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Squier VM Jaguar? Anyone?

BayStateBass

BayStateBass

Jan 25, 2012
1,953
169
Central Massachusetts
#1
I went to GC (I know, I know) with the specific purpose of trying and buying a used Warwick Thumb 4 string that they have for sale. Realistically, I just didn't like it that much, not enough to buy it. Since I was already there, I decided to play all the other mass-produced stuff that they had there. I've been looking for something with a different sound than my Schecter, but really have been undecided.

Not much turned me on except a Squier VM Jaguar, which surprised me. I've had it in my head that I need to get a big-dollar bass to be happy (while keeping my Schecter as a practice workhorse), but after trying out a bunch of things I was really digging this Squier. Pretty cheap to buy, too.

So, at the risk of being another "should I buy this bass" thread, I was hoping to get some input as to why I shouldn't buy this thing.....would you steer away just because it's a Squier? Also, some input from other Jaguar owners and how realiable/solid your bass has been would be appreciated, as well as what you had to/wanted to change on yours....

Thanks!
 
#3
repoman said:
This says a lot about Squiers ....http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/my-squier-vm-jaguar-jay-leno-live-pete-schmidt-bass-strap-853224/
Click to expand...

repoman beat me to it! Check it out!

If you are talking about that bass (the passive P/J version), I own one and personally think it is a great instrument for the money. Some on TB say that the VM series rivals the MIA Fenders. I also own an '08 MIA Jazz, and I wouldn't go that far, but for $900 less, the VMs are pretty sweet. GREAT neck on mine. I replaced the stock strings with D'Addario Chromes to tame the brightness (and get the "P with flats" sound when needed), and I'm pretty happy with it. It all comes down to what you are looking for in a 2nd bass. If it's a versatile but solid and basic passive 4 string, the VMs are a good value, IMHO.
 
#5
Link Removed

This is a link to Music123 for the exact one I'm talking about.

It didn't get overly good reviews on their site, but part of me thinks it's the "Squier Stigma". I really liked the P/J pickups verus the twin humbuckers on my Schecter, totally different tone, seems much more versatile than my Schecter, which is primarily a rock-oriented bass. I also like all the stuff available to mod Squiers and Fenders, too. If this one was available in white, rather than black (don't know if it is), I'd have even more GAS (that is the term, isn't it?:D).
 
#6
Here's Ya go.... Oli-white!
DV019_Jpg_Regular_430661.004.422_olympic_white_rw.jpg

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#8
BayStateBass said:
Link Removed

This is a link to Music123 for the exact one I'm talking about.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's the one. Used to be only available in black - the colors are new. I'd still pick black, but I'm a sucker for matching headstocks.

Jonathan Herrera did a nice review of the VM line (including the Jag) in the Dec. 2010 issue of Bass Player - if you're looking for a more professional point of view.

Link: http://www.bassplayer.com/article/S...d-Jaguar-Jazz-Bass-77-and-Precision-Bass/5103
 
#10
I just traded my Classic Vibe 60's P-bass for the VM Jag (black) with a guy right here in MA. Check Craigslist, there have been a few of them for sale locally.

Both are awesome basses. I wasn't a fan of the Fiesta Red color on that P-bass but I miss it already.

BayStateBass said:
Hmmm....

Now I'm gonna have to put serious consideration to ordering one before the end of the day......

:help:

I'm becoming an addict.
Click to expand...
 
#11
I saw the VM Jaguar at GC about 7-8 months ago and had to have it. It felt pretty good in the store too. After getting it home and setting it up like I like it I decided I wouldn't be happy with it. The fretwork was not up to par for my liking; there was quite a bit of fret buzz that I couldn't get past. I like a medium to med-low action and I wasn't able to get a good feel from the bass. The bass was great quality for the price. Finish, bridge, and tuners were all very nice. The pickups and pots were average. Maybe I just got a bass that needed a little more fretwork, or an owner that likes high action. I might try another one someday as I love the looks.
 
#13
#14
Stilettoprefer said:
Just jumping in with a question!

Is the P pickup in the true "P" position? I've been looking for a good passive PJ bass so that I don't have to mess with routing my fretless.
Click to expand...

IDK, really, but Squier advertises it as a P/J. Whether or not it's in "actual position", I don't know. But I would guess, as a Squier, it's most likely where it should be....

I would think.....
 
#16
Stilettoprefer said:
Just jumping in with a question!

Is the P pickup in the true "P" position? I've been looking for a good passive PJ bass so that I don't have to mess with routing my fretless.
Click to expand...

BayStateBass said:
IDK, really, but Squier advertises it as a P/J. Whether or not it's in "actual position", I don't know. But I would guess, as a Squier, it's most likely where it should be....

I would think.....
Click to expand...

There are differences in the pickup placement even between the two passive P/J Jags made by FMIC. They're both advertised as P/Js, but the spacing is very different between them.

Squier VM Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 4.5"
Distance between P and J pickups: 1.75"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.75"

Fender MP Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 2.75"
Distance between P and J pickups: 2.5"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.25"

Of the two, though, the Squier VM Jag has its P pickup closest to the standard P pickup location.
 
#17
ghostdog93 said:
There are differences in the pickup placement even between the two passive P/J Jags made by FMIC. They're both advertised as P/Js, but the spacing is very different between them.

Squier VM Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 4.5"
Distance between P and J pickups: 1.75"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.75"

Fender MP Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 2.75"
Distance between P and J pickups: 2.5"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.25"

Of the two, though, the Squier VM Jag has its P pickup closest to the standard P pickup location.
Click to expand...

This is true, I own both and they do sound very different because of this.
 
#18
ghostdog93 said:
There are differences in the pickup placement even between the two passive P/J Jags made by FMIC. They're both advertised as P/Js, but the spacing is very different between them.

Squier VM Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 4.5"
Distance between P and J pickups: 1.75"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.75"

Fender MP Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 2.75"
Distance between P and J pickups: 2.5"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.25"

Of the two, though, the Squier VM Jag has its P pickup closest to the standard P pickup location.
Click to expand...

Thank you!!!!:D
 
#19
I walked into a local shop 6 months ago to pick up a set of strings, had no intention of buying a bass. Walked out with a vm squier jag. I really like the stacked control knobs and the bass is very versatile in tones and fun to play! A great deal for $300.
 
#20
ghostdog93 said:
There are differences in the pickup placement even between the two passive P/J Jags made by FMIC. They're both advertised as P/Js, but the spacing is very different between them.

Squier VM Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 4.5"
Distance between P and J pickups: 1.75"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.75"

Fender MP Jaguar
Edge of neck to P pickup: 2.75"
Distance between P and J pickups: 2.5"
Bridge to J pickup: 1.25"

Of the two, though, the Squier VM Jag has its P pickup closest to the standard P pickup location.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Knew somebody would know the answer.
 

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