Squier Classic Vibe 2019

[Ethereal Thorn]

Got all my upgrade parts ordered for my 5 string 70's J bass I'm just trying to find wich size Hipshot tuners and extender key to order for it. I got a John East J Retro 01 deluxe 4 knob preamp with flat curve and fender style knobs , Hipshot chrome over brass A style bridge fender size, brass nut, battery box, football output jack plate, and a 24 volt mod pack all waiting for it. This bass is gonna be a monster when I'm done.

 

[RoR]

Hi all, new to the forum.

I'm in a recording project, looking for some soul / gospel vibe in the style of Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Blues Brothers. I've been reading many pages of this forum, and I found that the bass sound I want is the Jerry Jemmott sound. So I'm leaning towards a J-Bass.

After reading some more I've found that one of the Squier models could fit the bill.

What would you advise me between :
- a 2007 VM jazz 70s for 200€
- an older model CV Jazz 60s for 200€ with a repaired crack on the upper end of the fretboard
- a newer model CV Jazz (60s or 70s ?) for about 370€
- what's the deal with CV Jaguar basses?

I've read that prior to 2008 the Squier basses weren't consistent, so a minus for the 2007 VM maybe?

I would put flatwounds on them, not sure about any hardware upgrade. If you have some advice I'll be all in.


Please note that I'm new to the bass, still I want a great instrument to write parts on, and later have a real bassist play the parts either on this bass or his own.

Thanks !

 

[grrg63]

Hi all, new to the forum.

I'm in a recording project, looking for some soul / gospel vibe in the style of Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Blues Brothers. I've been reading many pages of this forum, and I found that the bass sound I want is the Jerry Jemmott sound. So I'm leaning towards a J-Bass.

After reading some more I've found that one of the Squier models could fit the bill.

What would you advise me between :
- a 2007 VM jazz 70s for 200€
- an older model CV Jazz 60s for 200€ with a repaired crack on the upper end of the fretboard
- a newer model CV Jazz (60s or 70s ?) for about 370€
- what's the deal with CV Jaguar basses?

I've read that prior to 2008 the Squier basses weren't consistent, so a minus for the 2007 VM maybe?

I would put flatwounds on them, not sure about any hardware upgrade. If you have some advice I'll be all in.


Please note that I'm new to the bass, still I want a great instrument to write parts on, and later have a real bassist play the parts either on this bass or his own.

Thanks !

I think any of those basses (including the Jaguar) would work fine for what you are going for, especially with flatwounds. The CV Jag is a medium scale with a 32" inch neck as opposed to a long scale 34" inch neck which is the most commonly seen, traditional length of bass guitars. I prefer medium scales because I think they give you the 'best of both worlds' between 34" scale and 30" (short scale) basses.
Many bassists (including me) prefer the 'split' P bass pick up closest to the neck on the Jag as opposed to the traditional single coil pu in the same spot on most Jazz basses.
The best thing you can do is try to play different basses and determine your own preferences. I personally think any of the basses you mentioned would be a good choice, but you have to figure that out for yourself.
I have owned and used many Squiers over the years, (and still do), and never found it necessary to modify, or "upgrade" them. When I occasionally have I usually ended up thinking that it really didnt make much difference.

 

[InstantEctobass]

What would you advise me between :
- a 2007 VM jazz 70s for 200€
- an older model CV Jazz 60s for 200€ with a repaired crack on the upper end of the fretboard
- a newer model CV Jazz (60s or 70s ?) for about 370€
- what's the deal with CV Jaguar basses?

I've read that prior to 2008 the Squier basses weren't consistent, so a minus for the 2007 VM maybe?

Hi RoR and welcome to TalkBass forums!

Funny that you point out that the Squier before 2008 weren't consistent because I had an Affinity 2008 that was "mehh" (not the worst bass I had but mehh) and 3 weeks ago, a friend of mine brought me his 2007 VM Jazz 70, and the neck was twisted (in the shape of a wave). I do believe it's an issue when you only apply few coats on a raw maple neck. They really need to be sealed so that maple's structure stay stronger. Anyway, avoid the first generation VM Jazz.

