Peavey or Squier?

[PfB]

I would appreciate some guidance or opinions on my dilemma. I have two Peavey four-string basses: one a "Grind" model in natural wood finish - looks nice, perhaps a bit basic. The other is a "Sarzo" signature, active bass. Had a couple of knocks but still very good to play. Curious feature is that it has a switch to change from active to non-active. So anyway, I now have the opportunity to get a used Squier Jazz at a reasonable price. I am tempted but I wouldn't be able to keep all three. One of them would have to go. Which two out of these three would you guys choose to keep?

 

[dalkowski]

Honestly I'd keep both Peaveys and fade on the Squier. What about the Squier is turning you on? And what model is the Squier?

(If you're hell-bent on the Squier, I'd say keep the Sarzo.)

 

[abarson]

My guess is that you could get the sound of the Grind on your Sarzo in passive mode, so the Grind might be redundant. Both Peaveys are 35" scale, while the Jazz is 34".
The Jazz should be a big tonal change-up to what you're used to. If that's your motivation, then I'd say let the Grind go and get the Jazz. Otherwise, I don't know what the Jazz brings to the table that you don't already have.

 

[Thundar]

Dear Lord...keep the Sarzo! You can buy a Squier Jazz used for cheap....I personally wouldnt give up the Grind for a Squier Jazz either...and I own a nice Squier Jazz bass...LOL! But if youre dying for a jazz bass, then I'd say give up the Grind. Feel free to send me the Sarzo, and I will send you 2 Squier basses...damn, you're in England

 

[Shawn Luckman]

Honestly I think I'd keep both Peaveys and fade on the Squier. What about the Squier is turning you on? And what model is the Squier?

(If you're hell-bent on the Squier, I'd keep the Sarzo.)

Unless the Squier was a VM series or CV then, I agree with dallkowski all the way but keep the Sarzo .

 

[PfB]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. To answer Dalkowski's question, the thing that really tempted me more than anything I guess was the magic name "Fender" on the stock.

 

[GretschWretch]

But Squier basses have SQUIER on the headstock, with the Fender being in much smaller font. The "magic" in the Fender name comes from the historical legacy, hype, and boomer nostalgia. None of these things accrue (yet) to a Squier. I don't have your Peaveys, but I have Foundations and Milestone IIs, and those basses will hold their own with any Fender I have encountered.

 

[PfB]

Yes, it does have Squier" in much larger script than "Fender" which you could easily miss if you didn't look carefully. So is there really no Fender connection? I always thought Fender was the "gold standard" which is why it caught my eye.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I would appreciate some guidance or opinions on my dilemma. I have two Peavey four-string basses: one a "Grind" model in natural wood finish - looks nice, perhaps a bit basic. The other is a "Sarzo" signature, active bass. Had a couple of knocks but still very good to play. Curious feature is that it has a switch to change from active to non-active. So anyway, I now have the opportunity to get a used Squier Jazz at a reasonable price. I am tempted but I wouldn't be able to keep all three. One of them would have to go. Which two out of these three would you guys choose to keep?

Peavey

 

[The Deep]

Both Peaveys are 35" scale,

Sarzo is 34” scale.

 

[Dean N]

Sarzo, all day long.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

pre-owned Squier Jazz should cost no more than $115 USD, if it's more than that, pass!
(add $25 if it has a hard case)

IMHO, both Peavey are better than the Squier, especially the Sarzo

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Keep the Sarzo and get the Squier if it is a Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified or JV Squier from the 80’s.

 

[39-Bassist]

Yes, it does have Squier" in much larger script than "Fender" which you could easily miss if you didn't look carefully. So is there really no Fender connection? I always thought Fender was the "gold standard" which is why it caught my eye.

Do you have a pic? Seeing as you have both brands on the headstock, NOT all of them did
Because that description sounds like one of the early 80's basses....is it made in japan? IF SO BUY IT! goodbye Grind.
At least that's what I would do.
If not, then if you're happy with what you have keep them.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Yes, it does have Squier" in much larger script than "Fender" which you could easily miss if you didn't look carefully. So is there really no Fender connection? I always thought Fender was the "gold standard" which is why it caught my eye.

Yes of course there is a connection. Squier is Fender's budget/entry level brand. But Squiers can differ a lot in quality, both within the same series due to poor QC and between different series/years. You really need to specify EXACTLY which series+year+country of manufacture if you want good advice on this.

Short simplified version:

The Chinese Squier Classic Vibe series from around 10 years ago (not to be confused with the less impressive current Indonesian Classic Vibe series) were amazing and easily as good as most Fenders. The same goes for some older Japanese Squiers, excellent instruments!

The discontinued Vintage Modified series were decent too, if a little inconsistent. Trying before buying is recommended.

The rest is mostly pretty average stuff. You can find good ones but they're usually not great. Squier Affinity is the lowest of the lowest. They can still be decent instruments but some are awful and even the good ones aren't something I would personally trade for those Peaveys.

But it's really more complicated than this. Some Squiers are easily as good as expensive MIA Fenders, some are rubbish and in most cases you really can't tell without actually playing the instrument.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Do you have a pic?
Because that description sounds like one of the early 80's basses....is it made in japan? IF SO BUY IT! goodbye Grind.
At least that's what I would do.

Agreed, if it's early 80s Japanese Squier you may have found a real gem. I would still recommend trying before buying but Squier+Japan usually means a great instrument.

 

[ruju]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. To answer Dalkowski's question, the thing that really tempted me more than anything I guess was the magic name "Fender" on the stock.

There's no "magic" to Fender or Squier basses. Ive bought and sold many Squiers and a few Fenders. Most were pretty decent, especially my Fender mexican players series P bass..
I've since moved on to what I really want to play despite the name on the headstock. I couldn't be happier.

 

[And I]

Yes, it does have Squier" in much larger script than "Fender" which you could easily miss if you didn't look carefully. So is there really no Fender connection? I always thought Fender was the "gold standard" which is why it caught my eye.

Based on reputation, not quality. don't get me wrong, they do make some great quality instruments but that is not why they are the gold standard...

Squier is made by Fender, using less expensive parts and cheaper labor.

 

[bassliner50]

Squier Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified both Jazz and Precision are very nice once set up properly. Play and sound excellent. I can recommend both. Replacement or upgrade parts can be found everywhere. These models are proven and easily sold if needed.

 

[Madhouse27]

You could sell the Sarzo and get a whole bunch of Squiers...but I wouldn’t.