Warwick, Squier or Cort?

[Maximo123]

Hi there,

Im new here, Im actually a guitarist moving into bass, Im looking for a decent bass for recording my own songs and stuff, I like playing funk, latin mixed with EDM beats.

I was looking for a decent cheap bass and seems that those new squier vm70 model are one of the best values out there, cant beat them for the money brand new but here in my country, dunno why, is easy to find lots of Warwicks and Rockbass, actually some old German Warwicks for 450 euros, dont tell me why..
and lots of Cort basses, specially the gb series for about 200-250 euros used.

Which one u reckon is the best value? I guess if I can pick up one of those Warwicks, but looks like all of them now are korean made, nothing bad, just the same thing than a rockbass, innit?
I used to play with a good bassist who had an old rockbass corvette and sounded pretty cool.
The squiers just basically nail the classic sound we all love, and look well built, it just that says... Squier LOL the rest looks fine

What about those Cort GB74? Cant decide!!!

Squier VM 70s jazzbass
Cort GB74
Warwick or Rockbass Corvette/Streamer


Those are the options in my local area right now, everything under 350 euros.

Any advice? or maybe spend a little bit more and go for a better option?


Cheers

 

[OutToPlayJazz]

The Squire is going to be the best option out of those three. They seem to be really nice at the moment, especially with properly finished necks.

You should also have a look at the Yamaha TRBX 304/305 models. They're amazing value at the price.

 

[Maxdusty]

I would say a toss up between a Squier and the Warwick. Leaning more towards the Squier due to the funk abilities of the Jazz bass.
If you opt for the Squier though, I would pay a little bit more and get a Classic Vibe Jazz.
The quality of this model exceeds that of the VM and matches and in some cases exceeds that of the more expensive Made in Mexico "true" Fender basses.
Quality goes something like this in terms of Squier basses : CV >VM>Affinity

It sells for 364 pounds or cheaper in the UK
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a nice Inca Silver Classic Vibe
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[blindrabbit]

Squier all the way. I used to have a German Thumb NT until a Squier VM jazz chased it out of my collection.

 

[Maxdusty]

Now I'm GASsing for that Inca Silver CV Jazz. That looks really sharp, new color of the CV this year. hmm......(trying to figure out how to explain it to the wife)

 

[bryan gibson]

I've owned all of the above. Current main bass is a Warwick RB Streamer (new version with the small "W" logo) with a good pro setup. Sorry, but no way the other two compare. They will all play nicely, but the newer RB's have the same German-made hardware and electronics as their bigger brothers. Squiers and Corts have more OEM quality gutz.

 

[raventepes]

My opinion is that Cort makes pretty under-rated instruments. While I haven't test-driven that particular instrument (the GB74), the Corts I've tried would arguably hold their own against either of the others you've listed, but having said that, I have to give the nudge to the Warwick, particularly if you're looking at one of the $$ models. I actually wouldn't mind getting a Rockbass $$ for myself. Whilst it isn't quite the same as its German made counterpart, it gets close enough for my taste. A lot of it's going to come down to you playing them and deciding which tone, playability and neck you prefer for yourself. Personally, I think that the Rockbass is a better all-round value.

 

[Maxdusty]

Squier all the way. I used to have a German Thumb NT until a Squier VM jazz chased it out of my collection.

I play a lot of funk and I have to agree, I've had a Warwick before (a cheaper model than yours) and while it's a very nice bass, you can't beat the mojo of a Leo Fender designed bass in terms of funk. (which the op plays) Be it the Jazz bass, P-bass, Musicman Stingray - they're perfect basses for it. Nothing against the other basses, Warwicks are great basses in their own right and Cort makes nice quality instruments under their own brand or for others (Squier included).

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I've owned several of the Squiers and have two in my possession now, but here's my advice to you OP....



BUY THE WARWICK AND RUN!!!

 

[Maximo123]

Wow thanks mates, a couple of questions, lets start with the Squier, VM Jazz bass 70s model or CB 60s for kind of Jamiroquai or Icongnito live sounds, u know those funky andgroovy lines.

As someone said, yep, I really think that a rockbass streamer is a great option, u guys know which ones are better, the old ones with Rockbass on the Head or the new ones with the W logo? There a couple of the old ones now used for about 200 pounds.

 

[awilkie84]

Hi there,

Im new here, Im actually a guitarist moving into bass, Im looking for a decent bass for recording my own songs and stuff, I like playing funk, latin mixed with EDM beats.

I was looking for a decent cheap bass and seems that those new squier vm70 model are one of the best values out there, cant beat them for the money brand new but here in my country, dunno why, is easy to find lots of Warwicks and Rockbass, actually some old German Warwicks for 450 euros, dont tell me why..
and lots of Cort basses, specially the gb series for about 200-250 euros used.

Which one u reckon is the best value? I guess if I can pick up one of those Warwicks, but looks like all of them now are korean made, nothing bad, just the same thing than a rockbass, innit?
I used to play with a good bassist who had an old rockbass corvette and sounded pretty cool.
The squiers just basically nail the classic sound we all love, and look well built, it just that says... Squier LOL the rest looks fine

What about those Cort GB74? Cant decide!!!

Squier VM 70s jazzbass
Cort GB74
Warwick or Rockbass Corvette/Streamer


Those are the options in my local area right now, everything under 350 euros.

Any advice? or maybe spend a little bit more and go for a better option?


