Fender vs Squier-what are your opinions?

[HoosierBassist]

Hey,

I want a second "workhorse" bass. I have 3 basses,

1. Sterling RAY34
2. Ibanez GSR200
3. Squier Affinity Precision

I kinda want to sell my 2 cheapo basses, and get a bass that plays nearly as well as my RAY34, but something that I don't care if it gets a little beat up. That's why I would prefer a used bass to a new one, since I would be so protective of a brand new instrument. I play rock/punk/alternative. rock music in general. My RAY34 is pretty versatile, so if I want to play something other than rock, I probably can. Here's what my question is.


In the Squier hierarchy, which is better- Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe? Classic Vibe's cost a little more money, so I assume the quality might be a little bit better. I don't have much cash right now, so if I can sell both my cheap basses, my budget is probably 300-400$. 400$ is a bit high. I would love to get a used Fender (US or Japan) that's kinda beat up, but not broken/unplayable.

Would you guys/gals agree that the Precision fits my genre of music well (rock/punk/alternative)? If I got a used Mexican Precision, and installed SPB-3's or something, painted over it, maybe a Seafoam or Surf Green, I would like that. Or,

Would a VM Squier or Classic Vibe Squier be the way to go? Are the electronics and parts higher quality on the mexican fenders or on the nicer squiers?

[Diplowmatt]

MIM sounds like the way you want to go. There's a MIM on ebay right now for $350. It's got some scratches but other than that looks fine.

I think the quality goes like this VM -> CV -> MIM -> MIJ -> MIA. But MIM's still sound QUITE good.

[BBQV]

In my opinion the Squiers (VM and CV) are about the same as the MIM Classic, try a couple and buy the best one. If you want to get something better, look for a Fender Road Worn.

[wideyes]

I think you'd be happy with any of those options you suggested. You're on the right track. Might I suggest the TB classifieds? You can find used VMs and CVs with a lot of love put into them for great prices.

[jabsys]

Originally Posted by BBQV

In my opinion the Squiers (VM and CV) are about the same as the MIM Classic,

+1 to me the only difference in the VM & CV P was the neck, CV neck felt sticky and I didn't like the smaller frets.

[Phendyr_Loon]

99% of the time you'll get what you pay for. Squier's base model sells for around 200 bucks, while Fenders basic MIM line goes for around 600 bucks.
I'm not saying that you're getting 3 times the quality with the MIM, but there's a reason for the price and IMO MIM's are worth the cash.

[streetknight]

I really like the CV P's. Plan on picking one up soon. I'd check classifies here and you can also snag deals on CL and GC's used gear online.

[hrodbert696]

Originally Posted by Phendyr_Loon

99% of the time you'll get what you pay for. Squier's base model sells for around 200 bucks, while Fenders basic MIM line goes for around 600 bucks.
I'm not saying that you're getting 3 times the quality with the MIM, but there's a reason for the price and IMO MIM's are worth the cash.

My rule of thumb, based on nothing in particular, is that you get 10% increase in quality (whatever that really means, it can't really be quantified) every time you double the price. I would expect a $600 MIM Fender to be about 10% better than a $300 VM Squier, on average (and a $1200 MIA to be a further 10% improvement). It's up to the player if that extra 10% in quality is worth the price tag. But there's also the brand name factor; you pay an extra premium for the recognition of the Fender name, although you also can get that back in resale value. And, of course, there are always lesser-known companies that can surprise you with better than average bang for the buck.

[KingRazor]

Squier Vintage Modified P bass (the one with an amber finish).

Quite possibly the best sub-$300 bass ever constructed.

Squier Vintage Modified P Bass at GuitarCenter.com

[SpitfireCWII]

Fender MIM P Bass

[RyanJD]

The age old question. Higher-end Squier or MIM Fender?
I once pondered this for myself and I landed on a VM Jazz.
In all reality this was because I am a poor college student.
That said, I love this bass and I am very happy with my purchase.

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Squier Vintage Modified P bass (the one with an amber finish).

Quite possibly the best sub-$300 bass ever constructed.

Squier Vintage Modified P Bass at GuitarCenter.com

I would tend to agree with this.