Marc S

I like to be able to tweak the spacing too I don't think a BA will let you do that? I find the vintage threaded saddles on an ordinary BBOT bridge let me space the strings just as I wish... You can get a set of threaded saddles on eBay.... Not sure which high mass bridge is the best type, for allowing spacing adjustment....

You are quite right XoSo - the Flea bass is probably more easy to get hold of, currently And the longer you are a BC member - the more you are likely to suffer GAS for one, or for another bass in future lol Anyhow, as I've said, and as Steve Browning says above - MIJ / CIJ Fenders are really well made instruments In the past in fact, I've seen them sell for rather less than I personally would value them.... I'm glad you've come to your own decision. I know asking such questions about "which is best" is always a matter of the opinions of individuals, but it's good to hear what other people think about basses they've owned, based on their good, bad or indifferent experiences..... It sounds like you have been given some food for thought in this matter, and I'm glad BC members were here to help you come to a decision Now, if you don't like your new MIJ Jazz.... you can always sell it on here, or trade it for a Flea But from my experiences of Japan Fenders..... I'm sure it'll be a keeper Happy NBD, and don't forget to post some photos and a little review Cheers - enjoy

Hi again XoSo, Re your nagging doubt - I'm not sure you can tell from those photos whether it has been put together from parts. I know you are importing it from abroad, but perhaps a little research into what the company selling it is like... Remember - they won't want to be getting a bad reputation for selling fake / knock-off gear. The serial number & decal on the neck look fine to me Harder to tell with the body & electrics without seeing some pics of it disassembled and looking a serial numbers & info on the pots, and looking at any marks / labels & stickers or date stamps in the neck pocket Yes, the Flea bass is a rather faded version of shell pink. I too like Pink basses.... for some reason - I think it's a rather cool colour Re the roadworn / reliced issue - I understand people don't particularly like it. However, the relicing on the Fender RW series is rather good and quite convincing Also, the relicing is not the only difference with the RW series - they are made from higher quality components, and are more carefully put together than other MIM's They really are a cut above other MIM's - In fact, My RW Jazz was better than either US Jazzes I owned.... and not just marginally better either! My RW Precision is the best P bass I've ever played... better than either of my US P's and even better than my 80's Japan Squier P.... The other point re relicing / roadwear that I hadn't even considered initially.... I wasn't a fan of relicing either..... But there's something quite liberating about gigging an instrument that you aren't too "precious" about For example - I had a rather expensive, mint condition Rick bass. First gig, the singer caught his foot around a cable - and pulled a cymbal stand over.... crash! Hitting my bass with a glancing blow on the way! Second gig (different band) guitarist was moving some lighting stands about, and knocked it from behind - I just managed to catch it, before it fell forward - it could even have fallen off stage, as there wasn't much room on that small stage My point being, that if it's already got knocks & bumps - you won't worry about a few more.... That's not to say I go around whacking my bass with a hammer - I don't But it's an ideal gigging bass, as I'm not over-protective or worried everytime a drummer or singer walk past it closely..... If you do have any doubts about the MIJ - then perhaps a visit to Bass Direct is a good suggestion. You will able to sit down & try it out first, or even compare it with other basses Patience may be the best way forward - as you already have a decent, useable bass - take your time & take care with your next purchase Perhaps even consider buying a different Jazz, from someone on this very forum? You'll get more for your money buying used Pop along to a nearby bass bash, next time there's one near you - meet some fellow BC'ers who will be only too happy to talk all things bass related One last point. I owned a MusicMan Stingray. Lovely quality construction, lovely sound BUT - it was very heavy, and the neck was chunky.... very vhunky - anything but slim! I know some people prefer that - but like you, I don't. I prefer a Fender C shape / profile neck, or a Jazz neck. I played a MM Sub a while back, and while it clearly didn't have the feel of quality about it - the neck was a far better fit for my hands

As Lozz says, the RW necks really are somehow really comfy to play Also, although they are quite glossy - they never seem to get sticky to play, when your hands get hot.... that's my experience of them anyhow BTW. I once owned a Flea, as I already mentioned.... and now getting GAS for one again!

Yes, the MIJ / CIJ basses I've owned & played have all been great But honestly, the Roadworn series might be MIM, but they're a cut above any other MIM Fenders I've played And some of those MIM's have been excellent too! The Roadworn basses are quite something else Made on a different "line" to other MIM's, using higher grade wood & components. Someone also suggested they were finished in the US.... Not 100% sure of that, but they really are superb ..... I know, that hasn't helped! lol EDIT: I really liked the aged colour on the cheaper one in Japan too Yes, import charges can be rather expensive, so you're right to bear that in mind....

