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Getting back into bass

S

SineTimore

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Jan 11, 2016
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#1
OK guys it's been a couple years since I sold my bass but now the itch has become more than I can ignore. I have not been out of music completely. I picked up the banjo shortly after I sold all my guitars and basses due to an extreme financial situation. So I have been looking at some of the squire basses but am quite weary of the squire name. Many many moons ago I had a squire guitar and it was without a doubt the worst guitar I ever owned. It would not hold tune constant problems with the neck and have to have the music shop adjust the truss rod. Just a nightmare of a guitar to own. The only reason I kept it for so long was because it was a gift from a family member. Anyway my question is has the squire line improved or should I look in a different direction for a new low priced entry level bass? I plan on mostly learning to slap since I am (or was when I sold my equipment) fairly proficient with a pick and my fingers. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
 
#2
Squiers are better now than they were 20 years ago, but I would strongly recommend you check out the Sires. Best bang for the buck I am aware of. The M3 can be had for $299, a great deal.
 
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#4
Squiers have improved incredibly. Basses in their "Classic Vibe" series will hold their own against their more expensive bigger name cousins.

And there's also plenty of other good sounding and playing basses on the market today that don't cost a lot of money - even if you're buying new. G&L Tribute, SUB, Sire...the list goes on. Shop around and I think you'll be amazed at how much bass you can buy for how little money these days.

Welcome back!
 
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#7
As others have said the Squier product has come a great way in 20 years. The Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are about as good for your money as you'll find at a typical shop. I'm not sold on Sire yet, we'll see where they are in a few years. There are a lot of guys 'leaving' Fender that were actually cut from the books while Fender tries to right ship.
 
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#9
SineTimore said:
Thanks for all the help guys. I am looking at the squire jaguar vintage modified for purchase now.

FourBanger I did not realize Fender was in trouble. What's going on with them?
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I've heard generally good things about the Squire Jaguar. As has been said, Squire has come a long way. You can still buy a cheapie "Affinity" model, but the VM, CV and signature models have been pushed up to where they're almost occupying the same market space that MIM Fender's had in the 90's.
The Jaguar is a good bass, but if you haven't bought it yet, it's not a bad idea to get out there and play as many basses as you can. There's a ton of surprisingly great basses available for less than $400 these days. Sire, Squire, Sterling Ray (the MM affordable line), ESP/LTD, Ibanez, etc...
 
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#10
I don't know of a better budget bass than the Squier line. By the time you get to the CV line, It is (IMHO) equivalent to the MIM Fender line.
I had VM Jazz V that I really liked, but I'm not really a V guy nor am I a big J fan. I love me some Ps, so I traded for a CV P. I'm happy with it. It certainly isn't up to my P Select, but I would gig with the CV. I bought it so I would have an inexpensive bass to leave at the practice space so I don't have to carry anything.
 
#11
Gravedigger Dav said:
I don't know of a better budget bass than the Squier line. By the time you get to the CV line, It is (IMHO) equivalent to the MIM Fender line.
I had VM Jazz V that I really liked, but I'm not really a V guy nor am I a big J fan. I love me some Ps, so I traded for a CV P. I'm happy with it. It certainly isn't up to my P Select, but I would gig with the CV. I bought it so I would have an inexpensive bass to leave at the practice space so I don't have to carry anything.
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I think the ESP 214 Vintage series is a bit better Fender-style bass at a similar price. Squire does have the advantage of the Fender headstock and a much wider range of models though.
 
#14
SineTimore said:
Thanks for all the help guys. I am looking at the squire jaguar vintage modified for purchase now.
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The Jaguar is nice, but they're a bit neck-heavy. The VM Precison PJ has a thicker neck, but is balanced better. If you can try them out at store, bring a strap with you to see if you're comfortable with them.
 
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#18
I just put my Jag on with a different shirt. And I have seen the dive for the first time.

I can't believe this hasn't happened to me yet - oh well. The belt loop trick does work perfectly.

Even my Fender P dives to some extent!!

Tb!!!!! Why did you talk about neck dive enough for me to really look for it!?!
 
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#19
Fender has a lot of debt at the moment, and is also owed a lot by a certain retailer who also has a lot of debt. They aren't going out of business but they are cutting back on big money small niche endorsements the last year or so.
 

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