Fender Marcus Miller Jazz - MKII Made In Mexico

[Dingus]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371084444' post='2109733']
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.
[/quote]

I think Marcus has a few Custom Shop basses , but I know for certain that he has at least one because I remember reading how the Fender Custom Shop had to go to great lengths to find exactly the same preamp as is in his original bass . His famous 1977 Jazz has got a very early Bartolini preamp in it that Roger Sadowsky fitted in the late Seventies / early Eighties , and they had to track one down of the very same vintage to accurately reproduce the sound of his main bass . I expect he has got a few regular production models of his signature bass too , and I sure he sounds just like Marcus on all of them .

[geofio]

Here is a quick video, to you guys an idea of the tone from this bass. i love it!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSoL5AS1OGY

[Enzo]

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1371091523' post='2109737']


I think Marcus has a few Custom Shop basses , but I know for certain that he has at least one because I remember reading how the Fender Custom Shop had to go to great lengths to find exactly the same preamp as is in his original bass . His famous 1977 Jazz has got a very early Bartolini preamp in it that Roger Sadowsky fitted in the late Seventies / early Eighties , and they had to track one down of the very same vintage to accurately reproduce the sound of his main bass . I expect he has got a few regular production models of his signature bass too , and I sure he sounds just like Marcus on all of them .
[/quote]
You're right, he can sound the same on many different basses, even a non Fender!
I'm in the process of changing/upgrading my MM to make it as close as possible to the original '77, but just for fun, not because I think it's not good enough. I was able to find the same preamp that Sadowsky installed in early '80s, a Bartolini TCT, I will replace the stock p/ups with the Nordstrand single coils 70s wind and swap the neck with a same look but chunkier profile one, just like the old 70s were, I had 2 '78 and I loved them. Even the stock reverse tuners will go and period correct Fender logo Schaller will be mounted. I have no idea why they put reverse tuners on what it suppose to be a late '70s type of reissue.
As today I just had the Bart installed and it already sounds much better, much more clear, more musical, it really makes it sing. It's also more silent, the classic hum of the single coils went down 50%, which I didn't expect. Let's see what happens with the next step, pickups will come in about 3-4 weeks, they make them by order.

[Dingus]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371265144' post='2111941']
You're right, he can sound the same on many different basses, even a non Fender!
I'm in the process of changing/upgrading my MM to make it as close as possible to the original '77, but just for fun, not because I think it's not good enough. I was able to find the same preamp that Sadowsky installed in early '80s, a Bartolini TCT, I will replace the stock p/ups with the Nordstrand single coils 70s wind and swap the neck with a same look but chunkier profile one, just like the old 70s were, I had 2 '78 and I loved them. Even the stock reverse tuners will go and period correct Fender logo Schaller will be mounted. I have no idea why they put reverse tuners on what it suppose to be a late '70s type of reissue.
As today I just had the Bart installed and it already sounds much better, much more clear, more musical, it really makes it sing. It's also more silent, the classic hum of the single coils went down 50%, which I didn't expect. Let's see what happens with the next step, pickups will come in about 3-4 weeks, they make them by order.
[/quote]

Hi Enzo , those 1970's wind Nordstrand pickups sound like a real find . I have never heard of them before , and I expect a lot of folks would go for them if they knew Nordstrand offered them as a custom option . Presumably they have got a slightly more up front and agressive sound than a vintage -style Jazz pickup ? Getting a new neck sounds like a lot of work - have you checked that Marcus has in fact got a chunkier profile on his main bass ? I know Fender changed to a slightly fatter shape in 1974 but , as you probably know , Fender basses from this era had a lot of variation from one example to the next , and in reality some will feel more chunky than others . Are you sure the neck on the MM signature model isn't faithful to Marcus's bass already ?

[bubinga5]

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1371091523' post='2109737']
I think Marcus has a few Custom Shop basses , but I know for certain that he has at least one because I remember reading how the Fender Custom Shop had to go to great lengths to find exactly the same preamp as is in his original bass . His famous 1977 Jazz has got a very early Bartolini preamp in it that Roger Sadowsky fitted in the late Seventies / early Eighties , and they had to track one down of the very same vintage to accurately reproduce the sound of his main bass . I expect he has got a few regular production models of his signature bass too , and I sure he sounds just like Marcus on all of them .
[/quote]in fact before the Bartolini setup. Marcus had a preamp from a company called Stars preamps of New York. thats where he got the inspiration for the bartolini setup with the aid of Roger Sadowsky. a bit of geeky info for you all.

