• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

For the same price: Squier or Fender?

#61
4sight said:
No, most are 34", but there were some 32" Squiers in the late 80s.

Honestly, I'd consider something like the CV 70s I posted a link to before. You'd have a new bass that you can return if there are any issues or you change your mind.
Click to expand...

Phew, fine, thanks!

About the reccomendation, I don't know... as I said, I'd have to try it beforehand, of course.
The CV 70s is one I've been considering months ago, but I don't really like the neck design, the bridge cover and the thumb rest. I'd rather go with a mexican Fender, then... ON PAPER.

I really want to get my hands on a few Precision basses and see what the feel like, what they actually sound like (I mean, we all know, but I've never tried one so I don't know how it sounds like with my amp settings, my playing, and all that), etc.
 
#62
activa44 said:
I really want to get my hands on a few Precision basses and see what the feel like, what they actually sound like (I mean, we all know, but I've never tried one so I don't know how it sounds like with my amp settings, my playing, and all that), etc.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's a good idea. What matter is how the bass feels, looks and sounds to you. Try not to get too hung up on whether it says "Fender" on the headstock or not, I've played Squiers with much nicer necks than early-2000 MIM Fenders.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on :thumbsup:
 
#63
I've been in stores where the MIMs feel better and play better than the MIAs and the Squires are awful.
Then I'm in another store and the Squires feel & play better.
Every possible combination has happened.
I wouldn't be against getting any of them--I would need to test-drive them
 
  • Like
Reactions: activa44
#64
4sight said:
Yes, that's a good idea. What matter is how the bass feels, looks and sounds to you. Try not to get too hung up on whether it says "Fender" on the headstock or not, I've played Squiers with much nicer necks than early-2000 MIM Fenders.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Yes, I realized months ago that it isn't really a problem and this thread just confirms it completely.
So yeah, I hope I'll try some and remember (when/if I get one) to tell you guys what I eventually chose! haha
 
#65
a-haa! A Fender Mexico appeared in the closest (big) town to me for 440. The price is neat already, but he might be down to some negotiating as well...

The only complain is that the fretboard isn't of the darkest of woods (as I wished) but the one before, the medium one. But for such a cheap price, if I'll like the bass, that won't be a problem.
 
#66
Can any of you tell me about changing necks? I mean, how does it work.
In case I like that bass but not the neck, I could always change it.

Do ANY other jazz/precision bass neck work on it or there is more to look forward to when looking for necks to put in that bass? Also, I see some sell the necks without anything written on the headstock. If I want to put ''Fender Precision bass'' on it, how could I do it?
 
#67
activa44 said:
Can any of you tell me about changing necks? I mean, how does it work.
In case I like that bass but not the neck, I could always change it.

Do ANY other jazz/precision bass neck work on it or there is more to look forward to when looking for necks to put in that bass? Also, I see some sell the necks without anything written on the headstock. If I want to put ''Fender Precision bass'' on it, how could I do it?
Click to expand...

Changing a neck is as easy as 4 screws. The instruments were designed with replaceabl parts. The bass will then have to have the neck (action, intonation, string height) checked, but that is maintenance for an instrument. There are rare cases where a shim may be needed.

You should not put a Fender sticker on a non-Fender neck (look up counterfeit threads here) - it's not a Fender. If that is that important to you, you can buy a Fender neck at numerous retailers, such as Sweetwater, or you can get your own label. It's popular for people to come up with their own name, and have it made up with the same font.
 
#69
So, I tried a MIM Fender Precision (2000-something... I'm guessing 2010-something: the newer ones, then) and I have to say that the neck doesn't seem much of an issue as I thought. Or, at least, I thought it was a lot worse, but it still feels like a wood log if compared to my Ibanez.

I probably had the misfortune of starting with a super-comfortable bass, so I'll better get used to the idea that if I want a Fender/Squier Precision bass it'll be less comfy no matter what.

Anyway it felt like a really nicely made bass (as is) and sound-wise I can't really judge from my perspective because I was only able to try on a pair of small wattage combo bass amps (one was a rumble 15), so clean only (and I never play clean, basically). It seemed squeaky and with a lot of low-end, indeed, but of course things would have changed if the distortion kicked in. If the japanese Squiers have ''better necks'' (as I've read everywhere) then they should be my cup of tea.

One thing I particularly noticed, by the way, is how much picking behind the pickup and in front of the pickup changes the sound.
I was always picking near the neck, until a few months ago when I realized I should try getting used to picking in both positions because there's a difference in sound. But the difference in that P-bass was a lot more prominent than on my Ibanez. And somehow, for some weird reason, I felt a LITTLE BIT more comfortable picking on the bridge as well, but my instinct is always on the neck.
 
#70
I got a (MIM) Fender Precision this morning, having quite a nice deal (and after having tried it clean).
I really like it and I don't think it's a ''one-trick-pony'' as many people says... really cool.
 
#71
Play them all and YOU make the decision. it's been mentioned over and over here, there are exceptional quality basses from every Fender/Squier range, and there are also not so great examples (and yes, that includes MIA offerings). I have four basses; Squier Classic Vibe Jazz, CIJ Fender '51 Precision, MIM Classic 50's Precision and MIA American Standard Precision. They are all great basses and I cant really say the Squier, MIM and CIJ offerings are any less bass than the MIA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: activa44

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back