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Squier Classic Vibe 2019

Yes, it looks nicer and you can tell it’s higher quality wood. It’s no secret that the Squiers use cheaper woods and materials.

I had a Squier Affinity Precision from 2006 and everything was awesome. Even it sounded better than MIM to me. Not all Squier are bad. And in this exact topic we are talking about the Classic Vibe series. It's meant to be their highest quality one
 
Still looking to get my hands on a 2019 CV to go over. I’m sure the hardware and electronics will be different than the MIC previous CV’s. However, I have several of both MIC CV’s and MII signature models and VM’s. The fit and finish on both are very good and rival instruments costing 2-4 times more.

RumbleMan3, get the CV IMHO you won’t be disappointed. I believe the CV’s and VM’s are both superb examples of the original models they emulate. I’d go as far to say the quality, hardware, fit and finish, and materials are better than the vintage Fenders they are made to replicate. I base this opinion on my current collection (list below) and vintage models I’ve owned in the past.

View attachment 3370053

Wow! I can see you got a little experience there!
 
The question I have is what does 'higher quality' mean? What are you actually judging about the wood? If your main interest is that it look better, that's fine, but saying that one wood is 'high quality' and another is 'low quality' doesn't mean much if you're not being specific about what is actually better or worse about the wood.

Here are some things that, to me, are more important than looks, but which you're not likely to gain much insight by visually inspecting the wood:
- resistance to warping
- resistance to movement due to temperature & humidity change
- ability to hold a screw well (particularly in the end grain, where strap buttons are placed)
- density (ie weight) - though this is easy to tell by picking it up.

None of these things are obvious just because one wood looks better than another.

Now, it's a certainly a given that Squier use wood that can be sourced for a particular (inexpensive) price point, but that doesn't mean that the wood is not fit for its purpose.

VERY well put sir! Couldn't have said it better myself!
This is what I was trying to ask before... where exactly will the differences in construction actually matter?
 
VERY well put sir! Couldn't have said it better myself!
This is what I was trying to ask before... where exactly will the differences in construction actually matter?

There are lots of differences that matter. Squiers use lesser quality materials, that’s why they are cheaper. In most cases, they don’t sound, look or play as good as Fender models, and they certainly don’t last as long, but many don’t care as they are more affordable. All depends on how much these things matter to you. Here is more info.

Fender vs. Squier: The Differences That Matter
 
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There are lots of differences that matter. Squiers use lesser quality materials, that’s why they are cheaper. In most cases, they don’t sound, look or play as good as Fender models, and they certainly don’t last as long, but many don’t care as they are more affordable. All depends on how much these things matter to you. Here is more info.

Fender vs. Squier: The Differences That Matter

I'm pretty assured that my 2011 Classic Vibe will still be playable... until the oceans just kill all of us :')
 
There are lots of differences that matter. Squiers use lesser quality materials, that’s why they are cheaper. In most cases, they don’t sound, look or play as good as Fender models, and they certainly don’t last as long, but many don’t care as they are more affordable. All depends on how much these things matter to you. Here is more info.

Fender vs. Squier: The Differences That Matter

You forget to mention the country labour cost different .

USA vs Mexican vs china vs Indonesia.

And......

Fender USA and mexi bass build under FMIC factory. Meanwhile, Squier are OEM production by china and Indonesia instrument factory.

Both issue cause the price different too.
 
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There are lots of differences that matter. Squiers use lesser quality materials, that’s why they are cheaper. In most cases, they don’t sound, look or play as good as Fender models, and they certainly don’t last as long, but many don’t care as they are more affordable. All depends on how much these things matter to you. Here is more info.

Fender vs. Squier: The Differences That Matter

I’m going to have to disagree with you here, sir.

I have a Squier JV ‘57 Precision Bass that that was manufactured in July 1982. I purchased it new in March 1983 from Otto Dresler Music in Aschaffenburg, Germany when I was stationed there on my first tour.

The oldest Squiers are only three months older than my JV. The only thing that is not stock on my JV is the strings. It’s lasted 37 years, so far. And it still looks brand new. And it sounds even better.

YMMV.
 
Been you guys see and play this Squier before ?

