluxe version} for that price.
Click to expand...

whssign.gif
That sounds tempting!
 
#7
I have two but I'd look for these used. One's a 1998 (bought used for $280 w/HSC) and the other is a 2008 (bought new scratch 'n dent for $380 w/bag), both passive. Both sound and play great with good strings and a proper setup. The new bass hardly needed anything done to it except basic adjustment.
 
#8
okcrum said:
I have two but I'd look for these used. One's a 1998 (bought used for $280 w/HSC) and the other is a 2008 (bought new scratch 'n dent for $380 w/bag), both passive. Both sound and play great with good strings and a proper setup. The new bass hardly needed anything done to it except basic adjustment.
Click to expand...

I have a 98 too. 5 in-line tuners pickups are the CS SCN's I put in it... It's my main player. I'd go with the consensus, price is a bit high.
 
#9
I've bought 2 in the last few months via Craig's List for $325 each. (one with a hard case and one with a gig bag) They are my main players now. See cell phone pic. I've played a MIA but never owned one. Most folks (musicians included) would probably not be able to tell the difference in sound between my MIM's and a MIA. You would probably hear more difference changing strings or the player. The B string is nice and the basses are a bit heavy but I have not weighed them. I'm not changing anything but the strings and pick guards on mine. They came with rounds and I'm putting flats on both. The one change I am thinking about is defretting one of'm but can't decide which one.
 

Attachments

  • jazz-pair-body.jpg
    jazz-pair-body.jpg
    37.7 KB · Views: 127
#13
I had a 2005 MIM Jazz V for a short while that I really liked. A few years later, and now I have a Squier Jazz V that I really like.

Also wondering about the flats. I have some Fralins, new wiring harness, and GHS flats that are going to go on. I was going to do a refin, but may just install everything and wait on that.

Mine is 9.5 lbs and I dig it. The pickups/elex are decent, but hard to compete with some of the other basses I have. I think the mods are going to set it off.

Might consider these too.

Your price sounds like one of the new 4+1 headstock MIMs.
 
#14
I recently got one off craigslist for $200.00, great shape. I dropped and audere preamp in and I love the bass. Would go used route, and try GC online if used makes you uneasy, they always have them and hassle free return policy even if you buy out of state.
 
#17
I got mine at a local music store, maybe a couple years ago, the discontinued model with the five tuners on top, but brand new for $399. Mine's around 9-1/2 pounds.

Needed a set up, but plays well. I recently put basslines on it, and DR nickel low riders.

It’s the sunburst, and I swear it’s a one-piece body; the grain is easy to see, and I can’t find a seam on it.

I couldn’t make a comparison with a MIA, never played one. If I got a MIA five-string, it’d be the P standard.

Edit for pic:

097.gif
 
#18
I have one that plays pretty good...
The overall tone of the bass is fine.

I'm droping in a Audere, Norstrands and Schaller (this week).

I'll get it back Monday and let you know how it went.
However so far so good.
 
#19
Marko5657 said:
It’s the sunburst, and I swear it’s a one-piece body; the grain is easy to see, and I can’t find a seam on it.
.
Click to expand...

Does anyone know if fender uses a faux wood laminate face on these for the transparent finishes?

I could have swore I remember seeing a picture of them gluing a thin piece of printed plastic fake wood sheeting over bodies once??

They use multi-piece bodies, and cover them up to appear nicer than they are.

I'm not saying that is the case with your bass......;)
 
#20
i agree with others that $699 is too much. just keep an eye out. I recently sold a mid 90s MIM V Jazz for $300.

flats are great if you like the tone of flats. I do, and think they sound great on just about all Js and Ps...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back