Squier VM or Fender MIM Standard P?

[steve66]

If you can live with the opprobrium of some out there who think the Squier logo makes it a lesser bass, save yourself 2 bills and buy the Squier.

+1
Just other bass players. The normal public couldn't care less what you choose to play.

 

[coastward_kid]

I authored a thread recently that shared my problems with a fender mim deluxe p (the active one). After lots of problems with electronics and construction, my local fender rep exchanged it for a brand new bass for my headaches. It was one of the biggest lemons I have ever purchased, and yet, I think it may have been a "one off," as I haven't heard anything else negative about them.

Do you think you could expect the same neck quality from the indonesian squier and mexican fender? I'd think there must be some reasonably amount of disparity if they are manufactured so far apart

 

[coastward_kid]

it may be important to note that i never had any neck problems with the p deluxe. it actually had a perfect amount of relief and i was able to get the action quite low

 

[dunce180]

I have a mim p. And its been great to me. Im going to evantually swap out the PUs for some basslines, but that doesnt mean it doesnt sound good stock, just not great. The thing about the mims is that there are sometimes bad ones put out. Definatly try before buy. Or you could buy a used mij, which are cheaper and at the same quality as the american series. Anyways, good luck.

 

[jtre]

the price for what you get in the Squier Vintage P makes it hard to resist. $250 now at one of the mail-order places & you said it's going to be a back-up, so why not? i got the fretless VM, it's surprisingly good, wish they had cheap-o's like this years ago

 

[scary bill]

I voted for the Squier. I think they (VM) are very solid basses. If its a backup, you may as well save $$, too.

 

[coastward_kid]

Good points. Again I will point out that it has to function as a primary in a punk/guitar pop band, as my jazz doesn't quite give me the tone I am looking for. I think I may be leaning back into the squier, at this point.

Like I said, the decision will be made by Friday for the weekend's shows. I will keep you posted, but appreciate the continuing feedback!

 

[bass.player]

+1 for the Squier. I bought it as a backup bass and made some modifications to it. I found myself playing the Squier all the time instead of my main basses. Did a couple of gigs with it too and got a lot of compliments to my sound

 

[CBO-7string]

I would go to Link Removed music.net,and check out the SX-SPJ-Ash for $159.00.I know it sounds crazy,but also go and read reviews for SX-Brice-Douglas basses on Harmony-Central -I think youll be pleasently surprised. Be Blessed Chaz. PS-I own a Douglas/Brice-5-string fretless(75)jazz copy-and A guy in Louisa,VA.,owns a original-fender(75-fretted)-that he did not want to take out on the road-so he got the 5-string Brice-his testimony will take your breath away.

 

[manicbassman]

Good points. Again I will point out that it has to function as a primary in a punk/guitar pop band, as my jazz doesn't quite give me the tone I am looking for. I think I may be leaning back into the squier, at this point.

get the Squier then... and go against the general "trend"...

always amuses me to see punk bands playing very expensive Fenders... such a conformist attitude...

I'm extremely happy with my Squier VMJ...

 

[not_jason]

Go Squier.

My primary bass is a Squier, granted, it's an 82 JV series (which are somewhat collectible), but it's far from the only good Squier I've ever played. I have an old defretted Squier Affinity P-Bass that I also use a lot. My MIM jazz basically collects dust. My old friend Kevin used to have a pretty good Korean Squier P-bass that rivaled the quality of my MIM easily. It was sort of embarrassing to me at the time. I actually have ready access to an American Fender P-Bass, and it's a good bass, but in tone and playability, it's never justified it's price tag relative to the other basses I've played. My friend has a VM Jazz with the natural finish and the block inlays, and it plays, looks and sounds beautiful. I'd never think to say it was inferior to any Fender just because of what the headstock says. If it brings quality to the table, well then it brings quality to the table plain and simple. Squier gets a much worse rep than they deserve. True, they make a fair amount of lemons, especially some of the stuff I played from the late 90s, but I don't even know that I'd say they are less consistent than MIMs. I've played a lot of lemons from Mexico too.

So please, buy the Squier and play it proudly, so that the rest of us Squier enthusiasts can feel less alone and ashamed.

 

[*smb]

Well I have been able to play both. I did like the neck of the squier better (could have been placebo effect from what I have read), but the problem is I haven't been able to ab them since they are each only available at one of my two local fender dealers.

I have to make this purchase before the weekend coming up so I have a backup for my shows, so I couldn't wait for one of the two shops to bring the one they don't have in.

So in response *smb, the squier does feel good, but I am more than mildly concerned that three set nights, the cold canada winter, and my generally energetic (read: abusive) playing style will see the bass playing about as well as an affinity within a few months.

Hmm...a difficult one then. Sounds like you really did like that Squier you played though. I say go for the Squier now. Either way you should get a decent instrument that's easily upgradable and will last you a long time.

 

[coastward_kid]

I believe I am going to go witht he VM. The neck pocket on the mim seems a little bit large to me.