Indulge me for a second...Squier content

[Acoustic356]

I have an American P, a Mexican Deluxe PJ and a 70's modified Vintage Modified Squier.

I also have a series of custom shop basses... My Squier is in regular rotation and taken to my last 2 recording session.

Play and inspect...

 

[40Hz]

I just said i don't think less of someone as a bass player for playing a cheaper instrument. I just don't like hearing that I wasted money. Because it is annoying.

Understood.

My being a Gibson bass player and self-appointed advocate for their basses myself, I know how that can go.

In my case it's even worse since Gibson doesn't seem to give a rat's posterior half the time for their own product - or their bass playing customers.

So imagine how you might feel if you dropped that amount of money (plus a lot more) and were being snubbed by Fender itself - besides being mocked by half the bassists out there the minute you say "I play a Fender." Because that's what we Gibson bass players have been putting up with for decades now.

After a while you learn to smile politely - and mutter your favorite expletive regarding someone's sexual habits with close relatives under your breath - and then go on your merry way.

Eventually you learn to just laugh it off. Because in your heart of hearts, you know you're right.

Hang in there! It's just a web forum.

 

[40Hz]

Like the OP, I also own a Rick. I sometimes think about other basses but I would probably just end up playing my Rick anyway b/c they are the shiz.

That they are. If you want the Ric sound - get a Ric. Period. There's really no direct substitute for that particular mojo. It's an iconic bass.

 

[static0verdrive]

I'll throw in a @Gorn Captain quote (paraphrased) : "It's better to be better at bass than to have a better bass." I hope I got that right. It's so perfect someone has it as their signature.

 

[Okstatefan]

Having never owned a MIA Fender, I can't make that comparison. However, I have owned a few MIM, a current MIJ, and a couple of Squiers.

The first MIM Jazz was a 2001. It was not impressive in any way. The sound was decent, as was the fit and finish. I got it off the used shelf at GC, and it went back there within two weeks.

My next bass was a VM 70s Jazz. By all accounts, and excellent instrument that I would rank much higher than the before mentioned MIM in both aesthetics and sound. I just recently traded it off for the next bass I'll mention; but I might-have-should-have kept it around. There really wasn't anything I didn't like about it.

The MIJ is a Geddy Lee that I traded the above mentioned Squier for. The fit and finish are absolutely top-shelf. The tone is very good, but not substantially better than the VM 70s. It's a keeper, but I may consider upgraded PUPs in the future. Then again, I may not.

My newest MIM was bought off the used market for $400ish. It is probably my favorite bass to have ever played. It is a 2013 sea foam green PJ that I believe to be a Guitar Center exclusive. The only complaint I have about that bass is there is a bit of a ridge at the very top of the skunk stripe. The previous owner pointed it out, or I might have never noticed. It does not appear to be a structural problem in any way, just poor sanding and finish. However, I never notice it during play and have to feel carefully to find it.

There were a couple of other MIM and a Squier along the way. They were fine for what they were, but didn't stand out as either really good or really bad.

So If I were going into a music store for a NIB instrument and the VM 70 was $299, the CV 60s was $369, the MIJ Geddy Lee was $899, and the MIM PJ was $799; I would really have to consider the CV 60s. However, the used market changes the dynamics quite a bit. If I was considering a used VM 70s for $175, a CV 60s for $225, the MIM PJ for $400, and the Geddy Lee for $600; The Fender name starts to make more sense. Heck, I saw a 2007 MIM Jazz listed just the other day for $275, but I wasn't fast enough to snag it.

Either way, I wouldn't rule out an import Fender or an import Squier. Some are bad, some are good, and some a great.

 

[lfmn16]

I'll throw in a "It's better to be better at bass than to have a better bass." I hope I got that right. It's so perfect someone has it as their signature.

But it's even better to be better at bass AND to have a better bass. It's not mutually exclusive. ;)

 

[static0verdrive]

But it's even better to be better at bass AND to have a better bass. It's not mutually exclusive. ;)

Well sure. I don't disagree, but I still think short simple version is 100% true!

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

That they are. If you want the Ric sound - get a Ric. Period. There's really no direct substitute for that particular mojo. It's an iconic bass.

As is your Gibson G3!

 

[lfmn16]

Well sure. I don't disagree, but I still think short simple version is 100% true!

No one ever said it wasn't. It shows up on every inexpensive bass thread as if ability and the cost of your instrument are somehow mutually exclusive. "Victor could make a Squier sound good." Yea, but he plays a Fodera.

 

[40Hz]

As is your Gibson G3!

Ripper actually. But thanks anyway! (For the record however, I think the G3's voice is slightly more distinctive than the Ripper's.)

 

[Wolfenstein666]

1. Yes
2. Yes

Also, not just gentlemen to thank.

Yes, you are correct. Ladies and gentleman.

