NBD Squier Debut Series…

[FronTowardEnemy]

So I see this is the thread that is the source of the Debut. After reading through it and scouring the internet I decided to get one. I mean for $140 shipped and taxed, why not?

There is only one single reason I bought it and it is to store in a double gig bag and use it as an “out of town” back up to my AVRI’s and RW.

The one I received punches above its weight. It setup decent, but I’m still going to give it a string change and neck shim. The saddles are a bit too low for me. Other than that, everything checks out so far.

I do have some strap locks that I need to install, and a couple of pickups in my parts drawer that I can put in if I wanted to. But really I can just throw it in my gig bag and wait to use it if my main player quits on me. It’s pretty light too.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Is that an actual grainy Rosewood fretboard? Amazing at this price, I would have expected a resin/squeezed pulp material. Congrats on your bass.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Gigged the Debut with the MFDs twice this past weekend. REALLY REALLY good.

Hot high output, clear deep. Precision on steroids.

EB flats are just starting to settle in, clunk replacing clank.

The control with the linear volume pot was great. Lots more finesse on the output.
The tone control brought more to the table.
Wired up just like this.

The added resistor diminishes the resonant frequency bump at the end of the counter clockwise rotation.

 

[klejst]

Squier really has upped their game over the years, I'd say a lot of them could rival Fenders these days.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

So does anyone know of a Pickguard that will fit the Debut series that actually covers the gap at the output jack? Thanks.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

In my experience some Squiers have always been as good if not better than their equivalent Fenders. Of course that is a 2 way street but i have played a LOT of Squiers over the last 25 years and have yet to play a truly horrible one.

Squier really has upped their game over the years, I'd say a lot of them could rival Fenders these days.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Is that an actual grainy Rosewood fretboard? Amazing at this price, I would have expected a resin/squeezed pulp material. Congrats on your bass.

I got lucky I guess. Just a nice darker fretboard.

 

[Major Seven]

In my experience some Squiers have always been as good if not better than their equivalent Fenders. Of course that is a 2 way street but i have played a LOT of Squiers over the last 25 years and have yet to play a truly horrible one.

CV yes but the Affinity? I don't think so. Where does the debut fit in here? I'm tempted but I have yet to find a worthwhile Affinity.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Yes, the Affinity too! I had one of the first MIC PJ's myself, I had to go through a number of examples before settling on a good one though. That was back in 1999 or so. The last Affinity Jazz i tried was a couple of years ago, again, MIC. I couldn't believe how well it played, no sharp frets, decent set-up (even the nut height), and the controls actually worked as intended. So i think they have got better. I wasn't too jazzed about the MII basses during the 20 teens. It was something about the finishes and neck maple, looked like it was 2 weeks old and seemed too lightweight and frail. My 2 cents worth.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

So does anyone know of a Pickguard that will fit the Debut series that actually covers the gap at the output jack? Thanks.

The pickups are in larger routes allowing them to be relocated to match the “normal” location, so any pickguard for a Squier will work. A couple of screws by the controls don’t line up perfectly. Drill new pilot holes and you’re off to the races

 

[Major Seven]

Yes, the Affinity too! I had one of the first MIC PJ's myself, I had to go through a number of examples before settling on a good one though. That was back in 1999 or so. The last Affinity Jazz i tried was a couple of years ago, again, MIC. I couldn't believe how well it played, no sharp frets, decent set-up (even the nut height), and the controls actually worked as intended. So i think they have got better. I wasn't too jazzed about the MII basses during the 20 teens. It was something about the finishes and neck maple, looked like it was 2 weeks old and seemed too lightweight and frail. My 2 cents worth.

What I would like to know is the debut better than the affinity, less or the same?

 

[joeLowB]

So I see this is the thread that is the source of the Debut. After reading through it and scouring the internet I decided to get one. I mean for $140 shipped and taxed, why not?

There is only one single reason I bought it and it is to store in a double gig bag and use it as an “out of town” back up to my AVRI’s and RW.

The one I received punches above its weight. It setup decent, but I’m still going to give it a string change and neck shim. The saddles are a bit too low for me. Other than that, everything checks out so far.

I do have some strap locks that I need to install, and a couple of pickups in my parts drawer that I can put in if I wanted to. But really I can just throw it in my gig bag and wait to use it if my main player quits on me. It’s pretty light too.
View attachment 7065418

View attachment 7065419View attachment 7065420

Glad you like it! It's amazing at this price point.

Yes, get your preferred strings. Yes, set it up. And then you're set, especially as a backup.

I really like the J Neck on the P body. I play mine daily.

Enjoy!

 

[/\/\3phist0]

What I would like to know is the debut better than the affinity, less or the same?

Better? Equivalent for less coin. IMHO.
Both usable out of the box, both can be modded in the same way. To accommodate specific needs, desires.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Glad you like it! It's amazing at this price point.

Yes, get your preferred strings. Yes, set it up. And then you're set, especially as a backup.

I really like the J Neck on the P body. I play mine daily.

Enjoy!

Right on. Thanks.

I on the other hand, went from playing jazz bass 1.5” nut width to the wider precision 1.75”, 1.73”, and 1.70” nut widths back in 2017.

I knew going in it was a jazz spec nut width, but figured as a backup I was ok with it.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Haven't touched a Debut yet. Seems most everybody is impressed so far though. Will Fender have to eliminate the Affinity? Because of this "cannibalization" of product lines. See the history of the auto industry for insight, looking at you G.M.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

The pickups are in larger routes allowing them to be relocated to match the “normal” location, so any pickguard for a Squier will work. A couple of screws by the controls don’t line up perfectly. Drill new pilot holes and you’re off to the races

I went ahead and got this.

https://a.co/d/agcEYcy

I may have to break out the dremel to get it to fit properly, but that’s ok.

I also bought some new elixir strings, pots, output jack, and knobs.

I have on hand a set of Fender Custom Shop 62 pick ups I can throw in and I have a bunch of conductive backing copper tape to shield it as well.

I will post my mods when I get the parts installed.

 

[C Stone]

So does anyone know of a Pickguard that will fit the Debut series that actually covers the gap at the output jack? Thanks.

I fit a couple of different pick guards on it after dropping the pickups 1/4", I don't think there was a problem other than three of bottom PG screws needed a drill. Stoked for you, glad it's working out for ya. I Settled on an aged white (now cream) PG I think it was from an '05 Squier. Congrats on your bass it's a perfectly useable backup. Enjoy it.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

I fit a couple of different pick guards on it after dropping the pickups 1/4", I don't think there was a problem other than three of bottom PG screws needed a drill. Stoked for you, glad it's working out for ya. I Settled on an aged white (now cream) PG I think it was from an '05 Squier. Congrats on your bass it's a perfectly useable backup. Enjoy it.

Thank you!
I just got done practicing and as it sits right now, it is totally useable as is. Way better than any other typical budget bass I have ever played. And at this price too?

Incredible value here.

 

[Yahboy]

Squier really has upped their game over the years, I'd say a lot of them could rival Fenders these days.

Squier only up their game with Sonic and Debut series, Affinity not that much , and nothing improvement on their rebranding indo CV line.
The best Squier still belong to 2008-2018 CIC CV line.

 

[klejst]

Squier only up their game with Sonic and Debut series, Affinity not that much , and nothing improvement on their rebranding indo CV line.
The best Squier still belong to 2008-2018 CIC CV line.

View attachment 7066176

I was not so much pointing out the Affinity line as we know those are the lower tier, however yes, more so was praising their VM, CV and these lineups.