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squier vs squier

G

greyfloyd

Apr 30, 2008
15
0
#1
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hi everyone.
i'd already posted here a few weeks ago, but i'm back. i will buy my first bass soon and i'm looking forward.

i just cant chose between VM jazz, and the jazz v active both from squier. are the VM picks much better? isn't a 5th string a upgrade of possibilities in playing? which are teh advantages and disadvanages of each.

i'd really appreciate if anyone could help me

tks
 
#4
have you tried out both of these? if you haven't, make sure you do before buying. both are great to start with, but i think the neck on the jazz v is too wide. 5 strings does give you some more options, but lots and lots of guys make it happen with 4. my vote goes to the 4 banger. then again, i don't like active basses either.
 
#5
i played only the VM. it felt really confortable... the first time i played bass ever (i had played double bass a few times just for fun). but can you play any song in a 4 string? i saw jamiroquai's bassist on a 5 that's why i thought about it, i really like that kind of sound.

concerning active/passive, i haven't understood the disadvantage of active yet... i was told it had more possibilities than passive.

tks
 
#6
Not more possibilities, just different sounding. If you tune down you can play any song on a 4-string. Just because it's a 5-string doesn't mean it's better. Passive doesn't require a battery to power the pickups, as active pickups do. Most active pickups are paired with a preamp, and passive pickups can be too. If you're into Jamiroquai, though, I suggest you get a P-bass
 
#9
You're buying your first bass - That's great, let me first say this; You made the right choice.

Now, with that out of the way, here's how it breaks down (in my mind atleast):

4 string vs. 5 string - It comes down to what is comfortable. 5 string adds the convenience of not having to tune down, but it's not necessarily better. I know you asked if you could play any song on a 4 string, and for 99% of music you'll be just fine. Some people find a 5 string more comfortable, myself included. However, tons of experienced guys play and have played 4 strings for their entire careers.

Active vs. Passive - Active is not necessarily better, a lot of guys prefer the passive tone. Since you're just starting out, and I don't mean this is any offensive way, but you really won't notice that much difference in tone. You just haven't developed the ear for it. But on the other hand, depending on what you play, an Active does give the benefit of boosting and cutting certain frequencies. On the other hand, if you do prefer the passive tone, a lot of active basses cannot cut right out and lose some of the passive tone. Plus, Active Electronics require a battery, not a big deal, but sometimes a hassle when you're in a jam (literally).

Squier vs. Squire (??) - The VM Jazz has a good reputation on these boards, so does the Active 5, but they're basically opposite ends of the spectrum. I think if you're just starting out, a VM Jazz should fit your needs just fine. But again, it comes down to choice and whether you think you need 5 strings/Active eq etc.

Basically, while we can tell you what to do until we're blue in the face, it boils down to what you like because you're the one spending your money for your benefit, not ours. Try them out, see what feels right, what doesn't, and then make your decision.
 
#13
i think passive is the way to go for your first bass. i'm biased of course :D. but really, if you're getting a fender style bass, and you want a classic fender sound (good choice for someone just starting because it fits so many things) just stay safe and get the passive. i haven't played either of these basses, but my main bass atm is a squire affinity jazz. no complaints about it, does what it should.
 
#17
the video/live session videos where they play with a little orchestra and stuff he gets the hottest tone from his p you (or i ;-) can imagin (for the slap songs he used a j ;-)

SO FUNKY !!!!


youtube.com/watch?v=gzyj3Wxhjr4

does anybody know which strings he uses there ?

greets

cirspy
 
#18
My $0.02.

I have the VM jazz strung with Fender Tapewounds. Oh, what a beautiful tone! The tapewounds will be easy on your fingers to start with as well.

Also, be sure to check everything out on the bass. The Squier VM series are very good, but not perfect. I went through two (neck issue, electronics issue) to find my perfect one. That doesn't mean that your very first one won't be a gem...just check it over.
 
#19
do you like a 4 string with a vintage vibe? if so the VM's are great...
do you like a 5 string with a modern vibe? if so, the Deluxe V is the way to go.

I bought a Deluxe V this month, it ROCKS! great bottom end and punchy as all get-out.

I've played the VM's they have a great feel and a pretty sweet sound.

One isn't better than the other...it's about what you want.

I agree with some other posters...go squier ;)
 
#20
I'd go with the passive. I find that passive electronics allow a bit more... something, maybe it's "expressiveness"... in technique. To my ears active electronics tend to have an edge to them that I don't like. But lots of people like active electronics so get whatever sounds and feels best to you.
 

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