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If Squier was Fender

#41
"I can understand why some guys might want to spend five thousand on a custom bass that looks like an exotic fish nailed to a comb, but I don't see the point."

That's one of the funniest things I've heard related to the topic AND spot on, Max. I totally see what you're saying, I just WISH I could take credit for that.

This is an interesting thread, by the by.

Cheers.

E.
 
#42
Im not much into the mechanics of determining good marketing from bad. I can see though both sides of the argument regarding this though. I know my 08 Squier VMJ has Squier on the headstocks (of course) and underneath is Fender in the trademark scroll. The 'by' is so small (looks like a smudge of dirt more than anything) I had to look twice to see it so for the most part it says simply Squier Fender.... and this VMJ was a lot better then the Standard Fender Jazz next to it as far as how the neck felt. Sound wise the Fender had it but not by much and quality wise they were both the same. Price is what was the killer, $279 vs $1679...yea which one to get was a simple choice IMO. And for what its worth, I tested out a Fender Strat, put it down and tested a Squier strat and the Squier was actually NICER IMO....

With the talk of Fender upping their prices across the board, has anyone heard if Squier will be doing the same?
 
#43
I think it's a phenomenal idea, but you can be GUARANTEED that Fender will try and drive the price up, just for the name...and blame it on "economic recession".

However, if it was the same price, same bass, with the Fender name on it...dude I would buy like 2 or 3 more of them lol. They wouldn't even have to do anything to the series names...just "Fender Vintage Modified" and "Fender Classic Vibe" basses would sound awesome and sell just fine. I'd be all in favor of it, IF they kept the prices the same.
 
#44
bassasm33 said:
I've read that the G&L Tributes are basically the same U.S. made parts, just assembled overseas.
Is this true of Fender and Squier or the other companies listed?
Click to expand...

The bits are designed in the US - everything is more or less made overseas. Different hw, different electronics. To me, there is a clear quality difference between Tribute & GL, just as there is between Squier and Fender. That's not to say that Tribute & Squier aren't decent instruments - Heck, I woudn't compare Tribute to Squire since I think they are better than most US made Fenders - But moving production off shore is to save money, period. It isn't to improve quality, that's certain!
 
#45
Oh yea and for what its worth, I called Fender (when the last huge debate on this popped up) and asked point blank if Squier WAS Fender and I was told point blank. YES....*shrug* not sure what that has to do with this but then again Ive probably not contributed worthwhile to this topic anyway..carry on. :p
 
#46
here we go again with the association game...

Joe Public doesn't know a Fender bass from a Bumper bass...

Silly Chester at your local Guitar Center has been trained to tell everyon just how great Fender is and how nice Squier is "but if it were me, I'd buy a Fender...there's no substitute for Fender"...you all know the sales pitch...

it's about margin these days...it used to be more about quality...but as American quality wains and international quality grows, the gap is narrowing...and hence these days, it's really just alll smoke and mirrors...

Just my opinion...but it's a good one ;)
 
#52
Squiers tend to to have options fender dont have. But Every time i play a squier it doesnt feel solid or if it does it feels too light or too heavy and the tone is always been good. i think the feel has to do with the wood the p basses ive played from squier were all incredibly light as is my VM fretless
 
#53
akaTRENT said:
i love how everyone is forgetting squiers are basically made of plywood....
Click to expand...

Most bass bodies are a couple pieces glued together. Would love to see some pics of some true plywood basses if you have them.

I know there are some crap out there, but most of the squiers talked about in this thread are basswood or agathis bodies with multiple wood. Different wood, but not different tecniques. I've seen some plywood bodies of some off brands that were messed up. Don't have any pics. Some like mdf.
 
#54
jmain said:
Most bass bodies are a couple pieces glued together. Would love to see some pics of some true plywood basses if you have them.

I know there are some crap out there, but most of the squiers talked about in this thread are basswood or agathis bodies with multiple wood. Different wood, but not different tecniques. I've seen some plywood bodies of some off brands that were messed up. Don't have any pics. Some like mdf.
Click to expand...

Good point, there. Since the definition of plywood is "several layers of wood glued together", then I know of quite a few very high-end custom basses that are also made from plywood.
 
#55
I've read that a lot of the Korean Squiers have plywood bodies, not sure of the time period.

I have a "true plywood" (there's a status term) bass, but it's an Ibby. It's becoming a test bass for pickups until the neck goes somewhere else.

I can see it now...

The TRUE Plywood Bass Club
 
#56
GlennW said:
I've read that a lot of the Korean Squiers have plywood bodies, not sure of the time period.

I have a "true plywood" (there's a status term) bass, but it's an Ibby. It's becoming a test bass for pickups until the neck goes somewhere else.

I can see it now...

The TRUE Plywood Bass Club
Click to expand...

Dang, Club of one with a bunch of lurkers. :ninja:

I'm still looking at a Classic Vibe '60s Precision. I dig the reviews. I gotta get back into a P bass and thinking this may be it.
 
#59
akaTRENT said:
i love how everyone is forgetting squiers are basically made of plywood....
Click to expand...

If 3-4 pieces of alder or basswood glued together is plywood...

Anyway, as the OP, I never thought this thread would go as far as this.

Here's another question. Why did Fender decide to make the classic vibe and vintage modifieds as Squiers rather than MIM Fenders which they could sell for a little more?
 
#60
WoodyG3 said:
If 3-4 pieces of alder or basswood glued together is plywood...

Anyway, as the OP, I never thought this thread would go as far as this.

Here's another question. Why did Fender decide to make the classic vibe and vintage modifieds as Squiers rather than MIM Fenders which they could sell for a little more?
Click to expand...

There's already 50s, 60s and 70s Mex Fender models. I have the 60s Mex Telecaster. A "Classic Vibe" model would be pretty much the same thing.
 

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