Battle of the Jazz Basses (We have all 3): Squier VM vs Squier CV vs Fender MIM

[tjh]

Nice eval, just keep in mind that there are several era's of each of the offerings, with quite substantial differences from bass to bass even outside of the variations of era's …

The MIM Standard that is compared is also far from stock, not to mention that it may even be a 'parts bass' if the neck indeed is an '03, the pups are not stock to any MIM Standard model, the pots are a question also if the knobs are press on style over split shaft pots they would also not be stock for an '03, and might even indicate a Fender Standard body from the 90's without further inspection …

As for the bridge on the Squier CV Jazz, it is also the only bridge of the three that is not using the stock 5-hole Fender mounting pattern, as it uses a wider than stock hole configuration … it is not a 'more expensive' bridge, and is what some of us consider a less than desirable bridge compared to conventional Fender simple bent plate with threaded saddles …

As always, taste and preference are completely subjective … JMHO's, as always …

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

I’ve owned 3 Squires in my time and my JJ CV Jazz was the best of all of them. Great bass and it could hang with the best of them.

However I choose to only keep/play Fenders. Don’t know why, but that’s what I prefer.

Fender>Squier

 

[bordinco90]

If you can get the MIM set up the way you like it, I would go with that. If not keep the CV. The CVs are very nice as well, but use cheaper components.

 

[dmt]

Seems to me that you gotta get that MIM set up before you can make a fully informed decision.

It sounds like funds are low, so my normal advice of get the one that feels the best (neck, weight, hangs best on a strap) and try and fix the sound later if necessary via strings, pickup swap and various other parts probably wouldn’t apply (as all that would cost more money, not save money). "Fixing the sound later" doesn’t always work and can turn into a somewhat expensive and time consuming process, but it’s easier than changing the weight, balance, feel of the neck, fretboard radius or look of the paint. Of course, ideally, you find one bass that has it all — looks, sound, feel and price, but sometimes you’ve gotta work with what you’ve got.

Anyway, until the MIM is setup, you don’t really know how it feels or sounds (the pickups look quite low, for one).

Anyway, anyway, pending the MIM’s setup, so far I’m leaning towards the Vintage Modified — you like both the neck and the sound the best. I mean, there ya go, right? Also, while the CV is a looker, the 3-tone sunburst of the VM is a classic look itself. Sound, feel, good looks...

I can’t help thinking though — is this going to become your bass? Or would the guitarist still own it? You guys are pretty "all for one, one for all" right now, and with funds low and good energy and a specific project you’re working hard on and getting creative to make happen and great team spirit, that’s awesome. I mean really cool - I’m a bit jealous in a way. But as a bass player, you’d be wanting your own bass, I’d think. Even the 3 Musketeers each had their own sword. But, if that’s not the spirit of the situation, definitely don’t let me stop you! Sacrifice now for the big payoff later, if needed.

Good luck on your project (getting the band to the recording and gigging stage)!

 

[Chrisk-K]

You could have a MIA J rather than those 3.

 

[Yahboy]

Stock pup vs stock pup, thr VM77/70 has better growl and meaty tone than mic CV J , VM std J and mim std J. The 2019 CV J has dry and duller tone.

I prefer gloss neck so, VM and CV are best for me.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Hi everyone,

As an update to my last thread about the Made in Japan Squier. I ended up bring it to Dave from World of Fun Stuff and he made it play beautifully. I ended up selling it because me and my band are looking to record and gig soon and the money needed to go to other essential equipment. With that being said I purchased a Made in Mexico Jazz bass for half the price of the Squier MIJ; $400 CAD ($300.62 USD). I admit I do not like it as much as the MIJ, the neck and pickups aren't as good (IMO) and, visually it is in worse condition. Keeping in mind that the MIM needs a set up so I might change my mind after.

View attachment 3523211

Me and my band mates (and others) all banded together to see what we could sell to pay for what we need. We all discovered that each owned a Jazz Bass. Our lead guitarist has a Vintage Modified Jazz from last year, the rhythm guitarist has a Classic Vibe Jazz from this year. So, we are getting rid of two and keeping one. We have not made our decision yet but I wanted to make a post because I happen to physically have all basses at the same time and won't for long. So I am ranking them in a few categories; starting from least important to most (for me) to help us make our decision and hopefully someone here will find this helpful or interesting.

