Would a squire MIJ pbass be as good/better than a MIM fender pbass?

[Hugh1245]

Thinking of adding a new bass, one which I want to use regularly. I’m going to buy used since my budget is £400 and have been stuck between these two. The squire (made in 1994) was supposedly made in the fujigen factory. However I’ve also found I nice fender MIM which would go for £400 (a bit more than the squire) can any one help me decide? (Black ones the squire)

[Cat Burrito]

The early 90s Squiers were made in Korea. They have a decent rep. Personally I'd play both and decide which one I preferred. Just on the photographs, I lean towards the Squier personally. 

[Bassassin]

There were some 90s MIJ Squiers (Silver Series?)- so I expect if the serial checks out & it's labelled as MIJ it's genuine. These don't go for as much as 80s E & A serial basses (never mind JVs or SQs) but they're well-regarded.

 

I might be MIJ-biased, but aesthetically I'd definitely go for the Squier - black & black pickguard is the best look for a P.

[jonnybass]

Personally, i'd say play them (if you can) and get the one that feels/sounds best to you.  I dont think where they were made matters half as much as how well they play.  That being said, I've not played a MIJ fender or Squier that I didnt like the feel of.  I have also got on well with around half of the MIM fenders I've played though.

 

Black does look cooler IMO though...

 

Jonny

[Lozz196]

Yup, Squier Silver Series are very well regarded, I personally think the Korean Squiers are much better than their price tags would suggest.

 

But, in agreement with the others I would be checking out the black Precision first, looks much better.

[Doctor J]

Fujigen MIJ all day long, given the choice.

[Hugh1245]

Yh, interesting, the seller said it’s not actually silver series however it still was made in Japan on the headstock. 🤔

[Geek99]

Bitsa?

[Terry M.]

The best one is honestly the one that feels the best in your hands and resonates the most with you. Try them and you'll get your answer.

[Paul C]

4 hours ago, Hugh1245 said:

Yh, interesting, the seller said it’s not actually silver series however it still was made in Japan on the headstock. 🤔

I have a MIJ squier jazz which is not labelled as Silver Series, but it's definitely MIJ. Its an E serial number and I seem to remember seeing Silver Series instruments on here with an E serial number too. So what you are being told seems feasible to me. 

[SteveXFR]

A mate of mine has a 90's MIJ Squier Strat. He's had it 20 years now, it's his most prized possession and the only guitar I've known him keep more than a year. Those Japanese Squiers are really well made.

Personally though, I really like MIM P basses so it would be a tough choice for me.