Why MIA Fender costs more than CIJ or MIM

[NavyBass]

I've posted this before but figured that I should post it here also. Here is a list of items found on the MIA basses that aren't on the CIJ or MIM.

MIA Fender Basses have;

Graphite re-enforced necks
Bi-flex 2 way truss rod
Die Cast tuners
Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing
Better pickups
Better electronics (potentiometers)
Much better fretwork
Better grade of wood for the body and neck
Comes with a hardshell case
Straplocks


This is why the MIA basses cost more than the other Fenders.

Just FYI

[tim_commerfordism]

whats the difference in MIJ's to MIM's and MIA's?

:rolleyes: :p

[NavyBass]

The MIJ's are in between the MIA and MIM.

Most of the MIJ's are either Vintage reissues that are made in Japan or signature models like the Sting and Geddy. They usually use vintage reproduction parts.

[Anarchy&Peace]

ive got an american j bass and what will the "Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing" affect? tone?, action?, anything?

[LewsTherin]

ive got an american j bass and what will the "Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing" affect? tone?, action?, anything?

string-through will give you more sustain
top-load will give your attack more punch, i think.

[hartke20g]

I've posted this before but figured that I should post it here also. Here is a list of items found on the MIA basses that aren't on the CIJ or MIM.

MIA Fender Basses have;

Graphite re-enforced necks
Bi-flex 2 way truss rod
Die Cast tuners
Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing
Better pickups
Better electronics (potentiometers)
Much better fretwork
Better grade of wood for the body and neck
Comes with a hardshell case
Straplocks


This is why the MIA basses cost more than the other Fenders.

Just FYI






whats a CIJ?

[Anarchy&Peace]

crafted in japan

[I-cant-sing]

wow, i wash just going to ask this in the pit. Myn only question is, which of the three guitars are the most reliable, and what is the hardcase that comes with it like. I will be travelling around the world with mine so will it hold up.

[LewsTherin]

wow, i wash just going to ask this in the pit. Myn only question is, which of the three guitars are the most reliable, and what is the hardcase that comes with it like. I will be travelling around the world with mine so will it hold up.

the MIA will most likely be the most reliable, as the most care is taken in building them, and better materials are used.

the fender hardshells are pretty good. i dont know if theyd pass as a flightcase, but they can take a beating.

[Radiobass81]

*can finally prove Eddie wrong*

[Chaos]

wow thanks a lot this is very helpful.

[PainKiller8191]

dude....look at the price differences though...i mean:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/515201/c_lv=1/
and slap the word "america" on it:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/511390/c_lv=1/

is
"Graphite re-enforced necks
Bi-flex 2 way truss rod
Die Cast tuners
Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing
Better pickups
Better electronics (potentiometers)
Much better fretwork
Better grade of wood for the body and neck
Comes with a hardshell case
Straplocks"
that really worth double the MIM/MIJ/whatever the first one is!?!?!????????
i need an answer quick it would either save my life or force me to wait and work another year or two

[LewsTherin]

dude....look at the price differences though...i mean:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/515201/c_lv=1/
and slap the word "america" on it:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/511390/c_lv=1/

is
"Graphite re-enforced necks
Bi-flex 2 way truss rod
Die Cast tuners
Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing
Better pickups
Better electronics (potentiometers)
Much better fretwork
Better grade of wood for the body and neck
Comes with a hardshell case
Straplocks"
that really worth double the MIM/MIJ/whatever the first one is!?!?!????????
i need an answer quick it would either save my life or force me to wait and work another year or two

yeah, it really is worth it.

EDIT: Of course, Mexi's are still good instruments, and Im sure youd be happy with one, but yes, I think the americans warrant the doubling in price.

[PainKiller8191]

that's really amazing...
do you think it's worth it? i mean as all you guys from the forum, do u think I should go for the american...coz I really want this to be like the bass i have for the next couple years, and have it be reliable and i wouldnt wanna change anything about it....?

[LewsTherin]

that's really amazing...
do you think it's worth it? i mean as all you guys from the forum, do u think I should go for the american...coz I really want this to be like the bass i have for the next couple years, and have it be reliable and i wouldnt wanna change anything about it....?