[bubinga5]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371265144' post='2111941']
You're right, he can sound the same on many different basses, even a non Fender!
I'm in the process of changing/upgrading my MM to make it as close as possible to the original '77, but just for fun, not because I think it's not good enough. I was able to find the same preamp that Sadowsky installed in early '80s, a Bartolini TCT, I will replace the stock p/ups with the Nordstrand single coils 70s wind and swap the neck with a same look but chunkier profile one, just like the old 70s were, I had 2 '78 and I loved them. Even the stock reverse tuners will go and period correct Fender logo Schaller will be mounted. I have no idea why they put reverse tuners on what it suppose to be a late '70s type of reissue.
As today I just had the Bart installed and it already sounds much better, much more clear, more musical, it really makes it sing. It's also more silent, the classic hum of the single coils went down 50%, which I didn't expect. Let's see what happens with the next step, pickups will come in about 3-4 weeks, they make them by order.
[/quote]are those nordy pickups the standard NJ4's.?

[obbm]

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1370057077' post='2096125']
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!!!!
[/quote]

A couple of questions - where did you get yours and what does it weigh?

[Enzo]

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1371298575' post='2112263']
Hi Enzo , those 1970's wind Nordstrand pickups sound like a real find . I have never heard of them before , and I expect a lot of folks would go for them if they knew Nordstrand offered them as a custom option . Presumably they have got a slightly more up front and agressive sound than a vintage -style Jazz pickup ? Getting a new neck sounds like a lot of work - have you checked that Marcus has in fact got a chunkier profile on his main bass ? I know Fender changed to a slightly fatter shape in 1974 but , as you probably know , Fender basses from this era had a lot of variation from one example to the next , and in reality some will feel more chunky than others . Are you sure the neck on the MM signature model isn't faithful to Marcus's bass already ?
[/quote]
Yes, take a look at this link : [url="http://www.bestbassgear.com/nordstrand-pickups.htm#nordstrand4j"]http://www.bestbassg...tm#nordstrand4j[/url] and also this [url="http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass-pickups/index.shtml"]http://www.nordstran...ups/index.shtml[/url] They also offer the same pickups with the A and D poles raised to match better a 7.25" radius. As far as sound, I've read so many people describing them in a different way but at the end if you don't try you'll never know (just like a nice girl ) Until now though, I've never read anybody saying anything negative, so that's good. If I don't like them I can always sell them and they would sell in a heartbeat, believe me.
As far as the neck goes, I can tell you that all the late '70s JB I've tried (and I've tried at least a dozen, although owned only 2) were significantly chunkier than the stock MM and all '75 RI. Makes no sense, I know, like makes no sense put reverse tuners as well, not period correct. But the neck profile on mine is more a personal choice than wanting to be as similar as possible to the original '77, I just love that profile, fits my hands better.

[Enzo]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1371299900' post='2112284']
are those nordy pickups the standard NJ4's.?
[/quote]
No, they are called '70s wind because they are supposedly put together to be similar to those years [url="http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass-pickups/index.shtml"]http://www.nordstran...ups/index.shtml[/url]
We'll see...

[obbm]

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1371316138' post='2112561']
got mine from gak. it weighs 11 pounds.
[/quote]

Thanks. That is heavy.

[Kiwi]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371356505' post='2112864']
No, they are called '70s wind because they are supposedly put together to be similar to those years [url="http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass-pickups/index.shtml"]http://www.nordstran...ups/index.shtml[/url]
We'll see...
[/quote]
Aaron Armstrong will do you something similar and with more warmth than the 70's originals.

[Dingus]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371356166' post='2112863']
Yes, take a look at this link : [url="http://www.bestbassgear.com/nordstrand-pickups.htm#nordstrand4j"]http://www.bestbassg...tm#nordstrand4j[/url] and also this [url="http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass-pickups/index.shtml"]http://www.nordstran...ups/index.shtml[/url] They also offer the same pickups with the A and D poles raised to match better a 7.25" radius. As far as sound, I've read so many people describing them in a different way but at the end if you don't try you'll never know (just like a nice girl ) Until now though, I've never read anybody saying anything negative, so that's good. If I don't like them I can always sell them and they would sell in a heartbeat, believe me.
As far as the neck goes, I can tell you that all the late '70s JB I've tried (and I've tried at least a dozen, although owned only 2) were significantly chunkier than the stock MM and all '75 RI. Makes no sense, I know, like makes no sense put reverse tuners as well, not period correct. But the neck profile on mine is more a personal choice than wanting to be as similar as possible to the original '77, I just love that profile, fits my hands better.
[/quote]


The choice of neck profile and tuners on those stock MM basses probably has a lot to do with economy of manufacture for Fender i.e using parts they already make for other models . I expect it would be more expensive if Fender had to tool up and make a special neck profile just for that model . Are you sourcing an old Fender neck from that era or having a new one made ? I will be really intrigued to hear what those pickups sound like with the ceramic wire - I expect that will make a pretty big difference . Let us know the results .

