Squier classic vibe vs used mim precision.

[pappabass]

No one gets hurt until it gets sold as a real Fender.

Just name it some wierd name like foderickadella

 

[bobdabilder]

Yes, then they'll need stitches......and counseling.

No one gets hurt until it gets sold as a real Fender.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I've had MIMs and I currently have a CV. Both are good. The CV is surprisingly good for it's price.

 

[EdO.]

No one gets hurt until it gets sold as a real Fender.

I never suggested it should be presented or sold as anything other than what it is. All I said was if you're worried about someone hurting your feelings there's a fix for that. If you can't tell the difference, sorry I got nothing for you. And anyone who would pull that is definitely a low life scumbag. I have 2 Squier's (they both say Squire on the headstock), I gig with them, they sound/look great, anyone who wants to judge my ability as a bass player by the price ot the instrument is not someone I'm gonna spend any time worrying about.

 

[thebreakman]

Well, not sure about the squire but I will tell you that I have a MIM precision that played so well, I sold my MIA precision to fund other things. To me, the MIM felt better, sounded better (I put Geezers in it) and played better. I would imagine if the Squire was close to the MIM's, either would be worth it. I'm not worried about resale value, that's not why I buy a bass.

 

[DwaynieAD]

I know that talkbass has a love affair with vm and CV model squiers, and I think squier is a fine instrument, you'll even see me championing for affinity squiers around here quite often, but that being said... MIM they just feel more substantial when you put you hands on them.

I've landed many a paying gig with my affinity, but it never feels quite as good as my MIMs do in my hands

 

[bryan gibson]

At this price point, the MIM's are worth checking out due to the fact that many are modded-up already....

 

[pcake]

the sterling sub ray 4 has come onto my radar too, got into a bind and had to sell my bass because i lost my job, time to start all over

i love the SUB ray4 - for me, the best neck profile ever, and i'm also a fan of the look and sound. that being said, you may have different preferences. hopefully you can try before you buy.

 

[lfmn16]

Start playing basses - don't stop until you find one you like.

+1

Buying with your eyes is the worst way to buy a bass. It's probably the cause of much gas. You get all worked up over a bass and then when you finally get it, it's not what you thought it would be.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Basses are like cars. Everyone likes looking a pictures of Ferarris (Dingwalls), but them find out that the Camrys (Precisions) and minivans (Jazz) often make a LOT more sense in the real world.

 

[Pet Sounds]

A few years ago, I A/B'd an MIA, MIJ, Squier CV and an MIM at a music store and ranked them in that order, with the MIM last in terms of feel and tone. YMMV

 

[Nickweissmusic]

Can you play both? Then go by feel, and of course make sure the neck resembles something straight. If shopping by price range online, I'd go Fender just because of resale value. You could always try the one with the better return policy first.

 

[bigtone23]

Go with the Classic Vibe. This is not an Affinity we're talking about, the Classic Vibe knocks it out of the park. They're amazing basses. They're gig-worthy, ignore the idiots that only care about a headstock. This isn't the same Squier you get in a beginner's pack. Anyone worth their salt knows that the Classic Vibe is a Grade-A instrument.

Going to ruffle some feathers here, but if there was any Squier worthy of having the Fender name on its headstock, it would be a Classic Vibe.

Plus, getting a used MIM P can be hit-or-miss

I agree with this. The MIM of the last few years are pretty cool, but you have to play a few. Same goes for the CVs (mainly for weight issues on a couple models), but they are monsters in terms of value.
FWIW, Fender does put "Fender" on a CV, it's the Modern Player series of guitars. Made in China, $500 new. If they said Squier, they would be $100 less.

 

[cavemanbass]

+1 for the CV. I have a CV jazz, it's a sweet bass and everyone that picks it up loves it. I much prefer it to the MIM Fenders that I've played. Electronics are also excellent. The CV is made from Basswood, whereas MIM is Alder (or Ash for some finishes). Alder is the traditional choice for Fenders. Worth noting that some $2k instruments from MM (Bongo) are made from Basswood, I would not consider it a downgrade just different, and also lighter weight.

 

[Gord_oh]

There is material available on the forum on this exact comparison that goes back at least a decade. Search and you will find everything you need.

 

[SchnaiderGT]

Another vote for the CV here. Buy it used, and you even got money to spare in a pup change. They really are good basses for the money.

 

[garp]

If you're comparing a Squier CV and an MIM Standard Precision, I'd say it's probably a toss-up. If you're comparing a Squier CV and an MIM '50s Classic Precision, I'd likely go with the MIM hands down.

 

[Chato]

Unfortunately my local gc doesn't have a great selection. At least online they have the nice return policy.

 

[Figjam]

Classic Vibes are as good as the made in China Fender Modern Players. Maybe with the exception of the hardware which is a step down. The same otherwise.

 

[TWP]

Aside from the obvious "Pick the MIM up and play it" advice, which I agree with...I lean more toward the CV.

My first Fender[-style] bass was a 2002/2003 MIM Jazz, which I got a couple of years ago. Did well, but never liked the sound/tone too much (bought it used on eBay)...even took it to Third Coast Guitar (Chicago) for a setup. Then I wanted a Precision sound, so I bought a new Squier CV Precision (also from eBay). I didn't like the feel of the Precision neck as much as the Jazz, but the CV quality absolutely blew the MIM to bits in terms of fit/finish/feel/tone...even without a pro setup.

Fast forward to last year, I missed playing 5-string, but wanted Jazz string spacing, and a better-sounding Jazz. Started looking at Squier VM Jazz V's. Went to Guitar Center and sat with one for 45 minutes, and walked out with it. I've played my friend's American Deluxe Jazz bass several times, but when we jam at his house, I always bring the VM Jazz. Granted, I'm not sure if he ever had his set up, but my experience with the VM Jazz was the same as with the CV Precision in terms of quality, playability, and amazement with how far Squier's come since I was a teenager 20+ years ago.

I honestly never even pick up the MIM anymore. Maybe I got a bad one, maybe I should have not been as cheap and tried playing one first. But it soured me on them. I'm sure there are gems out there, but I would say the CV and VM Squier lines are about comparable to (if not better than) likely a large number of MIM's. I don't really care much about what the headstock says. Same friend who plays an American Jazz, an American Strat, & a Warwick Corvette $$ (which kills every bass I've ever played), has been quite impressed with the sound and feel of my CV & VM basses & Strat.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I hope it helps.