Fender Marcus Miller Jazz - MKII Made In Mexico

[AndyTravis]

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1350735648' post='1842826']


They are.
[/quote]

Wonderful...

[bigsmokebass]

And how Japanese will somehow be more expensive than US deluxe

BSB

[SisterAbdullahX]

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1350641344' post='1841544']
Headstock looks loads better actually.
[/quote]

Yeah, I agree! One of the things that really put me off the MIJ MM's is the way the Fender logo looks like it was applied by a blind man in the dark. I've seen some where it is under the string tree leaving a massive expanse of bare wood underneath it. How did they allow them to go out like that?

[fretmeister]

[quote name='ML94' timestamp='1350668014' post='1842127']
When I had mine it had a massive shielding problem. Everytime I rolled it onto the bridge pickup, Bang! Noise comes through the amp like crazy.
Did anyone else have this problem or am I the only one?
[/quote]

I had mine fully shielded. Now it's as quiet as a mouse

[Doddy]

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' timestamp='1351030509' post='1846550']
Yeah, I agree! One of the things that really put me off the MIJ MM's is the way the Fender logo looks like it was applied by a blind man in the dark. I've seen some where it is under the string tree leaving a massive expanse of bare wood underneath it. How did they allow them to go out like that?
[/quote]

Take a look at Marcus' bass...especially the picture on the back of the 'Tales' album. The Fender logo on his is high up
and slightly under the string tree.That's probably why it's like that on the Marcus signatures,and shows that it's not really
a Japanese problem,because Fender were obviously doing that (possibly in error?) in '77.

[skej21]

Also, moving production to Mexico means cheaper cost prices so better profit margins for retailers! More profit with better supply equals more money in everyone's pocket (except the customer!). Clever Fender.

On the plus side, my Geddy which is perfect condition and bought new for £550 in 2005 will hopefully be worth a bit more thanks to Fender's regular price hikes and the fact that its CIJ.

[Conan]

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1351080726' post='1847017']
On the plus side, my Geddy which is perfect condition and bought new for £550 in 2005 will hopefully be worth a bit more thanks to Fender's regular price hikes and the fact that its CIJ.
[/quote]

Here's hoping!

[SlapbassSteve]

I wonder what upgrades'll be done to the GL's? I've been after one for a while, might be worth holding on even longer and getting a mim if it's better. Can see prices of the CIJ's skyrocketing when word gets out they're made in an 'inferior' place for the same money.

[bigsmokebass]

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1351094329' post='1847286']
I wonder what upgrades'll be done to the GL's? I've been after one for a while, might be worth holding on even longer and getting a mim if it's better. Can see prices of the CIJ's skyrocketing when word gets out they're made in an 'inferior' place for the same money.
[/quote]

+1 to both

[Musicman20]

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1351094329' post='1847286']
I wonder what upgrades'll be done to the GL's? I've been after one for a while, might be worth holding on even longer and getting a mim if it's better. Can see prices of the CIJ's skyrocketing when word gets out they're made in an 'inferior' place for the same money.
[/quote]

Some of the older MIJ's are great, but after playing some modern Japanese Fenders, I wasn't overwhelmed. No doubt like many Fenders, once they stop them, the hype of how much they are worth sets in.

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1351094329' post='1847286']
I wonder what upgrades'll be done to the GL's? I've been after one for a while, might be worth holding on even longer and getting a mim if it's better. Can see prices of the CIJ's skyrocketing when word gets out they're made in an 'inferior' place for the same money.
[/quote]

I dunno, some of the mexican stuff has a good rep. I mean the roadworn stuff is popular and given how little you see for sale here, I guess folk keep it too!

[SisterAbdullahX]

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1351079093' post='1846980']
Take a look at Marcus' bass...especially the picture on the back of the 'Tales' album. The Fender logo on his is high up
and slightly under the string tree.That's probably why it's like that on the Marcus signatures,and shows that it's not really
a Japanese problem,because Fender were obviously doing that (possibly in error?) in '77.
[/quote]

Ahh! That might explain it, then. It's not a great look, though.

[Machines]

So they've cut production costs significantly but not passed any savings to the buyer ? Hmmm, don't think I'd pay £1k for a MIM whatever the quality as I'd know how much they're making on it.

Still want one though .

[thumperbob 2002]

I agree- my MM ( which I sold a few years ago ) was a terrific bass- real quality instrument- but the pre-amp was a little harsh.

My Roadworns are the same quality but in my opinion sound miles better- more of a vintage vibe.

[AndyTravis]

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1351080726' post='1847017']
Also, moving production to Mexico means cheaper cost prices so better profit margins for retailers!
[/quote]

Never been a Fender dealer then eh.

Clever Fender.

[skej21]

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1351278712' post='1849724']


Never been a Fender dealer then eh.

Clever Fender.
[/quote]

Sure have and still are. Maybe it's dependant on which fender discount bracket your company is in or we get better cost prices for being a multiple retailer and shifting large quantities of stock? I'll admit, comparitavely the margins are dreadful compared to Gibson etc, but for Fender, the margins on mex stuff is a lot better than CIJ and US!

Edited October 26, 2012 by skej21

[AndyTravis]

I dare say the 'improved' mark up on this model is felt more in Fenders pocket rather than at dealership level.

Still, the improved bass is the real issue.

[MacDaddy]

still waiting for pics!

[geofio]

Just purchased this bass and i have to say the build quality is second to none!!! fantastic sounding , replaced the supplied strings and wow what a bass, all i had to do was lower the action slightly and raise pickups the set up was pretty good. much better with battery compartment on the rear. solid feeling bass the neck is just right and looks great, the machine heads are solid and feel of high quality and are reverse. all good in my opinion.

Edited May 31, 2013 by geofio

[bigsmokebass]

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1370022179' post='2095736']
Just purchased this bass and i have to say the build quality is second to none!!! fantastic sounding , replaced the supplied strings and wow what a bass, all i had to do was lower the action slightly and raise pickups the set up was pretty good. much better with battery compartment on the rear. solid feeling bass the neck is just right and looks great, the machine heads are solid and feel of high quality and are reverse. all good in my opinion.
[/quote]

How much, if you don't mind me asking?

BSB

[ambient]

These sound a bit similar to the USA 5 strings. Mine has a single sheet pick guard, 18 volt preamp and the battery compartment on the back.

[geofio]

got mine for £875

[bigsmokebass]

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1370039764' post='2096028']
got mine for £875
[/quote]

I suppose really, that's a bargain for Mexicans these days and especially a signature, nice bargain Mr Geofio
Personally, I always wanted the Japanese one but guess we'll see what happens

I'm surprised they went to Mexico after they made the (not so common?) Master-built :-/

BSB

[geofio]

just want to add after using the bass tonight i love it, great sound and it feels great, the bass and treble controls are the smoothest i have felt on any bass at any price give them a try and you will see what i mean. the pre amp is just awesome, tons of bass!!!! just try one they are superb!!!!

[Enzo]

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1350654209' post='1841844']
Yes it does. Check out pictures of Marcus' original '77 Jazz-there is no routing on the back of the bass,and the battery
compartment is in the same place as in the Japanese signature model. I'm not sure about his current Custom Shop
models (he doesn't tour the '77 much anymore) though.
[/quote]
How do you know he's using a Custom Shop? I know he's not using his '77 all the time but where did you get the CS info?
I've seen him using one with his signature on the headstock, like an off the shelf model, although probably upgraded.