Please do I'd love to know your thoughts
nathanswatch
Here's what I sent Gord_oh.
OK, here we go. This is just my opinion and is not set in stone.
If we are talking about the Squire's then it's almost a toss up between the two. Either will be a decent "starter" bass. I say starter only because you as a player might outgrow the capabilites of these fairly quick. Hardware on each is similar. Cost is about the same. The hardware will wear out quicker than a MIJ, MIM, or USA as to be expected on a 300.00 bass.
The 70's will probably have the bigger frets versus the skinny vintage style of the Classic Vibe. Both have newer "C" profile 9.5 radius necks. Look VERY closely at the neck inlays AND binding on the 70's bass. I've "heard" that they are not real inlays and binding, that they are painted on. If so they WILL wear away after time and that would look like crap if it happens. I can't confirm about the paint from firsthand experience as I've never looked. Both these basses are marketed as "entry" level and my guess is that Fender thinks most buyers will outgrow and move to better basses before the paint (if true) wears off. Who knows? The 60's has no binding and real dot style inlays.
If the 70's is closely fashioned after the real 70's Jazz the rear PU placement will be different from the 60's bass as Fender changed it during the 70's. I think the rear PU was moved closer to the bridge. That will give you a brighter sound and a bit more growl.
The bridge on the 60's is a heavier unit but has non standard screw spacing. It IS a nice bridge though. Tuners are just so so units and will need to changed out quicker than a MIJ, MIM, or USA bass. They are decent enough for average use.
The neck on the 60's is as I said laquer finished and you might not like it. Lots of players don't. Fender Japan uses it but not MIM's or most Squires. USA's only have it on the vintage series basses. So it's not common too much anymore.
Is the body on the 70's Ash? If so, it will give you a brighter tone than the Basswood on the 60's. Maple neck is brighter sounding too than the Rosewood on the 60's. If you lean toward the more modern Hi-Fi type sound the 70's would be more to your liking.
In the end it comes down to what you as a player prefer. If possible play both basses and try to decide. For me it was the 60's bass. It just felt better to me than the 70's series did. I didn't like the feel of the neck on the 70's model but I'm not a big fan of the MIM necks either.
If possible try to play more than just one of each model. QC varies widely on the Squire basses. One might be good and another of the same model might just be passable. If you get my drift.
A good basic rule of thumb is that if the action is already medium or high and you have fret buzz anywhere on the neck, pass on it and try another. IMO If it's already buzzing with meduim or high action, there's no way you're going to get it lower without a "pro" fret level and setup at around 100 to 140 bucks. So consider that when choosing.
Just remember that the Squire basses are what they are... good entry level instruments that hopefully will make you want to go for the real Fender down the road.
Hope this helps. Good luck and let me know how you make out or if you have any more questions.
I sent another PM regarding the body on the 70's. Squire lists it as Maple which IS a brighter sounding tonewood that the Basswood of the 60's series. Squire also lists the neck as being "bound". This usually means with plastic. The inlays still should be inspected as to weather or not they are painted or actual inlays. Maybe an owner of one of the 70's VM's can take a look and confirm. The 70's also has "duncan" designed PU's that use Alnico 5 magnets. The 60's vibe has Alnico too but I can't say if their the same PU's underneath.
All I can say is that the 60's Classic Vibe I have is a great playing bass for the price. If anyone is toying with the idea of getting a Jazz style bass to mess around with, you can't go wrong with it. As a 30+ year player, I can tell you that if it was a POS, It wouldn't be hanging on my wall right now.
I'm looking forward to getting it over to practice and give it a workout. However that will have to wait for a few months. Our drummer (my brother) broke his ankle (HUGE
), so we are on hold probably till late Jan or Feb and then he will have to rehab some to get back in the groove. BIG TIME SUCKS but it is what it is, so we deal with it. Gives me some time to do some badly needed cleanup in my music studio and lay down some new ideas.
Keep Low
Gord_oh
