NBD Squier VM Jazz

[shwabilly]

For the last decade I've strictly been happy with my Stingrays, with no desire to play anything else.

About six months ago that all changed, and I decided to pick up a MIM P-bass. I tried some American made P's, but I couldn't justify spending the extra cash, and I was very happy with my purchase.

Since I opened myself up to getting the P, I thought the only logical next step was for a Jazz. I had a Jazz years ago, and really liked it, but ended up selling it. This time, I went to my local L&M and tried every Jazz there. ( U.S., MIM, and Squier). I also tried out a PRS Kestrel, which I really liked.

My synopsis was, I liked the Squier VM Jazz a lot better than the MIM, and I likely wasn't going to pony up for an American.

I decided I wanted the VM, but I wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger. Fast forward a month, and I wander into the local pawnshop, and they have this pretty mint VM Jazz for $200. I ended up selling a couple of pedals I wasn't using, and brought home a sweet little Jazz.

Sounds great through my home rig, and I'm going to bring it to rehearsal tomorrow night.

Sorry about the long post, thanks for reading.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

They are probably the best value for money out there!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

My synopsis was, I liked the Squier VM Jazz a lot better than the MIM, and I likely wasn't going to pony up for an American.

You probably didn't try a Blacktop.

Both my Fenders are Mexican.

 

[shwabilly]

No, I didn't try a Blacktop. They didn't have any to try. I also was looking for more of a traditional Jazz. With that being said, had there been one there, I likely would have tried it, so you never know.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you see one, I would recommend trying it out.

 

[shwabilly]

I definitely would. Aesthetically though, I can't stand the dual P pups. I don't know why.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I wanted a Jazz with those double humbucking Jazz pickups, but for some reason they put the double Precision pickups on the Jazz, so I got the Precision with the double Jazz pups. It was the most aggressive sounding Passive bass I came across & I tried basses for months before deciding on it as my 2nd bass.

 

[shwabilly]

I would definitely like that, plus I prefer the width of a P neck.

 

[bobalu]

Can't beat the classic look there.

What made you change from the Stingray? (10 years is a long time!). Did you sell/trade your Ray(s)?

 

[shwabilly]

No, I still have my Rays, and they are still my main players. I just wanted to mix it up a bit, and try something different.

 

[The Chuck]

Gatta love the VMs- I picked one up brandy new a year ago for under 280 US. It is a sweet ride!

 

[Crazy_Jake]

Congrats on your VM Jazz - I picked up the same one as you - in white and really like playing it. I've upgraded the pickups to Dimarzio Ultra Jazz and now I really like the sound. Found the stock pickups did not cut through enough for me.

 

[And I]

Great bass! It was my first bass and it's still my only jazz bass.

 

[Wallace320]

Congrats on your VM Jazz - I picked up the same one as you - in white and really like playing it. I've upgraded the pickups to Dimarzio Ultra Jazz and now I really like the sound. Found the stock pickups did not cut through enough for me.

This
I did the same on my MIM std Jazz
They're the highest output Jazz pickups on the market.

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[tedious1]

Does it make us related if we have the same bass?

 

[shawshank72]

The neck on that bass is kiiler.

 

[Slpbass81]

For the price category the Squire VM is the best out there. I was actually in GC today trying out a V4B and I decided to use that bass in 4 and 5 string. It seems they have added a new gloss to the back of the neck which I would take 0000 steel wool to it but other than that it sounds great. I'm considering trying out a 5 string bass for a gig I have so I might pick up the 5 version of this and leave my American J bass 4 string at home.

 

[PunkKitty]

Awesome. Congrats!

 

[MovingPitchers]

Congrats on the Squier! The black block inlays are to die for!

 

[shwabilly]

Played it at rehearsal tonight. Sounded pretty good. My only complaint is it seems to have a lower output than my P, and my Stingrays. The suggestions about swapping the pickups to Dimarzio ultra Jazz may be a good idea.

Any body else have anymore recommendations for pickups?

All in all, I enjoy how it feels, plays, looks and sounds. Just could possibly use a bit more oomph. But I just might be used to my other basses.