Need a cheap Jazz Bass.

[B-Mac]

Need some help here to choose between 2 similar priced Jazz Bass models.
I've been taking my American Original 60's to my gigs, but after almost dropping in on its head after getting bumped by a drunk guy, I'd like to get a cheaper bass to take to certain gigs.
I've narrowed my choices to these two that share some features and are at the same price range.
I'm more inclined to the Sire because it has alder body and that beautiful roasted maple neck, but I've tried one and it sounded darker compared to my Jazz Bass.
What's your experience with each of these basses? Which one do you prefer and why?
Thank you!

I'm not a 'Squier guy', but from being a member here on TB, one can't ignore all the praise for a VM or a CV. There is/was a lot of warnings to stay away from the Affinity series.

Go to a local shop and try out a used one.

It should be at a price point that won't hurt as much if a drunk knocks it over and breaks it.

These will be less than your two choices and less than suggestions made above and still meet your needs

 

[J Posega]

I've been taking my American Original 60's to my gigs, but after almost dropping in on its head after getting bumped by a drunk guy,

OP, how did this happen, exactly? Do you not use straplocks or was it on a stand? Maybe reconsider that aspect of your gear before throwing a bunch of money at a bass that may not live up to your expectations.

 

[steimlem]

i don't like 70s spacing of the sire, but i also think the squier is overpriced. i'd get a classic vibe or paranormal instead

 

[Wicked G]

In owning two of the Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Jazz Basses and both Fender Player Plus Tops I have to say that they are all beautiful basses with great quality.

Neither have any negatives IMHO. In comparison the Fenders are lighter by a little bit while the Squier's have nicer necks, more volume and more growl. Pictures or it never happened.

 

[MisfitsOne]

do something like this or you'll be keeping your new awesome JB at home too

I have one of these and I warn you that they are quite heavy. Dunno if they changed the wood since I got mine (start of pandemic), but it's a really have bass, but at least no neck dive I guess.

 

[Pilgrim]

Either the Squier, or find a used MIM Jazz and solve your problem that way. Buying new automatically costs you more than buying used.

 

[Nunovsky]

Thank you all for your great responses.
Those Player Plus look awesome but unfortunately on this side of the pound you don't get deals like those. The Player Plus models at Thomann range around 1000 euros and you don't get those nice flamed tops.
To answer a question above, I almost dropped my bass because I was picking it up from the stand after a break and this drunk guy bumped into me at that moment. We played in an outside esplanade and I stay closer to the outside bar. There's no stage or any physical separation between the band and the clients.
I went to a local store and they had a squier cv 60 in daphne blue that looked and sounded great. I'm thinking of going with that one because I really liked the tone and fell of the bass. It's light and confortable. And it's cheaper than the other two options. I'll probably return there tomorrow to pick up the bass.
Thank you all once again for your sugestions.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I went to a local store and they had a squier cv 60 in daphne blue that looked and sounded great. I'm thinking of going with that one because I really liked the tone and fell of the bass. It's light and confortable. And it's cheaper than the other two options.

That sounds like a very sensible choice. It sounds like it hits all the right marks; feel, sound, price and, I'm assuming, looks. Grab it while you can!

 

[DJ Bebop]

Thank you all for your great responses.
Those Player Plus look awesome but unfortunately on this side of the pound you don't get deals like those. The Player Plus models at Thomann range around 1000 euros and you don't get those nice flamed tops.
To answer a question above, I almost dropped my bass because I was picking it up from the stand after a break and this drunk guy bumped into me at that moment. We played in an outside esplanade and I stay closer to the outside bar. There's no stage or any physical separation between the band and the clients.
I went to a local store and they had a squier cv 60 in daphne blue that looked and sounded great. I'm thinking of going with that one because I really liked the tone and fell of the bass. It's light and confortable. And it's cheaper than the other two options. I'll probably return there tomorrow to pick up the bass.
Thank you all once again for your sugestions.

"a squier cv 60 in daphne blue that looked and sounded great."

Those things are great, imho and fine place to start if you still want to mod or a fine place to stay as it's great as is

 

[alack]

This one is only available direct from Fender. If only I needed another J bass.

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