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New Squier or old Mex Fender?

N

Nicks951

Guest
Nov 3, 2016
3
7
#1
Getting a new full scale bass for my daughter who is now starting to do a bit of gigging with her band. Currently using an Ibanez SR200 short scale bass. Seen a nice looking 20 year old Fender jazz deluxe active bass for around £450 with a hard case, but wondering if new Squiers might be just as good?
Otherwise I'm looking at a used Ibanez SR500, or new Ibanez SR305 (thought five strings might be nice).
I play guitar, so I know a fair bit, but now I'm digging into the bass scene I could do with a bit of advice from you players!
Cheers
Nick
 
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#5
If she is used to the ergonomics and string spacing of the SR200, get a higher number series SR. The necks are the most playable for smaller statured people or those with smaller hands. The SR500 is a pro-level bass available used for under $500, and unlike most brands, they get consistently and measurably better as you walk up the line. The Squier VM series is a great bass, but heavier and less versatile than the Ibanez SR IMO.
 
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#6
Nicks951 said:
Getting a new full scale bass for my daughter who is now starting to do a bit of gigging with her band. Currently using an Ibanez SR200 short scale bass. Seen a nice looking 20 year old Fender jazz deluxe active bass for around £450 with a hard case, but wondering if new Squiers might be just as good?
Otherwise I'm looking at a used Ibanez SR500, or new Ibanez SR305 (thought five strings might be nice).
I play guitar, so I know a fair bit, but now I'm digging into the bass scene I could do with a bit of advice from you players!
Cheers
Nick
Click to expand...
Fender active electronics are somewhat questionable. Sure, some owners will claim otherwise, but there are quite a number of posts here stating why.
New Squier CV Jazz basses...best they make. Great tone, comfortable to play and they definitely have the cool factor, especially these two.
Used could be good, could be a gamble, but for a young girl or boy new means it's theirs and theirs alone.
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#8
I'd be really surprised if she doesn't love the SR500, really well made, well balanced, good electronics. The only knock on them is the fragile finish, but it should hold up well enough if she takes care of it. You'd spend up into the $8-900 range new to get anything significantly better. If she decides she wants something more traditional later on, she can take another look at the Squier VM or CV series. Also superb basses for the money, and easily as good or better than Fender MIM.
 
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#10
Nicks951 said:
Thanks for all your advise. Have decided to get the used SR500 as I know she gets on with the Ibanez neck and the lightweight body. If she doesn't like it I can pop it back on EBay and take her shopping. I just got caught up with what great value it was at £350.
Thanks again !
Click to expand...

If she's familiar with operating active electronics and prefers the more-modern, flatter necks, the Squier Deluxe Active Jazz (IV or V) might fit the bill. Mind you, the fiver version can be flippin' huge and nowhere near as light as an Ibanez, which can be a concern if she is on the wee-side of the spectrum.

If she decides to pass on the Ibby and you're considering getting something used from the Fender/Squier family, here's an easy, go-to tip…in 2008, FMIC really kicked their quality control up a notch. Simultaneously, they started getting a bit more ambitious with their offerings. The Fender Blacktop and Modern Player series come to mind, as well as the much-lauded (and rightfully so!) Squier Classic Vibe line.

This is not to say everything that is pre-2008 is crap and everything post-2008 was perfect. Heaven's no, but a lot of us noticed a big boost to quality and consistency from that year on, so the odds of a decent-or-better find should increase. ;)
 
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#12
I agree with everyone about the Ibanez (it was my first serious bass) but I don't know about the Squier/Fender thing. I like P basses and I can tell you that my MIM Fender kicked my Squier CV's butt, just no contest. I can't speak about Jazzes, but I would sure check them out side by side before making a decision.

Just my .02
 
#13
I own an Ibanez SR series, a MIM Fender J and P and a fretless Squier VM J. My go-to is the Ibanez, but I really enjoy all of them for their differences. I don't own any active Fender/Squiers. I have in the past and they just didn't do it for me.

As some others have said, your best bet would be to let her see what she likes best. The SR500 is a really great bass, I'm just not a fan of the Mk1's they put in them. So I'd look at a passive Jazz of some sort, likely a Squier CV or VM.
 
#16
The Ibanez sr200 is a totally different feeling guitar than a Fender Jazz. Especially a short scale. You may need to put more thought on this one. Typically a Ibanez has a smaller body & a thinner neck. Jazz will not sound like the SR200 either. I believe I would stay with a Ibanez.
 

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