Squier Classic Vibe 2019

[wizard65]

Maple neck. I slightly prefer maple. The sound difference of maple is not big enough to go specifically for maple, although I like how it has a nice edge for slap style. i think it's more the looks, and the feel of it. Feels more vintage to me, for some reason.

Also I love the block and binding, just makes me love it more. Looks more vintage to me.
I have a thing for the skunk stripe on that back of the neck too. It's weird, but it's super cool!

And the 70s spacing is really cool. I love the growl it gives the Geddy, compared to some other basses its very unique but not in a harsh way. Although it's not a necessity, i think it's a cool feature. I like how the new classic vibes have got that too, it's about time. It's not a 70's jazz bass otherwise!

I'm suprised how the Squier has a real bone nut, and the Geddy's is only synthetic? But this doesn't even matter at all though, that's the thing! That's why it's only the nut that is superior in build quality and not anything else, I guess!

I like how the Squier has the narrow tall frets, that's a nice feature, but although I can't tell the difference much when I'm playing it however...

(Yes I tried a sunburst CV70's jazz bass 2 days ago, and I liked it! The tones were pretty good, but not that special. Was trying on a small GK combo though... I gotta try it on a Rumble!
Overall, the first thing I noticed was it was a little heavier, but not an issue to me at all, it wasn't much. It felt all solid and well put together. I DIDN'T have enough time to try it out properly with more tones and check it out, I had to rush out. Played for about 3-5 minutes, but I liked it. Didn't have enough time to inspect for any QC "niggles", but there were no really obvious ones that stood out to me. The bridge pickup was the favourite for me, that I tried out the most, with the tone rolled off and about half way, sounded really nice which I was happy about. It sounded like it should, like a jazz bass, which I guess is a good thing.)

I still want some more time to check it out, and maybe compare with the Geddy, when the Geddy get restocked, and hopefully no CV's get snatched up before then.

I'm just after a nice passive jazz bass with a sweet vintage style.
The CV60's also really looks great, that would be my 2nd preferance to a CV70.

Sounds like the Geddy Is the bass for you.
If you’ve got a reasonable credit rating you can rent/buy.

 

[RumbleMan3]

Has anyone been able to compare the VM with the new CV yet?

 

[Malak the Mad]

Has anyone been able to compare the VM with the new CV yet?

Not yet. They're still listed as "Preorder" in my neck of the woods. It looks like I won't get to try them out for another couple of weeks, more for certain models. I'm looking forward to it though, since my local Guitar Center often has a VM '70s Jazz hanging on the wall, so I should be able to do a side-by-side comparison.

As to which you should get, this…

It sounded like it should, like a jazz bass, which I guess is a good thing! So it ticked a few of boxes for me: Felt nice, sounded good (but I have to play around a bit more) Definatley have to have a real play and inspection before I commit to buying first.

…plus this…

I'm just after a nice passive jazz bass with a sweet vintage style.

…tell me a well put together Squier '70s Jazz would be just fine for you. I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it, "FEEL" should be your primary concern. "LOOKS" are important because that can be a great motivator to keep picking it up. "SOUND" is the important end-result, but of the three, it is the aspect that is easiest to change. A new set of pickups and electronics combined with the right set of strings can bring almost any bass around to the sound and feel you need. As long as the bass is a solidly built platform, everything else is either mod-able or window dressing.

The only thing that concerns me is that fact that Squier is a "beginner's" bass (so people say), and that it is not built to last. I will be using my next jazz bass (whichever it ends up being) for the odd gig (and the car rides involved) jamming in mates living room, recording and practicing at home. And I expect it to be a good bass that will last me years and years to come. Sure, maybe the odd modification my be needed in the future, if necessary, but I would like to not have the need to do that as much as possible.

So what if it's perceived as a "beginner's bass"?! Are your mates gonna judge your playing skills by your weapon of choice? Is it gonna prevent you from showing up on time, delivering a good sound and hitting all the right notes while jammin'? If so, then it's not the bass that's interfering…it's just you!

If a CV '70s will keep you playing for a good, long time, that's great. And who knows? Maybe, in the long span of time, you'll find a super-awesome deal on a Geddy-sig that'll be too good to pass up AND within your range of affordability. Then you'll have a primary bass and a solid, reliable, time-tested backup bass.