Between the older and new CV Jazz 60s? Go for the older one. Don't forget that the trussrod on the neck is adjusted with a 5mm hex Allen key. In case you do it yourself, or even if you bring it to your luthier... it's truly important to have the right for that special bass.

 

[Yahboy]

I found a notable QC different between Cort CV and Sammick CV - Bridge assembly.

If you check carefully on Sweet water site , those Sammick made 70P and 50P has very well bridge assembly , but there are some little off alignment / crook bridge on Cort made 60P,60J and 70J .
They are mass production from both OEM company, but i believe Sammick has well done job!

 

[Heavy Blue]

What would you advise me between :
- a 2007 VM jazz 70s for 200€
- an older model CV Jazz 60s for 200€ with a repaired crack on the upper end of the fretboard
- a newer model CV Jazz (60s or 70s ?) for about 370€
- what's the deal with CV Jaguar basses?

I've read that prior to 2008 the Squier basses weren't consistent, so a minus for the 2007 VM maybe?

I would put flatwounds on them, not sure about any hardware upgrade. If you have some advice I'll be all in.

I’d go with the ‘07 VM Jazz if you can handle the weight of these maple bodied behemoths. I have one from this early series and they’re solid basses with decent hardware. Mine is bone stock and played daily for 6 years till my shoulder issues started getting worse. Now it’s a sit down bass. I believe ‘07 was the first year for the VM’s. It was the earlier series that weren’t so great. The VM’s are gold for the buck.

That early CV 60’s would be one to consider also if the fretboard crack/repair isn’t an issue. Do you actually play that high on the neck?

Flats are nice on the VM (I had a set of GHS Precision Flats on it for awhile) but you may want to consider a set of GHS Pressurewounds. They seem to work particularly well on Jazz basses. There’s a thread in the strings sub forum on them if you want to read up on it.

...and 3 weeks ago, a friend of mine brought me his 2007 VM Jazz 70, and the neck was twisted (in the shape of a wave). I do believe it's an issue when you only apply few coats on a raw maple neck. They really need to be sealed so that maple's structure stay stronger. Anyway, avoid the first generation VM Jazz.

Between the older and new CV Jazz 60s? Go for the older one.

Totally disagree about 1st generation VM Jazzes. The neck on my early VM 70’s Jazz is arrow straight after literally years of daily playing in a climate with huge swings in both temperature and humidity so it isn’t a systemic issue imo. The hardware is also better than later generations. I tried out an early 2nd generation VM Jazz and hated the tuners which was why I never bought it. The only knock on the 1st gen VM Jazzes is the weight. Better eat your spinach and look after your shoulders lol.

A bit of finish isn’t going to make the neck any stiffer either. My Stingray’s neck is also unfinished and arrow straight so it isn’t a matter of the neck having a finish on it or not. However, afaik some Jazz bass necks do seem to be vulnerable to s-curves(“waves”), ski jumps, and twists. Especially with block inlays apparently. I’ve never seen this myself but have seen it posted here on TB by others on occasion. Maybe others can comment on this?

Totally agree on the early CV 60’s Jazz though.

I found a notable QC different between Cort CV and Sammick CV - Bridge assembly.

If you check carefully on Sweet water site , those Sammick made 70P and 50P has very well bridge assembly , but there are some little off alignment / crook bridge on Cort made 60P,60J and 70J .
They are mass production from both OEM company, but i believe Sammick has well done job!

Yep, you are right on the money! I just got a ICS CV 60’s Precision and the bridge is exactly as you say. Not crooked so much as the bridge holes being maybe drilled too close to the bend causing the front edge of the bridge to lift very slightly off the body. Got me a break on the price though.

Also, I believe that my early VM Jazz (also ICS) and the ‘19 CV Precision were made in the same factory. They both have the exact same slightly high fret on the G string 18th fret.

