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Newbie Buying ~$400 Bass

#27
I can give a definite big +1 on the Squier VM's. I've heard way more horror stories about MIMS than Squiers. I can only repeat the common wisdom of trying before buying, but personally, I would consider a new Squier before a used MIM.
 
#28
C.Linton said:
I can give a definite big +1 on the Squier VM's. I've heard way more horror stories about MIMS than Squiers. I can only repeat the common wisdom of trying before buying, but personally, I would consider a new Squier before a used MIM.
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I think it depends on the bass. Hell, if he got a used Squier VM, he'd be doing well, also. Regardless of what OP buys, going used gives one more bang for the buck.

In any event, try before you buy.
 
#29
bassgod76 said:
I think it depends on the bass. Hell, if he got a used Squier VM, he'd be doing well, also. Regardless of what OP buys, going used gives one more bang for the buck.

In any event, try before you buy.
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I didn't mean to say you should ignore a used MIM, I don't have or have never played a MIM bass, but I do have a MIM Strat that I really like. I guess I just have a bias towards Squiers. I would consider buying a MIM bass, but I would want to play one first, unlike my Squiers which I ordered online sight unseen, which I got lucky with I suppose. I just have heard a lot of stories about bad QC on the MIMS as opposed to Squiers.
 
#30
I think right now, Squier CVs and VMs get a lot of love and deservingly so. However, I wonder if they get a little too much love because of how affordable they are. There are definitely MIMs out there which are great instruments, and I think enough of us are suckers for the decal that we want our Fenders to say Fender.

And there's nothing wrong with that.
 
#32
Seems like since the unarguable improvements and quality of the recent Chinese built Squiers, especially the Vintage Vibe series, MIM Fenders are viewed suspiciously. Personally I think the quality shift in MIM occurred around 2000, when Jazzes started having the larger (American) Standard size bridge pickup rout. The 50's classic P is a fantastic instrument IMO, even compared head to head with a 57RI.The American built turning point seems to be post 2008, with the high mass bridges, graphite rods. etc.,though many still prefer the old style low mass bridges. Nice MIM J and Ps are available used in the 400-500 range for sure.
 
#33
TN WOODMAN said:
Seems like since the unarguable improvements and quality of the recent Chinese built Squiers, especially the Vintage Vibe series, MIM Fenders are viewed suspiciously. Personally I think the quality shift in MIM occurred around 2000, when Jazzes started having the larger (American) Standard size bridge pickup rout. The 50's classic P is a fantastic instrument IMO, even compared head to head with a 57RI.The American built turning point seems to be post 2008, with the high mass bridges, graphite rods. etc.,though many still prefer the old style low mass bridges. Nice MIM J and Ps are available used in the 400-500 range for sure.
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Actually that's the Vintage Modified (made in Indonesia) and Classic Vibe series (made ?, I dunno).
 
#34
I wouldn't stay away from used based on your sole experience with a cheap bass; spend some time browsing the TB classifieds here, there are lots of great sellers (many are addicted to buying and selling basses) who will not steer you wrong. If you fell that you must go new, I would echo what many are saying about the Squiers, they are getting great reviews. Personally I've never bought a new bass -
 
#36
I was in the same position looking for a bass around $400. I looked at Craigslist, eBay, and the TB classifieds. I found some stuff on Craigslist, but not in my area, found stuff on eBay but it was all above my price range for what I wanted and shipping was a killer. I was looking for a P/J Fender and after a few weeks of constant looking I found that the TB classifieds were the place to be. Found this a few days ago for under $400 shipped, and while I am not into relic'd guitars, I basically found exaclty what I was looking for.

BcCHW2kKGrHqYOKjIEq5DBdyuBKyub5m-SQ.jpg


Still being shipped, so hopefully it's as good as the seller made it out to be. All in all, I think the TB classifieds are the best place to find a used Fender that will be close enough to what you are looking for. Now I just need to satisfy my amp GAS. The Genz Benz Shuttle 6 combo or the Jule Monique is killing me...
 
#38
I agree with the above poster. Talk bass has some of the best, most cost effective classifides around. It's like Ebay that people have feedback scores. Talk bass is a small place. One negative feedback gets around quickly.

I bought a neck on TB, and it fit the bill, nicely. In any event, 400 can get you a nice bass, if you look. Good luck!
 
#39
JiveMagillicudy said:
I was in the same position looking for a bass around $400. I looked at Craigslist, eBay, and the TB classifieds. I found some stuff on Craigslist, but not in my area, found stuff on eBay but it was all above my price range for what I wanted and shipping was a killer. I was looking for a P/J Fender and after a few weeks of constant looking I found that the TB classifieds were the place to be. Found this a few days ago for under $400 shipped, and while I am not into relic'd guitars, I basically found exaclty what I was looking for.

BcCHW2kKGrHqYOKjIEq5DBdyuBKyub5m-SQ.jpg


Still being shipped, so hopefully it's as good as the seller made it out to be. All in all, I think the TB classifieds are the best place to find a used Fender that will be close enough to what you are looking for. Now I just need to satisfy my amp GAS. The Genz Benz Shuttle 6 combo or the Jule Monique is killing me...
Click to expand...

Did you get your bass yet?
 

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