Squier VM Jazz vs. 77 Jazz?

sigmafloyd · #1 06-26-2011, 09:31 PM

The natural wood squier VM jazz's seem to be everywhere (including one about a foot away from me). I don't see as much talk about the black VM Jazz 77s. I see the Natural VM's referred to as 70s style (thanks to the block inlays, binding, etc), but it seems almost redundant to have the 77 out there as well. From what I can tell, the body is a different wood (agathis vs. maple) and there is a synthetic bone nut. Also a few cosmetic differences (color, knobs, etc.) I'm just wondering why they have something so similar and for one they name a specific year and one they don't. Is the natural wood one more a representation of the early 70s Jazzes? Also kind of funny that neither actually have 70s pickup spacing.

C.Linton · #2 06-27-2011, 01:58 AM

Well, from what I know (which may or may not be totally accurate)The natural finished Jazz has been around since '06, the black '77 only since last year, so that is probably why the former may seem more ubiquitous. And it was indeed originally referred to as the "Vintage Modified 70's Jazz Bass" (fairly vague but I believe as you say, meant to be early 70's), but for the last couple of years it's just "Vintage Modified Jazz Bass" for some reason. The main reason for the '77 with the MOP markers and the other differences you mentioned is simply a matter of giving players more of a choice as far as aesthetics goes. I myself have and prefer the first, as I just love the maple/black/maple, black B-N-B color scheme.
As for the pickup postioning, I'm kinda glad they went with the 60's spacing. I don't really care if it's accurate or not, it is after all, Vintage Modified.

9M2E · #3 01-25-2013, 06:52 PM

Does anyone know if the have te same pickups?

Mikio · #4 01-25-2013, 07:02 PM

I think they are not the same, it is actually the biggest difference. The 77 sounds much better, much punchier and full than the 70s, IMHO.

mogpipe · #5 01-25-2013, 07:03 PM

It says Duncan designed jazz bass pick-up. I assume it's the same. The white pearloid block markers look interesting.

PS
I have the natural version = maplefest!

C.Linton · #6 01-25-2013, 07:33 PM

Yes, the pickups on both are the exact same Duncan Designed pickups, the JB101.

Mikio · #7 01-25-2013, 07:39 PM

When I played them about 2 days ago, the sound was radically different D:

Old Fart · #8 01-25-2013, 07:51 PM

I have a blonde Squier Jazz with maple fretboard and black rectangular fret markers. Neck binding. It's kinds heavy, but it's a MUCH better bass than my MIM Jazz.

HLF · #9 01-25-2013, 08:18 PM

It'd be cool to get both and swap necks and pickguards- you could do Geddy Lee's look on one, and have a Marcus Miller sort of vibe on the other

I'm probably late to the party with that idea

but I think they'd both look awesome!

Low Class · #10 01-25-2013, 08:25 PM

The natural finish VM has a maple body. I believe the black one is basswood.

Shadi · #11 01-25-2013, 09:34 PM

I got a VM 77, and it had terrible fret sprout, and two tuner screws on the headstock were broken completely off at the head. Even though it was ''new in box", I didn't get it from a store or online, so I couldn't return it

landau roof · #12 01-25-2013, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadi

I got a VM 77, and it had terrible fret sprout, and two tuner screws on the headstock were broken completely off at the head. Even though it was ''new in box", I didn't get it from a store or online, so I couldn't return it

So you bought it from an individual in person and didn't look at the thing before giving them money? Or am I missing something?

JACink · #13 01-26-2013, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadi

I got a VM 77, and it had terrible fret sprout, and two tuner screws on the headstock were broken completely off at the head. Even though it was ''new in box", I didn't get it from a store or online, so I couldn't return it

Is the way you purchase basses the reason for your nick? :sly: