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Squier Classic Vibe/Fender Player Series..?

rustikphil

rustikphil

Sep 22, 2012
8
3
#1
After checking out various reviews on YouTube etc/forums and user reviews (becoming totally confused), where do these basses either meet in the middle or overlap in quality, playability, component value, woods, build or bang for the buck.
It seems to me that the name on the headstock causes the bass to virtually double or triple in cost.
 
#3
Squiers are very well made but they use cheaper materials than MIM Fenders. Squiers might also not match Fenders in size for things like pickguards and the bodies might be thinner.
I find the hardware on both to be of similar quality. The tuners are ok but not great. The jack is not heavy duty. The pots work well.

My experience with both manufacturers over the last year has been this:
MIM Fenders (Players and Vinteras) would be clearly superior if they weren't marred by terrible QC.
For some reason all my MIM Fenders have had or developed fret sprout while none of my Squiers have (Affinity series so even cheaper than CV).
MIM Fenders also have invariably unfinished fretwork (little to no bevel and sharp edges), that is regardless of and on top of fret sprout. I bought all of these basses between November and January last year with similar weather conditions. My take is Fender doesn't dry its Mexican necks enough.
Other issues I've encountered with MIM Fenders are off-center nuts and sloppy and ineffective shielding.

I would buy a Squier CV that I can play beforehand and upgrade what needs to be upgraded, possibly only the jack for gigging reliability.
 
#6
Out of those options, personally, I'd go with the MIM Player series. There's something about the newer Classic Vibe instruments which just didn't click with me, and I find that the Player series instruments are a little more consistent with their quality. They're not perfect, but what is?

Honestly, if you're lucky enough to find an older MIM Standard on the used market, I'd go for that. Never had one that let me down.
 
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#8
andare said:
I would buy a Squier CV that I can play beforehand and upgrade what needs to be upgraded, possibly only the jack for gigging reliability.
Click to expand...

I got a new Squier earlier this year, and have gigged/recorded with it extensively, all problem-free. I bought a new Switchcraft jack at the same time as the bass, but haven't had to put it in; the original hasn't given me even a hint of a problem yet. I'm surprised, but hardly disappointed!

As for the overall QC of this Squier CV, there were 3 frets that were a touch high, and the nut action was also pretty rough, but I didn't see that as a big issue. Instruments at much higher price points often come with similar issues, and I give any bass a complete setup/once over after it's home. It all comes out in the wash at that point for me, so as I said, no big deal
 
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#9
rustikphil said:
After checking out various reviews on YouTube etc/forums and user reviews (becoming totally confused), where do these basses either meet in the middle or overlap in quality, playability, component value, woods, build or bang for the buck.
It seems to me that the name on the headstock causes the bass to virtually double or triple in cost.
Click to expand...
Squier made some of their best basses not that long ago.
This is a 2015 Classic Vibe made in China.
Fender Player series basses?
Sure, the people who own them will tell you how good they are, it's only natural, but they just don't measure up to this one.
Truth is, I wouldn't trade my CV for any MIM, including the Vintera.
I bought this one in September for $550...yes, more than a new Squier...and knowing what I know now, I would've gladly paid $650 for it.
(Show me an MIM with a piece of rosewood this nice!)
Pics-Art-09-08-03-31-16.jpg
 
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#10
I’ve had two CVs (Jazz and Tele Custom) and a MIC Player (Starcaster). The Starcaster was a solid bass all around. Bit of a different animal but good quality/build/fit/finish. The CV Jazz was similar. The CV Tele has its issues (high E string often comes off the nit, fretwork and scratchy/cheap feeling pots. Those are relatively easy fixes though. Still plays and sounds good.


Honestly, not a ton of difference between them. Maybe the MIC Player by a smidge.
 
#11
I played two (a J & a P) in a small shop the other day. They sounded great and played well. Each would benefit from a proper setup and string change (I prefer flats). I own three from the recent VM series. I highly recommend the Squiers!
 
#12
sloppy_phil said:
I got a new Squier earlier this year, and have gigged/recorded with it extensively, all problem-free. I bought a new Switchcraft jack at the same time as the bass, but haven't had to put it in; the original hasn't given me even a hint of a problem yet. I'm surprised, but hardly disappointed!

As for the overall QC of this Squier CV, there were 3 frets that were a touch high, and the nut action was also pretty rough, but I didn't see that as a big issue. Instruments at much higher price points often come with similar issues, and I give any bass a complete setup/once over after it's home. It all comes out in the wash at that point for me, so as I said, no big deal
Click to expand...
I'm all for replacing things only if they need it.

Squier might have knocked it out of the park a few years ago with those Chinese CVs but they did and still do use very cheap electronics and hardware.
Speaking from experience, just in the last few weeks I had to replace a crappy jack in a friend's Indonesian CV Jazz and I also worked on another friend's Chinese CV Strat. Both had subpar soldering and wiring.
The wiring in Affinity Squiers is a joke, with strange splices and flimsy joints.

I'm glad your Jazz bass is awesome but it looks to me like everybody here has an instrument that nothing else can touch :)
 
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#14
My only frame of reference here is my mini vs my MIM anniversary and P bass special. MIM wins in craftsmanship and sound vs the Indonesian mini. I have gotten my hands on CV basses and felt like they were glossed up to cover up the cheap feel, however, they do play well and sound fantastic with a pickup upgrade. I would say your budget would dictate this decision but also remember resale value on a Fender is much higher than a Squier.
 
#16
Based on a handful of samples (CV J, single coil P, Jag; Player Jag, Mustang, P, J) I found the Squiers to be really great. Well finished, fantastic tone. I just seemed to prefer the neck finishing on the Players by a hair, and they more often had the “it” factor for my tastes. But for “bang for the buck” I vote Squier.

However… on my last trip, I ended up passing on Squier or Fender and got a G&L SB2 tribute. They also make a more classic P (LB100) and 2 different J style basses; cheaper and on par (or possibly even better) than the Players. I’d encourage you to take a look at them.
 
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