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Squier vs. MIM vs. MIJ fender jazz bass

M

MeHill

Dec 8, 2012
76
1
Allentown, PA, United States,
#1
I'd like to know the differences between the MIM, MIJ, and squier jazz basses. The only visible difference is the MIM and MIJ say fender and the squier says squier

I'd like to know if the MIM plays better than a squier VM or CV because they're like squiers high end line and half the price of a MIM and were the MIJ falls in the mix

Please reply



MIM= made in Mexico
MIJ= made in Japan
VM= vintage modified
CV= classic vibe
 
#2
I've played MIA, MIM, and Squier. Honestly, the Vintage Modified Precision (the maple version) is on par with a MIA Fender imo. The fit, finish, and playability are amazing. I've played the classic vibe series in the store and do not feel they are on par with the vintage modified series but that could be just the stock they had on hand.

My vintage modified jazz (again, maple, as I do not like basswood or agathis) will be here tomorrow.
 
#3
fenderlover77 said:
I've played MIA, MIM, and Squier. Honestly, the Vintage Modified Precision (the maple version) is on par with a MIA Fender imo. The fit, finish, and playability are amazing. I've played the classic vibe series in the store and do not feel they are on par with the vintage modified series but that could be just the stock they had on hand.

My vintage modified jazz (again, maple, as I do not like basswood or agathis) will be here tomorrow.
Click to expand...

I've heard reviews like yours a lot about these two squier series but most of the time they are compared to the MIM and MIJs
How well was the classic vibe?
Have you played Mijs or MIMs if you have can you compare the cv to them

Thanks
 
#5
tangentmusic said:
I would rank them:

1) MIA
2) MIJ or CIJ (Crafted in Japan)
3) MIM
4) Squier VM & CV

Some Squiers have rivaled or surpassed MIM's in quality. Squiers sometimes have hit or miss QC
Click to expand...

I played a friends MIM and i didn't really like it mainly because of how low his action was.

Anyways fender lover said the squier vm bass compared to an American made
And the cv probably could have been in a bad batch
 
#6
MeHill said:
I played a friends MIM and i didn't really like it mainly because of how low his action was.

Anyways fender lover said the squier vm bass compared to an American made
And the cv probably could have been in a bad batch
Click to expand...

I have a VM Jazz too. While it is a fine bass, and a great deal for the $$, It is not in the same catagory quality wise as the American made basses.

But my VM is practially as good as my MIM, but that one is a Precision, not a Jazz

Set-ups make a huge difference... A good set-up Squier may play better than a bad set up on a MIA
 
#7
tangentmusic said:
I have a VM Jazz too. While it is a fine bass, and a great deal for the $$, It is not in the same catagory quality wise as the American made basses.

But my VM is practially as good as my MIM, but that one is a Precision, not a Jazz

Set-ups make a huge difference... A good set-up Squier may play better than a bad set up on a MIA
Click to expand...

I know what you mean my epiphone eb3 played better than my friends MIM jazz his action was way to low like every fret has fret buzz low
And it's also about what your used to playing
 
#8
I am a lover of all things CIJ/MIJ. I'll put my '84 MIJ Squier against any P-Bass on the planet.

But....... at the end of the day, a good setup determines how well an instrument plays. If I blindfolded you and handed you a $1400 American Fender off the wall of Guitar Center and then a $250 Squier CV with a $100 pro setup job, you'd pick the Squier every time.
 
#9
I just got a new CV yesterday. It's the best playing / sounding PBass I've ever heard. It's fantastic, especially at the price. I wasn't going to buy one at all but I couldn't let this one go. When I first picked it up it reminded me of a few 60's P-Basses I've noodled on.

That said, the other CVs I tried out I didn't like at all. This one stood out.

I've got a VM TB as well. It's solid and as thick-sounding as a classic Tele bass, but a little harsher and hotter. I imagine that harshness will mellow with time to sound like vintage Teles do now. I can't comment on a VM P or J as I've never had one in my hands, but the TB is a crazy nice bass.

I actually like my Squier P better than most MIA. My old singer has a fantastic MIA though that I was hoping would represent the new crop of Fender basses, but they're still a little hit or miss. That one and my Squier are in lockstep in terms of quality.

MIM I can't comment on. They've all been misses so far. I'm sure if I keep an eye out I'll find a Mexican gem, too, but it just hasn't happened yet.

Just my 2 pennies. Other have had completely different experiences.
 
#10
circuitspore said:
I am a lover of all things CIJ/MIJ. I'll put my '84 MIJ Squier against any P-Bass on the planet.

But....... at the end of the day, a good setup determines how well an instrument plays. If I blindfolded you and handed you a $1400 American Fender off the wall of Guitar Center and then a $250 Squier CV with a $100 pro setup job, you'd pick the Squier every time.
Click to expand...

Yes that is true
To many people associate brands with quality rather than setup
 
#11
MeHill said:
I'd like to know the differences between the MIM, MIJ, and squier jazz basses. The only visible difference is the MIM and MIJ say fender and the squier says squier

I'd like to know if the MIM plays better than a squier VM or CV because they're like squiers high end line and half the price of a MIM and were the MIJ falls in the mix

Please reply



MIM= made in Mexico
MIJ= made in Japan
VM= vintage modified
CV= classic vibe
Click to expand...

MIJ are typically very nice. I've owned several & never had issues never had to modify. the only thing to change is strings & study habits.
 
#12
I have played them ALL.....first I want to say, Your taste is all that matters, what feels good to others may not feel the same to you.
My order of the basses you suggested would be:
1) MIJ
2) CV - Squier
3) MIM last
My reasoning is the craftsmanship, tones and feel of the MIJ is very comfortable to play.
The CV Squier is VERY close to the feel and sound of the 80's MIJ Squiers and very good for the price...
MIM, in my opinion is a crap shoot on quality and sound. You have to grab a few more to test out to find the one that really feels and plays well.
But anyway that is my opinion and you need to try them to try them with eyes closed and ears open for yourself.
Good Luck.
 
#16
I can attest to the VM jazz, I've owned one since February. I can say with a slight adjustment out of the box, its a great player. I've played on (never owned) MIMs and MIAs, and depending on the individual bass, they can vary. There are VMs that play great, and VMs that are horrible. It's all about what feels comfortable, what's been put together well, and the tone from the bass. There are lemons in every line. However, I don't think I'll even let my VM go.
 

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