A mexi would do you fine for a long time, plus theyre highly upgradable.

An american would probably last forever.

[I-cant-sing]

A mexi would do you fine for a long time, plus theyre highly upgradable.

An american would probably last forever.
i need one for gigging, do you think there is much differance between the tone of the two basses (mex+ame) when played with a pic. :thumb: I really like the colours that the american offers aswell. :thumb:

[PainKiller8191]

I'm guessing the american would have different tone (if not better) than the mexican not only because of the materials used to make it, but also coz it's got a J humbucker in the bridge and the mex has one J

[I-cant-sing]

what is the s-1 switching system like, is it reliable?

[Anarchy&Peace]

the MIA will most likely be the most reliable, as the most care is taken in building them, and better materials are used.

the fender hardshells are pretty good. i dont know if theyd pass as a flightcase, but they can take a beating.
When i got the hardshell i got a big lecture about how i should buy this one instead of "brand x", well it cost about a hundred bucks but i guess its shatter proof, bullet proof (kinda hard to believe), and allowed on airlines you can stick it in the coat closet thing.

[good rats]

I'm guessing the american would have different tone (if not better) than the mexican not only because of the materials used to make it, but also coz it's got a J humbucker in the bridge and the mex has one J
What? You can get Mexi's with P/J configs, J/J configs, P configs. Mexi's don't just have P/J configs.

The American will have a better tone because it has much better electronics.

[deemo]

The American will have a better tone because it has much better electronics.

don't forget... tone is subjective. i've liked some squiers' tone much better than americans.

[I-cant-sing]

don't forget... tone is subjective. i've liked some squiers' tone much better than americans.
thats if you like the sound of tin lol

[PainKiller8191]

i-cant-sing, you're just being stupid now, there alot of alright squiers out there, every brand name's got its lower quality insturments and higher quality ones....

as for radio, show me a mexican with a J humbucker...only in america:)

[LewsTherin]

What? You can get Mexi's with P/J configs, J/J configs, P configs. Mexi's don't just have P/J configs.




yea but he was comparing the P-Bass Special (P/J) to the American Deluxe P (P/HB)

[Radiobass81]

as for radio, show me a mexican with a J humbucker...only in america:)

*confused*

[LewsTherin]

*confused*

/doesnt think he meant to adress that to you.

[Az_Holl]

Wouldnt the MIA cost more as well because of labour costs? Id assume that the American builders would get more then the Japanese or Mexican workers.

[Radiobass81]

/doesnt think he meant to adress that to you.

Didn't he say "Hey radio"?

[LewsTherin]

Didn't he say "Hey radio"?

yeah, he did, but i dont think he meant to. he prolly just got you confused with someone else.

[LewsTherin]

Wouldnt the MIA cost more as well because of labour costs? Id assume that the American builders would get more then the Japanese or Mexican workers.

yes. the americans get paid more.

[warwickcorvette]

r japanese made ones any good? i'm thinking of buying a marcus miller jazz

[Stoic]

what is the s-1 switching system like, is it reliable?
yes it's reliable...I unfortunately had a problem with mine (bad wiring) but since I've fixed it, it's been great...(someone correct me if i'm wrong) when the S-1 is off (not pushed in) it uses both PUps (P/J,humbucker) and when it's on it uses just the neck PUp (single J).

Also, Try it before you buy it...Who knows a fender just might not be the sound you're going for and if you're looking to buy a MIA there are other great basses in that price range, so shop around. Just my $0.02

[PainKiller8191]

*confused*

sry i meant good rats not radio i got confused lol

[LewsTherin]

r japanese made ones any good? i'm thinking of buying a marcus miller jazz

theyre somewhere between mexi's and americans. id call that pretty good.

[Radiobass81]

someone correct me if i'm wrong) when the S-1 is off (not pushed in) it uses both PUps (P/J,humbucker) and when it's on it uses just the neck PUp (single J).

It changes the pickups from series to parallel...

[Stoic]

^ it was an explaination of that..to my understanding of it atleast.

[Anarchy&Peace]

when the s1 is engaged it uses both jazz pickups to create a fatter tone similar to what you would get with a humbucker

[Thunder Fingers]

:mad:

I have a drill...

