Most expensive Mexican Vs cheapest American

[TinIndian]

My only problem with the standard Mexi built stuff is I just don't like the necks. Now if you get into the Roadworn stuff or classic series they are wonderful. Same goes with the Flea Jazz bass. And to me a Stack knob Jazz in shell pink is almost irresistible. Almost. The only thing I did not care for was all the little "pock marks" all over it. I don't mind the relicing but those were a turnoff to me. And I don't know about the others but the one I played was heavy.

 

[selowitch]

I thought the necks on the 2008 and later MIM Standard basses were pretty sweet. I can't comment on the more recent Players or Vintera series because I haven’t tried them.

 

[DJ Bebop]

My only problem with the standard Mexi built stuff is I just don't like the necks. Now if you get into the Roadworn stuff or classic series they are wonderful. Same goes with the Flea Jazz bass. And to me a Stack knob Jazz in shell pink is almost irresistible. Almost. The only thing I did not care for was all the little "pock marks" all over it. I don't mind the relicing but those were a turnoff to me. And I don't know about the others but the one I played was heavy.

But you do dig that the undesirous neck profile to you is not the fault of some worker but, is the decision made by Fender to be that way as well as the "pockmark" relic'ing on the Flea?

I am sure you get that

 

[fretter]

Currently, I'm getting some splendid results from a P bass that cost less than $80 US new.

 

[Luigir]

Ever since I made the mistake of selling my lovely Fender FSR 70's Natural Jazz bass I'm looking at getting another Jazz bass in a similar price bracket. I have my eye on two basses but I can't decide. A Flea signature jazz bass for £950 ($1200) or an American performer jazz bass £1050 ($1300). The flea bass is a little more special but the American performer is probably higher quality plus is made in 'murica! Anyone have any experience with either bass and can vouch for either?

For 1k or slightly more I'd rather go with an used American Standard\Professional.

 

[DJ Bebop]

It's like the Ringo joke 'He's not even the best drummer in the Beatles'

Paul McCartney on drums, bass and BG vocals...

 

[La Faro]

Ridiculous conclusion,

A Scottish person could cook great Chinese food if they were following a great Chinese cooks exact cooking techniques and using the same ingredients.

Especially if it was deep fried

 

[La Faro]

Paul McCartney on drums, bass and BG vocals...

And I'll raise you

 

[DJ Bebop]

Especially if it was deep fried

 

[DJ Bebop]

And I'll raise you

 

[La Faro]

Wish I was a millennial

 

[DJ Bebop]

That boat sailed a long time ago for me.
I am a dad to Gen X-ers and a granddad to a post-millennial. That is as close as I come

 

[La Faro]

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[DJ Bebop]

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[Basswgn]

Not all that secret. I am a Thunderbird player most of the time, but have one Fender. It is a RW Precision. It will not ever get sold.

I'm with you... I own a bunch of basses but the Fiesta Red RW P bass that I bought years ago is one of the finest instruments I have ever owned. It is also the only bass I own that I have not modified (with the exception of adding a relic'd bridge cover).

I too will never sell it.

 

[TinIndian]

But you do dig that the undesirous neck profile to you is not the fault of some worker but, is the decision made by Fender to be that way as well as the "pockmark" relic'ing on the Flea?

I am sure you get that

Not banging on the fact it is Made in Mexico at all. Any shortcomings in those instruments seems to be by design and not a lack of "skill".

 

[okcrum]

The finishes are very pretty. That's what I'd pay for. For a player, I'd go with a used American Standard.

You all need to drop the political talk of any sort before the thread is closed.

I must have missed that, or all those are on my ignore list.

 

[TinIndian]

Example.

I recently played a Mexican 50's P Bass that I did set up work on. Horrible action when I got it and that big 1.75" nut width is everything I hated about p basses in my youth.

It set up extremely well and that neck even with that 1.75" nut was extremely easy to play and even comfortable. So they can and do build excellent instruments in Mexico and they can obviously build them to whatever spec or design they are given.

 

[lfmn16]

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Your entitled to you're opinion.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

and back to the original question:

Anyone have any experience with either bass

1) you have to judge each/any Bass on its own merit
2) depends what you’re looking for.

I have not played the Performer.
Tieiririyi mentioned he tried both the Flea and the Performer, AND stated his reason (other than coo) why he chose the performer.

For me, I was looking for an early 60s stack-knob style jazz.
I’ve had my Flea for over 2 years. 1st MIM bass I ever bought. I hit the jack pot.
It’s the lightest Fender I own; 8lb 6oz. Thinnest neck of any of my J, a-Basses, and I really like it.
Plays great - low action, and it sounds fantastic!
I did shield it though. While i love the stack knob configuration, it seemed more susceptible to hum.

I have both a ’66 & ’67 Jazz. Both are exceptional basses, but yet, different from each other.
Hate to say it, but the Flea is my favorite Jazz right now.