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Squier Precision or MIM Precison? (aka: Why I hate TB)

terribilino

terribilino

Nov 22, 2008
458
66
#1
So I was all set to buy a modest Yamaha BB414 because I want a passive bass to put flats on. It was that or a Squier Precision.

Suddenly, I come across my dream bass in a thread about MIM Precisions: Link Removed I didn't know it was my dream bass until I saw it, but then I knew. I guess it's like that.

I can get this bass new, but it's not cheap, because I live in Switzerland, and there's a screw-you-because-you-live-in-Switzerland tax on everything. New it would be about $850 (US). A Squier Precision would be about $400.

Is there a big difference in playability and sound between a MIM Fender and a Squier? I've been reading a lot of the Squier threads recently, and it seems to get a lot of respect. Of course it doesn't come in this particular Midnight Wine...

Any thoughts? There's also the Highway One Precision in a Midnight Wine, but that would be an extra 450 bucks. I'm not sure I could justify that.

Thanks!

PS. Oh yeah, and I hate TB because it causes GAS.
 
#2
Squiers are good but the MIM line is better in my opinion. Is it $450 better? I guess only you can decide that. You would definitely be paying for more than just the finish, you would be getting a better bass. However, if you find a Squier finish you like you would still get off cheaper by buying it and getting a really good professional setup done to it. Heck the MIM would probably need a decent setup too.
 
#3
I think it is all about quality control. You will be able to find some Squiers that are better than some MIMs, and vice-versa. I believe it is worth the time to find a quality squier. You get a great bass at an even greater price. The Classic Vibe series is the way to go. Sure it is sonic blue for the Precision, but you could get it refinished in that midnight wine you are gassing for. It will come out a lot cheaper. Of course if money doesn't matter, then just get w/e bass makes you the happiest.

p.s. I am a very happy Squier owner who sees no benefit of having a MIM instead.

YMMV my friend, good luck!
 
#6
Thanks for all the honest replies.

So would a MIA Highway One definitely be better quality, or is that a crapshoot as well ...? Unfortunately I'd be buying online, so I can't try them out and compare before I buy. The stores here don't stock much, and they usually only have one or two token Fenders, invariably a Jazz.
 
#9
I have both, Squier VM P and an '09 MIM P. IMO the MIM has the better finish (sunburst), hardware, etc., but the playability of the Squier matches the MIM. The Squier is my back-up but it could easily be my main player if something happened to the MIM (as a good back-up should be). If you've got the means to pick up the Squier by all means do it, they are a solid choice! Of course the MIM is nice too ;)
 
#10
When I bought my Squier (Deluxe Active Jazz 5) I got it from a store.... I tried it and adjusted it for a week and took it back to exchange it for another (they had 3) the 2nd was and is GREAT !! The first one wouldn't adjust the way I like it, the 2nd perfect....

Just my experience with Squier

Also had a couple of MIM (active P-Bass Deluxe and active Jazz Deluxe) both were OK and worth the money but nothing like my MIA P-Bass Deluxe

I'm hoping that this helps in some way....
 
#13
dude, midnight wine MIM P's are nice but not $850 nice. they have made this color a while now and if thats what you really really want i would accept no substitute. due to the fact you are starting to see many more MIMs in midnight wine pop up used id say save your cash and search a little harder for one before you settle for something else
 

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