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Squier vs Fender construction

?

^-^

May 12, 2008
2
0
#1
Hey guys, first post, treat me nicely =P

ok so basically, I'm interested to know if there's a difference between the mexican/japanese Squier basses and Fender basses construction-wise. You see, I want to buy myself a cheap bass as a project, then pretty much replace most parts, namely new pickups, tone knobs and all electricity involved, tuners, strings and quite possibly straplocks.
All I'm left with is the body and the neck (and the frets). So that's all I'm interested in. I'm quite sure the american ones are much better constructed, but considering its price lets take that one out of the equation =P
So we are left with the cheaper, MIM/MIJ bodies, which I can get for fairly cheap even with all the additions I'll be using. Then we have the two brands, which I'm not quite sure about their differences... Could someone shed some light on this question?

Thanks!
 
#3
I don't think there's any difference in the wood, it probably comes from the same shipments. BUt the MIM may have some different measurements which can make part swapping difficult. Notably pickup size but I think there's a few other differences.
 
#5
Depends on the year of the Squier and th eyear of the MIM - I'm not an expert, but from reading here on TB I understand that there is a lot of improvements in both line ups over the last few years, from low end to high end (if that term applies to Squiers and MIMs).

I believe what you will find in build quality differences in later models will be that they are very similar, with differences in components - eg. quality of metal, quality of electronics, different types of woods. The Vintage Modified Squiers are excellent, but I wouldn't strip them completely, at least not at first. I have the fretless jazz VM, and have replaced the pickups (due to a change in amps, I had lost a lot of the mwah, and got it back with a set of Dimarzios), and will soon replace the tuners, which after a year are rattling no matter what I tighten. Eventually I might change the pots and the bridge. I actually tried a Bad Ass II and didn't like the sound or feel of it. Might be good on a different bass though.
 
#6
I have a Squier From 1984 made in Japan. At the time CBS had just sold Fender to FMIC and the only USA Fenders were the AV Reissues. This bass was made by the Fugi-Gen Factory and is as good as any of the 100 or so fender USA basses I've owned. Nice weight, rosewood board and trussrod adjustment at the heal. I purchased this bass about a month ago from Guitar Center for $129.00 and played a $150.00 gig with it Saturday night so it's paid for itself. If you can find one of these I'd urge you to snap it up, the build quality and hardwear on this bass are outstanding and it plays and sound great.
 
#7
I'll second the SX suggestion. Nice Alder or Ash bodies, depending on which model you pick. These things are great platforms to modify, and are CHEAP, with a decent build quality.

Here' my no.1 SX after about 3 years worth of gigging.

SX SPB 62
Jason Lollar had wound pickup.
Wilkinson bridge.
Upgraded pots, cap, and jack
Custom made Celluloid Tortoise pickguard.
Fret work by Chris Pearne
Total investment, including original purchase about the same as a MIM Fender and the thing just kills.


IMG_0409.jpg



The Mexican and Japanese Fenders are nice stuff too, but will cost you a whole lot more money by the time you;re done.

Construction wise the Japanese Fenders are similar to the American ones, although some models are basswood instead of Alder or Ash. Also, Niether the MIM's or the CIJ's have the carbon fiber reinforced necks that the MIA's have.
 
#8
To me, the most important thing for your project bass would be the neck. It doesn't really matter where the bass was made, there are good and bad necks from every point of manufacture. You will probably have better luck with the Japanese basses overall, but these will also be the most expensive. On the other hand, some of the Indonesian made Squiers have really nice necks.

There, have I totally confused you? :D

My advice:

If you are buying locally, just really look the bass over carefully, see how the bass feels in you hands, and when buying used, look at the frets to see how worn they are.

Buying over the net? Buy new with a guarantee so you can return it, or if you buy used, buy from a safe classifieds forum like the one here at Talkbass. People here tend to be very honest and knowledgeable - a good bunch of folks to buy from.
 
#9
It drives me nuts when someone asks a question about Fenders and Squiers and other people try to sell him on an SX. Just like when someone asks a question about Fender and everyone has to try to persuade them to buy a Lakland, or a Sadowsky, or a Musicman. Are all you guys getting paid commission or something?
 
#10
BillMason said:
It drives me nuts when someone asks a question about Fenders and Squiers and other people try to sell him on an SX. Just like when someone asks a question about Fender and everyone has to try to persuade them to buy a Lakland, or a Sadowsky, or a Musicman. Are all you guys getting paid commission or something?
Click to expand...

I think they are trying to show a good deal, in case he didnt take that in to consideration =/
 
#11
Bought a Squire Affinity Jazz (lowest cost model $179.00 from MF) a couple months ago. I wouldn't change anything on it, the guitar is the ballz. Best bass I've ever bought (and the least expensive).
I know I could change the headstock decal and 9 out of 10 wouldn't be able to tell the difference on sound/playability between it and a MIA, never mind MIM.
 
#12
Thx guys! Loads of useful info here =)

I think going for the cheaper brand is the way to go. I'm short on cash as it is:hmm:

BillMason - it's ok dude!:smug: I never even heard about the SX. I read a little about it after seeing that name come up here. I'll take it into consideration (it's even a few bucks cheaper than squier! ^-^)

Ok so, in case it's a J bass that I'm looking for, which should I get? I want to spend about 300-400 bucks at most, new pickups and strings included.
I thought getting the DiMarzio DP123 Model J, together with D'addario strings or something. In case the tuners are real bad I'll probably replace those as well with something.

Any thoughts?
 
#13
^-^ said:
Thx guys! Loads of useful info here =)

I think going for the cheaper brand is the way to go. I'm short on cash as it is:hmm:

BillMason - it's ok dude!:smug: I never even heard about the SX. I read a little about it after seeing that name come up here. I'll take it into consideration (it's even a few bucks cheaper than squier! ^-^)

Ok so, in case it's a J bass that I'm looking for, which should I get? I want to spend about 300-400 bucks at most, new pickups and strings included.
I thought getting the DiMarzio DP123 Model J, together with D'addario strings or something. In case the tuners are real bad I'll probably replace those as well with something.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

The Model J is a good pickup.
 

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