Go buy a MIM or CIJ and ill make it string through for you, you will never use it, but you actually have the "option"....

and.. since fender japan usually have reissues, the majority of their basses is equiped with american pickups, so im not gonna say anything on that...

Both My Basses have fine fretwork, i cant see how it could be better? :confused:


Stop calling my basses bad ****it! :mad:

[Anarchy&Peace]

yeah but when you buy mia your supporting your country if you live in america that is

[Thunder Fingers]

yeah but when you buy mia your supporting your country if you live in america that is
:lol: :lol: :lol:

:rolleyes:


this time i actually mean it: americans... :rolleyes:

[Radiobass81]

:mad:

I have a drill...

Go buy a MIM or CIJ and ill make it string through for you, you will never use it, but you actually have the "option"....

and.. since fender japan usually have reissues, the majority of their basses is equiped with american pickups, so im not gonna say anything on that...

Both My Basses have fine fretwork, i cant see how it could be better? :confused:


Stop calling my basses bad ****it! :mad:

I'd actually try putting E and A through body and D and G top loading :p.

And I've never called a CIJ bad, just said MIA's have higher quality.

This will be my last post discussing this with you, as we are talking on MSN as I type. :)

[70 Cam Guy]

this time i actually mean it: americans... :rolleyes:

:lol: Reminds me of the Harley riders that tell me to buy American when the Harley's have all kinds of foreign parts installed. Global economy here people. I'm all for supporting the local guys but there's a limit

And yeah, I like CIJ and all (owned a CIJ guitar) but the price to import them is only like $100 less than the MIA basses. Considering what MIA basses sell for used, there is no point unless it's a reissue or artist you want. Japan knows how to make some quality instruments but Fender MIA and MIM cost much less over here than they do elsewhere

[xfreakofnaturex]

dude....look at the price differences though...i mean:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/515201/c_lv=1/
and slap the word "america" on it:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=122/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/511390/c_lv=1/

is
"Graphite re-enforced necks
Bi-flex 2 way truss rod
Die Cast tuners
Bridge that allows string-thru-body or top load stringing
Better pickups
Better electronics (potentiometers)
Much better fretwork
Better grade of wood for the body and neck
Comes with a hardshell case
Straplocks"
that really worth double the MIM/MIJ/whatever the first one is!?!?!????????
i need an answer quick it would either save my life or force me to wait and work another year or two

I thought the MIM has american parts, but is just put together in Mexico.

I don't think I'd ever buy a MIA, unless I have a ****load of money, I'm gonna try out that MIM and if I like it, save up for it. At least that one's affordable, unlike the american...

[Radiobass81]

^MIM has mexican parts.

Maybe you are confused with the Highway series; Mexican parts assembled in america.

[xfreakofnaturex]

I'm talking about that one particular bass

[Thunder Fingers]

what is the difference of it being assembled in america if its made out of the same parts?! :confused:

Hey, Radio, you still think mine pups are worse than americans? :lol:

[xfreakofnaturex]

well, I don't have a clue. The name maybe? Meh, if it's good, I'll buy it, if it's not, I won't. I don't really care where it was made and it's not like I'm a pro anyways

[Vater5B]

I never got the Highway series... I have yet to play one that felt $300 better than my MIM Tele or my sister's MIM P-Bass...

[Radiobass81]

what is the difference of it being assembled in america if its made out of the same parts?! :confused:

Hey, Radio, you still think mine pups are worse than americans? :lol:

Seeing as most are reissue pups, they are even. Tone-wise they are completely different. I prefer modern tones for the most part (unless it's a P).

I thought we talked about this at MSN a while ago :p.

[Janelectro]

what is the difference of it being assembled in america if its made out of the same parts?! :confused:

Hey, Radio, you still think mine pups are worse than americans? :lol:
When it says Made in USA on it they can sell it for more money :thumb:

[Radiobass81]

^^ In that case, I'd probably say it's true. It SORT OF makes sense; they pay more for labor. Why they make the same bass in two places, I wonder...

Also, I just remembered, the finishes are different.

Yeah, big difference :p.

[LewsTherin]

I think the Highway 1 series is for the nationalists who refuse to buy non-american made items, so they make basses out of mexi parts in California, say it was made in america, and sell it for more money.

