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Squier to Fender Upgrade - Worth It?
- Thread starter neutron619
- Start date
Squier to Fender Update? It depends . . . . and while we can offer our experience, it really comes down to you.
Of course, there's a price difference, which can be a concern. The good news is Fender prices run the gamut from pretty cheap (LOTS of used or barely used ones out there) to as much money as you'd want to spend (vintage or a Custom Shop piece). Can often find good run-of-the-mill Fenders used for the same price as a new Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Squier (for this discussion, we'll skip the Affinitys, often a beginner's piece).
And it's very subjective in terms of how they look, feel in your hand and on the strap, etc.
I own three VM and CV Squiers. I'm in all three (bought new) for around $1200 bucks. Personally, they're good enough for me to not consider a 'real' Fender.
I'm an experienced player since the late 70's. I do my own maintenance, setups, etc. I have a pretty fair idea of how solid a bass needs to be and what it takes to get it where I like it. In this regard, my Squiers have required little fettling and are solid enough.
But they are obviously built to a price. This is obscured and skewed by the labor and material costs in the Far East (mine are all Indonesian build) vs. Mexican or ContUS production, but the bodies can be thinner, paint jobs are pretty good, hardware OK, and like all cheap instruments they use very cheap pots and wiring, which is where they all cut costs on less expensive instruments. However a bit of wire, a jack, and new CTS or Bournes pots are a small investment if needed. The wood they use are inexpensive but sufficient.
Move on to a Mexican Fender, and things are a bit better here and there, but not night and day, the same as the lesser ContUS basses. Get to the artist models or Ultras or any of the best American ones and the price difference (again, driven by where it's built) allows for the most skilled labor, the best materials and hardware they offer, and the best finish and fine tuning.
You just got to decide IF you want a new or new-to-you bass, your price range, anything different feature wise than you have now, and go with it.
Those Squier five-string Jazzes have been a real hit for Squier, I see lots of them around. They can be updated but let me pass along this caution:
Be smart with your money and the costs IF you update it, and I'll tell you why: I've seen several cases where guys went 'all in' on modding a Squier, solid Gotoh or Shaller hardware, serious pickup and preamps, etc., then try to sell a Squier Jazz Five for 7 or 800 bucks. That's never going to happen. So pick your mods carefully, keep the costs down, then when you sell it down the road, you're not upside down in it price-wise.
Best of Luck,
JW
Of course, there's a price difference, which can be a concern. The good news is Fender prices run the gamut from pretty cheap (LOTS of used or barely used ones out there) to as much money as you'd want to spend (vintage or a Custom Shop piece). Can often find good run-of-the-mill Fenders used for the same price as a new Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Squier (for this discussion, we'll skip the Affinitys, often a beginner's piece).
And it's very subjective in terms of how they look, feel in your hand and on the strap, etc.
I own three VM and CV Squiers. I'm in all three (bought new) for around $1200 bucks. Personally, they're good enough for me to not consider a 'real' Fender.
I'm an experienced player since the late 70's. I do my own maintenance, setups, etc. I have a pretty fair idea of how solid a bass needs to be and what it takes to get it where I like it. In this regard, my Squiers have required little fettling and are solid enough.
But they are obviously built to a price. This is obscured and skewed by the labor and material costs in the Far East (mine are all Indonesian build) vs. Mexican or ContUS production, but the bodies can be thinner, paint jobs are pretty good, hardware OK, and like all cheap instruments they use very cheap pots and wiring, which is where they all cut costs on less expensive instruments. However a bit of wire, a jack, and new CTS or Bournes pots are a small investment if needed. The wood they use are inexpensive but sufficient.
Move on to a Mexican Fender, and things are a bit better here and there, but not night and day, the same as the lesser ContUS basses. Get to the artist models or Ultras or any of the best American ones and the price difference (again, driven by where it's built) allows for the most skilled labor, the best materials and hardware they offer, and the best finish and fine tuning.
You just got to decide IF you want a new or new-to-you bass, your price range, anything different feature wise than you have now, and go with it.
Those Squier five-string Jazzes have been a real hit for Squier, I see lots of them around. They can be updated but let me pass along this caution:
Be smart with your money and the costs IF you update it, and I'll tell you why: I've seen several cases where guys went 'all in' on modding a Squier, solid Gotoh or Shaller hardware, serious pickup and preamps, etc., then try to sell a Squier Jazz Five for 7 or 800 bucks. That's never going to happen. So pick your mods carefully, keep the costs down, then when you sell it down the road, you're not upside down in it price-wise.
Best of Luck,
JW
Squier VM Jazz 5 are made in Indonesia with import parts.
Fender Player Jazz 5 are made in Mexico with import parts.
I tried some Fender MIM Jazz 5 and some Squier VM Jazz 5. I bought a really nice Squier VM Jazz 5 and with the money I saved I will put a John East J-Tone preamp, Gotoh tuners and a Gotoh bridge. This will be a lot better than any MIM with import parts.
I would suggest upgrading your Squier VM Jazz 5 or go directly to a MIA Fender Jazz 5 if you really want a Fender.
Fender Player Jazz 5 are made in Mexico with import parts.
I tried some Fender MIM Jazz 5 and some Squier VM Jazz 5. I bought a really nice Squier VM Jazz 5 and with the money I saved I will put a John East J-Tone preamp, Gotoh tuners and a Gotoh bridge. This will be a lot better than any MIM with import parts.
I would suggest upgrading your Squier VM Jazz 5 or go directly to a MIA Fender Jazz 5 if you really want a Fender.
I carefully read your entire OP twice, and my conclusion is that all your thoughts already make good sense, and so I can only second the advice previously given: "you deserve to play whatever you want" so narrow your thoughts and your decision-making processes to what best satisfies your wants.
To you see how the things are: i have a good japanese Fender, and now i'm seeking that Squier Precision Classic Vibe 50's which is beautiful. Don't know if i go for it yet.