 

[DigitalMan]

Having never owned a MIA Fender, I can't make that comparison. However, I have owned a few MIM, a current MIJ, and a couple of Squiers.

The first MIM Jazz was a 2001. It was not impressive in any way. The sound was decent, as was the fit and finish. I got it off the used shelf at GC, and it went back there within two weeks.

My next bass was a VM 70s Jazz. By all accounts, and excellent instrument that I would rank much higher than the before mentioned MIM in both aesthetics and sound. I just recently traded it off for the next bass I'll mention; but I might-have-should-have kept it around. There really wasn't anything I didn't like about it.

The MIJ is a Geddy Lee that I traded the above mentioned Squier for. The fit and finish are absolutely top-shelf. The tone is very good, but not substantially better than the VM 70s. It's a keeper, but I may consider upgraded PUPs in the future. Then again, I may not.

My newest MIM was bought off the used market for $400ish. It is probably my favorite bass to have ever played. It is a 2013 sea foam green PJ that I believe to be a Guitar Center exclusive. The only complaint I have about that bass is there is a bit of a ridge at the very top of the skunk stripe. The previous owner pointed it out, or I might have never noticed. It does not appear to be a structural problem in any way, just poor sanding and finish. However, I never notice it during play and have to feel carefully to find it.

There were a couple of other MIM and a Squier along the way. They were fine for what they were, but didn't stand out as either really good or really bad.

So If I were going into a music store for a NIB instrument and the VM 70 was $299, the CV 60s was $369, the MIJ Geddy Lee was $899, and the MIM PJ was $799; I would really have to consider the CV 60s. However, the used market changes the dynamics quite a bit. If I was considering a used VM 70s for $175, a CV 60s for $225, the MIM PJ for $400, and the Geddy Lee for $600; The Fender name starts to make more sense. Heck, I saw a 2007 MIM Jazz listed just the other day for $275, but I wasn't fast enough to snag it.

Either way, I wouldn't rule out an import Fender or an import Squier. Some are bad, some are good, and some a great.

Just FWIW I'd keep the pickups on the CIJ Geddy stock. Sure, there are better sounding pickups available. But they aren't making the CIJ anymore and there's something nice about that bass being all original.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Ripper actually. But thanks anyway! (For the record however, I think the G3's voice is slightly more distinctive than the Ripper's.)

Ahh my bad. They are both great!

 

[1stnamebassist]

My cv 60's Pbass is very nice. I like it better than some fenders I have owned. Like it better with the EMG Geezer Butler pickup, but the stock was pretty nice. I'm a Ric/Pbass guy, but I would be fine with my Ric or the Squier on a gig. I would be less concerned about instrument damage with the Squier however!

 

[/\/\3phist0]

I just said i don't think less of someone as a bass player for playing a cheaper instrument. I just don't like hearing that I wasted money. Because it is annoying.

When I play out, the Squier is that I play while, the Warwick, Cort A5, Dan Armstrong, Carvin etc sits on the stand.
Lately it's been the VMP5 and my resurrected 80's Goya double p pickup bass.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Last summer I was involved with a New Country cover band, and bought a really sweet Squier VM Precision 5 here on TB. The project folded in two months, and I quit playing it and sold it. A few weeks ago, I decided that I really ought to have the same level of proficiency on the 5 as on a 4, and bought the same bass, for a bit less, not as nice as the one I got here, of course, but suitable for educational purposes. I've spent the last few days figuring out how to incorporate it into my current playlist. I know it will be a few months, at least, before I really get comfy with it. It ain't great, but it's good enough for rock'n'roll. And if I get serious about it, you'll know because I'll be putting some Lakland Skyline 4-bangers up for sale. Life is strange, Timmy.

 

[nonohmic]

Welp, tried to buy a Vintage White Matt Freeman just now on GC, Fender and Sam Ash.. all on back order till April. Then found 3 left on Amazon. Now there's 2 left.

I'm psyched!

Bday present to myself

 

[leesbrushes]

Here's my take on it.
I have a super rare cs p bass.
I love it dearly and play it when I want but.
I have an ibanez 300m that I love even more...
You know why.?
I will play the hell out of it and I don't care.
There is the beauty in it.
I practice and beat on it every day.

 

[Yahboy]

I am happy , proud and satisfied as Squier CV 60's P owner except the Hi-mass bridge.
Honestly, the USA Standard P is OVER PRICE tag by FMIC.
To me, buy a MIM Roadworn P is great choice over USA P.
If you have such money spend for USA Standard, there are some better quality bass guitar from Ibanez Premium series (Made In Indonesia).

Just my 2cents

 

[hsech]

It has to be Fender for me..... preferably a American Standard. I'm not a gear snob, but I've been playing for a lot of years and can tell quality when I see it, hold it and play it.