Yes there are reasons for but sometimes those reason don't always justify the cost, playability or sound.
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Professionals using a Squier
- Thread starter Wade10987
- Start date
Yes there are reasons for but sometimes those reason don't always justify the cost, playability or sound.
My early 80s Japanese Squier is a fantastic bass at any price! I've played it many times live and studio and always gotten compliments.
That being said, there's no way I'm taking a semi-vintage/collectible instrument like that to a gig. Playing live these days, it's SX all the way.
That being said, there's no way I'm taking a semi-vintage/collectible instrument like that to a gig. Playing live these days, it's SX all the way.
Because 95% of the time, a Rickenbacker will sound infinitely better to its user than a Squier.
But for the other 5% who think their Squier suits them better, more power to them.
The main reason is because they're made different. They use cheaper parts and are mass-produced whereas with Rickenbacker, for example, they only make a certain amount of 4003s a month. That, however, doesn't always equate to poor quality.
Just as a note, the "JV" era Squiers were very high quality Japanese built instruments. the current crop of Squiers are not Japanese made. They certainly aren't bad (I'm happy enough with mine after a neck swap), but they aren't made in Japan either.
Agreed. Why does Fender(this includes Squier and other brands as well) put MSRP 2x+ the cost you would actually pay at any store? Because they can. They know people will pay it.
To paraphrase Victor Wooten and many other great musicians, I'm sure: An instrument makes sounds; The music comes from the Musician.
BTW, to those who think you need a top of the line instrument to make good music, do you drive a Ferarri everywhere you go? It's, arguably, a top of the line car, so obviously it's the only thing you should drive.
Like I say my SQ squiers are at the same build, sound and playability of any Post CBS Fender this I know. The new CV Squiers can put a run on any other Fender for the most part and save you allot of money in the process. They might even take a few mods but it can be done.
I had a modded P/J 90's Squier that sounded and played fantastic only traded it for a Musicmaster. I know of some gigging musicians who use Squiers with Fender decals on the headstocks and nobody knows the diff.
I had a modded P/J 90's Squier that sounded and played fantastic only traded it for a Musicmaster. I know of some gigging musicians who use Squiers with Fender decals on the headstocks and nobody knows the diff.
I have a buddy who toured with My Chemical Romance. Franky (the guitar player) uses a entry level Epiphone that costs $299 at Guitar Center. The truth is, his touring models while they may look like the $299 version, they are much MUCH different. They use ALL the premium woods, pickups, tuners.
He also told that Pete Weintz's Squier p-bass that he plays live is actually a bass with premium Fender parts, but the Squier decal.
Makes sense. I don't think these guys are getting their signature models right off the assembly line.
He also told that Pete Weintz's Squier p-bass that he plays live is actually a bass with premium Fender parts, but the Squier decal.
Makes sense. I don't think these guys are getting their signature models right off the assembly line.
I was at a Bluesbreakers concert a few years back and John Mayall pulled out a Squire with a hacked body (horns cutoff). He used it on the only song that he played guitar too. Buddy Whitington was his guitarist at the time and Mayall didn't/doesn't compare to him, but seeing "Squire" on the headstock had me wondering.
Spend more time looking at the fingerboard and less time looking at the headstock.
KO
KO
My first bass was a fretless squier special p 5... earlier today the guitarist in my band mentioned that he though it sounded better than my 6k custom. Depending what I'm playing I occasionally have to agree. Of course it's not entirely stock, seeing as I've recarved the neck for a more comfy fit, but hey... Tone is great. Of course there are problems with cheap basses, the particular one with this one being that they used 4 strings pickups resulting in the pickups being too short... the low B therefore, cannot really be heard... So I'm gonna need new pickups for it one day... But damn am I afraid that it'll change THAT tone 
My next question is: price aside, what makes a Squire equal to or better than another bass?
Don't get me wrong, I know the answers to my questions, and I'm not putting down Squier. I just want to hear what ya'll say. For instance, my MIA Jazz has a graphite reinforced neck, rolled fingerboard edges, and very smooth fret ends, better tuners, better pots and pickups, for starters. Maybe the wood selection is better, but I don't know that for sure. In my opinion, these things make it a better bass. It also makes it cost more. But, I don't mind since I feel that these things DO make it better. I don't want to buy something else and do upgrades. Besides, that could come out to cost even more, overall. However, if one feels comfortable without these things, then that is their own way. And that's ok. Sure, a Chevy can go anywhere a Ferrari can, but when the differences mean something to a person, then that's what counts. Nothing wrong with paying out the yazoo if ya want to.
Hey, I'm not trying to go against the grain here, but just to point out the other side of the coin, that's all.
Don't get me wrong, I know the answers to my questions, and I'm not putting down Squier. I just want to hear what ya'll say. For instance, my MIA Jazz has a graphite reinforced neck, rolled fingerboard edges, and very smooth fret ends, better tuners, better pots and pickups, for starters. Maybe the wood selection is better, but I don't know that for sure. In my opinion, these things make it a better bass. It also makes it cost more. But, I don't mind since I feel that these things DO make it better. I don't want to buy something else and do upgrades. Besides, that could come out to cost even more, overall. However, if one feels comfortable without these things, then that is their own way. And that's ok. Sure, a Chevy can go anywhere a Ferrari can, but when the differences mean something to a person, then that's what counts. Nothing wrong with paying out the yazoo if ya want to.
Hey, I'm not trying to go against the grain here, but just to point out the other side of the coin, that's all.
One day, I will be that good, one day!
