Fender Road Worn VS Squier Classic Vibe

[mouthmw]

Just out of curiosity, I've heard great things about the RW Fender series and obviously, about the CV Squier.
I guess you get a nice clean brand new vintage look from CV, and a beat up road worn (artificially though) look from the RW.

I'd like to know how the compare feel/build/tone wise.
Is the mexican RW that superior considering the price tag?
Or does Squier hold just fine against it?

[Xavier Zed]

If you want the P-bass tone they both will deliver, in spades. Obviously, the RW has upgraded hardware and such but don't let that alone be your guide. Do you prefer fatter maple necks(RW), or rosewood Jazz type neck(CV) and color options. Also, lets us not forget tone and feel. If you know what you like, and money is not a consideration, the choice will be easier.

[mouthmw]

That's all very true. But I'm not personally buying, I already own a CV, but am interested in hearing some personal experience from those who tried both series, in particular jazz bass.

I guess both could suffer some form of prejudice - Squiers from players who wouldn't touch anything with a Squier logo and shun it as a cheap beginner's bass, and RWs because of their artificial relic job and possibly the MIM stamp.

[mongo2]

Interesting question.

I spent some time comparing the CV and RW Js in a local shop. Aside from the obvious look and feel differences, they both played and sounded like J basses.

[bh2]

I managed to a/b a CV Jazz, RW Jazz and a Custom Shop Jazz at my LMS last year... I play a 62 Jazz btw.

For tone and feel the RW came out on top... just. Closely followed by the CV and some distance back the CS. The CS was a bit more expensive than the RW.

If price is a concern it's a no-brainer.

I loved the glossy neck finish on the CV, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. The tone was there but a bit thinner sounding than the RW.

I absolutely loved the RW as it was the closest to my own, and I like the vintage vibe.

The Custom Shop looked a dream but felt and sounded pretty average, way behind the CV, it probably needed a setup as it was just in.

The CV would make a great replica/project bass, it's so close to the 'real thing', it really is.

[mouthmw]

Excellent reply bh2! Very interesting!

[SlingBass4]

In answer to the OP: both are good bang for the buck. It depends how you're going to use them. IF you're playing/touring a lot - the better feel and hardware of the RW justifies the price (one does get what they pay for). IF you're a hobbyist - the CV will probably provide all you need, and do so well

[okc-zee]

I just recently picked up a CV 60's P...I changed out the pots and tuners...Sounds awesome...As far as Fenders go,I currently own two pre cbs P's,a 63 and a 65 ,and a MIM classic 50's P..Also a Squier Vin Mod TB bass...The new CV Squiers are really up on par with the best of the Fender basses...I think they give the MIM's a serious run for their money....The squiers are cheap enough to just change out what you're not happy with...With a little tweaking here and there,they do an amazing job ....just my .02...

[Catbuster]

I like my CV '60s P a lot. I happen to like the gloss finish on the back of the neck more than satin finish.

The RW is a whole different animal. Fat neck, beat up finish, maple fretboard, little better hardware, overall a slightly better bass.

[plankspanker13]

I've tried both the RW and CV J basses, although not in A-B fashion. They both seemed to deliver the essence of the J sound and feel. The RW felt like I could fly on it, but so did the CV. I am mostly a fan of higher-mass bridges, which the RW lacks (but still sounds great, as does my VM Jaguar) and a replacement bridge on the RW could seem out of place. Let your hands and ears decide, if there is no monetary barrier. If you are on a budget, the choice becomes very clear. The CVJ is quite possibly the best multi-pickup sub-US$400 bass on the market today.