[70 Cam Guy]

^^ In that case, I'd probably say it's true. It SORT OF makes sense; they pay more for labor. Why they make the same bass in two places, I wonder...

Also, I just remembered, the finishes are different.

Yeah, big difference :p.

Labor is just part of it. The manufacturing methods may also be different because of the way the US necks are made and the different parts involved. Part of your labor force costs includes training. Training on quality control issues, assembly, etc. The US series have more consistant quality in terms of fret finish, fit/finish and assembly than the MIM instruments do. Part of that is related to training and part it is related to your work force involvement or morale/pride for the product.

There is a lot of things that add up to make the US basses better and more expensive than the MIM basses. Besides the electronics, reinforced necks, you get better tuners, threaded neck angle adjustment, better wood, and much better overall quality.

I am not discounting Japan either. These people are the original people to use quality and lean manufacturing practices that Deming envisioned. They know how to make a great product, and it shows. The prices, however, of the MIJ (:p) instruments in the US are not far behind the MIA instruments and don't get the ultra stable necks the US basses have. Then you look on the used market and see a US Pbass or Jazz bass for $600 or $650 USD. CIJ basses are pretty much forgotten. I realize the price difference elsewhere is considerable, but not really here

[Thunder Fingers]

the wood in my bass is JUST A GOOD as MIA... just so thats stated...

[70 Cam Guy]

the wood in my bass is JUST A GOOD as MIA... just so thats stated...

It says so on the bass does it? :confused: :p

seriously, there's no way to really know about company practices without actually being employed by them. Marketing can spin anything

[AcerbicCunnt77]

i-cant-sing, you're just being stupid now, there alot of alright squiers out there, every brand name's got its lower quality insturments and higher quality ones....

as for radio, show me a mexican with a J humbucker...only in america:)

I have a pretty **** good squier. (luckily) when I took it in to get re-setup the tech guy said my squierp sounds better then his MIAfender p.

--edit I cant believe d-amn was bleeped.

[Mild_child]

what exactly is the'better fretwork'?

[70 Cam Guy]

some frets are sharp, some are nicely rounded (filed) and blended into the neck, sometimes their are chips of wood off the fingerboard where the frets are installed (saw an Epi goth like this)

The most common thing I see is where the edge of the fret comes past the edge of the neck and has a sharp edge on it. I notice it now because I nearly cut myself doing a slide on some random bass in Guitar Center

[PaulSimonon]

That has more to do with the store not caring than the place it was made... The humidity changes as it's shipped, wood shrinks, fret ends become exposed. The store doesn't care, and you, the consumer, must suffer for their poor business practices. Good stores always let the instruments aclimate to the humidity of the shop, and then setup and dress their instruments.

[AcerbicCunnt77]

are mim heavier then mia or cij?

[AcerbicCunnt77]

semi-bump cos no one answered my question

[70 Cam Guy]

sorry I missed your question before...

My MIM Pbass actually weighs slightly less than my MIA Jazz and I vaguely remember an MIA Pbass in the store feeling heavier than my Pbass.

I'm not sure if that's a normal thing or just coincidence

[AcerbicCunnt77]

hmm, maybe cos mim have that nasty hole under the pickguard, i would imagine a jazz weighing more then a p bass in general because the offset body shape = more wood, no?

[70 Cam Guy]

hmm, maybe cos mim have that nasty hole under the pickguard, i would imagine a jazz weighing more then a p bass in general because the offset body shape = more wood, no?

I hadn't thought about the different body shape. I am pretty sure the US Pbass I picked up in the store weighed more than my mexi model because I made a comment to the sales guy. Maybe someone else will chime in

Next time you're in the store, check it out if you remember

[DarkGothComy]

My jazz is made in korea...Where does it fit in with all this?

[NavyBass]

My jazz is made in korea...Where does it fit in with all this?

It must be a Squier. That would be their low end.

[DarkGothComy]

It must be a Squier. That would be their low end.

It's not a squire, I'm positive. It's a jazz 24, not your usual jazz, thats probably why

[NavyBass]

It's not a squire, I'm positive. It's a jazz 24, not your usual jazz, thats probably why

Oh, OK. Those aren't bad at all. I'd put them in between Mexican and Japaneese ones.