Condition: Best: Classic Vibe, Second: Vintage Modified, Last: MIM

The Mexican Bass is by far the oldest (2003) and by far has the most scratches and little chips. They do not bother me much but it is notable. The screws are rusty but the frets aren't. For some reason the Pick-ups are way down so it probably could use a set up.

The CV is in perfect condition as if we just purchased it from the store and so is the VM BUT the VM has some sharp frets. It's still playable but I definitely want to get that fixed.

Tuners: Tie, none of them have any trouble staying in tune and the tuners are all in good condition.

Bridge: Best: Classic Vibe, Second: MIM, Last: VM

I am no expert and my friend are sort of experts but just by looking at the bridges, the CV has the best quality one. It just looks like a bridge that would be a very expensive bass.

Neck: Best: Vintage Modified, Second: MIM, Last: Classic Vibe

The neck of the MIJ was absolutely amazing. I almost felt like I was playing a short scale. The VM neck feels almost exactly like the MIJ neck. I feel in love with it right away. Don't get me wrong the MIM is a close second as the neck also feels great. This is were I'm disappointed with the CV. I don't like to super gloss and for some reason the neck feels thicker. My friend said it psychological (Probably).

Sound/Pick-ups: Best: Vintage Modified, Second: MIM, Last: Classic Vibe

Again, it may not be fair to judge now because the MIM needs a set up BUT the VM has the best tone out of the three for what I am looking for. I don't know if anyone else would agree but the tone just seemed brighter then the other two.

Final Thoughts:

I've noticed this forum loves the higher end squiers and this experience has proven to me that the difference between them and a MIM Fender is very marginal. I would NEVER EVER buy a brand new MIM ($995 CAD, $748.34 USD) vs Classic vibe and VM for almost half the price. I will say though I am leaning towards keeping the Fender because I think I good set up will put it a notch above the others and in the long run I will certainly be able to get my money back or even more if I resell it.

Thoughts and comments are welcomed.

... mh .. so yo will repeat the comparison after the MIM bass setup?

Note:

If you switch towards 50s' P-basses, MIM win hands-down in my opinion ..

 

[jnewmark]

I have a MIM, a 2004 model. Almost a pound lighter than both my '95 MIA, and my RW. I swapped out the pickups, and sent it to my luthier. Plays very nice now, and sounds like a Jazz should. But, my fave out of all the Jazz basses not made in the USA, would be the RW Jazz. I have played a Squire VM, but the RW is for all intents and purposes, very similar to my '95, in tone, feel, weight.

 

[39-Bassist]

CV all day long...Even though you should have kept the MIJ...and got rid of the others...
Always keep an good playing, good quality made bass no matter the name on the headstock.
Have fun playing and recording too.

 

[Sparkl]

Hi everyone,

As an update to my last thread about the Made in Japan Squier. I ended up bring it to Dave from World of Fun Stuff and he made it play beautifully. I ended up selling it because me and my band are looking to record and gig soon and the money needed to go to other essential equipment. With that being said I purchased a Made in Mexico Jazz bass for half the price of the Squier MIJ; $400 CAD ($300.62 USD). I admit I do not like it as much as the MIJ, the neck and pickups aren't as good (IMO) and, visually it is in worse condition. Keeping in mind that the MIM needs a set up so I might change my mind after.

View attachment 3523211

Me and my band mates (and others) all banded together to see what we could sell to pay for what we need. We all discovered that each owned a Jazz Bass. Our lead guitarist has a Vintage Modified Jazz from last year, the rhythm guitarist has a Classic Vibe Jazz from this year. So, we are getting rid of two and keeping one. We have not made our decision yet but I wanted to make a post because I happen to physically have all basses at the same time and won't for long. So I am ranking them in a few categories; starting from least important to most (for me) to help us make our decision and hopefully someone here will find this helpful or interesting.

Condition: Best: Classic Vibe, Second: Vintage Modified, Last: MIM

The Mexican Bass is by far the oldest (2003) and by far has the most scratches and little chips. They do not bother me much but it is notable. The screws are rusty but the frets aren't. For some reason the Pick-ups are way down so it probably could use a set up.

The CV is in perfect condition as if we just purchased it from the store and so is the VM BUT the VM has some sharp frets. It's still playable but I definitely want to get that fixed.

Tuners: Tie, none of them have any trouble staying in tune and the tuners are all in good condition.

