NBD - Another Cheap Jazz - Am I Crazy ??

[Axstar]

I sense I don't care at all.

You like it, you buy it. Don't clutter TB.

I am sick of these "Am I crazy?" posts - they are endless.

Grow some 'nads and buy what you like without approval from others.

Maybe you should as well - no one asked you.

I sense your personality is irreparably incompatible with a community-minded open discussion forum. I fear for your long-term longevity.

 

[tlite]

There are just so many amazingly playable affordable basses and guitars being made now. Despite the vibe of decades ago IMHO there's no shame in a Squier- play it with pride.

I had a Squier VM jazz that needed setup but was great. I have an LTD Baritone 401B electric guitar that I got from Amazon Warehouse for a three hundred bucks that I am amazed by. I regret not buying a Squier Jag Special bass that I played and LOVED at Guitar Center a few weeks ago. I've still got one in my sights, but haven't found one that feels quite as good as the one that I played (which has since sold).

The quality and affordability of basses and guitars now is astounding- great time to be a bassist! Enjoy your Squier JB!

 

[rydin4lifebass]

I am sick of these "Am I crazy?" posts - they are endless.

Grow some 'nads and buy what you like without approval from others.

Well, two of the three pics show this bass in my house, so I think my 'nads were in good shape when I bought it without asking permission first....

You are not crazy my friend. I had a chance to play one of those new Affinity Jazzes in silver and it felt and sounded great. Congrats on the sweet bass.

Thanks!...The new colors are a nice change and I think they all look great.

Help me out. I read and re-read the title and post, but I can't find the crazy part...

I showed my girlfriend this picture and she just smiled at me and was knew this is where I was headed..haha. Care to run down these basses? Are they all SX? What's the deal with the jazz pick ups, precision guard on that middle one?

No you're not crazy, you objectively judged the instrument entirely on it's feel and sound. Crazy is buying a flashy bass for two grand online without even trying it and then posting a thread begging for advice on an upgraded preamp because you're not satisfied with it's tone. THAT'S crazy.

Agreed. I know comparing Squier Affinity to VM Squire to MIM Fender isn't exactly a huge range of things, but they all have their place.

Not crazy at all, in fact, now that you have a few, and they are Jazz basses, you can start to experiment with different electronics and aftermarket products to customize and make them as different from each other as you want. Try some active electronics in one, or tune one to BEAD to get into a lower register for some songs, or string one up with piccolo strings and have some real fun! Your're just getting started on your way to a collection, enjoy the ride and don't pay any attention to the posters who try to belittle you. They're not worth the time. Have fun and keep posting about you're experiences!

Funny that you mention that. New strings for this one will be here tomorrow and it's going BEAD!

 

[dabbler]

I showed my girlfriend this picture and she just smiled at me and was knew this is where I was headed..haha. Care to run down these basses? Are they all SX? What's the deal with the jazz pick ups, precision guard on that middle one?

Yes, all SX, stock except for strap locks, string guides, white knobs for the maple necks, black knobs for the 4 string Ps, shielding, and a series/parallel mod on all except the 5 string P and the fretted 4 string P. I actually put a series/parallel mod on the fretless P and I love it! The ones with no inlays are fretless. The middle one on the back row was SX's version of a 5 string P, it has a P body. It is currently on my bench waiting for me to install a 5 string P pup in place of the J at the neck.

 

[Axstar]

Okay, this is my first negative post and if I get in trouble for it I'm ok with that. You are "Sick" of these posts yet you read them, then let everyone know your displeasure with it. I am sick of people like you who need the attention of others by announcing, "I don't like this, give me your attention, look at me, I matter". If you have nothing constructive to add then move along and don't read these posts.

+1. I've met people that claim that they are unpopular because they tell people what they "need to hear" rather than what they "want to hear". I'm guessing Lowness falls into this camp. Nothing indicates your apathy towards something better than logging in, wading into a discussion, hitting 'Add Reply', drafting up a little ball of negativity then hitting the 'Post Reply'.

 

[BassLover668]

Squiers Rocks!!!hahaha

 

[Bassquest]

I have Squier P's; (1) Korean, (2) Indonesian, (1) China. Now I got a MIM on the way for $200. Movin' up!

 

[ba55i5t]

To be honest there was a good 2-3 days when I considered getting rid of my T40 since I picked up my Affinity 5 string jazz. They make some quality instruments.

