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Squier Classic Vibe 2019
- Thread starter LkS
- Start date
The question "which is better?" is something only you can answer.
If you add $300 to the price of a CV you can buy a brand new Players Jazz, dependant on where you are in the world. I bought a Players Jazz after considering a CV and am very happy with it but we all have different opinions on what suits us best.
If you have the money, for me, the Fender Jazz is a better buy: quality components, good build, better resale value, these new Fenders are better than made in Mexico Fenders of the past. But if you only have the budget for a Squier and you can play a good one, the Squier could be a great buy. If you have read this whole thread, the opinions given here are as good as anywhere else and helped me in my purchase. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
AFAIC It's a crap shoot. I picked up a CV '70s P-Bass (CIC). Thought it was great but then thought, perhaps I should go for the higher end Player P-Bass, and picked one of those up. Sent the Player back as it wasn't really any better to me, couldn't justify the $$$ difference. A few weeks later I picked up a CV '60s J-Bass (Indonesian), looked good, played well, but the pickups were "meh" and the nut slot was slanted. Then bought a Player J-Bass and couldn't be happier. Every bass will be different, you just won't know until you try it out. Some are Duds and some are gold.
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I assume you are referring to mexican standard, FORGET THAT! JUMP ON A PLAYER SERIES, MUCH NICER AND MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! Even though it's a few hundred more than the Squier and only a little more than the mim standard, the little stretch for the little extra dosh gets u a better bass, that is also more value for monney than the other two. Build quality of player seems closer to mia than mim, super nice, comfortable neck, with satin back instead of gloss. Looks nicer, with fender's original 50s spaghetti logo (not period correct, no, but who cares??) f stamped neck plate, the alnico V pups are on point and refined to hit those tonal sweet spots. Overall, it's a real, true classic jazz bass, with an authentic style and classic sound the way it's supposed to. It's everything good about a jazz bass. I also believe the bridge is updated from mim standard? although it looks the same to me.
I can only go by the one I got. Perhaps they are not all as good. You really have to try them both and compare, there is no other way. If you absolutley can't, the player is still the safest bet anyway.
I always like to say that Quality endures the test of time, and it speaks for itself. You get what you pay for at the end of the day, and there is always a reason why something will be cheaper in price. Of course, on the odd occasion, that is not always the case, and it's also down to personal preference aswell. You may even prefer the sound and feel of a cheaper bass.
Don't be persuaded by the price tag, or the extravagant description on the website, at the end of the day, YOU are the one playing the bass, not the salespeople
This is why trying out and comparing for yourself is sooooo important! I'm sure a lot can agree with me on thid one
I work in the shipping/receiving department at a HUGE music store and keep a bass amp at my desk. I get to spend “quality time” with any bass I want. I should start by saying that I have always been a diehard fan of Squier Classic Vibes. I preferred them over the old Fender MIM Standards. I was so excited to receive a shipment of the new CV basses and already planned on buying the pick of the litter.
I say all that to say this: Every single 2019 CV I played had some issues right out the box. One had a gorgeous body with no visible seams under the transparent sunburst, but the headstock logo was botched and one of the saddle height adjustment screws was completely stripped out. Not to mention this bass sounded completely dull and lifeless and the pots had zero taper to them.
I took an identical sunburst out of the box and the logo was as it should be. The hardware was not stripped. The bass sounded more lively (but still not great like the old CV’s). BUT... the grain and seams on the body were hideous. Not only did the visible seams run the length of the bass body, there were also “cross seams” that made the bass look like it was made from butcher-block or 2x4 scraps. I also played a VM Jazz 5 string that was a huge dud.
Coincidentally, we have a used amber VM 77 Jazz Bass that is ridiculously good! I’m now torn between the VM77 and a new Fender Player Jazz. While the new CV basses may have lost a little magic, the new MIM Fenders have made drastic improvements.
I say all that to say this: Every single 2019 CV I played had some issues right out the box. One had a gorgeous body with no visible seams under the transparent sunburst, but the headstock logo was botched and one of the saddle height adjustment screws was completely stripped out. Not to mention this bass sounded completely dull and lifeless and the pots had zero taper to them.
I took an identical sunburst out of the box and the logo was as it should be. The hardware was not stripped. The bass sounded more lively (but still not great like the old CV’s). BUT... the grain and seams on the body were hideous. Not only did the visible seams run the length of the bass body, there were also “cross seams” that made the bass look like it was made from butcher-block or 2x4 scraps. I also played a VM Jazz 5 string that was a huge dud.
Coincidentally, we have a used amber VM 77 Jazz Bass that is ridiculously good! I’m now torn between the VM77 and a new Fender Player Jazz. While the new CV basses may have lost a little magic, the new MIM Fenders have made drastic improvements.
I tried at least 3 or 4 different examples of VM 77 Jazz Bass and they were all great. I was ready to get one when the new black CV 70 came out. Currently waiting for one to hit the local store so I can try it.