But that's just my thoughts on the matter. It's your money and your sitch. I'm just some bloody Yank halfway across the World.

 

[RumbleMan3]

Also are there any VM owners out there who use a VM as there main working bass, and have done so for a while?
How do you find it, is it versatile enough for your needs, is it high maintenance or is it a solid performer? Have you had any issues in the past, made any needed (or not needed!) modifications?

Is it worth to jump in and grab a CV and rock it or wait a while for a Geddy, which might not be worth the extra $1000?
I would understand if the price difference wasn't so high, but tonally, when I tried the CV the other day, from memory, it sounded like the Geddy had a bit more character (now that's not necissarily better! Just personal taste and what ur after) but it didn't sound $1000 better. Maybe a bit more refined, a bit more tonal character and presence, which is good, but it simply is not a $1000 difference though... anything extra can be dialled in EQ on the Squier. i can also pick up a hi mass bridge for like 100 bucks and screw it on to my squier myself.
As far as feel, they both felt as solid as each other.
Hardware, seemed alright, work like they should. Will they last? Well that's more something only time will really tell. And volume output differences, I just haven't played this bass enough yet. (I did NOT like the stock strings though, too zingy and clanky, but I will put new strings on anyway so that's not an issue)

Now this is all just from memory, but I will try and play them back to back at Bass Center soon and just compare, see which is best for me. For Squier's sake, (and mostly, my wallet's sake!) I really hope the CV gives that Geddy a run for it's money, which I'm sure it will!

(I do slightly prefer the look of the CV aswell. Only thing I would change is maybe a hi-mass bridge. Maybe also if it said Fender instead of Squier, but who cares... it still rocks a 70s logo, and it still says jazz bass! And at least it's got Fender on the back of the headstock anyway!)

 

[RumbleMan3]

So what if it's perceived as a "beginner's bass"?! Are your mates gonna judge your playing skills by your weapon of choice? Is it gonna prevent you from showing up on time, delivering a good sound and hitting all the right notes while jammin'? If so, then it's not the bass that's interfering…it's just you!

It's not so much the stigma of Squier being referred to as more of a "beginner's" bass, but rather the product itself. Will it's durability and reliability match up to instruments "tailored" more for "professional use". Is there really a difference at all, well, i don't know!

But I do agree with everything you are saying... rock on, man!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Will it's durability and reliability match up to instruments "tailored" more for "professional use". Is there really a difference at all, well, i don't know!

"Tailored" is a very subjective term, susceptible to the vagaries of "personal ergonomics". There are scores of instruments that professionals use that would be incredibly uncomfortable for me to play. That's a big reason I keep going back to Fender/Squier instruments. Most of their ergonomics work for me and within that sphere some more than others. (e.g.: While not the end-all/be-all for everyone, I've found the neck profile for Aerodynes to be my personal favorite, so a few of my parts-basses are rockin' one. ) But try to set me up with a high-priced Ibanez or Rickenbacker and it's a full-stop "NOPE!". All the minute refinements in the world won't magically change how their baseline profiles works in my own two hands, which is "not very well".

Plus, on a personal level, I get a small bit of perverse glee when I let some brand-snob try out one of my creations that happens to be rockin' a Squier neck. In fact, I got to do it a couple months ago. He was all like, "Didn't you have to file the fret edges down?! " and I was like, "Nope, that's exactly how I it came to me! ". After a few seconds of watching the gears turn in his head (there may have been a little smoke comin' out the ears…I won't say one way or the other), I threw out my "Dude, a good piece of wood is still a good piece of wood, no matter what sticker it's rockin'. If it sucked, I wouldn't be wasting my time with it. " line.

T'was no small amount of fun to rattle his "brand/country-of-origin-based paradigm" cage. Sadly, I only get to see him at one show per year, but over time, I might be able to open his eyes to wider possibilities.

 

[Breaker]

Do you have a b

Also are there any VM owners out there who use a VM as there main working bass, and have done so for a while?
How do you find it, is it versatile enough for your needs, is it high maintenance or is it a solid performer? Have you had any issues in the past, made any needed (or not needed!) modifications?

