Japanese Squier bullet bass or Mex Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ

[Migdal64]

Hi there,
I have a little dilemma. For the same money I can either buy 1983 Japanese squier bullet bass (little bit beaten up on the back) or new Mexican Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ (MN SSB). I was looking for a maple neck bass for a while now and that’s my main thing. I like the idea of a short scale bass in my collection but that Squier has something in it that i can't let go. What do you think? Couple of photos below

Squier


Fender Player

 

[Peltor]

Did you buy any of those? I'd go for the Squier if I were you.

 

[7dollarbologna]

I have an 84 Squier bullet that I bought new (first bass) I’m in the process of restoring it - I think it’s a solid instrument- I believe they only made these for 2 or 3 years- before that it was the Fender bullet deluxe. Personally I’m not into the p/j mustang.

 

[Blackjac97]

Of course, the age-old advice of play both if possible and then decide. Personally, I have always wanted to try/own a Japanese squier, so I want to lean that way. But, that new Fender does look very shiny and new, and I could see it being a better value overall. Maybe.

 

[Bugeyed Earl]

I've got that same Squier (mine is an '84.) I love the neck, the rolled edges are super comfy. On the negative side, the pickup is a bit underwhelming in comparison with my P basses. Prices on the Japanese Squiers are getting higher all the time (at least here in the US,) so it's a decent investment, and you could probably resell it for the same money if you don't like it.

 

[7dollarbologna]

I guess I’ll post my progress, I went with a Warmoth neck, tiger maple, I went with steel rods, matching headstock - had to!
Gotoh lollipop tuners and string tree, Curtis Novak vintage wind pickups, RS 250k pots, orange drop cap, switchcraft output jack, I went with the vintage style fender bridge, and the cherry on top - custom headstock decal by Rothko & Frost (photo is of a spare neck I’m doing a test run on) template was early 50’s P Bass. I’m going to go with a tort pick guard from WD but they’re staked up with work and not taking any orders right now, (photo is of a Fender Bullet I found on line) but I now have everything to finish up now - pretty excited!

 

[7dollarbologna]

Maybe a club is in order? It would be interesting to see how many come out of the woodwork.