Non-American Fenders OK?

[squirefan01]

Of course, we all love our Rics, but I am also thinking of getting a new Fender Standard Jazz bass, possibly a 5-string. I wondered what experiences you all have had with non-American Fenders? They're alot cheaper of course ($479 at MF for the 5-string). How is the quality, durability and sound compared to American models?

[jnbass]

At one time I preferred the MIJ F_nder Jazz replicas, the MIM were ok...

[sowhat]

Not sure if that counts - we have a Telecoustic, made in China, and are fully satisfied with it.

[milo]

I've never played any of the five strings but the few MIM Jazz basses that I've played have seemed to be pretty well made instruments. I think they use a different truss rod than the American series and if I recall correctly the bodies are something like 5 pieces of wood instead of 3.

My buddy is great bass player and he was really impressed with the Fender Zone bass. I think this one is MIJ and it's got active electronics, and a little bit slimmer body and neck.

[jeff_ulmer]

I prefer MIM to the American models, at least in the guitars.

That said, I generally only buy them when I can play them first.

The MIJ basses I have are fine too. I can't justify the difference in cost.

[jon]

I've had two CIJ Geddy Lee Jazzes (in fact I've just sold one as I didn't really need two). Both were excellent quality for the price and very 'playable'.

I'm on the hunt for a decent 5-string myself - in fact I wish Rickenbacker were doing them. Be interested to know how you get on.

[jwr2]

some of the Fender 5 string jazz basses are ok ... some of them have flaws ... the mim 5 string basses have a tendency for the truss rod nut to strip so then you can't get the allan wrench to get a grip ... and some of the 5 string jazz basses have floppy B strings ... and I would replace the bridge with a better one ... and for my taste the neck is a little too wide ...

[loendmaestro]

I have a MIA P-Bass & love it, but I have had a 1988 MIJ Jazz bass since it was new & it's one of the best basses I have ever owned. I threw some DiMarzios in it a few years ago & it's really a fantastic instrument.
Never really been impressed with the Mexican/Chinese stuff.

[fran4001]

For the money, the Mexi stuff is great. Personally, they're not my main giggers ( I have a P and a J), but could be if I desired. They sound and play good, but are sometimes tricky to get playing as well as the US or Vintage Series stuff. Now the Japan stuff on the other hand is every bit as good as the US stuff, and in some cases, better. I have a '75 Jazz Reissue and a '51 P reissue, and the Jazz in particular is the best sounding and playing Fender I own, possibly the best I've ever handled, period!

[wmthor]

I have a MIM Strat and a CIJ Tele that I'm pleased with. I did swap the pickups, switch and pots on both.

[atomic_punk]

From my experience, the rule of thumb is the older, the better. I picked up a '97 Fender Jazz 5 MIM and it is my favorite 5 I have ever had! The newer ones I have not liked so much. I played a 5 out of necessity, but this one, I actually ENJOY playing!!

[webhead]

I had a few of those. I always felt that the MIJ Fender's were nice. I Never liked the neck on the others... The American one's stood above out of all of them.

[webhead]

I had a few of those. I always felt that the MIJ Fender's were nice. I Never liked the neck on the others... The American one's stood above out of all of them.

[alanz]

I have a 2000 MIM Jazz with Schallers, a Badass II and a set of Barts. Sounds great, very stable and highly playable neck.

[phlemmy]

I played a mexi-jazz yesterday and loved the feel of it.