Squier vs Ibanez (budget bass)

[butcher]

Have you played any of these? I would say play the ones you are thinking about and pick the one you like that you can afford.

With the right eq settings, pickup blend and strings I don't think anyone of these basses is going to be any better for metal (or any another other genre for that matter) than the other one.

Ibanez SR and Fender-esque are completely different feeling basses. As you can see here, lots of players love one and hate the other and vice versa... but for the same reasons ironically.

Also, consider the new Sterling SUB basses in that price point / quality level.

If you can wait a bit and save a few more bucks, however... I would change your buying decision to good used: Fender Mexican or Ibanez SR500 level and up (500, 505, 506, 700, 705, etc.) Ibanez ATK (not the super cheap one) or Sterling.

While you are saving your $$ play as many basses that catch your interest as possible.

I have Ibanez and Fenders. Like and dislike different things about them. Don't worry about others' opinions on instruments, get out there and play a bunch of them and build your own opinions. You will know when you pick up YOUR next bass, it should speak to you.

 

[Bulldawg82]

Have you played any of these? I would say play the ones you are thinking about and pick the one you like that you can afford.

With the right eq settings, pickup blend and strings I don't think anyone of these basses is going to be any better for metal (or any another other genre for that matter) than the other one.

Ibanez SR and Fender-esque are completely different feeling basses. As you can see here, lots of players love one and hate the other and vice versa... but for the same reasons ironically.

Also, consider the new Sterling SUB basses in that price point / quality level.

If you can wait a bit and save a few more bucks, however... I would change your buying decision to good used: Fender Mexican or Ibanez SR500 level and up (500, 505, 506, 700, 705, etc.) Ibanez ATK (not the super cheap one) or Sterling.

While you are saving your $$ play as many basses that catch your interest as possible.

I have Ibanez and Fenders. Like and dislike different things about them. Don't worry about others' opinions on instruments, get out there and play a bunch of them and build your own opinions. You will know when you pick up YOUR next bass, it should speak to you.

Excellent advice.

 

[Relayer71]

If you can wait a bit and save a few more bucks, however... I would change your buying decision to good used: Fender Mexican or Ibanez SR500 level and up (500, 505, 506, 700, 705, etc.) Ibanez ATK (not the super cheap one) or Sterling.

Ditto.

The VM Jazz Squiers and the SR300 are both excellent instruments for the price - I had both for a short time and to me the SR300 felt like it was better made AND you could get more tonal variety with the electronics.

I also preferred the smaller, lightweight body on the SR300 and it has a nicely contoured, rounded profile. Still, they're both very different aesthetically: classic vs. modern.


BUT, the Squier just sounded better. The SR300 sounded fine, not bad at all but it lacked a little presence and bite, it was a little too "polite".

That's why, if you really like the SR300, I'd also recommend just getting a used SR500/SR600 - these have better pickups and are made with (arguably) better wood, and also have more substantial bridges.

You may also be able to find a nice SRX500 for really cheap - these were a more aggressive version of the SRs and I think they also had slightly chunkier necks.




BUT the VM Squier sounded better. You could get more tonal variety on the SR300

 

[DwaynieAD]

I'd get a Squier Jazz, but really it's a personal question.

 

[zon6c-f]

I have posted my love for my 2009 Squier Jazz 5-Active sooo many times.

My least expensive bass by far and remains my main-go-to bass. Read my posts about it..defending it..supporting it.. ...too many for me even..

Too bad Squier doesn't make a 5er fretless...Ibanez does!

I love Squier's fretless 4..."Jaco Jr" ....also. It plays like greased lightning..even with crappy in-store set up and too high action.