Is it worth to jump in and grab a CV and rock it or wait a while for a Geddy, which might not be worth the extra $1000?
I would understand if the price difference wasn't so high, but tonally, when I tried the CV the other day, from memory, it sounded like the Geddy had a bit more character (now that's not necissarily better! Just personal taste and what ur after) but it didn't sound $1000 better...

If your Cort is doing the job, then wait for a used MIJ or MIM Geddy to come along. That is clearly the bass you want. A secondhand purchase will put it within your budget. If the CV doesn't have the character you want, then don't buy it. The CV is a good bass—and not just at its price point—but if it doesn't have the character you want, it's not the bass for you.

You could pick it up and start swapping out parts until you get the sound/feel you want, but then you'd be moving into the price range of a better secondhand bass.

 

[RumbleMan3]

Do you have a b


If your Cort is doing the job, then wait for a used MIJ or MIM Geddy to come along. That is clearly the bass you want. A secondhand purchase will put it within your budget. If the CV doesn't have the character you want, then don't buy it. The CV is a good bass—and not just at its price point—but if it doesn't have the character you want, it's not the bass for you.

You could pick it up and start swapping out parts until you get the sound/feel you want, but then you'd be moving into the price range of a better secondhand bass.

No, I'm not happy with the cort at all. It was good for a while, but It's time to move on from it I think. feels good, super super light, fast satin smooth neck, super thin profile, but the sound quality has a lot to be desired. For what it does put out, it's a VERY versatile bass, but it could be so much better, even for it's price. Does not compare to new model cort artisans. Sounds boomy, lacking clear middle range, and slapping is terrible - clanky and missing that edge. It always feels lacking in a certain area I can't get it to sound how I need. Gets buzzing CONSTANTLY i'm guessing somewhere 'round the nut and tuners and stuff. With a setup, some new strings I can make it improve, but even just playing a couple of chinese squier affinities, I can already tell a jazz bass is more what I need. It's got that single coil growl and clarity I just can't get from these "MightyMite" soapbars. Plus modding a passive Squier jazz bass would be a lot easier than modding one of these older active pickup Cort Artisans.

It's a shame because it's stunning looking instrument, it really is! And very comfortable, easy to play, transport, but I feel very limited with it still, and I can already see how a squier affinity is superior to it, despite a price difference of about $400+ AUD. The jazz is also comfortable, easy to use and dial in tones, no undisirable tones u can get from a jazz bass! It's a real classic and I wish I had waited and got a Squier jazz earlier instead of the cort. And no joke, the chinese affinities i've played (i've played 2) have BOTH sounded like a nice growly jazz bass, you couldn't tell between a mim fender! Even feels super solid, u wouldn't think it costs $300 bucks! I would definatley gig with it, and use in my band, that's how great it is.

And I'm expecting an indonesian classic vibe to be better (at LEAST just as good) than a chinese affinity. Maybe I can get a Squier CV now, and later on when I have the money get a Geddy, (if I still want) like what @Malak the Mad said. I like that idea.

 

[Yahboy]

I suggest you get the current VM 77 jazz, Baddass bridge , string that Geddy lee use and this....

Invalid Link Removed

Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 Review

 

[MickyMutton]

I have a 77 VM in Amber/Maple neck with mother of pearl blocks made in 2013 and It's hands down the best bass I own. I have a MIM fender Jazz and a USA fender jazz deluxe made In 1982. Also a Fender Japan made precision. Every time I go for a bass It's the VM 77 I pick up. Soft maple body and Its sooo light. Only mods I've done Is new electrics, CTS pots etc. New Bone nut and changed the control knobs for traditional fender black ones. The Bass cost me £150 and I'd never part with It. The pickups are superb If you change the pots to decent ones. The only gripe I have is with the tuners. One of these days I'll out them for hipshots. But I have to say, It's a quality bass for very little money.

 

[RumbleMan3]

I suggest you get the current VM 77 jazz, Baddass bridge , string that Geddy lee use and this....

Invalid Link Removed

Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 Review

thanks but I'm not a big player of Geddy lee, and that music, even though I do dig a few of his basslines and the way he plays.

