Fender American or Mexican made?

first

welcome to ubp

a fender jazz is a great choice for a bass

the basic differences between Mexican and U.S. made fenders is hardware, fit, and finish.

U.S. made fenders generally have higher grade and heavier hardware. The paint jobs are better, and the construction more detailed.

Mexican Fenders are more the working class type of instruments. They don't have fancy anything, but are very capable of getting the job done for years to come. Money you save on a Mexican Fender can be used to obtain a better amp or whatever you need if you're just getting started.

One note of caution: Fender quality is inconsistent no matter where it's made, so make sure you try any instrument before you buy it.

by the way

we want to see pics of your bass gear, Peter

Another possible option is buy a Mexi and upgrade components yourself down the line if you feel the need. My banged up old MiM Jazz served me well with it's stock pickups and bridge for 5 years but came into it's own when I put in a Badass Bridge and Bartolini pickups.

I agree with OFC though. Fenders are notoriously inconsistent instrument. I was looking at a MIA Jazz but then tried out the MiM for comparitive purposes and ended up taking the latter home with me as it was a superior instrument despite the price tag.

Oh thanks for the info.

yeah i posted som porn..errrh i mean bassgear in the gearthread ;D

Well okay so, is it worth the extra money to buy a US manufactured bass. I'm thinking i might go and change the pickups on a Mexican-made and it'll still be cheaper than the american.

Buuut, what's your opinion? Should i wait a while and order a US-made?

i have a MIM Jazz and i love it, but i do agree that they are inconsistent, so if you can...play before you pay:)

yeah i posted som porn..errrh i mean bassgear in the gearthread ;D

Well okay so, is it worth the extra money to buy a US manufactured bass. I'm thinking i might go and change the pickups on a Mexican-made and it'll still be cheaper than the american.

Buuut, what's your opinion? Should i wait a while and order a US-made?
once again

the mia label doesn't necessarily make it superior in anything except resale if it doesn't play, sound and feel like it should and fender doesn't consisently turn out great instruments no matter where they're made

try both

they're very similar

im still looking myself- a P bass or P bass special- but if i find a Mexi or even a Squire that sounds good and feels good in my hands, ill buy it. id just put a bridge, strings and maybe new p/u's if it needed it.

id say just get what feels right.

Welcome to uglyville, it's a pleasure to greet you.;)

If your talk'n bout get'n the MIM or MIA, maybe I can influence you. I bought a 08' MIA Jazz V last month and can tell you that it by far is the best sounding bass I've ever owned (been playing for 30+ yrs. and have played and owned alot basses).:D The workmanship on the new 08' is flawless, the sound is monstrous, it's punchiest bass I've ever played, tone is super thick. Bass Player Mag. quote, Truth is, they can't really sound bad. They also give the cottage industry of high-end Fender-style basses a kick in the pants. If you don't own a P- or J-Bass, you should. Try one first.

I've got buddies who play the Jazz and they've checked out my 08' and they're very impressed. Of coarse, the choice is up to you, but OFC outlined the differences fairly accurately and Fender does have a history of inconsistency; supposably that's been remedied this year with the American Fenders.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your stay here and that I've been of some help.;)

Welcome, Peter. Grin is giving you some great advice regarding the MIM Jazz. The MIA is much more consistent. I have both. I will say this. As far as my basses are concerned, the MIM plays better than the MIA. However, the MIA does sound just a little better. Bottom line - If you can afford the extra 700 bucks, get the MIA, if for nothing else, future resale value. If you want a bass that plays and sounds just as good as the MIA, shop around and find a MIM that best suits you. Good luck!

welcome to ubp

a fender jazz is a great choice for a bass

the basic differences between Mexican and U.S. made fenders is hardware, fit, and finish.

U.S. made fenders generally have higher grade and heavier hardware. The paint jobs are better, and the construction more detailed.

