Squier JV bass - info, anyone?

Popbumper · #1 04-29-2011, 03:40 PM

Research is half the fun of getting involved. Looking at a variety of models of Fender basses, someone I know threw out this model name - and I had not heard of it. No search here provides a clue as to what this model is - there's one on EBAY, but I'm curious if someone can fill me in with a bit of history on this rig. Anyone? Many thanks.

Chris

ghostdog93 · #2 04-29-2011, 05:21 PM

There was a thread on this posted just a few days ago.

JV-serial Japanese Fenders: Anyone know anything about them?

The search function is your friend.

Luckie · #3 04-29-2011, 05:32 PM

JV is too short to search, cut him some slack.

ghostdog93 · #4 04-29-2011, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckie

JV is too short to search, cut him some slack.

Cut him some slack? I linked the article in question. And now he has his info.

What's more, if you actually take 10 seconds to Google "JV bass", you know what comes up first in the list?

Yep...JV Squier Bass

ProfGumby · #5 04-29-2011, 07:50 PM

JV = Japanese Vibe??

Seriously, the JV Squiers are seriously as good as any Japanese bass. The JV Squiers are exactly the same as the Japanese Fenders. They were/are quite simply a very good quality instrument at a surprising price.

I would not hesitate to try/buy a JV if I played one that would not let me put it down!

rockape5 · #6 05-02-2011, 05:02 PM

Squier JV wise, the export models are more period correct than the domestic versions.
Notably with the tuners, bridge saddles, and cloth covered wiring.
Domestic Japan Squier JV basses are a mix of both JV and SQ specs.

All Squier JV basses were fitted with Japanese made pickups, but the export pu's were modified to vintage spec.

dlenaghan · #7 05-02-2011, 08:28 PM

My number 1 bass is an 87 MIJ jazz special, and I've read from reputable sources that the earlier JVs (Japanese Vintage) and SQs are even better. Try a guy on TB by the handle kenjikun, he's got a lot on these instruments.

number11 · #8 05-03-2011, 01:55 AM

There's a lot of myth and legend about these basses. I've had a few, and they're what later became japanese fenders.

When i bought mine, they were seen as a bit cheap and nasty, and the basswood body was spoken of as a flaw by many. Nowadays, early Japanese Fenders are in demand. Strange days!

They are very good basses for the price, but when that price is inflated due to the JV or SQ serial, they're not worth it intrinsically.

The new Classsic Vibe series are incredibly well-made, and are great value for the money. Plus a lot of them are basswood - spotting a pattern?

For what its worth, I'd just buy a CV and play it to death for 20 or 30 years and then sell it when the next generation of myth hunters come looking for this rare series of basses!

icks · #9 05-03-2011, 05:41 AM

There are a 1982 62'RI Jazz Bass JV serie (Squier Decal) on ebay Germany, seller asks 1250 € for it EEK! EEK!
and a 1983 62'RI Pbass for 950€ ...

rockape5 · #10 05-03-2011, 06:05 AM

Plenty of legend, but I don't see why there should be any myth?

Early models were made from sen ash, a few were made from alder, and yes a lot were basswood too, but unlike the CV's these were the very first Squier models available, and a lot closer to vintage spec than the CV's (which I happen to think are truly excellent guitars), and these details are just a part of what makes the JV series interesting and collectable to a lot of players. I guess like anything that marks a turning point (or just a marker) in Fender history, they eventually become desirable (look at what the first USA ri's are fetching in price now!). The CV's have flooded the world maket place, unlike the two years of export and domestic JV's, which were only exported to Europe and Canada (there are (or certainly will be) significantly more CV's around than JV's), so I doubt they will ever become as sought after in 20 years as the JV models are now.

in 1982 a JV P Bass would have cost around £230, and using an inflation calculator, that now comes out at around £600; You can get a JV P Bass for that kind of money now (maybe £100 more?), so I don't think they have shot up too much in value, though I have seen some crazy prices around.

number11 · #11 05-03-2011, 04:10 PM

The myth is there alright - "better than USA Fenders" etc etc etc

The Squiers first made in Korea = pro line or something? - are now collectible. Think how they will be in 20 years.

hardtwister · #12 02-18-2013, 05:58 PM

Stumbled across this old thread researching my newly aquired '83 Squier by Fender JV Jazz Bass and just have to say that I too had wondered about this "myth" until I got this bass. It totally blows away my 78 Fender Jazz. No comparison whatsoever. It plays better, sounds better, and feels better. It is a lot lighter too. Spank.

bassbully · #13 02-19-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardtwister

Stumbled across this old thread researching my newly aquired '83 Squier by Fender JV Jazz Bass and just have to say that I too had wondered about this "myth" until I got this bass. It totally blows away my 78 Fender Jazz. No comparison whatsoever. It plays better, sounds better, and feels better. It is a lot lighter too. Spank.

There is no myth. I own 3 SQ P basses 2 are 1982 and one is a 1983. I have owned a few MIA Fenders including two good 70's basses and the SQ are better IMO. They are so good in fact I sold and traded off my MIA Fenders for early Squiers.