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Fender or Squier?

#21
Normally with the Squires you will get lessor quality for the materials used. Slightly better with the Fender MIM and then better again with the USA models. This doesn't mean that they are bad instruments. They are very good instruments. From my experience with Squires is that they are usually brighter sounding with less lows. Again this is usually from the lessor quality pickups that are in them. A quick change of pups to something you like and the instrument can be great for an active musician that does not want to bring out their $1000+ bass to a bar gig.
 
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#22
Each instrument is unique, but two rules of thumb:

1. The more expensive the instrument, the better quality of materials (wood in the body, metal in tuning keys and such, better pickups, finish that does look/feel like it is too thick)
2. The more expensive the instrument, the better quality control.

All the reason why it is better to try the instrument before you buy, and if you find one you like, to buy that exact instrument.

YMMV
 
#23
With the new automated CNC manufacturing, the latest Squiers are on a par or maybe even better than older MIM Fenders in terms of build quality. Of course they have to cut somewhere - the hardware is not up to the same standards, and perhaps the wood may be of lower quality. But for feel and playability, they are really close - especially the newer ones made in Indonesia. An amazing buy, especially those like the VM Jaguar SS for $200! A STEAL!

ALSO - I f you are looking for a Squier Mustang - keep a watch on Adorama - sometimes they have the new Fender Mustang P/J on sale. I got mine for $399 with no tax or shipping costs and it is my #1 bass now - AND it doesn't need the special, hard-to-find strings of the old Mustang.
 
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#24
Bassamatic said:
With the new automated CNC manufacturing, the latest Squiers are on a par or maybe even better than older MIM Fenders in terms of build quality. Of course they have to cut somewhere - the hardware is not up to the same standards, and perhaps the wood may be of lower quality. But for feel and playability, they are really close - especially the newer ones made in Indonesia. An amazing buy, especially those like the VM Jaguar SS for $200! A STEAL!
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Yes, I agree definitely. I have an older MIM Fender jazz bass right now from 1996, and you can see faint paint drips on it in some spots. The routing job is not the best and the soldering job was pretty shoddy. I would trade it for a current day Squier VM or CV any day. Heck, maybe even an Affinity.
 
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#25
Now keep in mind, I'm certainly a proponent of the Squier brand. That said...

As with ANY model of ANY brand, you HAVE to try it to know if you like it.
Are there Squiers that will be a better fit for you than some Fenders? Absolutely. But there is no general rule, no matter what anyone says. True, certain models of certain brands with have a higher percentage of you liking what they have to offer, but even then you should always try before you buy.
 
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#26
Bassamatic said:
If you are looking for a Squier Mustang - keep a watch on Adorama - sometimes they have the new Fender Mustang P/J on sale. I got mine for $399 with no tax or shipping costs and it is my #1 bass now - AND it doesn't need the special, hard-to-find strings of the old Mustang.
Click to expand...

There is a lot to like about the Mustang PJ, but I actually prefer the string-through bridge, original pickup and controls. I use flatwound strings, and medium scale Chromes, "short scale" Thomastik Infeld (which are actually medium scale length), and the LaBella Deep Talking Flats specially designed for Mustangs, and all work fine on my CIJ Mustang with the string-through bridge.

Right now, the closest thing to an original '66 Mustang Bass is the JMJ Road Worn. At $1000 a pop, I think there's room for a Squier, priced between the Jag SS and the Fender PJ. I'm seeing used Squier Mustangs going for about $400 to as much as $650, which is more than they sold for new.
 
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#27
brainiac said:
Whats the comparison between a Fender Standard bass and a Squier Vintage Modified Bass? Are they somewhat comparable in build and materials? Trying to understand if that model Squier is on a par with any Fender. Thank you.

[email protected]
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They are both built in factories in two or more places around the planet by human beings.
Fender decides what materials and price point are manufactured at what factories.
They all, for the most part, use the same type of machines (CNC) and process.

So, they are comparable in build, not in materials as in woods, electronics maybe metal.

As an example VM jazz bass body-Basswood. Standard Jazz-Alder.

Pickups can be different.
VM-Fender-Designed Single-Coil Jazz Bass®
Standard-Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass® Whatever that means.

So, like some have said it can be the luck of the draw.
How any one instrument plays in your hands at any one time is up to the access to instruments you have.
But that's just me...
 
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#28
When I was shopping for a Jazz V 2 years ago, I tried some Fender MIM and some Squier VM (made in Indonasia). The hardware on the Fender was better, the playing on the Squier was better, the look on Squier was better (natural finish with blocked inlays maple neck) The sound was equal with a slight advantage to the Squier (Fender design pickups) for my preferences, they sounded more modern with a little bit more output. Will change the tuners, the bridge, the nut and the pots when they gonna break and would have done the same with the Fender.

I have 2 other basses (LTD, Yamaha) made in Indonasia and they are both good instruments that I like a lot.
 
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#34
jd56hawk said:
I'm guessing you've already tried it.
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Only by plucking notes with my best ear jammed up against the body. If they don’t pass that test then there’s no way pickups and electronics can make something out of nothing. It does pass the test. I’m toying with the idea of trading my 10 pound VM 70’s in on it. I don’t think I can justify having a 5th Jazz bass.
 
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#35
Kipp Harrington said:
I really like the Lake Placid Blue Squier! Too bad I don't see any of these basses on the Sweetwater website. I'm ready to purchase a Squier bass soon with 0% financing for 48 months. Just wish one of those basses were an option.
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Just be aware that some of these stores have a reputation for tacking on outrageous interest rates or fees after the fact if you are late for even one payment. There have been some discussions here about these practices.
 
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#36
Fender_Bender said:
Only by plucking notes with my best ear jammed up against the body.
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Try one of these.
You’re visit will certainly be the topic of conversation once you leave.
Available in Sea Foam Green, Fiesta Red, Daphne Blue and Olympic White.
F00988-A5-E210-40-DF-909-A-F1-B20203-B841.jpg
 
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#40
Fender_Bender said:
Are they that cheap?, I have no clue. You can learn a lot about an engine by listening to it while it’s running.
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True, they make them for that purpose, too.

The medical ones are as cheap as $5 and I saw one for $370, but I’d have to think a $20 one would be good enough.
I mention them from time to time whenever someone asks about silent practicing.
 
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