[quote name='Buzz' post='402389' date='Feb 6 2009, 09:15 PM']they really are the only two companies that have been going and built up some sort of classic status. It's a bit hard to phrase it, bit like mojo for the brand name so to speak.[/quote]
You mean like brand estabilishment? Both are almost cultural icons?
Some good points made in the initial post & reponses.
I've had a MIM jazz & now a MIA jazz. I didn't buy the MIM based on the name etc, I got it when I was 15, most of the bands I were listening to at the time were using brands such as Ibanez & Warwick so if I'd gone for what I was mainly seeing on the TV then it would have been something along those lines. Bought the Mexican because of the neck (the width & smoothness) & of course the sound.
Was really happy with the Mexican but just wanted to upgrade so got my MIA, sunburst finish, maple board & a black pickguard that I got for it, gorgeous.
I did look at other brands when I was looking to upgrade, the only alternative I would have gone for would have been a Sadowsky though. Anything considerably better IMO is a lot more expensive.