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Squier vs Fender?

E

efloeck

Guest
May 9, 2013
21
1
#1
So I've really been thinking about getting a precision bass soon, and the most expensive I'm willing to go is the Fender Mexican. However, recently a lot of people have been saying good things about the Squier line of basses. So, I'm torn between the Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass or the Fender Mexican Precision Bass. What do you guys think? Do you think that, for what you get, the Mexican Fender is worth almost double the amount of money as the Squier?

Fender Standard Series Precision Bass - Brown Sunburst | Sweetwater.com

Squier Vintage Modified P Bass FL - 3-Color Sunburst | Sweetwater.com
 
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#3
Agreed, SamJ. I've never played a MIM Fender before, but a lot of people seem to love them, but the same exact thing could be said of the Squiers. All I can personally tell you is that I absolutely am very happy with the two Squiers I've got (VM J and VM P), and I likely wouldn't hesitate to get a MIM. In an either/or situation like this, your best bet is indeed try them both if you can. if you want to save a bit of money, a Squier is a good bet, but either one would do you good.
 
#4
Unfortunately, I do not think these two basses are at my local music store :O I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the two and could help me make a good judgement call :D
 
#6
efloeck said:
Unfortunately, I do not think these two basses are at my local music store :O I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the two and could help me make a good judgement call :D
Click to expand...
Well I've been at stores that have both--and sometimes the MIMs lay better & sometimes the Squiers do.

That's probably the main reason why SamJ wrote,
You have to test drive before you buy... ESPECIALLY at those price points.
Click to expand...
 
#7
Blah blah played tons of squiers blah blah they're better than good enough blah blah. I want a J body P neck PJ5 in Fiesta Nitro. If Fenmex makes one, I'll pay them $600 for it. If Fendonesia makes one, I'll pay $400 for it happily. IDGAS what it says on the headstock. If my Warwick sells soon, I'll probably just get the squier vmp5 and rout it for a J pup and sidejack. I look at MIA like 400hp compact cars- sweeeet but unnecessary.
 
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#8
I've owned both, MIM and VM (but mine were both Jazz). I could find no major differences, and both were very similar to me. My MIM was a '97, the VM (I still have) is a 2010. If I had to choose, I'd go with the VM. You'll probably save yourself a hundred bucks and have a nice playing bass for the money.

Edit: Just saw the prices in the OP. $579 for a Standard P? That's insane. Get the VM.
 
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#9
How about splitting the difference by grabbing a Classic Vibe? I've had two. One was "quite good" and the other was "incredible!".

Or, if you want "tooth-rattling aggression", but also want to cop a decent Precision tone, I'd also suggest a Blacktop Jazz. It has, not one, but two P-pickups…almost like a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Both together gives it that ballsy punch, but roll off the bridge pickup and you get a nice, classic Precision sound. Another bonus is that they are even less expensive than an MIM Standard P or J. (usually $500 USD, brand-new)
 
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#12
can-of-worms.jpg
 
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#14
I have both if you can afford mim they are a little better quality in parts, craftsmenship both really good, feel and sound , thats up to you with a good setup they're all very good. Later on you can change parts to make improvements.
 
#15
You need to try them out, including the one you intend to buy. There are good, bad and mediocre basses in every line. Some Squires will be better than some MIMs and some MIMs will be better than some Squiers. The truth is there are some things you can't do over the internet. If you have to drive to get to a music store than you are better off doing that than rolling the dice over the net. It's my personal experience that I haven't found a Squier or MIM that I liked enough to buy. The fact that they are so popular though tells me they are well worth looking into.
 
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#16
Yahboy said:
fretless Vs Fret ?
Click to expand...

Indeed, the OP has failed to notice that the Squier in his link is a FRETLESS MODEL. Not that Squier doesn't offer P-basses, of course.
But I think for a sunburst finish you might need a Squier Affinity or something. Not sure they offer Sunburst in a vintage fretted P, in other words.

FWIW, the fretless P pictured has inspired many a "color me disappointed" post on this site.
 
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#17
I have and play a Fender MIM Precision and 2 Squier Vintage Modified P's. Play them often, Love them all. The body on the Squier is about a 1/4" thinner than the Mex. Other than that they feel/sound very similar. I have however replaced the pickups in both. I found the original pickups loud and harsh sounding, Now they are fitted with Fender Original '62, Duncan Spb-1 and Kent Armstrong VPB. Set them up properly. Tone is much more refined now. Versatile. Excellent quality is evident on both instruments. Buy used if you can. Stay away from the Squier Affinities. (necks can be problematic).
 
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#18
MattZilla said:
Blah blah played tons of squiers blah blah they're better than good enough blah blah. I want a J body P neck PJ5 in Fiesta Nitro. If Fenmex makes one, I'll pay them $600 for it. If Fendonesia makes one, I'll pay $400 for it happily. IDGAS what it says on the headstock. If my Warwick sells soon, I'll probably just get the squier vmp5 and rout it for a J pup and sidejack. I look at MIA like 400hp compact cars- sweeeet but unnecessary.
Click to expand...

Fendonesia!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that
 
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#20
LOL I DIDN'T realize the squier was a fretless :O Well color me stupid. At any rate, maybe I'll just go to my not-so-local guitar center and see if they have these basses there, even though their website indicated otherwise...
 

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