.Fender
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EyesOfAnguishbassist
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Fender
I've been wondering, are there any real big differences between a Mexican Fender and an American Fender? Like it seems usually American made stuff it top of the line but I have a Fender Mexican Jazz Bass and I was just curious what the differences are, and if any what they are, other than being from a different country .
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RobTheDrummer
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DrumAndDestroy
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the main differences between a MIM jazz bass and a MIA jazz bass are:
string through body bridge: the american's have it, the mexicans don't
tuners: the MIA tuners are very nice, the MIM tuners are servicable
pickups: MIAs have "better" pickups, but thats kind of a matter of taste anyway.
necks: The MIAs have graphite stiffening rods, the MIMs don't. The MIAs have rolled fingerboard edges, which give it a better feel. The MIAs are also available in a maple fingerboard, the MIMs are not.
There are also a ton of difference in general attention to detail, fret ends and things like that.
Prior to this year the MIAs also had the "S1 switch" which converted the wiring from parallel to series. However the "New American Standard" line has done away with this feature. Also the NASs have the Vintage High Mass Bridge (I think thats the name) which is heavier, more like an aftermarket Badass or something.
I think the new american standard also has vintage tint on the necks, and a bunch of new color options, including stock tortoise shell guards on the white and sunburst finishes.
I bought my 1997 USA Jazz Bass (which would have been the American Standard then) for about $700 used. Its a great bass, and easily twice as good as any MIM I've played. In fact I sold my MIM jazz bass very shortly after buying the MIA. They are well worth the used price, wether they are really 3 to 4 times better as they cost new is debatable.
I did play a New American Standard model in a store one day, and it was excellent.
string through body bridge: the american's have it, the mexicans don't
tuners: the MIA tuners are very nice, the MIM tuners are servicable
pickups: MIAs have "better" pickups, but thats kind of a matter of taste anyway.
necks: The MIAs have graphite stiffening rods, the MIMs don't. The MIAs have rolled fingerboard edges, which give it a better feel. The MIAs are also available in a maple fingerboard, the MIMs are not.
There are also a ton of difference in general attention to detail, fret ends and things like that.
Prior to this year the MIAs also had the "S1 switch" which converted the wiring from parallel to series. However the "New American Standard" line has done away with this feature. Also the NASs have the Vintage High Mass Bridge (I think thats the name) which is heavier, more like an aftermarket Badass or something.
I think the new american standard also has vintage tint on the necks, and a bunch of new color options, including stock tortoise shell guards on the white and sunburst finishes.
I bought my 1997 USA Jazz Bass (which would have been the American Standard then) for about $700 used. Its a great bass, and easily twice as good as any MIM I've played. In fact I sold my MIM jazz bass very shortly after buying the MIA. They are well worth the used price, wether they are really 3 to 4 times better as they cost new is debatable.
I did play a New American Standard model in a store one day, and it was excellent.
Stand back, I like to rock out.
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EyesOfAnguishbassist
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bassist_25
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Mexican Fenders are also generally passive, while on the other hand, many MIA Fenders have active electronics.
There are some exceptions to this (e.g., the MIM Zone is active), but that's the general rule right now.
There are some exceptions to this (e.g., the MIM Zone is active), but that's the general rule right now.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
yeah, I don't have much experience with japanese models, except for some signature instruments, but they are supposed to be great.
In my experience, there is a big quality difference between MIA and MIM, but with MIJ and MIA, you would be more comparing on features.
Also Paul, Fender Mexico makes a Deluxe Jazz bass which is active, the precision special is also active (starting a couple years ago)
I don't really want to count, but I would be surprised if there is significantly higher percentage of american active fender basses.
Also, Fender probably makes at least 20 different Jazz basses, if not more. So I was mainly comparing the Fender Standard Jazz Bass (MIM) with the USA counterpart (tried to sprinkle in a little American Standard, American Series, and New American Standard, which are all the "standard" USA jazz bass from different recent time periods)
In my experience, there is a big quality difference between MIA and MIM, but with MIJ and MIA, you would be more comparing on features.
Also Paul, Fender Mexico makes a Deluxe Jazz bass which is active, the precision special is also active (starting a couple years ago)
I don't really want to count, but I would be surprised if there is significantly higher percentage of american active fender basses.
Also, Fender probably makes at least 20 different Jazz basses, if not more. So I was mainly comparing the Fender Standard Jazz Bass (MIM) with the USA counterpart (tried to sprinkle in a little American Standard, American Series, and New American Standard, which are all the "standard" USA jazz bass from different recent time periods)
Stand back, I like to rock out.
Don't quote me on this, but I remember reading that all North American instrument bodies are MIM, but the MIA's are higher grade wood, and MIM's may be more than one piece, glued together.
I also think the MIJ's are the best deal overall, however, I do like the Squier Standard stuff a LOT for the cash.----->JMS
I also think the MIJ's are the best deal overall, however, I do like the Squier Standard stuff a LOT for the cash.----->JMS
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DrumAndDestroy
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there have probably been less than 50 one piece fender bodies made in the history of the company. Almost all instruments from any manufacturer are made from multiple pieces of wood glued together.
And songsmith I think you have your rumors backwards, I've heard that all the bodies are made in the USA, and then the MIMs are sent to mexico to finish. I don't know the validity of it either, but thats the rumor I've heard.
And songsmith I think you have your rumors backwards, I've heard that all the bodies are made in the USA, and then the MIMs are sent to mexico to finish. I don't know the validity of it either, but thats the rumor I've heard.
Stand back, I like to rock out.
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EyesOfAnguishbassist
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I figured the American ones where made better, I traded another one of my basses for this... and is anybody interested in one?? lol I have been THINKING about selling mine but idk yet.. Someone make me an offer
Last edited by EyesOfAnguishbassist on Monday Apr 14, 2008, edited 1 time in total.
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DrumAndDestroy
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i think you're incorrect...but i am not sure...looks like the necks are made in CA and the guitars themselves are MIM.MeYatch wrote:there have probably been less than 50 one piece fender bodies made in the history of the company. Almost all instruments from any manufacturer are made from multiple pieces of wood glued together.
And songsmith I think you have your rumors backwards, I've heard that all the bodies are made in the USA, and then the MIMs are sent to mexico to finish. I don't know the validity of it either, but thats the rumor I've heard.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Stratocaster
scroll down and it says some locations.
" * American, American Deluxe, Artist, Custom Classic, Custom Artist and Highway One series Stratocasters are made in a Fender factory in Corona, California, United States of America and are commonly called Made In America (MIA) Stratocasters. There is also a Fender Museum there open to the public.
* Most other Stratocaster series models are made in a Fender factory in Ensenada, Mexico and are often labelled as Made In Mexico (MIM). Guitar necks are still manufactured in the Corona factory and sent to the Ensenada factory to be mounted onto guitars.
* The Fuji Gen Gakki factory in Matsumoto, Japan, is also licensed to manufacture Fender Stratocasters, but exclusively for the domestic market. However, second-hand or earlier Made In Japan (MIJ) or Crafted In Japan (CIJ) Stratocasters can be found in foreign markets. Fender Japan had previously used the MIJ label, but switched to CIJ shortly after it limited guitar production to the domestic market."
apparently we are all wrong.
That would imply to me that the USA ones are entirely made in the USA, and the MIM ones have necks made in the USA.
* Most other Stratocaster series models are made in a Fender factory in Ensenada, Mexico and are often labelled as Made In Mexico (MIM). Guitar necks are still manufactured in the Corona factory and sent to the Ensenada factory to be mounted onto guitars.
* The Fuji Gen Gakki factory in Matsumoto, Japan, is also licensed to manufacture Fender Stratocasters, but exclusively for the domestic market. However, second-hand or earlier Made In Japan (MIJ) or Crafted In Japan (CIJ) Stratocasters can be found in foreign markets. Fender Japan had previously used the MIJ label, but switched to CIJ shortly after it limited guitar production to the domestic market."
apparently we are all wrong.
That would imply to me that the USA ones are entirely made in the USA, and the MIM ones have necks made in the USA.
Stand back, I like to rock out.
I have also heard that the majority of MIM parts were made in america and shipped to Mexico for assembly. I wish I could just get them to send me the parts and I'd put it together myself
Anyway, when I bought my American Strat in the mid 90's I played both the mexican and American. If I had my eyes closed I could not have guessed what I was playing. At that time for a few years all the parts were identical, I bought the American just for prestige I guess. I recently bought a used MIM and replaced the pickups, nut and tuners and It plays just as good as the high dollar models. Just have to deal with the fact that its Assembled in mexico.
Alot of people say the frets aren't dressed as well and have other minor complaints but I haven't seen that much of a difference.
If you want a good instrument on a budget get a used MIM since the resale is lower and upgrade the pickups and hardware.
Anyway, when I bought my American Strat in the mid 90's I played both the mexican and American. If I had my eyes closed I could not have guessed what I was playing. At that time for a few years all the parts were identical, I bought the American just for prestige I guess. I recently bought a used MIM and replaced the pickups, nut and tuners and It plays just as good as the high dollar models. Just have to deal with the fact that its Assembled in mexico.
Alot of people say the frets aren't dressed as well and have other minor complaints but I haven't seen that much of a difference.
If you want a good instrument on a budget get a used MIM since the resale is lower and upgrade the pickups and hardware.
Don't bitch to me about the economy while you're still buying Chinese products.
Bodies all MIM. MIAs shipped over to CA for assembly (Then called MIA).