 

[InstantEctobass]

I’d go with the ‘07 VM Jazz if you can handle the weight of these maple bodied behemoths. I have one from this early series and they’re solid basses with decent hardware. Mine is bone stock and played daily for 6 years till my shoulder issues started getting worse. Now it’s a sit down bass. I believe ‘07 was the first year for the VM’s. It was the earlier series that weren’t so great. The VM’s are gold for the buck.

That early CV 60’s would be one to consider also if the fretboard crack/repair isn’t an issue. Do you actually play that high on the neck?

Flats are nice on the VM (I had a set of GHS Precision Flats on it for awhile) but you may want to consider a set of GHS Pressurewounds. They seem to work particularly well on Jazz basses. There’s a thread in the strings sub forum on them if you want to read up on it.

Totally disagree about 1st generation VM Jazzes. The neck on my early VM 70’s Jazz is arrow straight after literally years of daily playing in a climate with huge swings in both temperature and humidity so it isn’t a systemic issue imo. The hardware is also better than later generations. I tried out an early 2nd generation VM Jazz and hated the tuners which was why I never bought it. The only knock on the 1st gen VM Jazzes is the weight. Better eat your spinach and look after your shoulders lol.

A bit of finish isn’t going to make the neck any stiffer either. My Stingray’s neck is also unfinished and arrow straight so it isn’t a matter of the neck having a finish on it or not. However, afaik some Jazz bass necks do seem to be vulnerable to s-curves(“waves”), ski jumps, and twists. Especially with block inlays apparently. I’ve never seen this myself but have seen it posted here on TB by others on occasion. Maybe others can comment on this?

Totally agree on the early CV 60’s Jazz though.

Yep, you are right on the money! I just got a ICS CV 60’s Precision and the bridge is exactly as you say. Not crooked so much as the bridge holes being maybe drilled too close to the bend causing the front edge of the bridge to lift very slightly off the body. Got me a break on the price though.

Also, I believe that my early VM Jazz (also ICS) and the ‘19 CV Precision were made in the same factory. They both have the exact same slightly high fret on the G string 18th fret.

You've misunderstood my point about unfinished neck: moisture can get in wood easier if there's no barrier.

 

[Heavy Blue]

You've misunderstood my point about unfinished neck: moisture can get in wood easier if there's no barrier.

You can still have a barrier. EBMM uses gunstock wax and/or tru-oil on its unfinished maple necks. This can be done on any similar neck like the one on my 1st gen VM. FAQ | Ernie Ball Music Man. (scroll down to the appropriate question regarding unfinished maple bass necks)

Tbh, I’ve never reapplied any wax or anything else on these necks other than EBMM wonder wipes fretboard conditioner. No moisture issues whatsoever. It would seem to be more of a theoretical problem than a widespread issue.

 

[RoR]

Thanks for your inputs

In the end I went with a 2012 CV 60's Jazz in great condition for 250€

I'd rather have no surprise with my new instrument

 

[InstantEctobass]

Thanks for your inputs

In the end I went with a 2012 CV 60's Jazz in great condition for 250€

I'd rather have no surprise with my new instrument

These are awesome. Pictures will be required, please.

 

[Yahboy]

I finish setup a Natural body CV70 5 string yesterday (actually 3 working day), the owner bought it 2 weeks ago online and this thing weight 11.3lbs !!
He not happy with the pickups sound and decide swap the pickups, but i suggest him a string swap first.
This CV70J5 sound ok on EADG with stock string (dull sounding ofcause) , but the B just SxxK! SxxK! Sxxk !!! There are also notable weak A string too ( formal fretboard radius Vs flush pickup magnet issue ).

I put a set EB Cobalt flat 2816 on the bass and set neck relief ,action and fret wire inspect. On 5 string bass i usually set the neck relief .015 to give the B string has more room for string bouncing, owner ok with 2.5mm B to 2.0mm G . Before i set pickups height, i found 3 buzzing fret (after 14th fret) on D and G string and problem solve after fret wire file. But, if i set the action down to 1.75mm B to 1.25mm G (like the action on my Sub Ray 5)....... there are fret buzz everyway !

