Flea bass vs. VM Jazz

[camlemieux]

I am somewhat of a beginner bass player, started about 5 years ago learned 7 Nations Army and quit, and just started again over a year ago. After playing my brothers old Barracuda J-Style bass which is falling apart (missing volume knob, broken nut, missing pick guard screws, missing jack screw, and a faulty jack) I'm looking to buy my first bass.
After saving up some money I have enough to buy a 300 dollar bass, and I'm torn between a VM Jazz bass and a stree Fleabass.

Any owners have anything to say about either basses? Both pros and cons?
Thanks.

[Epitaph04]

I'm guessing everybody is going to tell you to avoid the Fleabasses. That being said, the VM Jazz is a very solid bass guitar. Get that one.

[francotedescoga]

I'd go with the Jazz, I can't say much about the Flea Bass, I've only played one once, but the VM Squiers are very solid and great sounding entry-level basses.

[camlemieux]

What's the problem with a Fleabass? I've played a few, both street and touring, and they seem like solid basses to me.

[SoonerMatt]

Let's put it this way - the VM Jazz is one of the most highly touted instruments on this site and Fleabass is now out of business because nobody was buying them.

[francotedescoga]

IMO it also didn't help that the brand owner didn't play the basses..

[camlemieux]

Is it true that a VM Jazz is about par with a Fender MIM Jazz?
I've never played a MIM and I was thinking of just saving up to get one of those, or a Sterling.

[Wannaflea]

I hate it when everybody bashes Fleabass. My Streetbass is exceptionally well made, and with an EMG 35DC, it kills!

[Kwesi]

I'd avoid buying either online if you can help it. I actually dig both (though I'd pick the Squier). If you can pick one up and play it for yourself to make sure it isn't a piece of junk, do that.

[camlemieux]

I was actually planning on ordering online, either a mint condition used from Musicians Friend, since the new doesn't ship to Canada. Or buying one from Long and McQuade.
I was also told that I could just call in to Long and McQuade and have them order one in for me.

[Tupac]

Fleabasses are fantastic if that's the sound you're after, but only so. You really won't find another bass that sounds like it until you can buy a Modulus. If you're looking for a more versatile bass that isn't a one trick pony, Jazz.

[Wannaflea]

Originally Posted by Tupac

Fleabasses are fantastic if that's the sound you're after, but only so. You really won't find another bass that sounds like it until you can buy a Modulus. If you're looking for a more versatile bass that isn't a one trick pony, Jazz.

That's a good review IMO

[Wallace320]

You said exactly what I had in mind.
The Fleabass (especially the Touring series) are simple, yet effective, alder body-maple neck basses. Their main characteristic is just one soapbar pickup on its way to conquer our World.
EMG35 is a creative replacement/upgradin'...
I'd put a second pickup in a particular position, but then this one pick-up can work with Tesla sopbars, if it's ok for all of you.
I do own a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz "natural" (so the one with maple body): I ended up swapping an original Fender Reggie Hamilton neck in; 2 original US ultra low/mid Bartolini; a Hipshot BT1 bass extender; original "Fender Splinter" jack input.
I do own a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz where I took thumbrest off put US Bartolini ultra low/mid neck pickup, Seymour Duncan HotStack bridge pickup (Hipshot BT1 is already on it's way). Now they sound "amazing" and they're the Jazz bass sensation I cannot live without (I got 5 more Jazz, and a Jaguar - Fender basses this time - so I feel like I can talk about'em)

Cheers,
Wallace

[flapbass]

where can a person buy a fleabass in the USA? I've looked online and really would like the green one.

[C.Linton]

Get the Squier.

[Deef]

I have a Fleabass, bought it for some fun and haven't modified it yet. I have said before, I was very impressed with he finish on it. There is a bit of a hiss when the treble is turned up, but that's the only complaint I have. Funky colour ( I do prefer the streetbass colours, but own the Model 32 Water ).

Good fun to play, and the neck is fast

[Wallace320]

Not like a very quoted brand, partly made in America, partly in Indonesia

Don't want to go OT BTW

Cheers,
Wallace

[Bassplyr94]

I have both a jazz and a flea and ill say that I use my flea the most, there isnt really anything wrong with them at all. There solid basses, and have pretty good tone.

[PDQbass]

Squier.