• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass or G&L Placentia JB?

O

obvious1

Apr 23, 2022
89
123
#1
Hello guys, kind of a cart before the horse situation. I have a $300 budget and I want to get a jazz bass. I'm new to playing bass, with about 5 months under my belt, and I currently play with a SBMM Sub 4HH. I'm happy with my current bass, but I want to play reggae and I'm thinking a jazz bass will give me a more authentic reggae sound.

I'm going to confess that I purchased a G&L Placentia JB on impulse, because it dropped down to $300. After having it for a day, I have no complaints and will do a setup on it this weekend. Based on my budget what do you guys recommend? Should I keep the Placentia or should I return it and get a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass or something else? Can I get that muffled sound for reggae on my current SBMM Sub 4HH?

Thanks for reading, and any input offered.
 
#5
that placentia has dropped down to 300 many times on a regular basis and hasn't even been out long. that seems to be their tactic. from what i've read it's a 300 dollar instrument priced too high to try to lure people with sales. it's probably about equal to an affinity. if the one you have is good, i wouldn't risk exchanging it and playing the budget bass lottery.
 
#6
Haven’t tried a Placentia but my experience with G&L is they are usually a bit better than similarly priced Fender/Squier offerings.

If I were you, I’d get to know the Placentia up til nearing the end of the return window, then go out and try some Squier J basses. You’ll have more clarity that way. (PS don’t neglect CV Squier, may be worth a little extra $)
 
  • Like
Reactions: One Way
#7
To steimlem’s point, the Placentia is geared specifically to be a “deal of the day” type instrument. You feel like you got a good deal, but you really bought it at the target price point for that instrument.

Before I offer my opinion, I will say: if you like the G&L and are happy with it, then that’s what matters.

That said, I personally would take the Squier. I’m a big G&L fan, too, owning or having owned many US and Tribute models. And I also have an Affinity P. Why? I haven’t played the new Placentia series yet, but I’ve seen some less-than-positive reviews about the guitars (same “deal” principle). But the big thing is that the Affinity stuff is easily replaceable if there’s ever an issue. Neck goes wonky? I can find another one easy. Tuner breaks. Simple. Very standard and parts are superfluous. Can’t really say that for the G&L.

Just my $0.02.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dust2Dust
#9
I can't think of a better bass for reggae and that throbbing, deep-end heavy bump than anything with a Music Man pickup.

Also, at five months in, you don't know what you don't know, and buying multiple basses that early is, respectfully, a fool's errand. Those of us who've been at it most of our lives know the real sound . . . . is in your hands, head, and heart, regardless of the axe you have strapped on to a great degree.

Tone is you and your skills, the instrument, and the amp. Until you have some more time at it, changing axes a lot early on is only confusing. I'd suggest with a Music Man style bass and a Jazz style instrument, you have different choices . . . and for now, those two are enough.

Settle on one, and dig in.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: matante
#10
obvious1 said:
Hello guys, kind of a cart before the horse situation. I have a $300 budget and I want to get a jazz bass. I'm new to playing bass, with about 5 months under my belt, and I currently play with a SBMM Sub 4HH. I'm happy with my current bass, but I want to play reggae and I'm thinking a jazz bass will give me a more authentic reggae sound.

Can I get that muffled sound for reggae on my current SBMM Sub 4HH?

Thanks for reading, and any input offered.
Click to expand...

Return the Placentia and use you SBMM. Learn to use the EQ and tone knobs (as well as the ones on your amp and/or DAW). Practice playing that bass and get off of Talkbass. It's only going to brainwash you into thinking you need a new bass. That's a load of BS. Eventually, down the road you might actually need a new bass due to the band situation or recording situation you're in. But with the bass you have you can play 99% of music, no problem. Don't waste your time or money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: obvious1
#11
obvious1 said:
Hello guys, kind of a cart before the horse situation. I have a $300 budget and I want to get a jazz bass. I'm new to playing bass, with about 5 months under my belt, and I currently play with a SBMM Sub 4HH. I'm happy with my current bass, but I want to play reggae and I'm thinking a jazz bass will give me a more authentic reggae sound.

I'm going to confess that I purchased a G&L Placentia JB on impulse, because it dropped down to $300. After having it for a day, I have no complaints and will do a setup on it this weekend. Based on my budget what do you guys recommend? Should I keep the Placentia or should I return it and get a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass or something else? Can I get that muffled sound for reggae on my current SBMM Sub 4HH?

Thanks for reading, and any input offered.
Click to expand...
I would take the cheapest G&L over any Squier. G&L's import stuff is great.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ks68jazz
#17
Thank for all you guys input, it left me with many options to ponder. However, shortly after starting this thread I caught covid and it’s kicking my butt. I haven’t really touch the G&L. The only thing I have to note is it looks pretty and it’s solid. It does need to be setup, the concave in the neck is quite obvious and the bridge action is at maximum height. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be up to adjusting the truss rod, setting up the action, and post some pictures.
 
  • Like
Reactions: One Way

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back