hi i'm wanting to get my second bass, i could probably save for a while longer to get a fender jazz, however some people have told me the squier jazz is just as good for the price, any suggestions will be appreciated, thanks
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fender jazz bass or squier jazz bass?
- Thread starter second2nunn
- Start date
I know there is a lot of Squier love out there, but I've played about a dozen of them over the years and I can't say anything more than "they are good for the money."
You can get an American Standard Jazz used for less than $800 or less used. It's a far better bass and most likely one you'll still have after you become dissatisfied with the Squier.
Squiers are better than entry-level basses, but not much more than that, IMO.
You can get an American Standard Jazz used for less than $800 or less used. It's a far better bass and most likely one you'll still have after you become dissatisfied with the Squier.
Squiers are better than entry-level basses, but not much more than that, IMO.
That's a tough one....if you really want the "Fender" jazz, than I would suggest you save for that one, as you'll probably be happier with your purchase in the end.
That being said, I have played many of the Squier models, and have found most of them to be more than acceptable, especially for a "back up" or second instrument.
If possible I'd suggest just going into your local store & play a few different models, maybe you find one that just jumps off the wall, and maybe, better yet, it'll fall inside your current budget.
That being said, I have played many of the Squier models, and have found most of them to be more than acceptable, especially for a "back up" or second instrument.
If possible I'd suggest just going into your local store & play a few different models, maybe you find one that just jumps off the wall, and maybe, better yet, it'll fall inside your current budget.
You should just play a few and see what feels and sounds best. Really, there isn't a right answer.
+1.
My Fender Jazz bass (MIM) felt the best, has rich tone, and I like the neck on it very much. The best part is the local dealer gave me the "tired of looking at it" price.
My first electric was a Squier Fat Strat. After some setup work and a pup swap, it was a great guitar.
Both Fender and Squier can be hit-or-miss in terms of finish and set up. Only you can decide what's right for you.
You can't expect an instrument to be set up the way you like it in the store, if at all. That's your responsibility unless they offer a free set up on purchase. All you can do is play it and see if you like it as is. My local privately owned store has a swarm of MIM Fenders and the saddles all sit at the top of their travel, not even radiused; I figure that's they way they were delivered. Mass produced instruments are all going to have issues that need adressing, especially frets are not likely to be perfect. High end instruments will be nearly perfect.
I love my new Squiers and work around the few issues they have and they play beautifully and look great. The VM Jazz has one fret issue; high on the 15 G string only. She is heavy tho'. The CV 50's P has a couple of high frets so action isn't on the deck (2.5mm @ 12th), I need to get those two leveled and it will be perfect. The finishes on them near perfection. If you find a Squier you like, then get it. It wont let you down or explode someday. If you need that Fender logo then look for a used deal. The Asians are doing just as good work as the Mexicans IMO. Body wood is the big difference if that is an issue with you.
I love my new Squiers and work around the few issues they have and they play beautifully and look great. The VM Jazz has one fret issue; high on the 15 G string only. She is heavy tho'. The CV 50's P has a couple of high frets so action isn't on the deck (2.5mm @ 12th), I need to get those two leveled and it will be perfect. The finishes on them near perfection. If you find a Squier you like, then get it. It wont let you down or explode someday. If you need that Fender logo then look for a used deal. The Asians are doing just as good work as the Mexicans IMO. Body wood is the big difference if that is an issue with you.
I have an American Standard Jazz owned for 20 years, I bought new, and has been my 'go to' bass ever since. Student has a CV Squier Jazz, for the money I think it's the best deal out there for a first jazz style, far better than the MIM's I've had my hands on. Schecter Diamond Jazz would be something I'd maybe consider.
Frankly I'd go with a MIM Jazz. You can buy em used all day for around 300.00. Just like any instrument there will be dogs, but I've played MIM Tele's, Strats, P's and J's and most have of them have been very good. A sound alternative if you don't want to spring for the MIA models.
I would go one more and suggest a 60's or 70's Classic MIM used.
But I like the new Squiers Classic Vibe and, VMs too!... and SXs from Rondo Music Home Page
I know, ( sound of can-o-worms opening up ) :scowl:
But I like the new Squiers Classic Vibe and, VMs too!... and SXs from Rondo Music Home Page
I know, ( sound of can-o-worms opening up ) :scowl:
Had US Fender Jazz and Vm squire. My squire was good for the money. The MIA was good period. But don't listen to us try the stuff out. The '86 Ibanez Roadstar MIJ that I just picked up for less than 300$ is better build quality than even my MIA jazz. There are great deals to be had out there. Also, Peavey Foundations are a GREAT deal and IMHO a much higher quality than a squire and usually less $--Good luck
Fer crying in the soup it's SQUIER, not Squire. Any way, there's many options. The fact is the op seems to have narrowed it to Fender or Squier, thus the wording of his question. Does that mean anything to anyone? He wants opinions on them not others. The rest is just noise. Not to be rude but let's not complicate this. It's a Fender vs. Squier question. Cheez.
Branding is everything with some...
And that's a shame isn't it?
Oh well, they are the ones missing out.
Agreed. Dontcha love it when people come into a thread and recommend their favorite bass when the question has to do with specific brands?
i.e. -
Question - "Which is better, a Gibson EB3 or an Epiphone EB3?"
Answer - "Get a Jazz bass."
Wait, what? LOL
If it's value for money you want go for the squier, if you want a quality instrument, the fender is the way to go
