What's better quality : Squier CV or Fender MIA?

[topo morto]

I mean, in absolute terms... not just 'for the price'.

Just 'cos I always hear great things about the CV's, but hear inconsistent things about the made in USA Fenders.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by topo morto

in absolute terms

MIA/USA

[The Sailor]

IMO this shouldnt even be a question. The craftsmanship on squiers are consistently good however the woods they use look, feel, and sound like plastic to me.

[lolmont]

I'd say CV is about the same as MIM maybe a bit higher. But still not MIA quality

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by lolmont

I'd say CV is about the same as MIM maybe a bit higher. But still not MIA quality

^ this

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by topo morto

I mean, in absolute terms... not just 'for the price'.

Just 'cos I always hear great things about the CV's, but hear inconsistent things about the made in USA Fenders.

I suspect your perception is from people generally having low expectations when buying cheap gear and being pleasantly surprised with their CV Squiers so they talk about it here. People who buy US Fenders get what they expect most of the time and thus are less likely to talk about it unless something goes wrong.

[nukes_da_bass]

MIA seems to not skimp on electronics. CV line has good wood but the electronics are no where near the level of current MIA.
If wood were the only issue, it would pretty much be a no brainer.

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by Mastermold

I suspect your perception is from people generally having low expectations when buying cheap gear and being pleasantly surprised with their CV Squiers so they talk about it here. People who buy US Fenders get what they expect most of the time and thus are less likely to talk about it unless something goes wrong.

This is what I wondered really. I do hear a lot of specific complaints about MIA's though (Ill fitting neck pockets seem common, and I've heard of people needing to shim the neck)

Originally Posted by The Sailor

IMO this shouldnt even be a question. The craftsmanship on squiers are consistently good however the woods they use look, feel, and sound like plastic to me.

Currently only 84% of people think MIA's are better, so it has earned its right to be a question!

[GroovinOnFunk]

Originally Posted by topo morto

This is what I wondered really. I do hear a lot of specific complaints about MIA's though (Ill fitting neck pockets seem common, and I've heard of people needing to shim the neck)



Currently only 84% of people think MIA's are better, so it has earned its right to be a question!

When over 80% of a population agrees... I'd call that a landslide.

[Gravy4001]

I've played both and while the CV Squiers are certainly excellent for the price, they still sort of feel like a toy to me compared to the MIAs.

[awilkie84]

MIA is definitely better quality, not that Squier CVs are bad. The MIAs are consistently lighter and the electronics are better. Their necks are about the same IMO. Bridge/tuners are ARGUABLY better on the MIA, although I've never had an issue with the Squier components.

It really comes down to who's willing to pay for the American prestige, or settle for the equally as playable imports. Personally, I won't pay for the American image again. It's not worth the extra $1000 on the price tags.

[StrangerDanger]

Really?

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

Really?

[ronlitz]

I own both. It's not even close - the MIA is much higher quality. As others have said, the Squier is totally playable and great value - but if price is not a factor, they are not in the same league.

[Double E]

Troll Poll

[Lowbrow]

CV are better IMO on the whole than 70s MIA Fender. New Fenders are better than 70s Fenders, and different than CV Squire in that they use what is held by many to be 'better' wood, and definitely better wiring/pots. Pickups, I don't know, and never really care as I generally swap these out if I don't like them. I only play P basses, and only P basses with DiMarzio 122s generally.

Now, I personally like my CV Squier 60s P a lot, and sold two MIA 2008 Ps while keeping the Squier. (I do hate the pinkish Fiesta Red, though, although that has not affected the sound or playability much.) I think the MIAs, while 'better,' are kind of clunky and lack a feel that I've found in the CV Squire, and most definitely in my MIM RW Precision, which is by far the best production Fender I have had in my hands since my '62 Pbass was repossessed by its original owner. I never expected MIM to top both MIA and Squier, but there you go.

SO, in MY perspective, using the aforementioned criteria, the order of 'good' would be MIM>Squier>MIA. I know that this is not technically 'true,' and I'm sure others may howl their agreement. BUT this is how it worked out in my case.

FWIW, many people just LOVE 70 Fenders, which is certainly their right and I would assume is based squarely on their own experience, not on how much they love big logos on the headstock (though I could be mistaken).

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by Double E

Troll Poll

Not at all, good sir. I just don't get all that many chances to try different basses out, and almost no chances to really try them out properly for a period of time. Can't be the only one.

[pacojas]

ROTF!!!

[Templar]

How much more does USA Fender cost in the UK?

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by Templar

How much more does USA Fender cost in the UK?

new, about £1100 for an American Standard Jazz (thouh prices vary a lot), compared to say, £325 or something for a CV Jazz.

Used prices for MIA's seem to be coming down a lot though, while MIJ are holding firm (may be wrong here).