Jpn Squier VM 02.jpg
 
Which one is it?
VMs have block inlays and black pickguards, Affinities don't have maple fretboards and don't look quite that nice, and I forget what the new Squiers look like.

2015 Japan version VM jazz.
Made in Indonesia.
Only available in Japan, include white and black CV60P , plus Fiesta Red CV60J.

I been try order the Fiesta Red CV60J via Rakuten, but the shipping cost and import tax just make me hold the trigger.

Japan CV 60Jazz.jpg
 
A few more of better quality than earlier.
View attachment 3364985
Thanks for that first pic, bunker. That put to rest my question about the supposed "'70s-style pickup spacing". It looks like they indeed have it, which is awesome news. Up until now, one would have to get a Classic '70s, Geddy-sig or American-made reissue to get a full and complete bass with that feature.

I'm guessing the VM 70's J is made in the same factory?
This was my thought the moment I saw the resurrected Classic Vibes were being produced in Squier's Indonesian factory. So far, aside from the aforementioned structural changes, it seems to be the case. For example, you brought up the differences between the "vintage tint" of the VM's and older CV's. The CV's definitely had a stronger, almost orange-infused tint, while the VM's are more of a straight-up yellowish hue.

Here's a VM-necked parts-bass I photographed on a bright, sunny day…
iX88AvF.jpg


…and here are pics of a CV-necked parts-bass taken on a somewhat cloudy day. A notable difference, I would say.
YPoqxmb.jpg


Which being better or worse, I couldn't say, so I have to default to personal preference.

While I'm tempted to start calling these "Classic Vibes-In-Name-Only", there do seem to be enough differences between bodies and color options for the revamped series to stand up on it's own. Ultimately, only time will truly tell, ja?
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As I said before: 2019 Squier CV70's jazz bass - $600AUD 2018 MIM Fender Geddy Lee jazz bass - $1600AUD
Would I rather a Fender? Of course! Who wouldn't? Would I rather get something just as good, or at least not far off, for a much more realistic price point... HECK yeah!!!

I wish the circumstances were different, but it's as simple as that.
Just my two-cents worth; If you happen to find an achingly great deal on a used MIM Geddy, sure…why not grab it? However, with a price differential of $1000AUD, not to mention any applicable sales taxes, a new CV '70s does sound like a tempting proposition.

If it were me and my money to spend, as opposed to anyone else who's finances aren't affected in the least by my own purchasing decision (re: your call, not theirs), I'd try to find a CV '70s that feels good-or-better in my own, two hands. Beyond that, everything else is open for modification. And we're talking mods that probably won't total up to such a ferocious price tag. Some Gotoh tuners & bridge (not a specific recommendation, just grabbing a well-known name out of the air), aftermarket strings, pickups and electronics…all that together will still net you a Jazz that feels good/great in your hands and sound as sweet as can be.

Once you have a hunk of wood, paint and a little bit o' metal that fit well together, what you have is a platform to expand upon in any direction you'd like to take it. For everything else, the sky is the limit! ;)
 
Anyone already play the Bass VI? How's it compares to the VM one? Been looking for VM Bass VI but it's a rare bird here. The only option is order it from Singapore. Even there, the VM isn't easy to find. That's why I ask. How's the VM vs 2019 Bass VI compared?
 
So we all know the new CV's are not as good as the previous CV's. That was kind of expected I guess. Different factory, cheaper prices. But my question is (I guess this is probably what matters more) are they at least better than the VM's? In sound? In build quality?

and @mbell75 , you keep saying that the Fenders are better quality, which I'm sure they are, no doubt! BUT... you are still not telling us why this really matters. @Fun Size Nick said it perfectly when he said just because they might not be as good, doesn't mean they aren't good for their intended purpose.

I mean, sure I could understand why a nicer paint finish or a smoother feeling wood or whatever would make a difference, probably not an important or practical difference, but it would matter if you are after a super top shelf instrument. But unless there are any differences that will hinder my playing or something, then I think your argument on "nicer" is not very relevant.

If you could at least inform me why the higher quality build of Fender vs Squier will actually make a practical difference to me, (whether it's sound, feel, durability, gigging whatever) that would be great! If you have already, sorry I must have missed it, please fill me in!

Thanks
 
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