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new squier VM jazz or used MIM jazz?

I have both MIM's, one '97 and one '94. Can barely tell a difference, except the $100 more for the Fender. Squier is underrated by those who haven't played them. Actually, you won't be made fun of, the other bassists will be amazed by how much more cash you have in your pocket.
 
I ended up getting the Squier, mainly because I like the black "binding and blocks." The neck reminds me of my first bass, a Kent Jazz bass clone that I really thrashed back in 1981...

LOL! I got a VM for a similar reason. My first bass was a Magnum Jazz Bass copy, natural finish, maple neck with blocks and bindings. The Squier is just like the Magnum, except it doesn't suck!
 
I bought my original Squier P cause a fellow bass player was onstage cranking it through his SVT rig and it was pretty righteous sounding. I went up and said where did you get the Fender and when he turned around it was a Squier. He said it was $200 new, so I went and got one the next day. I have been saying that it rivals most Fenders for the last 13 years and I have endured lotsa ridicule. I just got my Fender really to see the difference and it's negligible. I love them both, but if you were playing blindfolded you would likely pick the S. It always comes down to your own hands too. Don't be fooled by the F, or dollar amount. Seen tons of players on a beater/workhorse that would just gut the elititist snobbery to bits.
 
Not sure what other people's experiences have been...but I just played a VM jazz last weekend and it played great! In the same breath I can say that I've played MIM jazz basses in the past that were pieces of crap...with that level of instrument you need to play the specific guitar to see how it feels/sounds...And really, do you care what people say about the name? That should be the least of your worries...
 
if you like jazz basses give sx Jazz a try I have one and also a Fender jazz mim it is very good bass for only $120 bucks very close to the Fender .Also check out peavey zodiac bxp I just picked one up it has P/J pickups and thin jazz neck all maple nice and nice fast it will play classic rock and will blast metal very good, I like it better then Fender and SX it retails for $379 I scored a clearance deal for $250 these are great alternatives to squier and Fender food for thought.
 
I have a Jazz "frankenbass" that has a VM jazz neck on it, and also have a MIM Jazz. The VMJ neck is much slimmer in my hands than the rosewood fretboard MIM neck. The fretwork on the VMJ was much better than the MIM. I've not played a VMJ to hear the Duncan pups, but the MIM, while sounding like a Jazz bass, is a bit mellower sounding with it's stock pups. The tuners on the VMJ neck seem to be better with less slippage than the MIM ones, but this is all just a personal opinion. If I was spending the money, I'd probably go with the VM. But as others have said, try some out to see what you like the best. I bought both of mine off ebay and had to trust thatd I would like them, and despite the above, I like them both very much. As for the name, dont fret over it (no pun intended). I've got a new neck on the MIM now and it doesn't even have a name on it and I'm gonna leave it that way!

BnB
 
I have a fender Jazz MIM 5 string in sunburst, i bought it on Ebay used for less than 300 i think, i think shipping was a alot but whatever, I love the way it sounds and i heard that squire's were pretty crappy, but it could be just because of the name. I personally say jazz but try to get a good deal.
 
"squire" basses may be crappy but "Squier" basses are not ;)

I am impressed with the fretwork on my VMJ. I wasn't crazy about the finish at first but I'm adjusting. The neck is very fast and comfortable. The Duncan Designed pickups are very pronounced in their tone. I'm very satisfied with this bass.
 

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