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Indulge me for a second...Squier content

Wolfenstein666

Wolfenstein666

Dec 19, 2014
2,326
4,794
#1
I am loosely considering picking up Squier J bass. I know they've stepped their game up immensely in the past few years, but I have some concerns.

Do they stack up to an actual Fender J bass? From what I'm hearing and reading they do, but some actual input from an owner would be fantastic.

Am I 'cheaping out' by getting a squier opposed to a Fender?

Thanks again gentlemen
 
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#4
Here's mine.
ab0a2w.jpg

Best Squier made. The only problem is that whenever another bassist picks it up he doesn't want to put it down.
Fender is crazy for selling them for $379.
 
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#6
I play my Squier J more than my Am Std Fender J. I wouldn't say it's "as good" but it's my preference. It really isn't fair to compare a sub $400 Squier to a $1400 Fender, but folks around these parts seem to do it all the time. Go play a few Squier J basses and see what you think. If you like them and find a good one, then great! Who cares whether or not it's as good as it's MIA stablemate?
 
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#7
BassDaddy77 said:
I play my Squier J more than my Am Std Fender J. I wouldn't say it's "as good" but it's my preference. It really isn't fair to compare a sub $400 Squier to a $1400 Fender, but folks around these parts seem to do it all the time. Go play a few Squier J basses and see what you think. If you like them and find a good one, then great! Who cares whether or not it's as good as it's MIA stablemate?
Click to expand...

I'm not really trying to draw a comparison between the two because I know you really can't. I was just curious as to Squier's build quality and sound.

As far as having the MIA stamp on, I really couldn't care less. I already have a Ric, so that's my expensive bass. I like the Jazz sound and I want one, I was just thinking out loud as to whether or a not a Squier could effectively fill that roll.
 
#9
Wolfenstein666 said:
I'm not really trying to draw a comparison between the two because I know you really can't. I was just curious as to Squier's build quality and sound.

As far as having the MIA stamp on, I really couldn't care less. I already have a Ric, so that's my expensive bass. I like the Jazz sound and I want one, I was just thinking out loud as to whether or a not a Squier could effectively fill that roll.
Click to expand...

Well, of the "modern era" Squiers (Chinese and Indonesian made), I have a 70s VM J, a 50s CV P, and a VM Jag SS. All three of mine seem to be solid in terms of build quality, tone, and especially playability. I know there are others that have had different experiences. We'll see if they stand the test of time for durability and reliability. But for me its been so far, so good
 
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#11
Wolfenstein666 said:
I am loosely considering picking up Squier J bass. I know they've stepped their game up immensely in the past few years, but I have some concerns.

Do they stack up to an actual Fender J bass? From what I'm hearing and reading they do, but some actual input from an owner would be fantastic.

Am I 'cheaping out' by getting a squier opposed to a Fender?

Thanks again gentlemen
Click to expand...

You will not be disappointed.
 
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#15
Gougedeye said:
Squier's are fine budget basses. I have one and its fun to noodle around on or take to a jam, where it will pass through many people's hands, both known and unknown. But, I find the MIAs quite a bit nicer.
Click to expand...

This is what I was looking for. thank you! That's probably what would end up happening with mine. It's a nice way to scratch that Jazz itch without dropping a G.
 
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#16
I've had a few Squiers, one of every level, Affinity, Vintage Modified, and Classic Vibe.
I wouldn't consider an Affinity. They are okay basses, but they are the bottom of the line.
I had a VM J V that I liked. My wife liked its sound better than my MIA J, but I don't necessarily agree with her. I traded that for a CV P that I really like. I would put it up there with the MIM Ps.
But, in the end, it is up to you. Your taste in basses may not be as sophisticated as mine. :smug:
 
#18
You could look for used. Picked up a fretless mim J for $400 with a hard case, strap, and a stand. If you want new nothing wrong with a squire. Our BL plays a squire strat that he added a pair of Duncan's to. (Its ugly too, stripped the paint off and stained the wood in all its glorious imperfections) He prefers that over his MIA les Paul, MIA strat, and a trio of high dollar Jacksons. Its all about what feels right to you.
 
#19
To qualify, my j is a fender. I meant if you are really worried about the logo, you could find a used fender for not much more than a new squire. To me, I would have still got the J, but not paid so much, if it was a squire.
 
#20
I have 2 Squiers, a VMP5 and VMJ5. I stopped using a Cirrus 5 Tiger Eye and an EBMM StingRay 5 when I got the P5. Are they the best basses I've ever played? Not really. Do they play and sound better than their price suggests, I think they do, very much. I'm fairly content right now, which hasn't happened in a while.
 
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