[Enzo]

The current '74 new RI suppose to be an EXACT copy, in all details, of the mid/late '70s, but the price is almost like a Custom Shop. I haven't tried one yet but I will.
I bought an Allparts neck brand new, those are the closest to the older profile, if it's too much I'll have it shave down to my liking. I tried to acquire an original but people wants big numbers for those, basically double than what I paid and the conditions are really hit or miss, too much risk. Will post my impressions once I get them mounted, but it will take a while.

[Enzo]

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1371372138' post='2112954']
Aaron Armstrong will do you something similar and with more warmth than the 70's originals.
[/quote]
Hey Kiwi, I'm not sure I want more warmth for what I'm trying to do, there are other brands also that try to reproduce the '70s sound, Aguilar comes to mind first, they are relatively new but I've heard great reviews. Also the SD Antiquity II are excellent for low end fatness and smooth highs. But words are words, only trying will really tell.

[Kiwi]

Hi Enzo - of course and I agree to an extent. I'm sharing my experiences of having installed a pair of Aaron's pickups in my own Celinder J Update. I was very happy with them - they sound better than the authentic article to be honest.

Funny thing is that Aaron and his father Kent have been making and designing pickups for some of the worlds most renowned bass brands since the 70's - Smith Basses and Status for example. They probably sell more under other names than they do under their own.

I've tried the SD Antiquity in a Geddy Lee jazz and didn't rate them. [size=4]I'd put money on Aguilar having approached a company and commission a pickup in a similar way to be sold under their brand in the same way that the Armstrongs have been approached.[/size]

[geofio]

I think the mexican marcus sounds awesome as is !!!! the output is awesome from the pickups, tons of tone , everything you would want, i can't think of a better bass you could buy for the money.

[White Cloud]

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1371316138' post='2112561']
got mine from gak. it weighs 11 pounds.
[/quote]
Ouch...it was all good until the weight was revealed - that is way too heavy for me.

Beautiful looking bass though. Glad Mex Fender are now producing high quality instruments with good QC.

[Dingus]

[quote name='Enzo' timestamp='1371395923' post='2113311']
The current '74 new RI suppose to be an EXACT copy, in all details, of the mid/late '70s, but the price is almost like a Custom Shop. I haven't tried one yet but I will.
I bought an Allparts neck brand new, those are the closest to the older profile, if it's too much I'll have it shave down to my liking. I tried to acquire an original but people wants big numbers for those, basically double than what I paid and the conditions are really hit or miss, too much risk. Will post my impressions once I get them mounted, but it will take a while.
[/quote]

I really like the look of those new 74 reissues but they are way too expensive here in the U.K . I'm not surprised people are asking big money for original 70's Jazz necks either .

[Enzo]

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1371397677' post='2113336']
Hi Enzo - of course and I agree to an extent. I'm sharing my experiences of having installed a pair of Aaron's pickups in my own Celinder J Update. I was very happy with them - they sound better than the authentic article to be honest.

Funny thing is that Aaron and his father Kent have been making and designing pickups for some of the worlds most renowned bass brands since the 70's - Smith Basses and Status for example. They probably sell more under other names than they do under their own.

I've tried the SD Antiquity in a Geddy Lee jazz and didn't rate them. I'd put money on Aguilar having approached a company and commission a pickup in a similar way to be sold under their brand in the same way that the Armstrongs have been approached.
[/quote]
Yeah, that's really something! I had an early Status with Armstrong on it, very hot and in your face sound, loved them!
Aguilar will be the next one I'll try if I'm not happy with the Nordy.

[Kiwi]

Good luck with that - maybe the Armstrongs designed the Aguilars too!

[leroydiamond]

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1371370702' post='2112936']
Thanks. That is heavy.
[/quote]

i tried out a couple of the earlier Jap MM models but the weight was a real turn off. The Mexican MM models seem like a really well put together bass, shame they are so heavy (Strange that other Mexican Fender jazzes rarely come close to such a weight).

[Enzo]

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1371481686' post='2114376']
Good luck with that - maybe the Armstrongs designed the Aguilars too!
[/quote]

[Enzo]

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1371488859' post='2114500']
i tried out a couple of the earlier Jap MM models but the weight was a real turn off. The Mexican MM models seem like a really well put together bass, shame they are so heavy (Strange that other Mexican Fender jazzes rarely come close to such a weight).
[/quote]
I've been lucky with my MIJ, 9.25 lbs (4.2 kg). My previous Miller a few years ago, was 4.9 Kg!

[Enzo]

New neck from Allparts arrived, looks great, same nut size and look, just chunkier, feels great and the quality is excellent. Also has a decal from early/mid '70s, like the Geddy Lee model. Waiting for the Fender/Schaller tuners then is heading to the shop to be installed

[such]

can one order it with the decal already in place?