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Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Bass

#21
I had a 70s Tele Bass from 79 to 84-ish when I sold it due to being in financial dire straits. Bitterly regretted it ever since. When Fender brought out their Vintera re-issue I was tempted, but I really couldn't justify £1200 for one. The Squier at £420-ish, though? I am - without a doubt - having one! 😁

They're expected in UK shops toward the end of August. Looking forward to seeing some reviews... but I reckon my mind's already made up.
 
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#26
Bass arrived earlier today - have had a chance to throw an old set of flats on it and do some initial noodling and verdict is excellent. Dopey grin on my face the second I started playing thru an amp - it does the thing and does it beautifully, I'm already sold.

Other notes - Squier CIC seems to outperform expectations and this is no exception. Better fretwork than any Fender I've played in a store recently, good set-up out of box, and overall fit and finish is absolutely top notch. 8lbs, 4oz per my scale.

Only con I've had so far is the output jack - it's an old school recessed jack so my usual preferred 90deg instrument cables don't play nice with it. Total nothingburger.

Not a jack of all trades bass, but if you come in with the right expectations for what a tele bass with a WRHB pickup does, you'll be delighted based on my n=1 experience.
 

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#27
hvymetallurgist said:
Bass arrived earlier today - have had a chance to throw an old set of flats on it and do some initial noodling and verdict is excellent. Dopey grin on my face the second I started playing thru an amp - it does the thing and does it beautifully, I'm already sold.

Other notes - Squier CIC seems to outperform expectations and this is no exception. Better fretwork than any Fender I've played in a store recently, good set-up out of box, and overall fit and finish is absolutely top notch. 8lbs, 4oz per my scale.

Only con I've had so far is the output jack - it's an old school recessed jack so my usual preferred 90deg instrument cables don't play nice with it. Total nothingburger.

Not a jack of all trades bass, but if you come in with the right expectations for what a tele bass with a WRHB pickup does, you'll be delighted based on my n=1 experience.
Click to expand...
Awesome!

Is that the 8.25lb one I saw on Sweetwater? :)

I'm looking for a bass that would fit well with big band jazz type of situation. What do you think?
 
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#28
skycruiser said:
Awesome!

Is that the 8.25lb one I saw on Sweetwater? :)

I'm looking for a bass that would fit well with big band jazz type of situation. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Bet it's the same one - did order from Sweetwater 👍

I can't see any reason this wouldn't do the trick in a situation like that, should be fine in a situation like that where I'd assume an upright bass is common.

Very sonically limited as should be expected, but the sound/vibe it does have is a delight IMO.
 
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#29
hvymetallurgist said:
Bass arrived earlier today - have had a chance to throw an old set of flats on it and do some initial noodling and verdict is excellent. Dopey grin on my face the second I started playing thru an amp - it does the thing and does it beautifully, I'm already sold.

Other notes - Squier CIC seems to outperform expectations and this is no exception. Better fretwork than any Fender I've played in a store recently, good set-up out of box, and overall fit and finish is absolutely top notch. 8lbs, 4oz per my scale.

Only con I've had so far is the output jack - it's an old school recessed jack so my usual preferred 90deg instrument cables don't play nice with it. Total nothingburger.

Not a jack of all trades bass, but if you come in with the right expectations for what a tele bass with a WRHB pickup does, you'll be delighted based on my n=1 experience.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that, and congratulations on the new bass! They're expected in the UK toward the end of August. I'm very much looking forward to it. 😁
 
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#32
hvymetallurgist said:
Bass arrived earlier today - have had a chance to throw an old set of flats on it and do some initial noodling and verdict is excellent. Dopey grin on my face the second I started playing thru an amp - it does the thing and does it beautifully, I'm already sold.

Other notes - Squier CIC seems to outperform expectations and this is no exception. Better fretwork than any Fender I've played in a store recently, good set-up out of box, and overall fit and finish is absolutely top notch. 8lbs, 4oz per my scale.

Only con I've had so far is the output jack - it's an old school recessed jack so my usual preferred 90deg instrument cables don't play nice with it. Total nothingburger.

Not a jack of all trades bass, but if you come in with the right expectations for what a tele bass with a WRHB pickup does, you'll be delighted based on my n=1 experience.
Click to expand...
What does the neck feel like on the bass?

Is it a Tele Bass baseball bat, or is it much more shallow?
 
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#34
nixdad said:
What does the neck feel like on the bass?

Is it a Tele Bass baseball bat, or is it much more shallow?
Click to expand...

Described as a C-shape, to me it feels reasonably shallow, and plays faster than I expected. Save for the gloss finish I'd say it's identical to the neck on my Jazz bass. To my preferences, it's like they fixed everything that puts me off a 70s tele bass (slab body, chonk neck, bonkers price)

After a few more hours playing it, it's more versatile than I originally would have given it credit for. With these old flats, I'd happily trot this out for easily 85% of cover gig songs...If I swapped to rounds it'd feel confident using it for everything except stuff needing slap.

Taking it to a rehearsal tomorrow night with flats, we'll see how it does!
 
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#35
hvymetallurgist said:
Described as a C-shape, to me it feels reasonably shallow, and plays faster than I expected. Save for the gloss finish I'd say it's identical to the neck on my Jazz bass. To my preferences, it's like they fixed everything that puts me off a 70s tele bass (slab body, chonk neck, bonkers price)

After a few more hours playing it, it's more versatile than I originally would have given it credit for. With these old flats, I'd happily trot this out for easily 85% of cover gig songs...If I swapped to rounds it'd feel confident using it for everything except stuff needing slap.

Taking it to a rehearsal tomorrow night with flats, we'll see how it does!
Click to expand...
I appreciate the info! Yep, it all sounds GREAT, and I love the walnut color!

BTW, that bass was made for flats (especially played with a pick!)
 
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