Newby with a question

[RickP47]

Hi All,
great forum, I am new here - first post - just taking up the Bass
and I am getting a Fender Squire Vintage Modified Jazz bass from my girlfriend ( I am 46 soon to be 47 by the way and a drummer so be gentle with me)
and I was wondering if ther are any opinions or thoughts regarding the bass I am going to be using.
I have attached the link from the Fender Squire website below :

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/index.php?partno=0326702521

Can anyone make ant recommendations regarding strings; amps; pickups etc . ? I am going to take lessons and I do read music ( I am a Classically trained percussionist and took drumset lesons for years and currently play in a couple of bands as a drummer now).

Thanks

 

[progrockbass]

There are a bunch of reviews of this bass at guitercenter.com seems the overwhelming opinion is that it is a great guitar. As for strings, amps etc. I would start by getting it set up by a shop or at least have them look at it to make sure it is set up properly. If the strings are new you shouldn't have to change them yet. As for amps it's all about where and how and what you plan to play. If it is just rehearsal with a couple of others in a room a small 50 or 100 watt combo should suffice, Fender, Line 6, Roland make good affordable ones. The Lowdown series by Line 6 is pretty decent and comes with 4 effects and some amp modeling which really allows you to try out different sounds and effects before you go and spend a bunch of dough. Shouldn't need to change pickups now wait until you decide that playing bass is something you are going to devout time too otherwise I'm sure the stock pups will suffice. Only suggestion I would make is to get some straplocks I put them on all my guitars and basses because there is nothing worse than having one come crashing down on you. Good luck and welcome to the world of bass... where the cool guys live...

 

[DeanT]

There are a bunch of threads on it here. Search and you'll find a ton of opinions.

In a nutshell, the general consensus seems to be that they are decent basses.

 

[EricF]

I have a thought....call it what it is, a Squier, not a Squire.

You've picked a decent instrument to start with. For someone just starting out, I'd pay more attention to playing skill rather than worrying about small equipment details. A good player can make a bad bass sound goo, and the best bass in the world will sound like crap i nthe hands of a crap player. Some time with a decent teacher will accelerate you learning curve dramatically.

As for amps, strings, pickups, etc., those things depend a lot on preference (which you will find with experience) and budget. If you're just looking for a practice amp to get started with, set yourself a budget and trot down to your local music retailer. Pick the one you like the sound of best within your budget (as long as it doesn't say Behringer on it - IMO).

Don't forget to have fun.

 

[M@ddest_H@tter!]

I own the same bass with a natural finish. ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING BASS!!!!!! You picked a great starter bass. I string mine with either Dean Markley Blue steels, or Ernie Ball Slinky's and both IMHO make the bass sound great. The stock pick-ups are awesome! But like EricF said, amps and strings and all are personal preference. I currently have a Line6 LD150 combo and its ok. It can get loud when I want, but Im about to upgrade to my first cab. Get something cheap for your first amp since you'll be practicing alot. Congratulations on taking up the low end!

 

[adronchase361]

The Squier VM Jazz Bass is an awesome choice. As for an amp, combo amps are great stuff to check out, like Gallien-Krueger, Ashdown, and others. Do you have a specific budget for the amp?

 

[Bassbasixx]

Great bass, I own one and like the looks, and the tone of the stock pups, just get a good set up. Also I would recommend a nice strap "this bass feels heavy to me" and straplocks are another worthy investment. I love the sound of the pups but also recommend keeping both volume controls equal otherwise you will get unwanted noise or hum.

 

[vinxbass]

I have the Squier FVM Fretless, I know it's not the exact bass as yours but I love it. I've been playing bass for over 30+ yrs. and have never owned a fretless bass before. Also, I just bought last month an '08' MIA Fender Jazz and love it too. It wouldn't be fair to compare the two, but I can tell you this, that the duncan designed pup's don't quite have the output of the 08' MIA, though turning my amp up solves that problem. As far as sound goes it holds it's own, it's a totally gigable bass, plus it got very favorable reviews from Bass Player Mag. I'm really enjoying both basses.