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Squier VM '70s Jazz vs G&L Tribute JB

Sephiroth 420

Sephiroth 420

Sep 10, 2017
50
21
#1
Sup y'all. I recently decided I wanted to pick up the bass guitar (by recently, I mean about 2 years ago but I still haven't pulled the trigger) and am trying to decide which instrument to purchase. At my local GC, I played a Squier Jazz with a very beautiful, lightly flamed neck. It sounded and felt great, but it's been sitting in that store for about 7 months now which makes me wonder If something is wrong and I just haven't noticed.

Anyway, my store very rarely stocks G&Ls, so when I saw the JB Tribute online I had to investigate via the internet. Not much info is out there, at least nothing close to the coverage on the Squier. How does it stack up to the '70s Jazz? What are the differences, keeping in mind the G&L costs $150-200 more based on whether you opt for maple or rosewood. Curiously, the Brazilian Rosewood model is cheaper than Maple. Hmm... :eyebrow:
 
#4
Sephiroth 420 said:
...Not much info is out there, at least nothing close to the coverage on the Squier. How does it stack up to the '70s Jazz? What are the differences, keeping in mind the G&L costs $150-200 more based on whether you opt for maple or rosewood. Curiously, the Brazilian Rosewood model is cheaper than Maple. Hmm... :eyebrow:
Click to expand...
The Maple-fretboard JB costs more because the body is also Ash. The Cherry JB has a Basswood body.

The JB will cost more than the Squier because...well, you get what you pay for. The G&L, although a Tribute, is a better bass over the Squier any day. No need to replace hardware or pickups. Usually with the Squier, those are first to go...
 
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#5
Sephiroth 420 said:
Oh, and some links:

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Classic-Vibe-70s-Jazz-Bass-Maple-Fingerboard.gc

Invalid Link Removed

G&L's website says it's actually Brazillian Cherry. GC's says Brazillian Rosewood, unless I read something wrong.
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It's Brazilian Cherry.
Nice bass, but it does come in other colors, and if you've been waiting this long, you might want to wait for the new Turquoise Mist Tribute to come out. You can get it for 15% off at Guitar Center...next month, from what I hear.
 
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#7
CallMeAl said:
The G&L might have a (slight) leg up in quality, but they’re both great choices for a first bass. I wouldn’t worry too much about specs/materials; just pick the one that feels and sounds “right.” Try them both on a strap too; I’ve found the VM 70s to be a little heavy (my only issue with those honestly)
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Yeah, I was planning on trying the '70s next to some P basses that I liked. Squier is coming out with the 2019 '70s P in Walnut and the '51 in 2-Tone next month, but I've heard mixed opinions on the Indo Classic Vibes. Also, I don't want to risk that bass being sold in the next few weeks, even if it is statistically unlikely. ;)

I'm mostly a P Bass guy judging by my favorite live shows, studio recordings, musicians and such, but I tend to favor the sound (not feel necessarily) of Jazz basses up close and personal. Weird.
 
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#9
Biased because I own one, but gotta say that the 70’s Classic Vibe Jazz you’ve got eyes on is a lot of bang for the buck.
I couldn’t be happier with mine!
Also, the bodies on these are maple, not ash. Extremely resonant. The one I have has a two piece body but I’ve seen them come in one piece & three piece as well (I work at my local Guitar Center and drooled over the one on the sales floor for three weeks before finally buying it!)
 
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#11
Well, it's a shame you can't play them both and see which you like better, but since GC has a great return policy...

I agree with what's been said about the Squier probably being the better value (meaning you get a nice, playable bass for cheap) and the G&L being the better bass (some people think quality is always a better value) - but here's the thing - if you get the Squier without trying the G&L, the thought of the G&L will haunt you. Also, it's easy to put $150 worth of upgrades into the Squier, and you'll still be wondering about the G&L!

My $.02 - get the G&L, see how you like it (I think you'll love it). If it turns out you like the Squier better, return the G&L, get the Squier and live happily ever after ; )
 
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#12
eastcoasteddie said:
The JB will cost more than the Squier because...well, you get what you pay for. The G&L, although a Tribute, is a better bass over the Squier any day. No need to replace hardware or pickups. Usually with the Squier, those are first to go...
Click to expand...

My VM jazz has real nice wood finishing, but the tuners and bridge needed a little more vintage modifying.;) I like the pickups though.
 
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#16
I have a Squier VM PJ bass (from 2018) and a G&L L-2000 tribute (from 2010).
These are different basses than the ones you are interested in but you could be interested in my conclusions :
The chrome parts are really better on the G&L : tuners are smooth and better built, the bridge is heavier and well designed, the pickups are outstanding.
Almost everything was upgraded on my Squier (for aesthetic and quality reasons, for my own fun). In comparison : I see nothing to upgrade on my Tribute...
On the long term, maybe a G&L Tribute is a better choice...
 
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#20
I would go with the G&L, I don’t think you’ll need to upgrade any parts. The bridge alone is worth the $150 difference in price. I’ve owned US built JBs and thought they blew away US built Fenders. These Tributes have had very nice reviews.
 

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