Bridge: Best: Classic Vibe, Second: MIM, Last: VM

I am no expert and my friend are sort of experts but just by looking at the bridges, the CV has the best quality one. It just looks like a bridge that would be a very expensive bass.

Neck: Best: Vintage Modified, Second: MIM, Last: Classic Vibe

The neck of the MIJ was absolutely amazing. I almost felt like I was playing a short scale. The VM neck feels almost exactly like the MIJ neck. I feel in love with it right away. Don't get me wrong the MIM is a close second as the neck also feels great. This is were I'm disappointed with the CV. I don't like to super gloss and for some reason the neck feels thicker. My friend said it psychological (Probably).

Sound/Pick-ups: Best: Vintage Modified, Second: MIM, Last: Classic Vibe

Again, it may not be fair to judge now because the MIM needs a set up BUT the VM has the best tone out of the three for what I am looking for. I don't know if anyone else would agree but the tone just seemed brighter then the other two.

Final Thoughts:

I've noticed this forum loves the higher end squiers and this experience has proven to me that the difference between them and a MIM Fender is very marginal. I would NEVER EVER buy a brand new MIM ($995 CAD, $748.34 USD) vs Classic vibe and VM for almost half the price. I will say though I am leaning towards keeping the Fender because I think I good set up will put it a notch above the others and in the long run I will certainly be able to get my money back or even more if I resell it.

Thoughts and comments are welcomed.

Well I might question you on the way you chose to test the bridge. Just because the bridge looks expensive doesn't necessarily make it a good one. That way all golden hardware looks like top of the line queen Elizabeth property hehe.

Best bridge I ever had on a Jazz Bass was the old school vintage original bridge and I use it on all my Jazz basses and precision except for the Jazz Bass Elite which has the stock original bridge. And - it doesn't look like much - just an L shaped bridge with some saddles.

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

I have a MIM, a 2004 model. Almost a pound lighter than both my '95 MIA, and my RW. I swapped out the pickups, and sent it to my luthier. Plays very nice now, and sounds like a Jazz should. But, my fave out of all the Jazz basses not made in the USA, would be the RW Jazz. I have played a Squire VM, but the RW is for all intents and purposes, very similar to my '95, in tone, feel, weight.

What's an RW

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

... mh .. so yo will repeat the comparison after the MIM bass setup?

Note:

If you switch towards 50s' P-basses, MIM win hands-down in my opinion ..

Yes I will make an update

 

[GrapeBass]

What's an RW

Road Worn

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

Seems to me that you gotta get that MIM set up before you can make a fully informed decision.

It sounds like funds are low, so my normal advice of get the one that feels the best (neck, weight, hangs best on a strap) and try and fix the sound later if necessary via strings, pickup swap and various other parts probably wouldn’t apply (as all that would cost more money, not save money). "Fixing the sound later" doesn’t always work and can turn into a somewhat expensive and time consuming process, but it’s easier than changing the weight, balance, feel of the neck, fretboard radius or look of the paint. Of course, ideally, you find one bass that has it all — looks, sound, feel and price, but sometimes you’ve gotta work with what you’ve got.

Anyway, until the MIM is setup, you don’t really know how it feels or sounds (the pickups look quite low, for one).

Anyway, anyway, pending the MIM’s setup, so far I’m leaning towards the Vintage Modified — you like both the neck and the sound the best. I mean, there ya go, right? Also, while the CV is a looker, the 3-tone sunburst of the VM is a classic look itself. Sound, feel, good looks...

I can’t help thinking though — is this going to become your bass? Or would the guitarist still own it? You guys are pretty "all for one, one for all" right now, and with funds low and good energy and a specific project you’re working hard on and getting creative to make happen and great team spirit, that’s awesome. I mean really cool - I’m a bit jealous in a way. But as a bass player, you’d be wanting your own bass, I’d think. Even the 3 Musketeers each had their own sword. But, if that’s not the spirit of the situation, definitely don’t let me stop you! Sacrifice now for the big payoff later, if needed.

Good luck on your project (getting the band to the recording and gigging stage)!

Thanks for the support! And yes the bass will be mine. I own the MIM but if I decide on another one I will sell it and buy that off my friend. Each will cost me 300 CAD. We all own our own stuff and have some shared stuff.

 

[jnewmark]

What's an RW