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Help the newbie - which Squier J?

Aunt Babe

Aunt Babe

Jan 19, 2010
39
0
#1
Last Christmas, I decided to take the plunge and learn bass. The hubbie surprised me with a big honkin' Dean acoustic bass. I like the sound but I'm ready to move to something smaller and electric, (body, not neck!) and my instructor suggested a jazz bass. I already have a small bass amp, and old Crate.

Given my budget ($300 or less), I'm looking at Squiers. Which would y'all suggest, an Affinity, a vintage modified J (or the new '77), or a Standard P Bass Special (p body, J neck, see here: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...Bass-Special-4String-Bass-Guitar?sku=510569)? Pros? Cons?
Best bang for the buck? ;)

(I know someone will ask; I like 60s and 70s rock and soul, the Beatles, reggae, ska, jazz, and will probably not be playing metal or punk (although I don't mind listening to them). I've been learning some Steely Dan and classic Motown bass lines. Don't have a band but may end up playing occasionally with friends.)
 
#3
i cant decide between the black 77 Jazz or the new improved SX Jazz on Rondo Music

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#5
If your budget is about $300, I would totally recommend the VM Modified. It is really nice. Also on GC's used site, you can find Fender Jazz standards for about that price. Or I know people who will stand by SX any day. I would much prefer Samick to SX. A used Fairlane will set you back about $150-$200 and will be MUCH higher quality.
 
#9
The Affinity model Squiers can be really great deals if you find the right one. Some can be real clunkers, though. The P-Bass Specials are nice, solid instruments and would actually fit the Steely Dan and Motown sound you're looking for better than a Jazz if you use just the P pickup.

The SX mentioned above is actually the best deal if you have someone who can set it up for you. Whatever bass you buy you need to make sure it's set up properly.

Good luck!
 
#10
The Squier Classic Vibe line are wonderful basses (P or J) for the type of music that you mentioned.

Although they run around $50 more than your budget, you can find them on sale at various stores and on-line retailers from time to time.

If possible you should try to get to a store and play both the 60s Classic Vibe Jazz Bass, 60s Classic Vibe Precision, and possibly the 50s Classic Vibe Precision (I saw one of these at a local music store three days ago on sale for $299.99).



I own a 60s CV P-bass and it has been great. A set of new flatwound strings can really bring out the vintage 60s rock and Motown tone although the stock roundwound strings are also nice.

Good luck with your shopping and final decision.
 
#11
Or just wait a few days more for the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar to hit the stores.

This promises to be a really big deal for Squier under Fender's authorship. This is the bass that 'never was' and it's gonna be a killer if it's anywhere near the same quality and beauty of the new Squier VMs now.

First thing I'd do (and finally did it on my VM-J) was get rid of the standard Fender strings and get either some Elixir Nanos or something a little less whizzy-noisy to play.
 
#12
I would be gunning for the new 77 VM Jazz. Those pickups are great, and I have the maple VM, and it is a great playing guitar. The new Jaguar would probably be great also, as it has P and J pickups. so you can get the P sounds for your Motown and Stax, and the J sounds to boot.

And, there is alot of versatility in the 62 stacked knob circuit on the Jaguar.

Get the Jaguar.

Jeff
 
#13
I also have to back up the Classic Vibe series. It might just be the finish but they feel more like the real deal in my hands. Tried out the 60s Jazz and thought it was a great instrument but the Precision bass met my needs better, especially with flats on it ;) The Vintage modified is a great instrument too but I don't dig the Duncan Designed pups on it that much.
 
#17
I would think you can't go wrong with any Squier in the CV or VM lines. If you can, try each out at a store and just go with your gut on which one feels right. It seems to me more often than not, people are more satisfied with an instrument they bought with their hearts rather than their heads.
 
#18
I've been waiting on the new Squier Jag, but I played the VM-J a few days ago at the local GC, and I have to tell you...I was pretty impressed. It's a really nice instrument, especially for the price. If I wanted a J, that would be the one.

If you can find the models you're interested in locally, I would really suggest playing them before you buy.
 

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