Hi guys, today I propose a little game… in this short blind test I played a simple riff using a Fender Precision American Pro 2 and a Squier Precision 40th Anniversary Gold Edition (the top of the Squier range) in 100%, 50% tone configurations and 0%. Can you recognize which of the two basses I'm playing in the various tone options? At the end of the video you will find the solution but don't peek otherwise it won't count!
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Fender Precision vs Squier Precision: can you recognize a Fender from Squier?
- Thread starter dave84
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- blind test comparison fender squier
I managed to guess correctly on the 100% examples. I thought "the cheaper pickup is probably the brighter one, the more expensive pickup is the warmer/smoother one." But maybe I'm being price-ist! 
on the lower tone examples the difference was nearly indistinguishable.
But I'm curious what you thought of the feel. I always conclude in these types of comparisons that both pickups sound good, just different. And the price point reflects the feel, particularly the neck
PS nice video!
on the lower tone examples the difference was nearly indistinguishable.
But I'm curious what you thought of the feel. I always conclude in these types of comparisons that both pickups sound good, just different. And the price point reflects the feel, particularly the neck
PS nice video!
I managed to guess correctly on the 100% examples. I thought "the cheaper pickup is probably the brighter one, the more expensive pickup is the warmer/smoother one." But maybe I'm being price-ist!
on the lower tone examples the difference was nearly indistinguishable.
But I'm curious what you thought of the feel. I always conclude in these types of comparisons that both pickups sound good, just different. And the price point reflects the feel, particularly the neck
PS nice video!
n my opinion the real difference is always in the feeling and in the materials where the Pro 2 wins without any doubt but believe me that this Squier in particular (which is also the best currently in the catalogue) is amazing from all points of view and I would not hesitate to use them even in live or studio recording contexts!
I think the American pro are absolutely phenomenal instruments. I haven't tried a 40th anniversary, but I think the squiers are (usually) very, very good. And since I'm willing to sand necks and roll my own fret board edges, the extra $ isn't worth it to me 9 times out of 10
I own an AmPro and a Squier (backup). I actually prefer the Squier ceramic pups over the AmPro pups - to the extent that I "downgraded" my AmPro). Put them in my hands with my eyes closed and I don't know the difference.
These things go right by me, but I know this: For the difference in Cold Hard Cash, the Jen-U-Wine Fender BETTER sound better and be obviously built better, pickups, hardware, finish, wood, everything commensurate with the difference in price.
Full Tilt MSRP Squier $599, $1750 for APII.
This is the problem every American business faces: How on Earth do you compete with costs that are a fraction to build offshore vs. still keeping jobs in this country? Of course, the Squier uses cheaper everything, and I'm sure the APII is better all 'round, but triple the price for things that seem pretty close is hard to justify to someone who doesn't understand the why of it. Or if in my case, the difference is just not that compelling and I can mod the few things on the Squier to narrow the gap for a fraction of the difference in price.
Good luck with that one . . .
Full Tilt MSRP Squier $599, $1750 for APII.
This is the problem every American business faces: How on Earth do you compete with costs that are a fraction to build offshore vs. still keeping jobs in this country? Of course, the Squier uses cheaper everything, and I'm sure the APII is better all 'round, but triple the price for things that seem pretty close is hard to justify to someone who doesn't understand the why of it. Or if in my case, the difference is just not that compelling and I can mod the few things on the Squier to narrow the gap for a fraction of the difference in price.
Good luck with that one . . .
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I do it (play Squires live) regularly. Looks and sound wise I've never gotten anything but compliments on them.
Exactly. In a live setting you're not likely to hear a difference, a P bass pretty much sounds like a P bass sounds like a... Agreed it's how the neck feels and how it plays. I have three and they're all very good players. I have no issues getting on a stage with them.
It's very tough to beat the sound of Inca Silver!
I'd have to hold, examine and play both to decide which I'd buy.
On the vid I preferred the Squier with tone wide open, then the Fender.
In a mix 1000% of the time I'd prefer the one played by the better player in the better band.
I'd have to hold, examine and play both to decide which I'd buy.
On the vid I preferred the Squier with tone wide open, then the Fender.
In a mix 1000% of the time I'd prefer the one played by the better player in the better band.
JeezyMcNuggles
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Bass 2 is the fender. Word.
I figured it out by the lack of drive. "Smoothness" if you would. Quality electronics, don't necessarily mean great sound, but they normally handle input better. Unless of course, they were manufactured to add breakup and grit. "Dynamics"
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Aside from cost of labour, why should the Squier be cheaper? The components are not all that different. Are we just assuming because the labour is cheaper in China that the quality is less? Why do people assume cheap labour in USA is better in quality than cheap labour in China?
I don't assume that. But there are more cost differentials in material costs, wages, healthcare costs, far fewer safety, health, and environmental regulations vs. California. I doubt there's an equivalent of OSHA, EPS, CARB, and the like in Indonesia or China.
A trained crew with CAD/CAM and a CNC production suite can be stood up anywhere in the world, and that levels the playing field a great deal, but other local costs obviously affect things a great deal
I could tell the difference between the sounds but wouldn't've known which was which. Side by side comparisons like that don't tell me which I'd prefer because those aren't the only three tone options available from the bass. They are similar enough that I'd buy the cheapest of the two that met my needs and desires, neither of which I have at the moment.
To the folks who wish the price gap were less between the two, companies are like pick pockets, their goal is to get the most cash from your purse as possible using all the data and grey cell matter available. Defend yourself, buy what you really need.
I was watching a trumpet masterclass today, and the guy held up his trumpet and said "this is a mechanical object" and then pointed to his head (brain) and said "this is a musical instrument". 'Nuf said.
To the folks who wish the price gap were less between the two, companies are like pick pockets, their goal is to get the most cash from your purse as possible using all the data and grey cell matter available. Defend yourself, buy what you really need.
I was watching a trumpet masterclass today, and the guy held up his trumpet and said "this is a mechanical object" and then pointed to his head (brain) and said "this is a musical instrument". 'Nuf said.
