Is there a definitive source for Squier model specs?

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whero

Aug 28, 2016
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#1
Does anyone know if there is a definitive source of information for Squier models out there? Or maybe someone on TB just knows?

I recently bought a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Jazz Bass V online (courier tracking says it should arrive in a couple of days). The seller doesn't seem to know a lot about it. After doing a bit of googling, I can see there are two "cosmetically" different versions of this bass, as shown below (the one I'm expecting is the top one):

upload_2022-3-21_15-34-39.png


Differences I can see are:
  1. Mine has a single 3-string "T-bar" string retainer, rather than two round 2-string retainers.

  2. Mine has the gold Squier logo on the headstock (which, in my head, I always equate more with the 60s for Fenders, although I'm sure someone will correct me on that) with the shorter "JAZZ BASS" script, rather than the black logo with the longer, italicised serif-font (that is more 70s to me).

  3. Mine appears to have smaller block fret markers.

  4. Mine has knurled chrome knobs, rather than the "two large, one small" VVT black knob set.
So, just wondering whether anybody knows, or can point me to, a list of specs that might say whether there are other differences, e.g. where they were made (I think mine is made in Malaysia?), the type of wood used in the body or neck, the pickups, tuners, etc.? And which years the two models were sold?

Any info. greatly appreciated.
 
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#2
It’s don’t have all the specs, but top one is a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz (VMJ) with the Duncan Designed pickups. (Great choice!). At least 2 versions of that model were sold (pickups being the main difference, and country I think being the other). Those are now discontinued and replaced with the bottom model (Squier Classic Vibe series). Both 60’s and 70’s versions available.
 
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#5
Thanks @LiquidSword52 and @Ricky Rioli for the responses.

The bass arrived and is physically in great condition. Hardly a dent or scratch anywhere to be seen, although it desperately needed a clean and a setup. The strings were in bad shape (lots of worn flat spots from years of fretting, a bit of rust here and there, tonally quite dead, and a terribly floppy B). I gave it a good clean up, and ordered a set of GHS Bassics (ML6000-5, 44-130) online (it's really hard to get GHS strings here in New Zealand).

The strings finally arrived a couple of days ago and this morning I re-strung the bass and did a full setup. I'm now officially very happy with my purchase. Looks great, feels great, sounds great. I haven't used the Bassics before so I don't know how long they'll last, but so far the tone is perfect and the tension on the B string is very good.

I hadn't noticed that difference in pickup spacing, but it is fairly obvious now Ricky has pointed it out. When I line up the images (with as much accuracy as I can achieve), the pickups on mine (at the top) are definitely a bit more "north" (towards the neck) than the other model. So therefore it is (pardon my ignorance (and excessive use of parentheses (and grand-parentheses)) more of a 60s spacing than a 70s spacing. I assume the intention of the 70s spacing is to provide a bit more of that Jazz Bass growl by having the bridge pickup further "south".

upload_2022-5-9_15-54-20.png


As I mentioned in my original post, I always equate the gold headstock logo and smaller JAZZ BASS font with the 60s Fenders more than 70s, so perhaps that spacing is "accurate" with regards to the period they are trying to recreate.

Once again, thanks for your comments - I appreciate being able to benefit a little from your knowledge and expertise.
 
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