Me again! On clicking that "3 more available" link It leads you to this one - bit more "roadworn" but another option? https://reverb.com/uk/item/7187550-fender-japan-jb62-62-vintage-jazz-bass-reissue-made-in-japan-1993-1994-vintage-white-1311

Just took a look at the for sale ad, and there's a "3 used available" button you can click on https://reverb.com/p/fender-jb62-62-reissue-jazz-bass-mij-aged-white Or am I being daft, and this is the same one? I can't comment on the MIJ '62RI per se - as I've not played one of these exact models. I have however, played several MIJ / CIJ Fenders, and they've all been really good basses Somehow, the necks on them feel lovely.... However, I have owned a Fender Flea Jazz, and just to add to your confusion - that was also a really nice bass, and yes, the Fender Roadworn series of necks also feel absolutely lovely.... sorry Again, I don't know quite how they achieve that "worn-in" or "played in" feel with the roadworn series, but achieve it they have I must say of the Fender Flea, it's the lightest weight Jazz I have played. (and I've owned 3 Jazzes, and played quite a few more) At first, I wasn't a fan of the stacked knob arrangement of controls. I know this arrangement has many fans, who would all quote flexibility of tone and control as being better - but I found it harder to get the tone I wanted as quickly as with the standard VVT arrangement of controls.... again, it's personal preference The MIJ bass is probably the more "collectible", for those with whom that is an issue. And IMO, it's a lovely aged white (I do like that off-white creamy colour some basses seem to go) Both have their plus points, it's just down to how you feel about each one Do you live near any other BC member who owns either one of these basses? Could you post an ad, asking for help / a try-out? Most BC'ers are very friendly, helpful sorts and would be only too willing to let you have a play of their Jazz As has already been asked, could you counter the sellers counter offer? Might be worth a try Just thought of a plus for the MIJ. If you didn't like a Flea Jazz and had bought it brand new - you'd lose money if selling on.... but you'd likely get more of your money back on the MIJ if you sold that on....

I'd say the one on the right too - but mainly cos I have several of the later shaped Precisions already! lol I was going to point out that filling the cavities might prove tricky too - but as you're a carpenter, that'll be no problem for you. In fact, you may even get some requests from other BC'ers when they see your final result Was this a kit from a shop on ebay? I ask because I'm possibly looking for a Jazz body, and they had one I was thinking about getting..... and wouldn't mind knowing what their quality is like?

What a great question Graham, and some good discussion points here My reply is that it might depend on exactly what the crime was, and was there a conviction? (Edit: I'm also pretty sure Michael Jackson was "guilty" though not convicted) If the musician committed a minor offence, that's a different matter, but when it's murder, rape, abuse, assault, racism etc there's a voice in my head reminding me of what this artist has done outside of their music.... But does that fact stop their music being good? I'm asking another question.... and I can't even answer that one! lol Bono was recently mentioned in the Paradise Papers leak - it was revealed that he has several millions, stashed in an overseas account, as a tax avoidance measure - yet he also runs an anti-poverty charity..... Never cared for him personally, though U2 have written some great songs.... do I stop listening to those songs? Probably not, because tax avoidance and hypocrisy are rather less serious than assault, murder etc.... Great question OP - it has really started me thinking..... This is going to be in the back of my mind all day now I've just thought of another ironic situation. John Lydon was once thought of as the epitome of an anti-establishment musician / artist. Many years back he tried to warn the BBC and the media about what Jimmy Saville was up to! Lydon these days is much more of an iconic figure, and does some great work for charities and is an ambassador for wildlife and the environment......

Welcome back Scotty Before the days of BC - I had a 20+ year absence from playing bass! I'm so glad I started playing again.... what was I thinking? EDIT: Well done on the grading too btw

Good on you. Glad you're already feeling the weight off your shoulders Now.... on to pastures new Good luck

One that always makes me chuckle is; "There's a slight problem with the tone pot / jack socket / earth wire (delete as appropriate) - but this is an easy fix" .... so why haven't you fixed it???

Sorry, I don't know anyone in the area who would have a PA But I just wanted to say, what a great cause Gerry Watkins has set up This is brilliant news - and I hope it may inspire other people, in other areas of the UK Once again, homelessness is an awful problem, and it's getting worse all the time Well done to you too for getting involved. If I was closer, I'd be drumming up the support of musician pals (I did a homeless charity gig in Merthyr a couple of weeks back, and was pleased to see quite a few turn out to support the event) But this big yellow bus project is a brilliant idea. Hats off to everyone involved, and best of luck with it

Ah Silvia - have we stumbled on Happy Jack's Christmas present?

I'm with FuNkShUi on this..... OK, it probably wouldn't be my first choice of colour / design... but I do quite like it, I must admit Funny thing is, I have a sneaking suspicion my wife wouldn't like it... lol EDIT: Please do tell - how much did the price come out at? Just askin'

On Friday, they played much of their superb 1st album. Me & my pal agreed - nearly every song on that album could have been a single Yes, Paul Warning - their more recent albums are pretty good.... but as you say, it's a hard debut album to follow