Squier VM 70's & VM bass-What's the difference

[BassPlayer95]

So basically I'm between two basses the Squier VM 70's and the regular VM bass, aesthetically, I prefer the 70's version, but I'm not sure what kind of pickups are in both, or if there's a difference in the necks, or really what the difference is, period.

Thanks guys.

Note:I am left handed

 

[RyanHifi]

BOTH of those models have the exact same pickups now in the 2012 and newer models. They are "Fender Design" pickups. They sound really nice and meaty IMO compared to the pickups in the cheaper Affinity line. The difference would be in the body wood, soft maple in the VM70s as opposed to basswood on the regular VM. And also the fretboard is maple with the block inlays on the VM70s, and is plain rosewood with dot inlays on the regular VM. I just bought a sunburst regular VM today. I guarantee both basses will sound pretty much EXACTLY THE SAME, it's just a matter of which one feels and looks better to you. There's about a 20-30 dollar price difference between the two, and I think personally it's mostly aesthetics.

 

[BassPlayer95]

Thanks so much for the reply. Do you have any experience with drop-tunings? Do you think a j could handle it?

 

[ozzyismetal]

Any normal scale bass can handle drop tunings so long as you get it set-up for that. Jazz basses have been used by many bands with drop tunings.

 

[awilkie84]

There's a 3rd variant, too. VM77. Basswood body of the VM, with a pearl block maple neck.
It will handle drop tunings just fine. I don't suggest BEAD, but you can go down to a C easily.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Thanks so much for the reply. Do you have any experience with drop-tunings? Do you think a j could handle it?

Like ozzy says, it can absolutely handle it.

For the record, I just installed a Hipshot BT7 Drop-D tuner in a pair of different Squiers, a Vintage Modified Jaguar and an older Standard Jazz. Most of my basses have them. They're convenient as Hell!

 

[BassPlayer95]

Do you guys know of any demos or sound clips where this bass is being played in a more aggressive style, like with a pick? All I can find is slap, and while I love slap playing, it's just not my preferred style.