The pickups has weak A output when both B and G string get balance output. So, i just raise both pickups pole piece magnets, 1mm on E magnet, 1.75mm on A magnet and 1.25mm on D magnet which string to string output get pretty balance with EB 2816 bass string set.

Once setup done, i check to bass tone, with both pickups run, overall tone become crispy and alive , the best of EB 2816 on Jazz bass is produce very nice meaty and juicy growl jazz bass vibe than others flatwound bass string i been use. But.......with both pickups run, the B string still little bit lacking tone balance with the rest even has much improvement than stock string. She sound little bloomy and blur to my ear.

After make some test, i found the B string on this CV70J5 get better solid and focus tone with 70% neck pup , 100% bridge pup and 70-60% tone knob (with .022uf cap) . Since the EB cobalt has high brightness, drop the tone knob help to tame the 60hz hum.

The owner happy with the result wihout pickups swap. The EB Cobalt flat and my DIY magnet pole pieces raising work.



Off topic.
I compare the B on CV70J (EB2816) and my Sub Ray 5 (EB2810), just B string sound quality and usefull note on neck, the B on Ray 5 sound better clarity without muddy and possible go to 12 fret before tone quality drop. Meanwhile the B on CV70J5 possible get usefull tone before 8th fret.

If i wanna buy Cv70 jazz bass, i wont go with 5 string version ~ weight and B string .

Thanks for reading.

 

[Iristone]

I have a VM 5-string Jazz bass (I think it's basically the same as the new CV). It's a pretty immaculate neck, even better than my Gibson SG bass (which admittedly had been a floor model for 13 years) I'd say. Sounds great too, but it's a bit neck heavy to me when seated, and I don't use the B string all that often. Another guy in my band used it for a while and sweared by it, though he didn't use the B string all that much, either. Can't go wrong with a maple body.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

I finish setup a Natural body CV70 5 string yesterday (actually 3 working day), the owner bought it 2 weeks ago online and this thing weight 11.3lbs !!
He not happy with the pickups sound and decide swap the pickups, but i suggest him a string swap first.
This CV70J5 sound ok on EADG with stock string (dull sounding ofcause) , but the B just SxxK! SxxK! Sxxk !!! There are also notable weak A string too ( formal fretboard radius Vs flush pickup magnet issue ).

I put a set EB Cobalt flat 2816 on the bass and set neck relief ,action and fret wire inspect. On 5 string bass i usually set the neck relief .015 to give the B string has more room for string bouncing, owner ok with 2.5mm B to 2.0mm G . Before i set pickups height, i found 3 buzzing fret (after 14th fret) on D and G string and problem solve after fret wire file. But, if i set the action down to 1.75mm B to 1.25mm G (like the action on my Sub Ray 5)....... there are fret buzz everyway !

The pickups has weak A output when both B and G string get balance output. So, i just raise both pickups pole piece magnets, 1mm on E magnet, 1.75mm on A magnet and 1.25mm on D magnet which string to string output get pretty balance with EB 2816 bass string set.

Once setup done, i check to bass tone, with both pickups run, overall tone become crispy and alive , the best of EB 2816 on Jazz bass is produce very nice meaty and juicy growl jazz bass vibe than others flatwound bass string i been use. But.......with both pickups run, the B string still little bit lacking tone balance with the rest even has much improvement than stock string. She sound little bloomy and blur to my ear.

After make some test, i found the B string on this CV70J5 get better solid and focus tone with 70% neck pup , 100% bridge pup and 70-60% tone knob (with .022uf cap) . Since the EB cobalt has high brightness, drop the tone knob help to tame the 60hz hum.

The owner happy with the result wihout pickups swap. The EB Cobalt flat and my DIY magnet pole pieces raising work.



Off topic.
I compare the B on CV70J (EB2816) and my Sub Ray 5 (EB2810), just B string sound quality and usefull note on neck, the B on Ray 5 sound better clarity without muddy and possible go to 12 fret before tone quality drop. Meanwhile the B on CV70J5 possible get usefull tone before 8th fret.

If i wanna buy Cv70 jazz bass, i wont go with 5 string version ~ weight and B string .

Thanks for reading.

