It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:52 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 7:19 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:47 pm
Posts: 1
Hello Fender Forum . . . I just wanted to introduce myself and put out a question I'm hoping someone can answer. Quick background: Years ago I played bass in a couple of different bands. I've played guitar since I was 11 (turning 39 this month), though my bass peroid lasted from about 1996 to around 2004. At that point I sold all my bass gear, which included a pretty Warwick Corvette, a couple of Fenders, an Ibanez 5-string, Hartke, Peavey and Ampeg amps, and a bunch of different custom-made cabinets. I really wish I had kept at least one bass and one small amp, but you know that saying about hindsight.

Ever year around my birthday (April) I get the inkling to indulge myself in an inexpensive bass and practice amp, just to play again. I still play guitar, but it's not the same vibe. This year, I do believe I will follow through.

First thought: Just grab one of those "Start playing" packs that come with the bass and amp and other little gadgets. (I take that back: My first thought was to get an MIM Jazz Bass, but seeing the prices have crept up to the $600 mark, that idea faded quickly.) These starter packs have all I need, or even a little more than I need. I like the Rumble 15 amp, at least compared to other tiny little amps I've checked out in the price range, and I don't think I need anything better than a Squier right now.

My question is this: Are the bass and amp you get in the pack the same as the Affinity bass and Rumble 15 you'd get seperately off the shelf? It looks like an off-the-rack Affinity Jazz plus the amp would be around $300, and the packs are $300. All being equal, I'll take the extra gadgets for the same price, if it's the same thing.

I'm optimistic as I see everyone loving their Squiers here. Though I could probably afford it if I really wanted to, I can't justify dropping much more than $300 on a bass and amp right now. I'm not a gear snob, but I do know the difference between a good bass and a log. I'm really hoping the Squeir fits the bill, at least for a while.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:57 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
I definitely like Squier basses. I have a Vintage Modified Jazz that is great. I've played Classic Vibes and liked them a lot. Affinity? I can't comment, never played ond. One thing I will say. If you buy too small, you'll just be disappointed and end up buying better and a small amp collecting dust. I speak from the voice of experience.

If I had it to do over, I'd get a VM or CV, Jazz or Precision and a headphone amp, save the cash and buy a 20 watt Acoustic for $130. Yeah you're somewhere between $430 and $480 but, you'll have something that will satisfy you.

Good luck.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 9:33 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:26 pm
Posts: 2849
Location: Green Bay, WI
miklr wrote:
Hello Fender Forum . . . I just wanted to introduce myself and put out a question I'm hoping someone can answer. Quick background: Years ago I played bass in a couple of different bands. I've played guitar since I was 11 (turning 39 this month), though my bass peroid lasted from about 1996 to around 2004. At that point I sold all my bass gear, which included a pretty Warwick Corvette, a couple of Fenders, an Ibanez 5-string, Hartke, Peavey and Ampeg amps, and a bunch of different custom-made cabinets. I really wish I had kept at least one bass and one small amp, but you know that saying about hindsight.

Ever year around my birthday (April) I get the inkling to indulge myself in an inexpensive bass and practice amp, just to play again. I still play guitar, but it's not the same vibe. This year, I do believe I will follow through.

First thought: Just grab one of those "Start playing" packs that come with the bass and amp and other little gadgets. (I take that back: My first thought was to get an MIM Jazz Bass, but seeing the prices have crept up to the $600 mark, that idea faded quickly.) These starter packs have all I need, or even a little more than I need. I like the Rumble 15 amp, at least compared to other tiny little amps I've checked out in the price range, and I don't think I need anything better than a Squier right now.

My question is this: Are the bass and amp you get in the pack the same as the Affinity bass and Rumble 15 you'd get seperately off the shelf? It looks like an off-the-rack Affinity Jazz plus the amp would be around $300, and the packs are $300. All being equal, I'll take the extra gadgets for the same price, if it's the same thing.

I'm optimistic as I see everyone loving their Squiers here. Though I could probably afford it if I really wanted to, I can't justify dropping much more than $300 on a bass and amp right now. I'm not a gear snob, but I do know the difference between a good bass and a log. I'm really hoping the Squeir fits the bill, at least for a while.


Well, lets face it, the Starter Packs are a joke. The companies out there selling these are looking for a quick buck turn around, that's why why the music retailers start packing these around Thanksgiving :) The Affinity is nothing to write home about. Not really good quality, just a decent bass - owners of such bass, don't get all offended. Just speaking from experience here. Squiers have most certainly gone up in quality since it's '90s time period, Fender really needed a cheap brand and let the over seas plant just gobbled up pieces together. The recommended Squiers here are still the Vintage Modified and the Classic Vibe. But if you are looking to spend $300 or so, try looking for a used Starter Pack in Craigs...plenty for sale, esp around Christmas, due to parents buying these and the kids not wanting it after a few weeks. Or, look in Craigs for used VM or CV, the downfall is no amp. Either way, good luck with it!!

_________________
Rez(# 30916)
'89 Power Jazz Bass Special-BadAssIII, EMG P/J
Project PBass-EMG PX, Schaller BM Light Tuner
'05 Aerodyne JBass
'06 Spector Legend Custom Neck Through
VT Bass
Hartke TA5000 w/XL Cabs(210, 410, 115)


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 7:11 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:11 pm
Posts: 23
Location: El Cajon, California
I definitely agree with the Oxfan on this one. I own a Squier Affinity P-Bass and I love it, I tend to gig with it more than my "better" basses, mostly because I don't mind a little wear and tear on it and it still produces wonderful tones. But on the other hand, I don't have much love for the Rumble 15. I've tested out a lot of amps (both gig-worthy and for home practice only) and the Acoustic B20 is by far my favorite home practice amp. And as far as pricing it goes, Oxman is right that they go for about $130, but search all around and you'll find a deal. I got mine off craigslist for $60 in pristine condition.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 7:24 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
Everybody but me finds a deal. I gave up on finding a deal years ago. Do I still look? Yeah, if it's Craigs List, it's sold no matter how soon I reply. If it's E-Bay, the world wants to buy it and the price gets stupid.

Don't go by me, keep on trying.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 7:19 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 3:38 am
Posts: 3
Hey guys, just a note. yes the squier affinity series are terrible. But I do have a modified Jazz bass I love. I use all the time. don't bother with the affinity. I am thinking of a squier P bass. Any thoughts?


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: New Squier on the Horizon . . . Need input
Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 5:34 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
Classic Vibe and Vintage modified. I've played the Classic Vibe, very nice. If you don't mind having a twin, the Vintage modified in maple should be great too


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: