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Which of these three would you choose?
- Thread starter BassmanNate
- Start date
I agree with majority.
Squier CV for the win, IMO.
I recall the days when the 'Affinity' series was the cheapest of the cheap, and it seemed noticeable, from what I remember.
I don't have much exp with the Sire. (but it Rhymes with Squier, so there's that).
I was checkin out the Sire website a while ago, and I'm not sure I understand. It appears (from what I've seen) that EVERY Sire Bass Is a 'Marcus Miller bass'?
At first, I just assumed it was the "J-Bass Types" but every model I clicked on the site says "Marcus Miller'. What am I missing?
T$
Squier CV for the win, IMO.
I recall the days when the 'Affinity' series was the cheapest of the cheap, and it seemed noticeable, from what I remember.
I don't have much exp with the Sire. (but it Rhymes with Squier, so there's that).
I was checkin out the Sire website a while ago, and I'm not sure I understand. It appears (from what I've seen) that EVERY Sire Bass Is a 'Marcus Miller bass'?
At first, I just assumed it was the "J-Bass Types" but every model I clicked on the site says "Marcus Miller'. What am I missing?
T$
Marcu Miller and Sire's arrangement goes beyond your standard marketing that we're used to seeing, like a "Signature Bass". It's a full line collaboration around his desire to pay it forward by making sure there is an affordable line of basses available for any bass player that needs an affordable alternative to a good instrument.I was checkin out the Sire website a while ago, and I'm not sure I understand. It appears (from what I've seen) that EVERY Sire Bass Is a 'Marcus Miller bass'?
At first, I just assumed it was the "J-Bass Types" but every model I clicked on the site says "Marcus Miller'. What am I missing?
T$
In his words... It was about paying it forward: good basses don't have to be expensive, and he wanted to make his signature sound and ergonomic design available to as many players as possible.
And I'm sure he's collecting a nice check at the end of the day too. Probably even better than having one or two more expensive signature models by a more expensive manufacturer. Think of it as his way of rebelling against The Empire! Here's looking at you Fender.
I would consider a Squier Sonic series P bass over an Affinity.
I bought one, mainly to get the Graffiti yellow body, but out of the box, it was a decent P bass. It comes with a Jazz bass width neck which is totally serviceable and the hardware and electronics are decent.
I was planning to only use the body, but I ended up swapping the neck and pickguard and so far have left the rest stock.
Just looked at Guitar center's website. There are several Squier Affinity Pbasses for under $200.
There's also this MIK Squier that is likely a nice bass.
I have no connection with GC.
But they will ship to a store near you and have a 45 day return policy on used gear.
www.guitarcenter.com
I bought one, mainly to get the Graffiti yellow body, but out of the box, it was a decent P bass. It comes with a Jazz bass width neck which is totally serviceable and the hardware and electronics are decent.
I was planning to only use the body, but I ended up swapping the neck and pickguard and so far have left the rest stock.
Just looked at Guitar center's website. There are several Squier Affinity Pbasses for under $200.
There's also this MIK Squier that is likely a nice bass.
I have no connection with GC.
But they will ship to a store near you and have a 45 day return policy on used gear.
Used Squier II Precision Bass (Korea) Red Electric Bass Guitar Red | Guitar Center
For greater savings check out our Used Squier II Precision Bass (Korea) Red Electric Bass Guitar and get a great deal today!
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Great way of stating the problem.Well...
You probably won't like my answer, but... you did ask. So... which of the 3 would I pick?
My answer is... none of them. I personally have no use for any of the 3, regardless of price, or the "nice-ness".
I have a Fender P-Bass that I bought from a friend, some 35 years ago now. It's a left handed '78, with the optional-at-the-time "A-spec" neck. Which is essentially a '78 Fender Jazz Bass neck, with dot fretboard inlays and a "Precision Bass" decal on the headstock. I loved it the first time I picked it up; and, I still do. So, even if the Affinity and/or the Classic Vibe basses were ever available as a lefty? I almost certainly would not like the neck(s). Yes, I suppose I could buy a lefty one, and replace the neck; but there's no spot in my 30- bass strong "Herd" for another P-Bass. Especially a cobbled together parts P-Bass. The one I have is plenty good enough... And, as for the Sire P5R? Even if they did make it as a lefty, I would give it a hard pass. I have absolutely no use for a 5-string bass; and, never have. They either have necks that are too wide for my thick, short stubby fingers, or the strings are too close together for my thick, short stubby fingers. And I've actually noodled around on some that had both problems.... So, thank you, but NO. I'll pass...