These are maple body, right? Similar to the older Vintage Modified 70s Jazz V?

If they're as heavy as the maple body VM 5-string then yeah, INSANELY heavy! My VM 70s Jazz V is by far the heaviest bass I've ever owned! I could never have toured with that bass.

Do these CV70 5-string J-basses sound as aggressive as the VM 70s Jazz V? Those VMs were crazy bright and aggressive, but in a cool way! I always wondered if it was caused by the pickups or the maple body. My VM Jazz 4-string (basswood, regular non-70s model) from the same years is a LOT darker/duller and both basses have the "Fender designed" VM pickups, not the earlier "Duncan designed" ones. So in theory I would have expected the pickups to have similar voicing.

If this difference is purely down to maple vs basswood I'm actually shocked. But I suspect the pickups must have been voiced differently, even though they are both VM "Fender designed" and from the same years (but obviously 4-string vs 5-string version). I can't belive that body wood would make such a HUGE difference alone. But then again, every maple body bass I've owned has been very, very bright...

 

[Ethereal Thorn]

I'm in process of installing some mods on my cv 70's 5 string. I just got a brass nut and Brass Hipshot A style bridge for it installed. I'm waiting on my battery box and John East preamp to come in for it still then I will need to drill for a side mount output jack and route the battery box. This bass is gonna sound awesome when it's finished.

 

[Yahboy]

These are maple body, right? Similar to the older Vintage Modified 70s Jazz V?

If they're as heavy as the maple body VM 5-string then yeah, INSANELY heavy! My VM 70s Jazz V is by far the heaviest bass I've ever owned! I could never have toured with that bass.

Do these CV70 5-string J-basses sound as aggressive as the VM 70s Jazz V? Those VMs were crazy bright and aggressive, but in a cool way! I always wondered if it was caused by the pickups or the maple body. My VM Jazz 4-string (basswood, regular non-70s model) from the same years is a LOT darker/duller and both basses have the "Fender designed" VM pickups, not the earlier "Duncan designed" ones. So in theory I would have expected the pickups to have similar voicing.

If this difference is purely down to maple vs basswood I'm actually shocked. But I suspect the pickups must have been voiced differently, even though they are both VM "Fender designed" and from the same years (but obviously 4-string vs 5-string version). I can't belive that body wood would make such a HUGE difference alone. But then again, every maple body bass I've owned has been very, very bright...

Compare to my previous VM 77J (Fender design pickups) with same Cobalt flat ,this CV70J has more bity upper MID tone. I believe CV70J still using same VM J Fender design pickups with just different bridge pickups placement.

 

[Yahboy]

I'm in process of installing some mods on my cv 70's 5 string. I just got a brass nut and Brass Hipshot A style bridge for it installed. I'm waiting on my battery box and John East preamp to come in for it still then I will need to drill for a side mount output jack and route the battery box. This bass is gonna sound awesome when it's finished.View attachment 3855559 View attachment 3855560 View attachment 3855561 View attachment 3855562

The best brass Hipshot A bridge for Fender/Squier bass upgrade ! Easy string load and lighter than heavy Baddass type bass bridge.

 

[rjovin]

I got this today...

and did this to it.

Anybody know some history on it?
It's Indonesian and the serial number starts off, ICS19..... so I figuring it's a 2019.
While changing the pickguard and adding foam under the pickups.

 

[Cardsfan85]

That thing looks killer!

 

[Thomas Morrison]

I got this today...
View attachment 3863404
and did this to it.
View attachment 3863405
Anybody know some history on it?
It's Indonesian and the serial number starts off, ICS19..... so I figuring it's a 2019.
While changing the pickguard and adding foam under the pickups.
View attachment 3863409

What color is that? What model is that? Where did you get it? I need one!!!

 

[rjovin]

What color is that? What model is that? Where did you get it? I need one!!!

It's a CV 60s and from the little I can find, it's either Aztec gold or golden bronze.
I got it at Music Go Round in Bradenton Fl. It's used (dude said he took it in on trade) and it also had a b-stock serial number sticker over the partially scratched of regular serial number.