Mexican Fenders are more the working class type of instruments. They don't have fancy anything, but are very capable of getting the job done for years to come. Money you save on a Mexican Fender can be used to obtain a better amp or whatever you need if you're just getting started.

One note of caution: Fender quality is inconsistent no matter where it's made, so make sure you try any instrument before you buy it.

by the way

we want to see pics of your bass gear, Peter

Welcome, Peter!

I am a big Fender fan and I agree with everything oldclefer (OFC) says. The cool thing is that the Mexican made ones are perfectly servicable instruments. I have a MIM 5 string Jazz that I've played for years.

Pics please!!

Okay so well the thing is. I'm from Sweden. and when it comes to buying instruments. Sweden sucks cause they're all ALOT more expensive than if you buy it from the US.
I think a MIA Jazz is about $1800 here whilst it's like $1200 in america or something.
Same goes for the mexicans.
So my though was to buy it online from a store in USA but considering what you guys said about Fenders inconsistency, that might not be a great idea?

EDIT: Oh and thanks for the welcome :)

hey!

welcome

post ur pics here or anywhere or just post

post

some

poooooooooooooorn! -pics of your gear-

I had a fender MIA jazz

the new MIM stuff looks good

play what feels good, and what sounds good

one of my main basses is an SX with quarter pounder pickups.....

but that is a whole...other....thread

I bought my 08' Fender MIA Jazz from Musician's Friend without ever playing it. UPS lost my first bass, so MF had to send me another. When I got it I was very pleased with the craftsmanship of the 08'; it's flawless.:D I love it, it's my main stick now.:) American Fenders have really supposably moved up it quality this year. What ever your decision good luck to ya.

Oh yeah, if I haven't already welcomed you to UBP, welcome.;)

I agree that you can find some really nice mexi fenders, but if you find a nice well put together american it will blow the mexi out of the water, You get a much better quality cut of wood in the american basses as well as a really nice finish on the necks that they dont offer for the mexi's neck. Overall if you get an american and have it set up well it will last your forever (literally like till your dead man)with only minor upkeep and repairs. just my .02 though I know alot of guys love there mexi fenders around here.

hahaha...i do love my mexi but thats because i do not play the MIA's......see i figure that if i never play a bass that's suppose to be better than mine.....then my bass is the best one i will ever play;).....helps out alot with GAS too:D

I have had both kinds....
If your on a budget, buy a used mexi pbass or jazz for about $250.00 US.
Drop in some new pickups, new bridge , tuners and get it set up by a pro .

The US made Fenders are well worth the extra money. Again , if your on a budget, the common used prices around my area is around 750.00 US for a used pbass or Jazz.
Welcome and bass wishes! Paul

+1 to all above, but have you tried a Musicman bass?

The new ones with dual pickups are the heat... Plus their QC is much better so you do not have to worry as much about hit and miss basses.(although it does happen time to time.)

I've kinda looked up the prices on mia and mim in both usa and sweden.
it seems that if i'm gonna buy a MIA, i'm gonna buy through the internet which wouldn't make me able to play it.
Otherwise i'll have to get a MIM since a MIA in Sweden is a bit too much money for me right now.
Soo, in your opinion, is it too much of a risk not playing it before i buy it?

I bought a lightly used Mexican made Fender Stratocaster in a music store about 8 years ago. I held it, twanged for a moment or two, felt really good... and when I found out they only wanted $129.00 for it ('cause it wasn't 'mericun) I didn't even bother to plug it in, just dove for my check book. Took it home, did a set up on it and plugged in for Fenderlicious late night Hendrix fantasies. It's been a great axe, and I still gig with it. I've been thinking of a few upgrades lately to better pickups and hardware, but it still plays decent so I'm in no big hurry. Money well spent in my opinion.

You know, part of the issue with Fender is that the basses aren't set up properly when they leave the factory. I believe if you buy a brand new MIM bass you shouldn't have any problems with it that a good setup won't cure.

Buy an MIA and you will have a quality instrument. Fender has come a long way in quality control lately.