The reason I said it might be a Squier is because some early Squiers were made in Korea.

[Rowan S]

I was gonna buy a Jazz Bass Standard, then modify the **** out of it.. Strip it down, and replace everything on the body, and stick a D Tuner on. do you think i should buy a MIA, for the better quality wood, neck, truss rod etc etc

[Rawb]

I was gonna buy a Jazz Bass Standard, then modify the **** out of it.. Strip it down, and replace everything on the body, and stick a D Tuner on. do you think i should buy a MIA, for the better quality wood, neck, truss rod etc etc
Well, I honestly can't even count on MY own modifications...

Yes, get the American. Have you ever tried one? Man, having a squire as a beginner years ago, and then trying an American at a music shop realy made me realize that every freaking penny is worth it. I'm saving up for one myself.

MIA's allllllll the way. :thumb:

[PainKiller8191]

yeah MIAs are quality....although the first one i played was a lemon so it took me a while to convince myself to try another one

that S-1 switch is really cool and useful

[Rowan S]

Well basically im replacing EVERYTHING on the body, and one of the tuners.. Is it still worth it?/

Just so you know im like..15 next month, so i dont have money right now. Im saving up, and selling my electric guitar and everything for money towards it. Unless i buy a MIM which are still great qaulity as far as im concerned, and then when im older upgrade it or something..

[andrewm]

Nice post. I gotta get me an MIA, my teacher has one and the playability is much better. Oh, and the 60th Anniversery bass is amazing.

[Rowan S]

in that case ill got out and try the MIA and the 60th anniversary.. see what i think. would playability stay the same if i changed the bridge to a BadAss II?

i think im gonna be saving for quite a while :rolleyes:

[NavyBass]

in that case ill got out and try the MIA and the 60th anniversary.. see what i think. would playability stay the same if i changed the bridge to a BadAss II?

i think im gonna be saving for quite a while :rolleyes:

You don't really need to change the bridge. It's a string-through-body bridge. You really won't be gaining anything by changing that bridge to a BAII

[Rowan S]

well iv allready bought it. BAII's give more sustain clarity etc. and look pretty cool aswell i reckon.

[Killer Fridge]

well iv allready bought it. BAII's give more sustain clarity etc. and look pretty cool aswell i reckon.

Apart from the looks, the rest is pretty much un-noticable. If you think you can hear a clear difference, then thats exactly what it is - you think you can hear it. The Placebo Effect *makes wooo00OOO00ooo noises*

[NavyBass]

Apart from the looks, the rest is pretty much un-noticable. If you think you can hear a clear difference, then thats exactly what it is - you think you can hear it. The Placebo Effect *makes wooo00OOO00ooo noises*

Not completely true.

On the older Fender basses, the ones without string through body bridges, there will be a difference.

I did an experiment using an Oscilloscope. Everything being the same with the exception of the bridge. The BAII made a big difference in the waveform picture. I used a scope at work which was able to save waveforms and compare them.

But this is an old arguement, but according to electronic measurements, there is no placebo effect, there is a true difference.

[Killer Fridge]

Not completely true.

On the older Fender basses, the ones without string through body bridges, there will be a difference.

I did an experiment using an Oscilloscope. Everything being the same with the exception of the bridge. The BAII made a big difference in the waveform picture. I used a scope at work which was able to save waveforms and compare them.

But this is an old arguement, but according to electronic measurements, there is no placebo effect, there is a true difference.

Crazy....

[red n black]

Not completely true.

On the older Fender basses, the ones without string through body bridges, there will be a difference.

I did an experiment using an Oscilloscope. Everything being the same with the exception of the bridge. The BAII made a big difference in the waveform picture. I used a scope at work which was able to save waveforms and compare them.

But this is an old arguement, but according to electronic measurements, there is no placebo effect, there is a true difference.

How much??? Would I hear a difference???
What kind of difference???

[NavyBass]

How much??? Would I hear a difference???
What kind of difference???

What I've noticed on the older ones was a crisper, clearer tone with a bit more sustain.

The O-scope experiment pretty much confirmed the crisp, clear tone thing, as the waveform was nicer.