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Squire Vintage Modified Jazz Disappointment

B

Bluesbreaker5

Mar 24, 2006
269
0
#1
I just sent back a second new Squier VM jazz. The first one had a twisted neck and bridge problems. The second one had bad electronics. I really wanted one after hearing all the good things about them and of course the awesome looks.

But I guess I'll need to look for something else. I'm not going to try the "3rd times a charm" route. Pity, too. They look so great.

Won't mention where I got it online. All they did was double-box them and ship them out, so it's not their fault, and they've been very understanding.

Dad-gummit!!
 
#2
Eeeeeshhh!

That's tough when you get your heart set...

My encouragement for feeding your Jazz inclination; keep an eye out for a low-dough Franken-J with good components. I recently found a 2nd one and the two that I have are honestly quite good looking, but they also play superbly for me. Bonus points: the more expensive one was only $400.

These sorts of basses aren't rare, but you just need to keep an eye peeled and sit with an oddball before you dismiss it.
 
#3
I just picked up a Squire Jazz Standard and I am really happy with it. I am sorry to hear about the reissue... They are very nice looking instruments... not my taste, but I can appreciate it.

My reason for replying to your post is I the advice that I NEVER buy an instrument online. Strings, tuners, effects and so on. But never an instrument sight unseen. I have never bought an amp, but I would consider it if I knew the amplifier before hand.

I am glad to hear the company didn't burn you with the bass. Keep looking around.
 
#5
I owned a VM Jazz and sold it here on TB. I wouldn't let it go, because it really is a sweet bass. I just need to get another one and need to sell it, both space and money issues.

I wouldn't buy a guitar online, unless it was used and sold here at TB from an active member. Just go to a local shop or a GC, they usually give discounts with it, such as tax savings. 3rd time could be very well the charm in that case!
 
#9
Actually I did visit GC first and the only one they had left also had problems. The volume knob for the neck pu worked backwards (counter-clockwise for more volume) and the bridge pu knob only cut the volume for both pu's. The tone knob was the only one correct but it was loose.

I think I'll look into something else. Maybe trade my Ibanez SR505 5-string for a nice 4-string something.
 
#10
Bluesbreaker5 said:
Actually I did visit GC first and the only one they had left also had problems. The volume knob for the neck pu worked backwards (counter-clockwise for more volume) and the bridge pu knob only cut the volume for both pu's. The tone knob was the only one correct but it was loose.

I think I'll look into something else. Maybe trade my Ibanez SR505 5-string for a nice 4-string something.
Click to expand...
Sorry, that has to be disappointing. I bought a Geddy about a month ago at a GC. While I was there I played a couple Squier VM's and they sounded good.
 
#11
Bluesbreaker5 said:
Actually I did visit GC first and the only one they had left also had problems. The volume knob for the neck pu worked backwards (counter-clockwise for more volume) and the bridge pu knob only cut the volume for both pu's. The tone knob was the only one correct but it was loose.

I think I'll look into something else. Maybe trade my Ibanez SR505 5-string for a nice 4-string something.
Click to expand...

sounds like the creme of the crop was already picked,,,

the good thing is,, they always restock, & there will be more to choose from
 
#13
GreggBummer said:
My reason for replying to your post is I the advice that I NEVER buy an instrument online. Strings, tuners, effects and so on. But never an instrument sight unseen. I have never bought an amp, but I would consider it if I knew the amplifier before hand.
Click to expand...

That's not always an option. I'm an hour away from a decent music store and have a very busy work schedule. And what if you want to buy a new Ernie Ball Music Man or (gasp) Rickenbacker. You've got to order it and wait. I've bought dozens of basses sight unseen and had virtually no problems. Some I've liked, some weren't for me, but my time is valuable, so to have instruments delivered to my door generally works out for the best and I consider myself way ahead.
 
#14
Hang in there, I bought a VM fretless jazz last summer, sight unseen, luckily the bass was fine. Sorry that you haven't had any luck with your purchases.It's great the store has been accomodating.Hope things work out, keep us apprised of your situation.
_______________________
Geddy Lee Jazz; Hofner 500/1; Squier VM Fretless; Squier Jazz; Fender Telecaster
 
#16
Squiers are hit or miss. Especially from online. They just take a box off the shelf and hope nothing is wrong. Music stores usually go over the guitars first. A local store got 8 VM Bass in stock, and let me try them all out, until I found "the one". Some sucked, some didn't, but there are always good ones.
 
#17
TheGrizz said:
Squiers are hit or miss. Especially from online. They just take a box off the shelf and hope nothing is wrong. Music stores usually go over the guitars first. A local store got 8 VM Bass in stock, and let me try them all out, until I found "the one". Some sucked, some didn't, but there are always good ones.
Click to expand...

+1 on local store. Especially my local non-chain store. They went over my VM with a "fine tooth comb." Adjusted and finished frets as needed, adjusted string height to my liking, set intonation, etc. When the bass arrived, it had a scratched pick guard. They got the new one from Fender and replaced it.

I paid $15.00 (including tax) more than I would have online. Worth every penny.
 
#18
UPDATE.

Well, before UPS picked up the second bad Squier Vintage ModifiedJazz, I emailed the company an offer to keep the bass with a discount, and I would find someone to either fix the wiring or maybe replace the pots.

The seller accepted my offer. So I end up paying only $189 including shipping for a new Squier VM Jazz.

The neck pickup knob increases/decreases volume and works counter-clockwise to increase volume , and also works both pickups. The bridge pickup knob only cuts the volume on both pickups. The tone knob works fine.

Everything else, including the neck is very good.
So I have a new Squier VM Jazz for $189 with screwed-up (but tolerable) wiring.

WWTBersD? Suggestions on rewiring or replacement options and any other ideas are very appreciated! :help:
 
#20
I just sold my Squire VM bass here on TB. Only reason is I am playing 5er's now. Bought it when they first came out just to have something to noodle around on at home and practice modding. Ordered online and was floored by the quality out of the box! Most amazing $280 bass I had ever played.

Starting to hear negative things about these basses recently though. Wonder if the quality has slipped. :hmm:

Anyway... If you are not too handy with a soldering iron might I suggest a pre-wired harness from Butch @ Bayou Audio cables.
 

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