Squire VM 70s vs Fender J MIM

[St. Louis Scot]

So I have the pro basses I need. Now I want a toy. A low cost toy. But one I could play at a gig if'n I wanted.

So my local GC has a Squire VM Jazz 70s that's kinda pretty and played rather well. Good action, nice setup, punchy pups. I like the satin finish on the neck. I could see getting some fatigue from that fretboard though. Nonetheless, we're talking cheap mistress, not second wife.

On the other hand, they also have a used Fender Jazz MIM at the same price. I've heard the MIMs before. They sound fine IMHO. But I've not played one. I need to run down there and play it. That's what'll make up my mind.

But in the meantime, what's y'alls opinion on the two. If you had to choose one today, which would it be?

 

[Malak the Mad]

Honestly, I'd split the difference and get a Classic Vibe Jazz. Most of the VMs I've tried have been anywhere from pretty decent to downright lifeless. The few CVs, especially the one I now have, stood out way more in both feel and sound.

 

[St. Louis Scot]

Honestly, I'd split the difference and get a Classic Vibe Jazz.

I think Ed Friedland did a video on those a while back. I'll check it out. Thanks. Good suggestion.

 

[wild4oldcars]

CV Jazz, as well as any new VM Jazz, will have a gloss neck. Something to be aware of.

 

[Rusty G String]

I was in the same situation a few months back. I like the way the vm felt and looked. The setup wasn't that good. One had a knob fall off. One had a loose input jack. The action on them was all different from each other. The mim felt more solid and better put together. I also thought the pups sounded better than the vm. But I've played mims that aren't that good and Squiers that are great. You gotta get down there and play both, but if they are both good, I'd go with the mim.

 

[tjh]

... yup, case by case

... weight and feel will be a big deciding factor for me, I can change the sound easy enough if needed

... also, it depends on LOT on the 'era' that you are looking for each, as specs are starting to vary a bit more than when the VM/CV lines were first introduced, and also MIM (Standards) over the years as well ...

 

[DarkCherry]

I don't care for used stuff. I got the Squire VM 70s for similar reasons, goof off bass. It actually has become my second bass out of four. I would get another.

 

[chuck norriss]

So I have the pro basses I need. Now
I need to run down there and play it. That's what'll make up my mind.

But in the meantime, what's y'alls opinion on the two. If you had to choose one today, which would it be?

never mind how they sound or play or feel; just go by looks.