What would you do?

[Wayner]

A 1985 fender squier precision bass (made in japan) is available for less than $100

Would you buy it? Yes or no?

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

A 1985 fender squier precision bass (made in japan) is available for less than $100

Would you buy it? Yes or no?

Without playing it first? No chance. You can get new Essex Ps for about that price. Getting a 20 year old Squier does not give the best chance for high quality.

 

[Turock]

I disagree. The Squiers that were made in japan 20 years ago were good quality basses and guitars. I would definitely buy it.

 

[BurningSkies]

I disagree. The Squiers that were made in japan 20 years ago were good quality basses and guitars. I would definitely buy it.

I'm with you. The early to mid eighties squires are a whole different monster than the ones made since. They can be very good instruments. It's well worth a look...and some of them are known to have great necks.

 

[CaNaDaRoCkSoY]

Still, I wouldn't consider it without playingi t.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I disagree. The Squiers that were made in japan 20 years ago were good quality basses and guitars. I would definitely buy it.

All ten million of them? I wouldn't buy a twenty year old electric bass without trying it first, and even if Squiers had better quality control back then, it's still going to be iffy if it's a good one or not. I'd still put my money on a new Essex P that I could return if it wasn't a good one than a twenty year old used Squier that I couldn't.

Can you try the bass out, or is it an eBay bass?

 

[Wayner]

I can try it out. I've been looking for a beat-up but playable/good sounding p-bass for a while, but haven't been particuarly interested in buying a vintage instrument. I'm interested in other ppl's experiences with MIJ squiers from that era.

 

[purfektstranger]

Mid 80's Squires are selling on average around 150 - 250 on Epray. Providing there are no structural or electronic probs with the bass I would grab it. You don't like it....then unload it on Epray.

 

[Turock]

All ten million of them?

Yeah, all ten million. No, in general.

I wouldn't buy a twenty year old electric bass without trying it first, and even if Squiers had better quality control back then, it's still going to be iffy if it's a good one or not. I'd still put my money on a new Essex P that I could return if it wasn't a good one than a twenty year old used Squier that I couldn't.

It's not "if Squiers had better quality control", I assure you that they did. They are nothing like the Squiers put out today. The Japanese Squier is a much higher quality instrument than a $90 Rondo. I am sure of it. I have played them.

 

[tplyons]

Go for it. Any bass for less than $100 that stays in tune and plays fine is a good buy in my book. If it sounds like poo but plays good, another $50 you have a mighty nice bass.

 

[BassyBill]

I agree with the comments about 80s Squiers, many of them were really very good. At the time a lot of people rated them as good or better than some of the instruments Fender were selling at the time owing to (reputed) quality problems in the US - yes, that was what people were saying at the time!

If you can try it and it seems good or has the potential to be good, buy it! If I found one over here for that price, I wouldn't hesitate.