 

[RumbleMan3]

I have a 77 VM in Amber/Maple neck with mother of pearl blocks made in 2013 and It's hands down the best bass I own. I have a MIM fender Jazz and a USA fender jazz deluxe made In 1982. Also a Fender Japan made precision. Every time I go for a bass It's the VM 77 I pick up. Soft maple body and Its sooo light. Only mods I've done Is new electrics, CTS pots etc. New Bone nut and changed the control knobs for traditional fender black ones. The Bass cost me £150 and I'd never part with It. The pickups are superb If you change the pots to decent ones. The only gripe I have is with the tuners. One of these days I'll out them for hipshots. But I have to say, It's a quality bass for very little money.

Wow! So you like it right up there with your mexican, japanese AND usa basses? Wow! So it's just the pots you changed? What did you change them to? How did u do this so, and how much did it cost?

May I ask what you don't like about the tuners? Is it a big problem?

Wow! Very nice to here! Awesome!

 

[RumbleMan3]

You could pick it up and start swapping out parts until you get the sound/feel you want, but then you'd be moving into the price range of a better secondhand bass.

A second hand bass may still need some work. Either way, if I'm still gonna spend the same amount of money, I would rather do it by making the bass my own, instead of buying a whole other bass. And I would rather have the bass now, and gradually spend more on it through time to get it to USA standards, rather than waiting, being stuck with a bass I'm not enjoying at the moment, then spending it all at once on a bass that might still need some work on it anyway.

But that's my opinion anyway

 

[dylanjohnson]

Has anyone else actually actually bought one of these?

 

[maplenecked]

Has anyone else actually actually bought one of these?

Have a white Oly P coming on Friday

 

[RumbleMan3]

Has anyone else actually actually bought one of these?

Any of you who already own a 2019 CV bass, please, we would love to hear more from you!

Here are some questions you can answer if you are unsure of what to share with us (you pick what you want):
- How does it sound? (uploading some audio would be great)
- how does it feel?
- any issues so far? what would you mod/replace? have you spotted many QC niggles yet?
- how is the hardware? how are the pickups, the pots?
- overall how do you think it compares against the VM series or the previous CV? (better/worse/same?)

This is what this thread is for, please dont hold back!

 

[InstantEctobass]

Some juicy (or not) information :

- I'm getting my Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass in NATURAL COLOR on Thursday or Friday!
- The natural model is Light Maple, whereas the SUNBURST AND BLACK models being Poplar!

To be continued...

 

[4andnomore]

Finally we'll get to see some actual 2019 CV basses! It will be interesting to see/hear how things shake out over time as more of these get into the hands of customers.

I did have a chance yesterday to look over a daphne blue jazz. Beautiful bass with a nice old school vibe. Felt really good under the hands. Excellent fit and finish. Nice fretwork with no sharp ends or high frets that I could tell. Really a joy to play. Taken on its own merits, a very nice instrument at an amazing price point. It left me feeling cautiously optimistic about the new line. Is Squier the new Fender?

Alright, let's see those new CVs!

 

[InstantEctobass]

Finally we'll get to see some actual 2019 CV basses! It will be interesting to see/hear how things shake out over time as more of these get into the hands of customers.

I did have a chance yesterday to look over a daphne blue jazz. Beautiful bass with a nice old school vibe. Felt really good under the hands. Excellent fit and finish. Nice fretwork with no sharp ends or high frets that I could tell. Really a joy to play. Taken on its own merits, a very nice instrument at an amazing price point. It left me feeling cautiously optimistic about the new line. Is Squier the new Fender?

Alright, let's see those new CVs!

I'm positive about them too... as long as the neck is solid and the frets are well installed/crowned... i'm alright. Hardware can be swapped for upgrades, IF weak points are showing up... and the pickups are always replaceable in any bass. I'll provide live audio/video footage this week-end if everything's fine!

 

[Bullitt5135]

Is it worth to jump in and grab a CV and rock it or wait a while for a Geddy, which might not be worth the extra $1000?

If the you like the feel of Squier basses, they are an excellent platform for mods. For $140, you can get a set of Jazz pickups from Tom Brantley, the guy who hand-makes Geddy Lee's pickups. For another $30, you can get a quality wiring harness with CTS pots (or even less if you can solder the components yourself).