How does the CV/VM line stack up to MIM?

[EtoG]

Hey, everyone.

I'll start by saying I really don't like "THIS OR THAT" threads, but I was hoping we could discuss how well the Squier CV/VM line stacks up to Fender's MIM Standard line of basses. I personally have been very impressed with the CV/VM basses that I've been able to try, especially for the price.

I know that it's expected that the Fender MIM Standard line is to be of a higher build quality (due to the Fender branding and higher price point), but is that what you guys have experienced?

I haven't personally owned any basses from either line, but I have been able to demo quite a few of each. However, I take my experience from music store demos with a grain of salt because the setup is usually sub par.

 

[GeezerDeacon69]

My personal experience is with P basses. My VM P (the amber maple one) arrived in flawless condition. It in ALL respects is as good or better than any MIM I've played. I haven't felt the need to upgrade the pickups. The neck is fantastic, and the thing stays in tune for days at a time.

Best 279 I've ever spent.

 

[fordkisskrazy]

I have the cv jazz and a vm P bass. I went into gc both times for a mim fender. these two squiers played better and felt better then any of the mim Fenders.

 

[selowitch]

They're all potentially good. Try before you buy.

 

[tjh]

This is where I toss out the obligatory comment that you may want to qualify of what you are meaning when you say MIM ... some will understand that you are probably meaning the MIM STANDARD Series, because of the closer proximity of price point, but you do realize that you are currently asking for a comparison of that Squier to a Fender Road Worn Series instrument, or even a Reggie Hamilton, or a Classic Series P or J, etc ?? ... these are all MIM basses in case you weren't familiar with them

 

[soulman969]

This discussion goes on at least twice a week here and I think it's been pretty thoroughly hashed out by now. Those of us who play Squiers swear by them as do the guys who play MIM's.

TJH's point is well taken. There are quite a few Fender Basses which are MIM models so for the sake of this discussion we'll assume you mean the Standard Model. I've never owned an MIM but I've owned several MIA Fender Basses and I can't honestly find anything about my CV Jazz that in any way disappoints me in comparison. There are those who would say that I'm wrong about this but I've been playing MIA J and P Basses for over 30 years so that experience must count for something.

The Squier Basses are well thought of and possibly the best products in their line. In addition to a CS Nocaster I also own Standard MIM, Deluxe MIM, and Squier CVC Tele's and while the quality of those production models may not meet that of a CS Model but there isn't thousands of dollars worth of difference either. They're all very capable guitars.

In their price range and even above it the Squier's have proven themselves to be very good instruments in comparison. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one when in the market.

 

[EtoG]

This is where I toss out the obligatory comment that you may want to qualify of what you are meaning when you say MIM ... some will understand that you are probably meaning the MIM STANDARD Series, because of the closer proximity of price point, but you do realize that you are currently asking for a comparison of that Squier to a Fender Road Worn Series instrument, or even a Reggie Hamilton, or a Classic Series P or J, etc ?? ... these are all MIM basses in case you weren't familiar with them

This discussion goes on at least twice a week here and I think it's been pretty thoroughly hashed out by now. Those of us who play Squiers swear by them as do the guys who play MIM's.

TJH's point is well taken. There are quite a few Fender Basses which are MIM models so for the sake of this discussion we'll assume you mean the Standard Model. I've never owned an MIM but I've owned several MIA Fender Basses and I can't honestly find anything about my CV Jazz that in any way disappoints me in comparison. There are those who would say that I'm wrong about this but I've been playing MIA J and P Basses for over 30 years so that experience must count for something.

The Squier Basses are well thought of and possibly the best products in their line. In addition to a CS Nocaster I also own Standard MIM, Deluxe MIM, and Squier CVC Tele's and while the quality of those production models may not meet that of a CS Model but there isn't thousands of dollars worth of difference either. They're all very capable guitars.

In their price range and even above it the Squier's have proven themselves to be very good instruments in comparison. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one when in the market.

Thanks, you guys. Sorry, I thought it would be implied that I was talking about the MIM Standard line. I've edited my post to clarify this.

 

[Gringo Starr]

I own a CV 50's pbass and a MIM (standard) pbass and I think they both sound and play great. I'm more partial towards the Squier due to the maple neck and vintage style but I'd definitely buy another MIM. I'm looking at getting a Road Worn P very soon here!

Don't really think you can go wrong with either, just depends what type of configuration you're looking for.

 

[f.c.geil]

In my experience, the VM line is roughly equivalent to MIM Standard, while the CV line is considerably better.

However, this is only in regard to build quality. The component quality of the MIM line is better (CTS pots, better wiring, better pups), but it isn't assembled as well. Also, the balance seems better on the CV line.

 

[MouseRat]

My personal experience is with P basses. My VM P (the amber maple one) arrived in flawless condition. It in ALL respects is as good or better than any MIM I've played. I haven't felt the need to upgrade the pickups. The neck is fantastic, and the thing stays in tune for days at a time.

Best 279 I've ever spent.

I've had the exact same experience with the exact same bass. My first bass ever was a MIM P, and I loved it, but I love my Amber VM P more (especially after I Frankensquiered it!)