E-Series MIJ Precision. Look OK? See post no. 12

[solo4652]

I'm considering this for an upgrade project.


[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261566254828&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:GB:1653"]http://cgi.ebay.co.u...E:B:WNA:GB:1653[/url]

However;

Seems suspiciously cheap

Very little information

I can't see "Made in Japan" or "Crafted in Japan" above or below the serial number, although I think it does say "Made in Japan" on the headstock.

Serial number of R036287 suggests 2004 - 2006 from Musky's table at post No.7 [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/182116-quick-fender-japan-question/"]http://basschat.co.u...japan-question/[/url]in which case shouldn't we be seeing "Crafted in Japan" by the serial number?

Edited August 29, 2014 by solo4652

[inthedoghouse]

Mine has "Made in Japan" above the serial number on the heel of the neck and so do all the others I've seen (unless it says "Crafted in Japan"), but I'm not an expert.

Maybe this will help a little?
[url="http://www.guitarsjapan.com/fenderchart.html"]http://www.guitarsja...enderchart.html[/url]

Edited August 25, 2014 by inthedoghouse

[RhysP]

I'm no expert but the truss rod adjustment at the headstock looks a bit dubious to me for a supposed Japanese model.

[HowieBass]

The neck plate is completely blank as well. Should it have anything like Fender or the 'F' on it or not?

[inthedoghouse]

The neck plate on my MiJ was blank

[solo4652]

I have an MIJ Fotoflame/62 RI and that has a blank neck plate. Has "Made in Japan" above the serial number but not on the headstock.

[solo4652]

More poking around the web suggests the bass is a legit PB-38 model, described as a "lower standard Japanese-made Fender". Not quite sure what that means, however.

[alyctes]

[quote name='solo4652' timestamp='1408978319' post='2535141']
More poking around the web suggests the bass is a legit PB-38 model, described as a "lower standard Japanese-made Fender". Not quite sure what that means, however.
[/quote]

IIUC Japanese-made Fenders come in two flavours, the lower-grade ones made for export and the better ones which are sold only to the Japanese domestic market. I read that somewhere on BC back when I was a new bug, so it must be right

[cameltoe]

Did you win it?

[alyctes]

[quote name='solo4652' timestamp='1408978319' post='2535141']
More poking around the web suggests the bass is a legit PB-38 model, described as a "lower standard Japanese-made Fender". Not quite sure what that means, however.
[/quote]

Okay, I just caught on... does that model name indicate it's a P-bass with a Jazz-width neck?

[cameltoe]

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1409179506' post='2537302']


Okay, I just caught on... does that model name indicate it's a P-bass with a Jazz-width neck?
[/quote]

No. It's how much they sold for. Someone will provide exact figures I'm sure, but I think the Japanese had a range of fender basses and guitars at different price points. PB-38 would have been the low end of the scale, I think it went up to PB-115 or -117 or something like that. Same for jazz basses and strats, etc, and referred to the retail price in Yen.

[solo4652]

No, I didn't get it. However, I'm homing in on something else, which may be even better; An E-series MIJ Precision with Maple neck...

Edit/update; I've just found out from the seller that the original pickups have been replaced by "Active EMG's". I've asked whether wiring, pots and jack plug were also changed, and who did the work. If I bought the bass, I'd probably replace the EMG's with passive pickups (DiMarzio's, probably), and that adds significantly to the overall faff factor. Might give this one a miss...

Edited August 29, 2014 by solo4652

[cameltoe]

I've had an E series- was good in a way- had a great feel to it, but was quite poorly put together actually. Big neck pocket gap, basswood body, pickups sounded good but very low output, cheap wiring. Neck felt good but slight chunky. Had an issue with the fretwork.

A CIJ reissue I played from 1998 (I think) was much much better.

Edited August 29, 2014 by cameltoe

[solo4652]

I've said "Thanks , but no thanks" to this bass. I prefer passive basses, so it makes little sense to buy this and then spend time and money to get it to where I'd want it.

[alyctes]

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1409259680' post='2538154']
No. It's how much they sold for. Someone will provide exact figures I'm sure, but I think the Japanese had a range of fender basses and guitars at different price points. PB-38 would have been the low end of the scale, I think it went up to PB-115 or -117 or something like that. Same for jazz basses and strats, etc, and referred to the retail price in Yen.
[/quote]

Ah, OK. Thanks

[CamdenRob]

Dunno if my Jap P is an E series? (serial E956566 which according to the guitar dater wotsit was made at fujigen between 84 & 87).

Not sure about the PB thing but mine has PB-557 stamped on the neck and body?

Edited September 3, 2014 by CamdenRob

[cameltoe]

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1409734053' post='2542680']
Dunno if my Jap P is an E series? (serial E956566 which according to the guitar dater wotsit was made at fujigen between 84 & 87).

Not sure about the PB thing but mine has PB-557 stamped on the neck and body?


[/quote]

Yes that's an E series. As I stated above mine was a great player, but not very well put together. I had a E series strat (which was actually Squier branded, but at this time I don't think there was any difference) which was wonderful.

In this context the 557 refers to 1957, so it's a '57 style neck and body. Mine had a '62 body and 57 neck. Apparently this was common ( I asked here at the time!).

I'm not entirely sure if the PB38 - PB115 price range difference was utilised back in the 80's? I think back there was just your standard choice, with like I said even Fender and Squier badged instruments coming through at the same quality level, only difference being the logo.

Edited September 4, 2014 by cameltoe