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Squier or Xaviere First Bass?

D

dbshelton

Nov 19, 2011
19
1
#1
I have possibly decided on buying either a Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass or a Guitar Fetish Xaviere PB bass as my first bass guitar. It probably wouldn't make any difference to me since I am a beginner, but does anyone have any tips for me?
 
#2
Never heard of the Xaviere, but I have the Squier VM P bass (the amber one), and it's my favorite bass at the moment, even over my Fender American Standard Jazz bass. (mostly because I prefer Precisions over Jazzes). I would not hesitate to recommend the Squier.
 
#7
I've retrofitted all of my guitars with GFS parts and they are extremely solid and high quality. I'd really like to get my hands on one of the new DLX's, but like SX's you just have to order them without trying them first. Due to not playing any of the Xaviere basses, I would recommend the Squier.
 
#8
dbshelton said:
I have possibly decided on buying either a Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass or a Guitar Fetish Xaviere PB bass as my first bass guitar. It probably wouldn't make any difference to me since I am a beginner, but does anyone have any tips for me?
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Honestly, if it's your first bass, I wouldn't worry about picking between just those two brands. Do yourself a favor and go to your local music store and try a bunch of different basses, from different manufacturers. It doesn't matter if you can't play - you want to see how they feel in your hands, and try to get an understanding of what fits you best. You might not like the width a P bass neck, or you might like a short scale, or you might prefer one body shape over another...one bass might feel like magic, another might feel like a dead fish.

IMO, it's better to know what you like or dislike before blindly plunking down cash on a bass based on some Internet opinions.
 
#9
ghostdog93 said:
Honestly, if it's your first bass, I wouldn't worry about picking between just those two brands. Do yourself a favor and go to your local music store and try a bunch of different basses, from different manufacturers. It doesn't matter if you can't play - you want to see how they feel in your hands, and try to get an understanding of what fits you best. You might not like the width a P bass neck, or you might like a short scale, or you might prefer one body shape over another...one bass might feel like magic, another might feel like a dead fish.

IMO, it's better to know what you like or dislike before blindly plunking down cash on a bass based on some Internet opinions.
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I work in a music store (won't say which one) and I don't find this to be a good idea. Trying every bass you can find can be an overwhelming experience that will only confuse you more.

The Squier has the established reputation of an affordable quality instrument. The Xavierre offers a similar instrument without as solid a reputation for a bit cheaper.

I would suggest taking the xavierre and saving the difference in price for setups, you're likely to need one within the first month no matter which bass you buy.
 
#10
jordak said:
I work in a music store (won't say which one) and I don't find this to be a good idea. Trying every bass you can find can be an overwhelming experience that will only confuse you more.
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Seriously? That's your advice? Don't try anything out because the choices will confuse you?

:hmm:

If the OP is completely new to this, he has no idea of what he prefers in a bass. Perhaps he'll like thin necks. Or thick ones. Perhaps he will enjoy the feel of a short scale. Or not. He might pick up a P bass and hate it, or get his hands on an Epi EB-3 and love it. You don't know, I don't know, and he doesn't know...and he won't until he actually gets his hands on some different basses.

Sure, he's going to have to make some choices, and picking between all the models might seem a bit overwhelming at first. He's not going to have every question answered in just one trip to the music store. Maybe he'll find a local shop where an employee can give him some decent guidance. Whatever the case, trying out different basses is going to give him some frame of reference.

IMO, making a somewhat educated buying decision based on his own opinions is going to be better for him in the long run than buying a Xaviere on the Internet because it's cheaper than the Squier.
 
#11
First of all i cant say anything about the xavier but i can say that my vm jazz is a realy solid instrument.
Also id like to second the music store trip if you feel that many choises might confuse you try a precision and a jazz to compare necks and then have a look at basses with diferent pickups see what sounds closer to the sound you have in your head and work from there just ask the store guy what the controls do and lastly Have fun playing!!
 
#12
dbshelton said:
I have possibly decided on buying either a Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass or a Guitar Fetish Xaviere PB bass as my first bass guitar. It probably wouldn't make any difference to me since I am a beginner, but does anyone have any tips for me?
Click to expand...

I'm a guitar and bass teacher with 15 weekly students.

I wrote the first TB review on the Xaviere bass I purchased.

I have offered and been asked to help my students pick out and acquire instruments many times. I often place the order myself and deal with matters of shipping and the occasional return/exchange. It's part of the service I provide as their teacher. I also help them with set up and maintenance at no charge, unless it gets too complex for me (like fret work), then I turn it over to one of my techs.

If a student asked me to chose between the Squier VM and the Xaviere, I would call it a toss-up. Most recently, I had a student bring me his VM Jazz with the maple body. Nice bass. I still had to tweak it and dial it in, but it was great, a perfect beginner bass that took this kid into intermediate playing, live performance, etc. I own the CV 50's Precision, and it's a great bass, I've used it in a couple of critical live performances.

Frankly, I get the same vibe from the Xaviere, but for a little less coin. No name recognition, probably lower re-sale value, but no other serious drawbacks. The guys at GFS are accesible and helpful. They always answer my e-mails promptly and courteously, so I have to believe the service after the sale is at least on par with other mail-order companies.

You might want to wait for a few more reviews of the Xaviere to come along. I think a few TB'ers have probably ordered one by now.

But in the end, I think they are both great choices for the OP and, as I said, I think it's a toss-up at this stage in his playing career.

P.S.--no offense ghostdog, but I understand why jordak is wary of just setting a brand new player loose to play anything and everything. I have had students bring me basses they purchased without my input that were totally inappropriate in some way. Better to play it safe, go with something basic, and get some practical suggestions before the first purchase.
 
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#13
I've not had the opportunity to try the new Xavier basses, but a I've tried a few of their guitars that have shown up used in local shops.

In general, I was impressed with the build quality you get for the price point. I don't think you can go wrong with either instrument, but you'll probably save $100 or so with the Xavier.
 
#18
#19
C.Linton said:
Yup, it surely beats the collection of cheap crap I had to choose from when I was a teen.
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My teen-years, $100 electric guitar was made out of plywood, had absolutely terrible pickups and electronics. In that range (SX, GFS, up to the Squier VM) gets you solid wood, a nice finish, better electronics but still entry level, and 20 years improvement in manufacturing process.

For a first bass, you cannot go wrong with SX or Squier. I see some good reviews for GFS and they have a good rep as a parts company, with responsive customer service.
 
#20
electracoyote said:
I'm a guitar and bass teacher with 15 weekly students.
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I bought my first bass from my bass teacher, a Squier Affinity p-bass. He had it setup and playing very nice. He also checks the action/setup about once a month. I still plays great.

I was grateful to have someone with experience helping me to choose a bass.

I suggest finding someone local to help pick out something you will enjoy.
 

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