But, that's me. If, as you say, you are a 5-string player - and have been one for 25 years? I think the best bet is to keep saving for the Sire. Honestly? This "which 4 string P-Bass should I get" stuff sounds like you just want to buy something. And it really doesn't matter what; as long as it's something with bass strings. I get that way, too. Don't worry; it'll pass...
I am not fond of 5 string basses and have a big heavy monster Schecter Stilletto Custom boat anchor. Telephone pole neck. Very cumbersome.
I could dig a small light headless 5 string bass.
Good analysis. This way you presumably get something unaltered that works right out of the box and has a return policy.High just like the sellerThe Affinity PJ currently sold new is only $370 in the US.
In my perspective I am looking for something light in weight.
Because of that main criteria I am willing to compromise on some of my old long held ideas about the ideal bass guitar, despite my love for my P bass of substantial mass.
A player has to pursue the motivation and that is going to take players different places and directions.
Fair point. I think the last time I was looking at GC a while ago, I was looking at some lower price point instruments and just didn't see anything. As these things go, I keep raising my price point and keep forgetting that I should go back to these things.I would consider a Squier Sonic series P bass over an Affinity.
I bought one, mainly to get the Graffiti yellow body, but out of the box, it was a decent P bass. It comes with a Jazz bass width neck which is totally serviceable and the hardware and electronics are decent.
I was planning to only use the body, but I ended up swapping the neck and pickguard and so far have left the rest stock.
Just looked at Guitar center's website. There are several Squier Affinity Pbasses for under $200.
There's also this MIK Squier that is likely a nice bass.
I have no connection with GC.
But they will ship to a store near you and have a 45 day return policy on used gear.
Used Squier II Precision Bass (Korea) Red Electric Bass Guitar Red | Guitar Center
For greater savings check out our Used Squier II Precision Bass (Korea) Red Electric Bass Guitar and get a great deal today!
I have a few CV basses, both Chinese and Indonesian. They all feel and sound really good. Can't fault them.
I also have a Sire J bass. It's also a really good bass. It's a little on the heavy side and it did develop some fret sprout over the winter I need to take care of now. Nice quality and sounds good though.
I would probably buy the CV if it's in good condition and has no known issues.
I also have a Sire J bass. It's also a really good bass. It's a little on the heavy side and it did develop some fret sprout over the winter I need to take care of now. Nice quality and sounds good though.
I would probably buy the CV if it's in good condition and has no known issues.
Yeah, I did know that, actually. It's just that, at my age? My memory tends to be... sketchy... at 2:30 am; which is why I screw up a lot when I try to post stuff that late.
My bad... In any case... now that I'm awake, I seem to remember that the Sire P-Basses that I've messed around with at Sweetwater, were really nice - and the necks weren't half bad, either. Slim enough to be tempting - on a lefty... So, I think that I'd probably go with the Sire - if I was in the market for a P-Bass-shaped object...
Assuming all of these are in playable condition, I'd buy option # 2. I'd probably have to mod # 1 anyway, and #3 I'd have a rough time looking at a P5 too, plus I'm $300 ahead in the game.
Yeah, I prefer white dots on a dark fingerboard over anything with a maple fingerboard.
I'm picking up the CV on my way home from work today. Thanks for clearing up where everything sits in Squier's product lines and age! Haven't really looks at the brand since I sold my jazz 25 years ago! I have a feeling this is a much nicer instrument than that was!
I bought a brand new Squier Affinity (P/J) Precision less than 2 years ago from Sweetwater. One of the best Precisions I've ever owned (still stock with only minor visual mods). I've owned A LOT of Precisions over the last 45+ years and this one (after my usual setup) plays and sounds great.
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