$300 to spend: Squier Mike Dirnt or VM PJ?

[thespoon]

I have $300 for a new bass, something to gig with so I can leave my more expensive basses at home. After having my Warwick hit the floor thanks to kids/KB player (twice!) I am unwilling to risk it any more.

Criteria: Light weight, good lows, mod-able if needed. Thicker neck a plus (no J necks).
At this moment, I am leaning toward the Mike Dirnt in white.

Not a lot of reviews out there on these, so I'd appreciate some input from fellow TBers.

Help me decide!

And, thanks.

 

[Michael B]

Squier VM PJ is my vote. You get a bass boost. Bit more flexible with tone.

They both look cool.

 

[thespoon]

Squier VM PJ is my vote. You get a bass boost. Bit more flexible with tone.

They both look cool.

Are we talking about the Squier VM Precision PJ? The only ones I have seen have V/V/T controls, and are strictly passive.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I wouldn't buy a lower priced bass without trying it out in person - too many variables in quality (including weight).

Have you considered looking used? Especially since you are looking for a beater, you might find something out there better for the price.

 

[Michael B]

+1 on trying then out

I have owned the VM Jazz V and it was super nice. I traded it for the Jag V which is more of the style I prefer. No knock on the Jazz. It was surprisingly nice.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Squier VM PJ is my vote. You get a bass boost. Bit more flexible with tone.

They both look cool.

+1 for the tonal reasons, but then, I've always favored a P/J over a straight-P.

 

[thespoon]

We have Last Minute Entry:

Luna Tattoo 34 P bass ($199). Leaving ($100) for a EMG Geezer P-pickup.

Decisions...

 

[thespoon]

I wouldn't buy a lower priced bass without trying it out in person - too many variables in quality (including weight).

Have you considered looking used? Especially since you are looking for a beater, you might find something out there better for the price.

Aye, there's the rub.
Can't find any examples locally, so I'm stuck with the GC/MF buy then try.

 

[Michael B]

GC does have a great return policy. Too bad someone local hasn't chimed in to offer a meetup to try theirs even if just for a few minutes. Good luck.

 

[grrg63]

Ive had a Squier MDP for a few years now and I love it. Very light, sounds great with flats or rounds,
the neck isnt as thick as a Fender MDP (which Ive also owned), certainly not as thin as a Jbass.
I havent had any reason for mods.

 

[thespoon]

Ive had a Squier MDP for a few years now and I love it. Very light, sounds great with flats or rounds,
the neck isnt as thick as a Fender MDP (which Ive also owned), certainly not as thin as a Jbass.
I havent had any reason for mods.

Is yours the pre-2014 model with the large star on the front? I read Squier exceeded Fender specs on the neck after those sold out. Both now have the thick "C" profile, but the Fender has a 40 mm nut, the Squier 42 mm.

 

[grrg63]

No, its the newer version and has a 40mm nut.

 

[thespoon]

No, its the newer version and has a 40mm nut.

Is the neck "depth" much thicker than current P-Bass and closer to 60's era?

BTW: Squier has that neck as 42mm on the website. Of course, they also have the 5 string Dimension's at 38 mm.
Does anyone use proof-readers any more?


I'll trust your measurements.

 

[grrg63]

I measured it myself, its 40.
I think its similar to a current P though I dont think Ive had much, if any, experience with a 60s P. I did play my friend's dad's 59 P which seemed similar to a modern P. I think the 52-56 Ps have considerably thicker necks.

 

[Bodeanly]

Ibanez Talman. I know it's not one of your two choices, but I got one for the same reason.

TMB100 $199
TMB300 $299

 

[thespoon]

Ibanez Talman. I know it's not one of your two choices, but I got one for the same reason.

TMB100 $199
TMB300 $299

I tried out the TMB100 last month. Really wanted to like it as I like the "jag" look. Was not impressed with the one I had. Needed fret work and the pickups were muddy. Nice satin neck and excellent body finish. However... it was a neck diver, just like every jag bass I have tried.
Returned it to GC after 3 days.

 

[Bodeanly]

I tried out the TMB100 last month. Really wanted to like it as I like the "jag" look. Was not impressed with the one I had. Needed fret work and the pickups were muddy. Nice satin neck and excellent body finish. However... it was a neck diver, just like every jag bass I have tried.
Returned it to GC after 3 days.

Yeah, I've noticed the neck dive. Everything else is fine with mine.

 

[thespoon]

Yeah, I've noticed the neck dive. Everything else is fine with mine.

I have considered trying out a .75" - 1.5" standoff on the upper horn, ala the fix some T-bird players have rigged, but I'd have to commit to owning the bass, before surgery.

 

[salcott]

I have $300 for a new bass, something to gig with so I can leave my more expensive basses at home. After having my Warwick hit the floor thanks to kids/KB player (twice!) I am unwilling to risk it any more.

Criteria: Light weight, good lows, mod-able if needed. Thicker neck a plus (no J necks).
At this moment, I am leaning toward the Mike Dirnt in white.

Not a lot of reviews out there on these, so I'd appreciate some input from fellow TBers.

Help me decide!

And, thanks.

Straplocks?

 

[Bodeanly]

I have considered trying out a .75" - 1.5" standoff on the upper horn, ala the fix some T-bird players have rigged, but I'd have to commit to owning the bass, before surgery.

Or ultralite tuners, but that might put you over your budget.