I just hope they will still have the discounted VM 77 so I can choose the better one...
After reading all the comments about the Player series, I will definitely try one of those as well. Although it's double the price of new CV 70 and even more comparing to VM 77.
I compared the VM77 and the new CV70’s Jazz side by side and much preferred the VM77. YMMV
They still sound excellent. I recommended it to my friend and he's loving it. Every time I see his band play I'm surprised how good it growls.
Doesn't matter if it's DI into mixing board, preamp pedal into PA or straight into an amp, always a very solid jazz bass tone.
I know they are great. But they won't have the 70s tone... and the name of these VM 70 and 77 were misleading. The 70, it could be okay. Because the pickup spacing was only effective on 1971. But the 77 makes no sense, apart from the pearloid block inlays which are rad!
Hmmmm... maybe I prefer 60’s spacing.?.?.?... Did the old Fender Marcus Miller signature models have 70’s spacing? If so, that would be my only reference as I owned one for a while.
Yes, the Marcus Miller models had 70s spacing! I love both spacing. But already having a 60s, I was looking for a 70s. The CV 70s was a very welcome news... until I had one in my hands
To be clear here, are you talking about the 60s or 70s CV? Jazz or P CV? Need to be more specific as there are several 2019 CV models.
Hi Squierville!!
I just received my 2019 CV 60’s Jazz. I wanted to say thank you for all who had played/bought the new line and reviewed!!
I will start by saying it’s a real nice playing and looking bass. Have to admit it’s not as “refined” as the previous series but it’s pretty close. At least mine is. The bass is a lot lighter than my CV 50’s. It has the gloss neck and body. The bridge is ok but does not have the adjustment screws like the vintage ones. Uses allen. Output jack is nice and snug. No wiggling of cable. The pickups sound nice and full. When both are full open with tone it’s a growler!!
The frets have no sharp edges but just some adhesive here and there left over that comes right off. They are all even with no dead notes. The Indian Laurel board looks better than I thought it would. Better than the Pau Ferro. It’s a little lighter than Rosewood but a touch of BLO will take care of that.
The tuners are fine. They hold tune so no issues. Truss rod works and relief was at .012”(out of box)
The only gripe I would say that it was unplayable, for me, out of the box. Could be a turn off for players who don’t do their own set up. The set up was way off spec!! String action was 9/64” at the 17th fret. Monstrous!!! Pick ups were way too high as well. I guess because of the string height. The strings witness points we’re nonexistent. Both at the bridge and nut. At first the nut action at the first fret was .025” That settled down after the set up. Still higher than how I like it but ok for now.
But once properly set up....it played wonderful!! I am real happy with it. It’s a keeper. I also got a real good deal so...yay!!
So, on with the pics!!
I just received my 2019 CV 60’s Jazz. I wanted to say thank you for all who had played/bought the new line and reviewed!!
I will start by saying it’s a real nice playing and looking bass. Have to admit it’s not as “refined” as the previous series but it’s pretty close. At least mine is. The bass is a lot lighter than my CV 50’s. It has the gloss neck and body. The bridge is ok but does not have the adjustment screws like the vintage ones. Uses allen. Output jack is nice and snug. No wiggling of cable. The pickups sound nice and full. When both are full open with tone it’s a growler!!
The frets have no sharp edges but just some adhesive here and there left over that comes right off. They are all even with no dead notes. The Indian Laurel board looks better than I thought it would. Better than the Pau Ferro. It’s a little lighter than Rosewood but a touch of BLO will take care of that.
The tuners are fine. They hold tune so no issues. Truss rod works and relief was at .012”(out of box)
The only gripe I would say that it was unplayable, for me, out of the box. Could be a turn off for players who don’t do their own set up. The set up was way off spec!! String action was 9/64” at the 17th fret. Monstrous!!! Pick ups were way too high as well. I guess because of the string height. The strings witness points we’re nonexistent. Both at the bridge and nut. At first the nut action at the first fret was .025” That settled down after the set up. Still higher than how I like it but ok for now.
But once properly set up....it played wonderful!! I am real happy with it. It’s a keeper. I also got a real good deal so...yay!!
So, on with the pics!!
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That definitely looks like a better body wood specimen than the butcher-block slab I referenced earlier. I have high hopes that with a proper setup and decent strings, and maybe a pickups/pots upgrade, the new CVs will retain their prior glory.
I was deliberately vague because I wanted to speak on the perceived QC and “bang for the buck” across the whole line. The models I reviewed were the 60’s CV jazz basses in sunburst. The 5 string was a VM70s in natural. I also tried a CV 70s jazz in black, but didn’t spend enough time with it to review it... other than to say that the used amber VM77 sitting next to it absolutely murdered the CV70s jazz bass. I have to wonder if the Indonesian factory has found a cheaper/crappier string supplier to cut costs.?.?.
I haven’t tried any CV P basses yet since I’m not in the market for another P. I’ll try to get ahold of some this week for this thread.
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