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Old Squire bass VS new one, better or worse?

R

Rocks

Mar 9, 2009
581
7
Willoughby, Ohio
www.facebook.com
#1
Are the old Squier Jazz basses (about 15 years old) better or worse than the new ones made in the last few years? I have a chance to get a 15 year old Squier Jazz at a good price but was curious as to the build quality 15 years ago. I don't want to make the drive (about 45 minutes each way) if the older ones aren't as good.
 
#5
I believe the general consensus is that the 90's "squiers" were not really good. You will probably be better off with a new one. The classic vibe and vintage modified are good from what I hear. My Deluxe active Jazz 5 is great. Even the affinity squiers get good comments nowadays.
 
#9
Well I have not owned one myself, but from what I heard they have poor build quality and quality control. The components are cheaper (tuners, pickups) i believe. But you never know you might find a gem amongst the lemons. I'm sure there had to have been some decent ones coming out of the factory.

Quality control standards have improved in recent years with their new basses.
 
#10
Lync said:
Hit or miss, but they definitely felt and looked cheap. No comparison to the CV series IMO.
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Man I love my CV jazz and I played a cv p the other night that I loved. I would take it to play anywhere and never be shamed. I wish the body were alder or ash so as to to ding too badly but the feel and the sound are really good. Best value for the money. And who wants to play out with a 1200 bass to have beer, snot, blood, and boogers thrown on it.:bassist:
 
#16
Roadstar said:
... And who wants to play out with a 1200 bass to have beer, snot, blood, and boogers thrown on it.:bassist:
Click to expand...

snot and boogers thrown on it? What 8th grade dance are you playing?:D

Can't comment on the older Squiers, but I'll agree that the new ones are great. The VMs and CVs are obviously cool, but you can even find a diamond among the Affinities if you look carefully. Squier is doing good work these days.
 
#18
I'd say according to the number of posts either way that you'd have to make the trip to find out. Personally, from what I remember, the old ones ranged from unremarkable to terrible. Also personally, if I were you, I'd just buy a new one instead of driving 45 minutes just to check a used one out. That is one of the virtues of the Squier series. They're cheap. With a new one there is the possibility to be able to choose between at least a couple that you try, depending on the store. Also you have a warranty, and finally, from what I hear, Squier has learned a lot. You benefit from that as well.
 
#19
I haven't owned an older Squier, but I currently have a Vintage Mod. P Bass from the last 10 or so years (forget the actual year). It is really good, well built. Tracked the serial down through the Squier site when I got the bass, tracked it's "birth" back to the Cort factory. Anybody who knows the Cort of the last decade, knows they build some fine instruments!

Also, do a Squier search here on TB, and you will see loads of praise for newer Squiers across the board. I'd say go with a newer version. Unless you can find yourself a Squier Pro-Tone V - very nice basses. 5-string...

Good luck!!
 
#20
Well, he is only asking $100 for the used one and I can't afford a VM right now. If the neck is straight and the fretwork is at least decent I can fix it from there, I have fret files. I'll most likely check it out to see what kind of shape its in and if it is workable. If worst comes to worst I can always part it on on the bay and make my money back.
 

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