 

[JJR58]

Well, my hats off to those that are calling out Mr. Negativity.

I proudly, and shamelessly play my cheapo Squier, and for the price point, it kills.

 

[Tommyc]

Y

So I wandered into my local shop today just to buy a copy of Bass Player magazine and to look at the used basses. They only had two and they weren't of any interest, but something caught my eye. I saw it. I played it. I fell in love. I bought it. This is my second Squier Affinity Jazz bass. My first was purchased a year ago and was made in Indonesia. This one is made in China and just arrived in the store earlier this week. I also played a Squier VM 70's Jazz, but I just didn't like the feel of the neck and fretboard on that. I have a MIM Fender Jazz and I honestly like the tone, feel, and playability of these two Squier's better. Am I crazy? Granted that I've not played high end stuff, but in the past I've tried out Ric's, American Fenders, Trabens, MTDs, Ibanez, Peavey's, Deans, Corts, Music Man, and probably a bunch of other brands. I REALLY wanted to like the VM Jazz, and I hate to say that I like these two Affinity's more than my MIM Jazz, but I do. The necks are slim and easy to play and the tonal range is great and they're just the right weight for me. Does anyone else feel that way about these "cheap" basses? Without further rambling...here she is in Racer Red, although it's more of an orange/red/pink mix.
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You're going through what's popularly called these days "cognitive dissonance." You've found some "cheap" basses that please you more than those costing more and it doesn't make sense. If it must make sense while Asian workers aren't making 20 cents an hour any more they do make about 2-3 dollars an hour vs. the 16-45 that US assemblers of electric instruments make. Add to that the US maker making a budget instrument overseas will spec those instruments with pot metal bridges for example vs. the steel of the US example. I'll take G&L as a specific example because that's what I have. My US made LB 100 has a plekked fingerboard while my Indonesian made JB-2 does not. The JB has a pot metal bridge while the LB's is steel. The JB's pick ups, while the design is the same of Paul Gagon's, are not US made pick ups but probably made by Cort. The good news is both bridges are plenty strong for their intended use. The LB though it was 3 times the cost is hardly 3 times better. As an aside I'd like to see what the Indonesian workers could have done with what is available to the US workers i.e. the Plek machine etc. The Indonesian bass had everything tight, no shielding needed etc. at 1/3rd the price. The LB had a small quality control issue I settled with the retail seller for cash, the jack plate needed to be snugged down, and the bass could use a good shielding.
In a nut shell, for while it lasts this is probably a golden age for labor inspired discounted goods of all kinds. When those countries move out of a third world status the labor costs will rise. All I have to say is Japan. The Japanese products of the 60's and 70's were of the same status as Indonesian and Chinese made products of today. Now Japanese is like, say, German made. So enjoy your good fortune, while it lasts. I do!

 

[fhm555]

I've been flipping MIM J basses for a while now and have yet to run up on a bad one. IME a used MIM Fender bass is the best bang for the buck out there, but that's just one guy's opinion, from a guy who has never owned an Affinity.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

I've been flipping MIM J basses for a while now and have yet to run up on a bad one. IME a used MIM Fender bass is the best bang for the buck out there, but that's just one guys opinion.

I totally get what you're saying. I don't think they're bad basses and there certainly isn't anything wrong with them. It's just that the weight, feel, and neck are just perfect for me when I pick up a Squier Affinity. Even the VM Squier couldn't hold up to this Affinity. Certainly just personal preference an I'm definitely not knocking the VM or the Fender MIM, or any bass for that matter, just stating what seems to be "right" for me.

 

[Engle]

So I wandered into my local shop today just to buy a copy of Bass Player magazine and to look at the used basses. They only had two and they weren't of any interest, but something caught my eye. I saw it. I played it. I fell in love. I bought it. This is my second Squier Affinity Jazz bass. My first was purchased a year ago and was made in Indonesia. This one is made in China and just arrived in the store earlier this week. I also played a Squier VM 70's Jazz, but I just didn't like the feel of the neck and fretboard on that. I have a MIM Fender Jazz and I honestly like the tone, feel, and playability of these two Squier's better. Am I crazy? Granted that I've not played high end stuff, but in the past I've tried out Ric's, American Fenders, Trabens, MTDs, Ibanez, Peavey's, Deans, Corts, Music Man, and probably a bunch of other brands. I REALLY wanted to like the VM Jazz, and I hate to say that I like these two Affinity's more than my MIM Jazz, but I do. The necks are slim and easy to play and the tonal range is great and they're just the right weight for me. Does anyone else feel that way about these "cheap" basses? Without further rambling...here she is in Racer Red, although it's more of an orange/red/pink mix.
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[Engle]

I've done setups on a few Squier Affinity Jazz basses lately. I think they were a previous run - the metallic red colour. Not sure what kind of wood they are made of, but they both weigh 11lbs +
How heavy is yours?