Cheers

Price to quality ratio considered? Squier
Corts can be nice, but I've yet to find a model I gel with, the same goes for the Warwick (which retail a bit beyond what the other 2 do).

 

[awilkie84]

Wow thanks mates, a couple of questions, lets start with the Squier, VM Jazz bass 70s model or CB 60s for kind of Jamiroquai or Icongnito live sounds, u know those funky andgroovy lines.

As someone said, yep, I really think that a rockbass streamer is a great option, u guys know which ones are better, the old ones with Rockbass on the Head or the new ones with the W logo? There a couple of the old ones now used for about 200 pounds.

I love the CV 60s Jazz, but the VM Jazz is nice, too. The CV is lighter, though. That VM tends to be HEAVY because of the soft maple body.

The newer Rockbass with the W headstock are lightyears ahead in quality over the older Rockbass line.

 

[MrTaff]

As someone said, yep, I really think that a rockbass streamer is a great option, u guys know which ones are better, the old ones with Rockbass on the Head or the new ones with the W logo? There a couple of the old ones now used for about 200 pounds.

Go for the later W models, the build quality is miles ahead of the older Rockbass or Squier.

 

[Maxdusty]

Here's a comparison video of the Squier CV basses against their much more expensive Fender counterparts. I do play Fender basses but most definitely not adverse to the Squier CV or VM basses at all. I've had over 60 basses the past 4 years (now down to 14), I love Warwick basses and their unique growl but in terms of funk, I have to go with a Ray or a Jazz bass.

 

[Maximo123]

Hey just saw that video yesterday, yep revealing, well those old japanese have some mojo, I used to have a Ibanez Blazer Japan 1981 long time ago and yes I still regret selling that bass more than anything.... but the squiers sound cool, just a bit cooler, sorry I forgot to say that Im a engineer/producer so I talk like a sound geek LOL

BTW Im a small guy with small hands, which bass has the shortest scale and thinnest neck? 60 or 70s? cause u all know that Warwick necks are massive, at least to me, coming from my small tele guitar

 

[Maxdusty]

Hey just saw that video yesterday, yep revealing, well those old japanese have some mojo, I used to have a Ibanez Blazer Japan 1981 long time ago and yes I still regret selling that bass more than anything.... but the squiers sound cool, just a bit cooler, sorry I forgot to say that Im a engineer/producer so I talk like a sound geek LOL

BTW Im a small guy with small hands, which bass has the shortest scale and thinnest neck? 60 or 70s? cause u all know that Warwick necks are massive, at least to me, coming from my small tele guitar

Don't feel too bad on that Blazer, I had an Ibanez Musician MC924 back in the 80's I still regret selling too.
I do have smaller hands, I find Jazz bass necks in general very comfortable - not as slim as some Ibanez models (the SR series), but actually feels better in my opinion. It's just right. Not a Fender fanboy by any means, heck, look at my user pic. However, I believe all basses have their inherent strengths for certain music.

According to Squier's website:
Classic Vibe 60s
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Gloss Polyester
Neck Shape: Modern "C"
Scale Length: 34" (864 mm)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm)
Number of Frets: 20
Fret Size: Vintage-Style
String Nut: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.5" (38.1 mm)
Position Inlays: White Dot
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Standard

Vintage Modified 70's
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Vintage Tint Gloss
Neck Shape: "C" Shape
Scale Length: 34" (864 mm)
Fingerboard: Maple
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm)
Number of Frets: 20
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
String Nut: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.5" (38.1 mm)
Position Inlays: Block

 

[Joe Nerve]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I've owned several of the Squiers and have two in my possession now, but here's my advice to you OP....



BUY THE WARWICK AND RUN!!!

Same with me. I've owned a handful of corts, squiers and warwicks. The only ones I still have in my possession are the warwicks.

Bottom line is it comes down to our own individual preferences. And who happens to click on and respond to this thread. My experience with Corts (owned 2) is the polar opposite of raven's. Doesn't make him wrong and me right, just a mattter of opinion and experience. I like Squiers, yet they don't compare to Warwicks as far as I'm concerned. And yada, yada, bla, bla, bla and so on and so forths, etc. etc. etc....

Buy them all and then keep the one you like best . That's what I do these days.

 

[Maxdusty]

Buy them all and then keep the one you like best . That's what I do these days.

Best suggestion of all!! I had to stash my basses in every available crevice of the house - you never know when you'll need one.
To the OP, I don't know if you're considering it, but also the Sterling Sub Ray is within your price range.

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I would recommend trying a number of basses including those on your list at a music store to see which one you'd prefer and which one feels right to you. At best, we can give you our opinions and we vary widely in that as we have different tastes and preferences. As Joe Nerve alludes to, why settle for just one?? lol

 

[chargerbandit]

I own a Cort PJ bass and a Warwick Rockbass and I have to say they are both pretty good in quality, but the Warwick just seems to be the most polished overall.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

It does boil down to preference, but I'm sorry...for that price I couldn't pass up a solid Warwick (make sure it has the W logo on the headstock. If it says "Rockbass" in small letters below it, that's ok, just make sure that giant W is on there). The necks are a bit bigger, but my only complaint about the Rockbass Corvette was the lack of a mid boost/cut knob in the electronics. They are actually great for funk, it's just a beefed up jazz bass essentially. A little EQ and other tweaking and the slap tone is actually quite good. Keep in mind you could also install traditional jazz pickups, then you'd have a high-quality instrument that you can get a traditional tone out of as well.