+Not sure if this was the specialty group that I started a few years ago or not. I think it was, so if I'm wrong I'll hear about it pretty quick, you betchum!
About the OP's questions:
At first, the question of quality came up on this site - repeatedly as a matter of fact - but that's pretty much gone the way of just nasty scowlers and ne'er-says that think a logo is more important than a zest to own and play well - a guitar of their choosing.
I also believe - with the same trepidation as when I made my first statement here - that I might've had the first VM Squier, PJ with Stacked knobs that came into the US through Guitar Center in Murietta, California.
Correct me if you will, but I cannot find that bass in the Fender lineup any more - I just looked and it ain't there.If someone finds one, send me a link - OK?
On to your question: I always liked the uniqueness of it when it could hold it's own against basses that were yards more money and held much of the fear factor for it's logo.
The action was good right out of the box - and mine were the first eyes it saw after the box was closed and sealed in wherever it was manufactured. Very little adjustment was needed at all, and although that might've been some fluke - it worked and brought a lot of smiles to me.
Fret work was more than good, and the things for which I look closely were great.
#1 - the finish was deep, pure and without blemish - even for a black body and headstock.
#2 - the electronics - were smooth, clean and precise - and since I had the stacked knobs, all I did to them was tighten the detents under the top knob(s) to make them less susceptible to accidentally moving them in the heat of combat.
#3 - the neck was straight. Still is, even though this bass is at a friend's house and has been for a while - I just ran out of wall space to hang all my collection and since I have a couple of full-blown Fender basses that are active, and they sound the same - I decided to let him have some fun with it.
#4 - immediately upon receiving it, I put Boomers on it. Although the OEM strings were fine - and I've used them on other basses - I just thought this could be a boomer old school bass instead of something with a more modern sound.
#5 - The weight was fine - 8lbs 1 oz if I remember it correctly.
#6 - I put a Precision bridge cover on it (chrome) as it fit well and didn't mask much of the strings.
#7 - I put Dunlop Dual-Locks on it and all my basses have their own dedicated straps and hard cases. The case might've cost more than the bass - That I forget though.
#8 - I heel-pressure worked real carnauba wax into the back of the neck for a couple of hours one evening while I was watching Lawrence Welk's Polka show. No further comments are necessary.
#9 - Battery life is about one year, using it or not - but DON'T leave the jack plugged in as the battery is ON when it's in.
#10 - the hardware - tuners, bridge, fret wires, jack, control panel, neck plate, screws, washers and such were all good n' well finished, not discolored nor partially chromed with dark spots
If you're into quality and affordability and usefulness, then as far as I am concerned, you can do many time worse than any Squier.
Many people razz them (Squiers) but most times it's just a set up issue that is a no-brainer and not something about which to complain. Any decent bass player will set the intonation, string height and neck angle to suit themselves anyway - so what's the big deal.
If the neck doesn't fall off, the strings don't unwind the tuners and the neck doesn't become pretzel-shaped, than you're in fat city.
sounds great, plays great.