 

[kulit17]

I sense your personality is irreparably incompatible with a community-minded open discussion forum. I fear for your long-term longevity.

yup that didn't take too long!! he just got the "B"

anyhu to go back on point...OP, good for you!!! in TB land duplicates aren't frowned upon but encouraged!!

case in point

Help me out. I read and re-read the title and post, but I can't find the crazy part...

 

[Joybass]

I like Squier, and Fender, and Yamaha basses. And probably a lot of other brands too. So, be annoyed by that!

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I sense your personality is irreparably incompatible with a community-minded open discussion forum. I fear for your long-term longevity.

No need to fear for it- his longevity is guaranteed....he's permanently on the banned list. Some kids just can't play nice.

Sorry about the OP- pissing on someone's NBD thread is about as rude as it gets.

 

[DistroHopper]

You're not crazy at all! I have a cheapo squier jazz bass that I got off craigslist. Looks awesome, and after sanding the neck, adjusting the action, and installing new pickups, the thing plays and sounds great; I use it as a backup bass and to practice on at home. I love cheap basses because I can mess with them (like sanding the neck) and not worry about it as much as I would say on my american p bass.

 

[fhm555]

I totally get what you're saying. I don't think they're bad basses and there certainly isn't anything wrong with them. It's just that the weight, feel, and neck are just perfect for me when I pick up a Squier Affinity. Even the VM Squier couldn't hold up to this Affinity. Certainly just personal preference an I'm definitely not knocking the VM or the Fender MIM, or any bass for that matter, just stating what seems to be "right" for me.

Sorry if i came across as preachy or judgemental. I'm a big fan of the early MIK Squiers and have never been someone to judge what others use, i've just really grown to trust the quality and consistency i've seen in the MIM basses i've been flipping. I've looked at some Affinity pieces and some were really nice but some were meh and a few were *** so they are still on my "try before you buy".

Truth be told, the reason i'm not buying Affinity basses is the incredible resale value they have. When you look at the average price of a used Affinity as a percentage of the new retail price, it is among the highest in terms of holding its original value.

A lot of folks will say bla bla bla price point bla bla bla build quality bla bla bla. And there is merit to their opinion, but i buy basses for one of two reasons, it's something i like enough to maybe keep which means i'm not worried about price or resale value, or i'm looking to flip it so how much meat is on the bone by the time it's ready to go up for sale. This is why i like the MIM Fenders, they are among the most under appreciated of Fenders offerings and have an aftermarket exceeded inly by standard P basses so they are C&E to mod and turn a little profit on.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

Sorry if i came across as preachy or judgemental. I'm a big fan of the early MIK Squiers and have never been someone to judge what others use, i've just really grown to trust the quality and consistency i've seen in the MIM basses i've been flipping. I've looked at some Affinity pieces and some were really nice but some were meh and a few were *** so they are still on my "try before you buy".

Truth be told, the reason i'm not buying Affinity basses is the incredible resale value they have. When you look at the average price of a used Affinity as a percentage of the new retail price, it is among the highest in terms of holding its original value.

A lot of folks will say bla bla bla price point bla bla bla build quality bla bla bla. And there is merit to their opinion, but i buy basses for one of two reasons, it's something i like enough to maybe keep which means i'm not worried about price or resale value, or i'm looking to flip it so how much meat is on the bone by the time it's ready to go up for sale. This is why i like the MIM Fenders, they are among the most under appreciated of Fenders offerings and have an aftermarket exceeded inly by standard P basses so they are C&E to mod and turn a little profit on.

Not preachy at all! There's something out there for everyone, and I totally understand the resale point of Affinity basses. With such a low price point, even if there was a good profit margin percentage, that really wouldn't equate to much I suppose.