Actual MIM body types can vary in quality, type (And price). Example,
Jimmy Vaughan strats are all MIMs (Assembled, etc.).
Of the 2 main strats I use, one is MIA (American Standard), the other other
MIM. I always figured the difference between these two (The MIM was of
the higher priced variety) would be in the wiring or the overall cosmetics of
the wood. Ripped apart, the wiring is exactly the same, sound as close to
each other as possible.
Coupl'a caveats. I know next to nothing about Fender's bass production.
Could be totally different system, etc
There's also Fender's Custom shop which is going to get the best of the
best. So ANY type that's standard production is going to have to compete
with that (Bourgeois bastards).
Lastly,...it's Fender. They may have a special plant at an exact latitude/
longitude in the Mojave to specially cut and age-in-the-sun the Eric Johnson
models at JUST the right time of day/year in JUST the right temperate zone
at JUST the right humidity beside a certain cactus. Off by a minute or an
inch and that freak can tell.
By the same token, the slower-witted trainees may sit at a cast-off wood
table to practice their skills on what will become Avril Lavigne teles (But,
yep Justin, she IS definitely hot).
Actual MIM body types can vary in quality, type (And price). Example,
Jimmy Vaughan strats are all MIMs (Assembled, etc.).
Of the 2 main strats I use, one is MIA (American Standard), the other other
MIM. I always figured the difference between these two (The MIM was of
the higher priced variety) would be in the wiring or the overall cosmetics of
the wood. Ripped apart, the wiring is exactly the same, sound as close to
each other as possible.
Coupl'a caveats. I know next to nothing about Fender's bass production.
Could be totally different system, etc
There's also Fender's Custom shop which is going to get the best of the
best. So ANY type that's standard production is going to have to compete
with that (Bourgeois bastards).
Lastly,...it's Fender. They may have a special plant at an exact latitude/
longitude in the Mojave to specially cut and age-in-the-sun the Eric Johnson
models at JUST the right time of day/year in JUST the right temperate zone
at JUST the right humidity beside a certain cactus. Off by a minute or an
inch and that freak can tell.
By the same token, the slower-witted trainees may sit at a cast-off wood
table to practice their skills on what will become Avril Lavigne teles (But,
yep Justin, she IS definitely hot).
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
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bassist_25
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All I know is that I keep seeing these cats with these sweet all black Fender Jazz Basses that have white binding on the body. I don't know what model they are, and I want to know if they make a five string version!
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
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bassist_25
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- Location: Indiana
Alright, here's a picture of what I'm talking about. This is one of the nicest looking Fenders I've ever seen (and the Aguilar Chocolate Thunder DB810 is pretty frickin' sweet too!).
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
.ii
I agree.. You really are getting what you pay for when it comes to MIM vs MIA. Also saw Japanese Fender mentioned, well worth the money also. Too bad they are not making them anymore!! (Ebay) Athough I have to say I am really impressed with a lot of the MIM guitars I have been seeing lately. Fender has stepped the quality up and there is a huge difference between the 90's made in Mexico and what is being sold now.
MeYa,MeYatch wrote:no way mexico makes all the bodies, I can tell you right now if you take the pickguards off you will see a dime sized hole in the MIM bodies because of the routers they use down there, not the case with the MIA.
Also thats an Aerodyne Jazz bass paul.
Like I said, may be a different case with their basses. My MIM...no dime-sized hole.
Not sure why it would surprise anyone that this is the case. It's like this
with many cars, etc. Parts made in one country, assembled in another.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
MeYa,
Not sure. Haven't cross-checked the serial number. When I got it
I was just looking for a good backup. Tried it out along with a coupl'a
MIAs and it sounded great, played well and had a resonance that my
MIA has that is really nice. Of the MIAs I tried right along side, one
(The more expensive one at about $900), I really liked felt and sounded more like the MIM than the other MIA (Which was a little over $800, so
not much price difference).
That's one of the cool things with Strats (And Teles), though.
What I gathered though, is that it's not all that old. Someone had
gotten it but played really heavy stuff (Initially, probably a parent
getting it for their kid). While it'd make it interesting, as you know,
a Strat's not exactly great for getting that "Burn the Priest" sound,
SO, they swapped.
Not sure. Haven't cross-checked the serial number. When I got it
I was just looking for a good backup. Tried it out along with a coupl'a
MIAs and it sounded great, played well and had a resonance that my
MIA has that is really nice. Of the MIAs I tried right along side, one
(The more expensive one at about $900), I really liked felt and sounded more like the MIM than the other MIA (Which was a little over $800, so
not much price difference).
That's one of the cool things with Strats (And Teles), though.
What I gathered though, is that it's not all that old. Someone had
gotten it but played really heavy stuff (Initially, probably a parent
getting it for their kid). While it'd make it interesting, as you know,
a Strat's not exactly great for getting that "Burn the Priest" sound,
SO, they swapped.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."