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Second Bass ~$300?

RyanJD

RyanJD

Apr 19, 2011
1,828
1,232
Iowa
#1
Well I've come to the point now where I would like to have a second bass. I own an ESP 5 string, but now I'd like a 4 string J style bass.
I don't have a whole lot of money on me, so Squier is appealing to me currently.
Within the Squier brand I think my decision is split between the Deluxe Jazz Bass IV and the Classic Vibe 60's. Maybe the VM? I don't really know.
The active pickups on the Deluxe are appealing too, but they are all relatively close in price, so I don't know what to think.
Anyone have experience with any of these, or like one better than the other? Maybe a different suggestion altogether?

Please let me know, thanks!
 
#2
I really luv my VM Jazz. Looks, sound, playability, it's all there. Plus, as a bass meant to be reminiscent of a '70's Jazz bass, it's about $1500 cheaper than a Fender '75 RI. Here's mine with all the requisite bling:
Jcovers.jpg
 
#3
Squier is typically great, top notch quality, but I would also suggest SX. They are pretty well made considering how cheap they are. Here is the website for them: Rondo Music Home Page. The thing with SX is that you can buy the bass for so cheap you can have leftover money to buy upgrades to perfectly suit the bass to your liking. Also, go to your local pawn shop and try out every bass. You might find a golden goose among all those nasty pigeons.
 
#4
I just bought a Black Fender Jazz on CL for $100.

It had a banana-shaped neck, a loose tuning key and the rosewood board was all sklonchy.

I straightened the neck (it took 1 full turn!)

I tightened the tuning keys.
I cleaned the rosewood with alcohol and a clean towel-scrubbing, then gave it a good dose of Lemon Pledge.

I steel-wooled the frets (mirror bright)

I replaced the white pickguard with a black one.

I added a Chrome neck pickup cover and now I've got a beauty for a total under $150.

a Black & Chrome Beauty!

Put some Balanced Circle K roundwounds on it and it's a beaut!

:hyper::bassist::hiding:
 
#5
C.Linton said:
I really luv my VM Jazz. Looks, sound, playability, it's all there. Plus, as a bass meant to be reminiscent of a '70's Jazz bass, it's about $1500 cheaper than a Fender '75 RI. Here's mine with all the requisite bling:
Jcovers.jpg
Click to expand...

Game. Set. Match. I've got one and I'm ashamed to say it compares very favorably to my '72 J. The stock PUPs are even beefier/fuller sounding than my '72. There's nothing better out there at this price point, IMO. Maybe a used Peavey Foundation. But the Squires look cooler.
 
#6
Add my vote to the VM over the Deluxe Jazz. The only couple of times that I tried the active versions of these basses, the preamp just doesnt do anything for me. Too bland IMHO.

I'd definitely stay with the passive VM and seeing what C.Linton's looks like with the covers and thumbrest attached, I cant think of a better budget-priced Jazz to add to your ESP.
 
#7
Thanks for the prompt responses guys!
I think I'll take that VM suggestion.
Just one more question though:
Should I give the fretless VM a go?
I've heard wonderful things about the tones of fretless basses, but never experienced them myself.
 
#8
kjpollo said:
Add my vote to the VM over the Deluxe Jazz. The only couple of times that I tried the active versions of these basses, the preamp just doesnt do anything for me. Too bland IMHO.

I'd definitely stay with the passive VM and seeing what C.Linton's looks like with the covers and thumbrest attached, I cant think of a better budget-priced Jazz to add to your ESP.
Click to expand...

Don't forget the proper black Jazz type knobs!
 
#10
C.Linton said:
I really luv my VM Jazz. Looks, sound, playability, it's all there. Plus, as a bass meant to be reminiscent of a '70's Jazz bass, it's about $1500 cheaper than a Fender '75 RI. Here's mine with all the requisite bling:
Jcovers.jpg
Click to expand...

+1. That bass is so delightful to play for its price range.

The fretless is great as well, but it's something you need to know you want.
 
#11
RyanJD said:
Thanks for the prompt responses guys!
I think I'll take that VM suggestion.
Just one more question though:
Should I give the fretless VM a go?
I've heard wonderful things about the tones of fretless basses, but never experienced them myself.
Click to expand...

I highly reccomend the VM Fretless, I've been looking to buy one for months now, they're great basses (though are often in dire need of adjustment in stores) and in my opinion, look even cooler than the fretted VM J.
 
#14
I think very highly of SX basses (although I can't possibly bring myself to like the new pointy headstocks), but after playing a Squier CV P-Bass I was so impressed I now have to have one. I haven't played the CV Jazz, but suspect it's just as nice.

The thing about CV - they have Tonerider pickups (unofficially, I can't prove it, but sure sounds like it). Normally I'm a pickup replacement junkie, but I wouldn't touch the CV pickup.
 
#18
Well I'm gonna head out to get my paycheck and check out some pawn shops.
If nothing catches my eye, I think I'll use that handy $30 off GC cupon for a nice VM Jazz bass! :D
Thanks for all the help guys.
 

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