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Precision: Road Worn VS Squier JV

ale29

ale29

May 25, 2008
497
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35
Italy
#1
I'm in the process of selling my current bass, if everything goes right my next bass will be a Precision (i'm 95% sure of that, at the moment :p )
I'm looking for a vintage-ish sound, it will be strung with TI flats.
Maple board (for cosmetic reasons, save for some particular color combinations) and a good fretwork, working Truss rod etc is a priority.
I've narrowed down to 2 basses, both around the same price: a Road Worn P, Fiesta Red (my fav colour). It's an ex-demo from a shop, can't try it before tho.
There are also some Squier JVs around locally, I can try 2 of them, one of which has maple board and is quite an early one (JV 2xxxx, made in nov '82). Problem is, it's quite "road worn" too, from what I can see. I need to ask if frets and neck are in perfect conditions. Here some pictures:
35mjp82.jpg

dxers3.jpg

33ygg2t.jpg

34y1fkm.jpg

11m5her.jpg

nlei9z.jpg


There's another JV around, seems to be in better cosmetic conditions, can't try it before though, serial JV 3xxxx

Anybody tried both a JV and a road worn? What would you choose, generally speaking? Would you take THAT particular JV?
 
#4
Sounds like a win/win.
I've never tried the JVs, but if the SQs are an indication, the early MIJ stuff is very well made.
I'm a RoadWorn fan though. They have such a light, resonant quality which results in TONE.
(I do have to say though, I personally didn't like the way my RW P felt/sounded with flats as much as other P-Basses. It just felt too dead - not sure why.)
 
#5
Certainly not a better bass in my experience...but a safer choice. The MIJ Squiers are very cool, ultra mojo if they have been well-maintained. If not, you will have to put money into them. Personally I do not think the roadworn (made in mexico) Fenders are worth $1000, but they do play nice if you get the right one and are worth $500-$600 if you can get them used or on special.

Both are good basses. Good luck!!

Pet Sounds said:
Without question, the Road Worn is the better bass.
Click to expand...
 
#6
Oops. I'm stupid. I missed the boat here. Didn't read carefully enough as to the details of the Squire. Upon further reflection, I'd say the quality is going to be pretty close between the two. I'd probably still favor the RW. I understand your reluctance to buy sight unseen, but they're great basses. The biggest question in my mind is whether you'd like the somewhat chunky neck.
 
#8
I've had a Mayones, a Precision, 2 Warwicks (baseball-bat necks, btw), some custom basses.
They all had different necks, I didn't care for it at all, it's very unlikely that I will drop a bass because the neck is too chunky/thin.
BUT i'd be curious to try vintage style frets, as in RW basses
 
#9
ale29 said:
it's very unlikely that I will drop a bass because the neck is too chunky/thin.
Click to expand...

It's less of an issue of chunky or thin...the RW is based on the late 50s nut width, so the nut/fretboard is wider than the average P and therefore so is the string spacing.
But like The Bass Whisperer said, "In my opinion, big neck equals big tone."
 
#13
It sounds like you have a chance to check-out the JV personally...if it checks out I would go that route if the price is right. I have played both and IMO they are both good, but the JV's can be magic. I also like the fact that it's a 30 year old instrument, not that it effects tone, but it's got true mojo and more of an "up-side" in terms of value going forward.

The extra holes should reduce the value of the JV a bit unfortunately, but if you can live with it and the seller is realistic in terms of price based on that condition issue it could be a win for you.
 
#14
Yeah i can try it, it's quite a trip tho.
I'll see if I can make him lower the price a bit. I don't mind cosmetic issues, I'm okay with holes if the bass plays GOOD and sounds GOOD. Also, since it's becoming a collectible, I hope I'd not lose any value in case I decided to resell it
You can see that the vol pot is damaged too.
Still I've heard many great things about RWs...
 
#15
I have a RW Precision.......and a RW Jazz with a RW Precision neck.
They both set up nicely, no issues.
The P has a BIG round woody tone. I have it strung with rounds, and it has the best slap tone I've ever heard out of a P.
I think the vintage frets make for less clackity clackity too.
 
#16
the RW!! i have a RW jazz and its an awesome instrument, hands done. i tried out both the Squier VM and CV today and i would personally take the RW over either Squier......and i really cant see how the precision would be any different. the squiers were nice enough dont get me wrong....i was gassin for one big time, just dont see it getting played much vs. my RW, MIA pbass or MIA jazz, just sayin
 

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