Squier VM Jazz Inlays/Finish??

[MonsterTruck88]

So I've been planning on adding a jazz bass to my bass collection as I currently do not have one, and I've been seriously considering the SX SJB-75, as I have an SX P-Bass and absolutely love it.

That said, I currently have the option to purchase a Squier VM Jazz for the same price as the SX, and I don't know which to purchase. I've tried out the VM, and I like the feel and sound of it, but I don't like the fact that the inlays and binding are actually painted and not real, whereas the SX has real inlays.

Does anyone know if the inlays will eventually wear off the Squier? Or are there any other things about the Squier that might not make it as good as the SX?

 

[Burlington]

I love everything about my Squire VM except the neck

 

[Slackerprince]

Looks like a Geddy neck.
Never been too keen on the black-block fret markers.
For some serious $, you can send it away and have MOP inlays installed. That would make for some serious cosmetics.

S.

 

[kev77]

find a MIJ fender,,, or look on -in thier secondhand section - they cant ship new ones anymore.,.,some fender legal regional thing, but 2nd hand ones are still good to go
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Burlington]

Looks like a Geddy neck.
Never been too keen on the black-block fret markers.
For some serious $, you can send it away and have MOP inlays installed. That would make for some serious cosmetics.

S.

It looks great from 10 feet. Then you notice the fretboard is laminated to the neck, the inlays are painted on, it's freakishly light compared to the body, and the finish is not nice. Still a great bass for the price tho.

 

[Vic Winters]

They shouldn't wear off from normal use since there is a finish on the neck covering them. If I could get them at the same price point, I'd buy both. But that's just me.

 

[RHCP250]

It looks great from 10 feet. Then you notice the fretboard is laminated to the neck, the inlays are painted on, it's freakishly light compared to the body, and the finish is not nice. Still a great bass for the price tho.

The Geddy or the VM?

 

[Burlington]

The Geddy or the VM?

The VM. The necks Geddy sig has is the real deal, it's pretty nice.

 

[RHCP250]

Ah I see. I love how the neck plays on the VM at the guitar store near me, and I think I'm going to pick it up. I'd like a Geddy, but I can't stand gloss-finished necks.

 

[ProfGumby]

I have an SX Black blocked neck on my Geddy Clone and I have a Squier VM Jazz. I love them both!

It is real easy to smooth out the back of an SX neck with a green scotchbrite and about 1 beer worth of time. And if you want, a spray can and some time can turn your VM into a Geddy look alike. Assuming you are able to paint well enough. Even to have the body professionally redone, it will still cost less than a new Geddy or even less than many used Geddy basses out there. It won't sound the same, but close. (different pickups, different body wood) I am most likely going to refin my VM to a gloss black body . The body on mine is nice, but I think black is better....

In all honesty, given the option of a VM for about $150.00 (assuming that is about the price they are asking you for the VM) I'd take the VM! Then save up for a week or two and get the SX!

I don't think you will go wrong with either, but if you are playing the VM and like it, get it! I prefer the neck radius on the VM over the SX, but my SX feels as "At home" in my hands, just slightly different. And, I prefer the SX and VM neck over the Geddy neck! As to wearing through the painted blocks, that would be, maybe, 20 years down the road! Talk about vintage mojo!

 

[mr.mow]

I've owned 2 of those VM Jazzes and played a bunch in shops.. every single one had inlayed blocks (could see the filler around the edges..).

Do you guys in the US get el cheapo ones compared to the rest of the world or something?