The difference between a MIM and a MIA Fender is that one is made by smelly, lazy guys who barely speak English and don't give a **** about the product, and the other one is made by Mexicans.
Brilliant!
hahaha
I've lost my amateur status, and my gigging bass is a Squier VM Jazz. It beats the piss out of my MIM Jazz, on build quality, punch and tone. It also has, to my eye, better wood. The neck grain is considerably tighter than the MIM. I have received numerous compliments on this bass, on both its appearance and its tone. It also "feels" better, for some reason. I don't give a rat's ass whether the big word on the headstock starts with an F or an S. I think perhaps too many people listen with their eyes instead of their ears.
mrbell321 said:
All due respect, I don't really feel cars equate to basses. I do love to play my ric at shows but no I wouldn't drive a Ferrari 24/7. I also have an Epi thunderbird that I have absolutely no qualms with or would even think of hiding the headstock. But I do have to say they're are noticeable differences in the quality of the make, not just sound, of the bass. Regarding fret dress. Comfort, overall vibe. Though they are two different basses regardless. And fender vs squier seems to be a closer relation. I know a few people who play squiers and they feel and sound absolutely fine. Not to be on a high horse at all or to shove my ric headstock in anyone's face. But I do absolutely love it. And that's why I bought it. That's why I play it
. Then again. I'm no pro so..All I know is that of the three fretless basses I've owned, a well-used '79 MM Sabre, a Modulus Jazz, and now the Squier 'Jaco Jr.', the Squier has the best tone and feel and is also by far the lightest, though that's not something I've ever really cared much about. It was a bit of an impulse buy but I sat and played it unplugged in the shop for about five minutes and knew it needed to come home with me. At $320 out the door with a gig bag and set of strings it's probably the best deal I've gotten on a quality instrument in 25+ years of playing. This is just one bass, though, and an identical bass likely might not have spoken to me the way this particular one did.
Anyone who has shopped for mass produced instruments, be they American made or not, has had that experience: You play five identical Fender Jazz basses or MM Stingrays but you eventually narrow it down to one that just feels right. This cuts across brand and price lines too.
Anyone who has shopped for mass produced instruments, be they American made or not, has had that experience: You play five identical Fender Jazz basses or MM Stingrays but you eventually narrow it down to one that just feels right. This cuts across brand and price lines too.
When I saw Days of the New, they were playing with the bassist from Train. He was playing some 5 string Squier Jazz and it sounded great.
Those are both fairly big bands. He was playing through a Markbass head and Ampeg 810, so I doubt it was a money thiing.
Those are both fairly big bands. He was playing through a Markbass head and Ampeg 810, so I doubt it was a money thiing.
I have a Squier CV P. It's a great bass. Simple as that. It's great.
Only mods have been a new jack, and a set of chromes.
It's great. Did I say that already?
I tried the Jazz of the same series when I bought it. Whoever was setting these basses up that particular day was on his/her 'A' game.
I have an Squier Affinity Strat. I bought it for something like $99 some years ago. Best playing Strat I've ever played (possibly with the exception of a friend's Tokai). I'm keeping it forever.
I have a Squier Telecaster. It's alright. Does what it says on the tin, but nothing special.
I have a completely custom $4,500, acoustic guitar. It's completely amazing.
I have no problem with spending money on instruments....
But there's something cool about getting a great guitar or bass for very little money. I don't care what it says on the headstock!
If it plays good, sounds good, feels good, it is good.
I've played many, many Fenders that didn't quite have the feel, fit, and sound of many Squiers. You have to dig through to find the gems for both marques.
I'm not going to say Squier>Fender, but I'll say that some of their instruments are at least equals.
Yes, I have as many guitars as basses...what of it?
Only mods have been a new jack, and a set of chromes.
It's great. Did I say that already?
I tried the Jazz of the same series when I bought it. Whoever was setting these basses up that particular day was on his/her 'A' game.
I have an Squier Affinity Strat. I bought it for something like $99 some years ago. Best playing Strat I've ever played (possibly with the exception of a friend's Tokai). I'm keeping it forever.
I have a Squier Telecaster. It's alright. Does what it says on the tin, but nothing special.
I have a completely custom $4,500, acoustic guitar. It's completely amazing.
I have no problem with spending money on instruments....
But there's something cool about getting a great guitar or bass for very little money. I don't care what it says on the headstock!
If it plays good, sounds good, feels good, it is good.
I've played many, many Fenders that didn't quite have the feel, fit, and sound of many Squiers. You have to dig through to find the gems for both marques.
I'm not going to say Squier>Fender, but I'll say that some of their instruments are at least equals.
Yes, I have as many guitars as basses...what of it?
I really like my Squier VM 77 Jazz for gigs. Why, well, I don't worry about scratches, dings, bumps, bass falling down, being stolen and so on. If any other bass player wants to play it at the gig, go ahead.
In addition I've tailored it to my liking inside out without the need to send it to an expensive guitar tech job and if i missed or did something wrong when fixing frets, oh well...
If being stolen, I order a new one for $299. Sorry, I'm not famous.
PS: Mostly for the resale value, most expensive bass guitars lose a lot of resale value if they look bad. And don't talk about the mid-range bass guitars, you take those out from the store and you automatically lose 50% of the resale value.
In addition I've tailored it to my liking inside out without the need to send it to an expensive guitar tech job and if i missed or did something wrong when fixing frets, oh well...
If being stolen, I order a new one for $299. Sorry, I'm not famous.
PS: Mostly for the resale value, most expensive bass guitars lose a lot of resale value if they look bad. And don't talk about the mid-range bass guitars, you take those out from the store and you automatically lose 50% of the resale value.
