I went to the GC to get a MIA Jazz, I ended up playing an active MIM Jazz and eventually taking it at home for half the price of the original. I have a Squier Jazz defretted which soon will get new Fender pups and covers, and that'll be a superduper bass (actually it is now as well)
So what I want to say here is that don't stick to the more expensive-'better' brand-better bass idea
Oh and Squiers are great instruments 
So what I want to say here is that don't stick to the more expensive-'better' brand-better bass idea