Is this Squier CM Jazz Bass worth it?

broilovenewwave

broilovenewwave

Feb 7, 2024
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#1
Hi! To give a little bit of context, I'm a broke student who also plays guitar and I've been considering to get a bass as I've got some money saved up, I've been looking for Squier Jazz Bass models second hand and I've found one that seems interesting and fits my budget, but I don't know if it's worth the price.
It's a Vintage Modified Jazz Bass in a good condition, it comes with a hard case that I've searched and goes for around 110-120, and the only problem is that the seller says that his strap broke once so it has a bit of damage on the lower part of the body. I've shown it to my guitar teacher, who also fixes guitars in his free time and he says that the damage looks only superficial and that it's only the lacker/finish for the most part. It's listed at 275, and the seller has sent me extra pictures and he says that he can send me videos of the bass being played with no hesitation. Is this a good opportunity? I could also try to lower the price a bit just to play around, but IMO the bass and the case for that price is pretty good. Again, I'm not an expert so I'd like to have more opinions:



Note: Idk why but imgur doesn't "support/accept" like half of the pictures that I've uploaded even though they are all jpg, if someone could help me more and needs more pictures tell me.
 
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#2
Sounds like a good deal. Generally these basses are quite good, although there is always the chance of an occasional stinker. Try before you buy is advisory, but then again, that would be true for all basses that fit your budget. And if the bass really turns out to be bad, you can sell it and the case apart and get your money back.

I'd say go for it.
 
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#3
These basses are awesome. If I played long scale anymore I’d still have mine. Awesome bodies and necks if you want a mod platform, but the Duncan Designed pickups they come with are pretty awesome and don’t need upgrading unless you want to.
If I wanted a used long scale FSO this is the one I would buy.
 
#5
broilovenewwave said:
Hi! To give a little bit of context, I'm a broke student who also plays guitar and I've been considering to get a bass as I've got some money saved up, I've been looking for Squier Jazz Bass models second hand and I've found one that seems interesting and fits my budget, but I don't know if it's worth the price.
It's a Vintage Modified Jazz Bass in a good condition, it comes with a hard case that I've searched and goes for around 110-120, and the only problem is that the seller says that his strap broke once so it has a bit of damage on the lower part of the body. I've shown it to my guitar teacher, who also fixes guitars in his free time and he says that the damage looks only superficial and that it's only the lacker/finish for the most part. It's listed at 275, and the seller has sent me extra pictures and he says that he can send me videos of the bass being played with no hesitation. Is this a good opportunity? I could also try to lower the price a bit just to play around, but IMO the bass and the case for that price is pretty good. Again, I'm not an expert so I'd like to have more opinions:



Note: Idk why but imgur doesn't "support/accept" like half of the pictures that I've uploaded even though they are all jpg, if someone could help me more and needs more pictures tell me.
Click to expand...


Well... for me? No, it wouldn't be "worth it", for a few reasons.
1. Jazz Basses fit me funny, so I've never owned/wanted one;
2. I bought the last bass I plan on buying, last week; a Schecter Stiletto Studio lined fretless; and
3. I'm left handed, anyway. However...
For you? I'd say... Yeah, probably. Squier instruments are generally well worth the money. And, Jazz Basses are pretty versatile basses - once you find the strings you like (I like flats and tapes), and fiddle with the volume settings (they lose output if you crank both p/u's up to 10, for example). Still, if you're going to have just one bass? That one is probably a good one to have. In my case? I have 26 of the things - with 2 more being built. So, versatile is the last thing I need...:cool:
 
#6
I have two of the five string versions and paid $350 each. $250 would be a good deal.

These have completely changed my outlook on “cheap” basses. Granted, I’ve upgraded components, but the playability and feel are great!
 
#10
That's a very good price with the case. The only issue I have noticed with the VM basses is that the nuts tend to be cut a bit high, which makes for high action at the first couple of frets. Easily addressed (and it may well have been addressed already by a previous owner). The Duncan Designed pickups tend to be a bit dark but that can be partially addressed with EQ and you can always swap the pickups later if you want. I say if it is comfortable to play and you like the tone, go for it.
 
#12
dont worry about damage. But check the neck, make sure it is straight, turn the truss rod a little back and forth. Its ok if it is kinda hard to turn. Look at the neck grain, better if the grain is straight from tuner to body. If the grain is crazy with a knot, it is possible (I said possible) that the neck will need constant adjustment.
 
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#14
Solid basic construction and decent hardware make these VM basses a good buy. You can always upgrade parts or electronics later, but they don't really "need" anything off the shelf. As others have said, play before you buy, and make sure everything works, particularly the truss rod. Fixing a ding in poly finish isn't easy, but you can get it looking better with some elbow grease. There's a relatively new product called Gluboost that seems to work well for drop-fills in poly finish..... or just chalk it up to "road worn" and forget the ding.
 
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#17
That is the good version of this bass...Pickups were actually pretty nice....Soft Maple body....I would grab that asap. $250....
 
#18
Just nitpicking:

Does the plate of upper tuner (which is a replacement, which is not necessarily a bad thing) stick out?

To really consider:

(Setup) The action (distance from strings to neck) seems (!) quite high. That means that I would check whether there is still room to lower the strings at the bridge. And, as already has been pointed out, the truss rod needs to work.

(Taste) Do you like this colour combination? If you feel you're going to get fed up (or at least bored) with it, a different bass can be found at that price and quality point.

I happen to own a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Jazz Bass, too (also with this natural finish). I find it seriously a lot of bass for the buck. One of the tuners is a bit loose (the tuners IMHO cannot hold up with the ones that come on more expensive versions), those 'block inlays' and the neck 'binding' do not look as great in real life, and overall the bass is quite heavy. But it sounds good (indeed, a bit dark, but that is how I EQ anyway) and seems to be a 'long term thing'.
 
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#20
I bought one new and foolishly sold it. Hunted down another one to keep. Even refinished it
IMG_5174.jpeg
 
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