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Post subject: Help deciding between basses
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 9:55 am
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I want to ask about some basses I am considering. One the Squier VM Jazz maple neck (left handed) or the the Fender standard jazz bass (left handed). (I understand this question contains both brands, but I have only played the Squier, so I am posting my question here.) Brief background:
Been playing bass for about 4 years on the same crappy starter bass. I received $200 to guitar center plus a returned pedal, giving me roughly $300 to spend in credit. I've considered other brands, Ibanez, Schecter, etc. but nothing really sticks out to me quite as the Fender/Squier brand. Being left handed my options are limited. Currently in my price point is the Squier VM jazz maple neck (there's also the rosewood neck model, but it didn't sound as good to me personally...) and the standard Fender jazz with a rosewood neck. I love the Squier's maple neck, the tone is amazing and the looks are beautiful. However, will I be happy in a year with a $300 instrument? Should I spend the extra $300 and get a Fender? Electronics wise, the Fender is probably going to have a better suited tone for modern music which fits the majority of what I play and the Squier seems more suited for funk and stuff, idk...thoughts on that? Maple v. rosewood isn't that big of a deal, but I find the maple to be a little bit snappier which I like, but again the electronics. I really want to keep the instrument as stock and possible, because I don't have the skills or the money to make any modifications...so it seems the Fender is the best way to go...but something draws me to the Squier. Help?


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Post subject: Re: Help deciding between basses
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 1:55 pm
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bassrocks1995 wrote:
I want to ask about some basses I am considering. One the Squier VM Jazz maple neck (left handed) or the the Fender standard jazz bass (left handed). (I understand this question contains both brands, but I have only played the Squier, so I am posting my question here.) Brief background:
Been playing bass for about 4 years on the same crappy starter bass. I received $200 to guitar center plus a returned pedal, giving me roughly $300 to spend in credit. I've considered other brands, Ibanez, Schecter, etc. but nothing really sticks out to me quite as the Fender/Squier brand. Being left handed my options are limited. Currently in my price point is the Squier VM jazz maple neck (there's also the rosewood neck model, but it didn't sound as good to me personally...) and the standard Fender jazz with a rosewood neck. I love the Squier's maple neck, the tone is amazing and the looks are beautiful. However, will I be happy in a year with a $300 instrument? Should I spend the extra $300 and get a Fender? Electronics wise, the Fender is probably going to have a better suited tone for modern music which fits the majority of what I play and the Squier seems more suited for funk and stuff, idk...thoughts on that? Maple v. rosewood isn't that big of a deal, but I find the maple to be a little bit snappier which I like, but again the electronics. I really want to keep the instrument as stock and possible, because I don't have the skills or the money to make any modifications...so it seems the Fender is the best way to go...but something draws me to the Squier. Help?


Have you played the standard Jazz w/ rosewood neck?? You mention you like the tone of the VM Jazz. Now, I know you can modify tone (I have a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver that I really like), but if you like what you hear out of the VM Jazz, then you're actually probably going to have to compare it to one of the classic series basses, which are more like $850-$900 for the MIM version. The fit and finish is usually better on the MIM basses, though I've heard and seen Classic Vibe and VM basses that really seem to be well put together.

Also, if value is something you care about, then you should consider that the VM Jazz will be $300 to buy, but if you go to sell it, $150 is probably about as much as you'll get for it. The Fender name does carry some value with it, and those $900 MIM basses will get you more like $500-$600.

You can also negotiate a bit at guitar center. They have those 15% off coupons all the time, which probably you can just ask for. $600 * 15%= $90. My guess is they're more likely to negotiate on the higher priced items.

Just some things to consider. I have a standard Fender Jazz bass that I like, but I'm really close to buying a classic vibe 70s p-bass. I had an Affinity P-bass that I bought used for $85 and I'm not sure it was even worth that...I got $40 it when I sold it and was happy to get rid of it.


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Post subject: Re: Help deciding between basses
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 1:25 pm
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Stick with Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe, and you can't go wrong. Stay away from Affinity at all cost.

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Post subject: Re: Help deciding between basses
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:15 pm
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rfrbass wrote:
Stick with Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe, and you can't go wrong. Stay away from Affinity at all cost.


+1

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Post subject: Re: Help deciding between basses
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:43 pm
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Hello fellow lefty! 8) The Vintage Modified 70's Jazz is all maple (neck and body), and has an excellent reputation for build and sound quality - $330. The other model has a basswood body; maple neck with rosewood fretboard - $300 The Made In Mexico Fender is alder body with a rosewood freatboard - $600

Your only choice for a white (all maple) neck is the Squier, or spend $1,500-$2,000 at the American Design Experience. So yes, go with the all maple Squier Jazz.
http://www.squierguitars.com/basses/jazz-bass/vintage-modified-jazz-bass-70s-left-handed-maple-fingerboard-natural/

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One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


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