Fender Marcus Miller Jazz - Question

[Conan]

I have recently acquired a lovely bass (see thread title!).

I know that these used to be made (or should I say [i]crafted[/i]) in Japan, and are now MIM. Or at least the four string versions are! Fivers are US made. Pretty straightforward so far (for Fender!)

My question is about the age and history of this artist model.

The serial number on my new bass (S xxxxxxxx) indicates that it was made in Japan in 1994 or 1995, but everything I've read about the model states that they were made from 1998 onwards!

What is the truth? Have Fender discovered time-travel?

Edited December 2, 2013 by Conan

[AndyTravis]

1998 release - same year as Geddy Lee, Duck Dunn limited P-Bass and super rare Rocco Prestia P-Bass.

Fender Japan serial numbers at some point were recycled, this causes much confusion and calamity surrounding their serial numbers.

[Conan]

Interesting... especially as I have seen (what I assume to be) the same bass for sale before, clearly stating that it is a 1995...

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/179869-95-fender-marcus-miller-with-l500-of-upgrades-tradesale/page__hl__marcus+retro__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/179869-95-fender-marcus-miller-with-l500-of-upgrades-tradesale/page__hl__marcus+retro__fromsearch__1[/url]

[AndyTravis]

Think that's down to the aforementioned confusion.

They were introduced in 1998 as I remember (and may still have) the 'Bassist' magazine with the Namm report.

[Conan]

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1386080831' post='2295430']
They were introduced in 1998 as I remember[/quote]

So is there any way I can find out when it was made? Not that it is earth-shatteringly important, but it would be nice to know!

[uncle psychosis]

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1386081442' post='2295440']
So is there any way I can find out when it was made? Not that it is earth-shatteringly important, but it would be nice to know!
[/quote]

Email Fender with the serial number. They'll probably be able to help you out.

Sam

[Conan]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1386084996' post='2295507']
Email Fender with the serial number. They'll probably be able to help you out.
[/quote]

Think I'll try that. Can't do any harm, can it? Cheers

[uncle psychosis]

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1386085098' post='2295512']
Think I'll try that. Can't do any harm, can it? Cheers
[/quote]

I had an identical problem with a Japanese telecaster---An "S" series that was clearly newer than a 94/95. They were able to tell me what it was.

[Conan]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1386084996' post='2295507']
Email Fender with the serial number. They'll probably be able to help you out.[/quote]

I did and they did! Just in case anyone was losing sleep over this....

It was apparently made in 2006.

[Freddy Le Cragg]

They have one of these in my local Cash Converters for £350.... and I'm outta cash .

[sammybee]

bargain of the year - care to share which Cash Converters?

[Freddy Le Cragg]

Banbury

[Conan]

[quote name='sammybee' timestamp='1388172747' post='2319183']
bargain of the year
[/quote]

Definitely! Even with the standard pickups and pre-amp, these are very good basses. For the price of a used MIM standard...

[White Cloud]

[quote name='sammybee' timestamp='1388172747' post='2319183']
bargain of the year - care to share which Cash Converters?
[/quote]
It has gone

[Freddy Le Cragg]

I can assure you it wasn't me

[Freddy Le Cragg]

I can assure you it wasn't me

[Conan]

[quote name='Freddy Le Cragg' timestamp='1388239552' post='2319807']
I can assure you it wasn't me
[/quote]

We heard you the first time!

[White Cloud]

Unless it was in awful shape that would have been a steal for one lucky bassist. Actually quite glad it had gone or I would have had to consider swooping...whew!

[Machines]

Cash Converters are usually quite smart on their pricing, often being very optimistic. I'm surprised they let that go so low.

[Freddy Le Cragg]

Useless phone...lol. it was in excellent shape apart from the strings. Someone is a happy bunny.