Thank You Michael ! I have watched many TH-cam video regarding four string bass guitars over the years, this one of my favorites. Great instruction and information!
The reason the 70s Jazz r considered desirable is because the pickups spacing has the bridge pickup closer to the bridge which is great for slap for example. This was a design accident due to them putting a cover on over them. Also they have a cool look. Marcus Miller has a 77
@@joannalewis5279 Hello yes I have a few videos on the playlist with set up info. I always caveat though that I am not a Luthier, I am an enthusiast (which might raise a few eyebrows) Regards, Michael
Hi Michael, with regard to the era, CBS or Fender and the problems CBS caused with under investment leading to quality issues, I believe that they have brought out the model for aesthetic purposes only, not as a model that is going to replicate the quality problems of the past. Very fortunately for me, Guitarbitz in Bath😅 (unashamed plug) have set it up almost perfectly. I picked it up in store (Bath is a joy to drive, as my son discovered, avoid if nervous) We travelled from Bath to Bridgwater, one string lost tune slightly, height and intonation are fine. It holds tuning very well. All in all, aesthetically, and functionally very happy with the bass. I love your work, thank you.
Nice and very educational video, about the 70's basses, well I think that they have decided to make a vibe version of it for 4 reasons, one the looks of the bass (maple fretboard, block inlays), second the particular sound that the bridge pick up that is closer to the bridge has (a different flavor from the regular jazz bass), third the fact that the 70's was the era of the funk and disco music big hits and fourth that Marcus Miller has played one for many years (and of course the Marcus is active but the similar look of the bass can be use as a marketing tool) .
Thanks Alberto, they are indeed a very impressive bass. The tonal differences between the Classic Vibe and the Fender make them equally good to play and own and either one will be well worth trying and won't disappoint. Best wishes, Michael
Thanks Zach, I value your feedback which is encouraging. Interesting point about the CNC machinery - it makes sense. I'm really pleased that you found the videos helpful. Good luck with your guitar. Best wishes, Michael
Hi, new subscriber here. Very interested in buying one of these in the same colour too. Very informative and I think you may have swayed me. Many thanks 😊
Hello, I'm pleased that you found the review helpful. Good luck with your chosen bass. Check out my review on the Harley Benton (bargain basement) Jazz bass too, it might be of interest and also the comparison between Squier and Mexican Jazz basses. Best wishes, Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Thankyou. I will definitely check the comparison out. I’ve always thought I wanted a fender but I’m really not sure I can justify the price difference, even second hand. At least with a more budget orientated bass there would be plenty of scope for upgrading hardware etc further down the line. I am fairly new to playing bass and videos like yours are very helpful. Many thanks 😊
I don't mean simple in terms of setting up but I didn't realise how few (after a bit of practice) and simple the adjustments actually are. Will I give it a go when it needs it, mmm maybe, perhaps, probably.
Hi Gary I enjoyed your messages thank you. It's always interesting to hear about others' journeys (not just on roads in Bath). By way of comparison with the CV Jazz bass, take a look also at the review of G&L J bass which is similar price area and worth a try. I value your kind feedback on this labour of love. Best wishes Michael
Hi Michael, thanks for your reply, it's quite rare for a content creator to interact, we are all busy. I will take a look at alternative models, but I do like the look, feel and most importantly, sounds of the CV. For various reasons, I have taken up bass because I have, for one, absolutely destroyed my right elbow, to the point of not having one. Strumming was impossible, so I called the shop in Bath who agreed a straight swap of my CV strat and Tele. Not sure who got the best end of the deal but, I am more than happy. I could see the guitars were going to sit in the corner, gathering evermore dust. Your channel, which may I say is terrific, was sent to me by way of the algorithm, which makes a change from the usual Russian soldiers being blown up in tanks or our politicians being untruthful again. You have gained a regular viewer.
Set up should be ok when purchased, but they can also be in need of attention so worth insisting on being checked first. Nice when sorted. Best wishes Michael
Hello and thanks for your question. I haven't known many other similar models, so can't comment with authority on neck issues generally. I have found them to be a good guitar and as with any, might need attention to truss rod adjustment at times. Much depends on factors such as humidity, temperature and string gauges. Perhaps it's just one of the many qualities that make guitars so interesting. Thank you again, best wishes Michael
It's not that all of the CBS-era Fenders are bad; it's rather that the quality can be inconsistent at times. 1978, for example, is considered an above-average year for Fender basses.
Thanks for your interesting comment. The variation in quality is what concerns players, though curiously age rather than quality has influenced prices. I agree some examples better than others, however the CBS period quality is generally felt to fall short of that in earlier guitars. Interestingly even earlier genuine Fender guitars may be disappointing. Please see my review of a genuine 63 Stratocaster which I have known since late 1960s as I am in touch with same owner. In my opinion its not better than some more recent options. I suppose as with everything in life it's down to personal choices. Best wishes, Michael
I never understood the CBS era, I think that it was seen as another "make a quick buck" opportunity without putting in much in the way of investment. It was the 70's, many countries were in the fiscal doldrums. I can understand Fender selling the business but can't get to grips with CBS buying it, unless it genuinely thought it could trade on the name while churning out an inferior product.
I heard CBS fender still used original machining tools. These hadn't been maintained and tolerances were off. Resulting in hit and miss quality ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks for your comment John. Quality of Fender guitars is said to have deteriorated when CBS took over in 1965. There is a mystique about early Fenders (and not just Fenders!) which allies itself to sometimes very high price tags. This is surprising given the acceptance that standards post late 1960s were not thought to be high. I reviewed a genuine (I have known the guitar since the late 1960s so I know it's genuine) original Stratocaster on my channel, which did not equate to the seriously high prices people are willing to pay for similar. People seem willing to pay large sums for what can in effect be an inferior guitar. In contrast many licensed copies are very good quality, which suggests that the hype around early Fenders is more a case of the Emperor's new clothes than evidence of a better instrument. Human nature I suppose? Regards Michael
Interesting, I know this can happen in other woodwork cnc stuff when built up sawdust and stuff gets caked in. It will just change sizes stuff you're cutting over time
Thank You Michael ! I have watched many TH-cam video regarding four string bass guitars over the years, this one of my favorites. Great instruction and information!
Thank you, I really appreciate your comments, this is what makes doing these videos worthwhile. Best wishes, Michael
The reason the 70s Jazz r considered desirable is because the pickups spacing has the bridge pickup closer to the bridge which is great for slap for example.
This was a design accident due to them putting a cover on over them.
Also they have a cool look.
Marcus Miller has a 77
Thanks for sharing. Impressive guitars indeed. Kind regards Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews got setup advice Michael
@@joannalewis5279 Hello yes I have a few videos on the playlist with set up info. I always caveat though that I am not a Luthier, I am an enthusiast (which might raise a few eyebrows) Regards, Michael
Best bass set up vid in my opinion,subbed!
That was a great review and really helpful. Subscribed ✌️
Thanks I really appreciate your comment and I'm pleased you enjoyed my review. Best wishes Michael
Thanks for your help. I have a Squier 70's jazz bass I haven't played in 2 years and I want to set it up and play
Glad to hear from you. Take a look at my videos that cover set ups if that helps. Hope you continue to enjoy. Best wishes, Michael
Hi Michael, with regard to the era, CBS or Fender and the problems CBS caused with under investment leading to quality issues, I believe that they have brought out the model for aesthetic purposes only, not as a model that is going to replicate the quality problems of the past. Very fortunately for me, Guitarbitz in Bath😅 (unashamed plug) have set it up almost perfectly. I picked it up in store (Bath is a joy to drive, as my son discovered, avoid if nervous) We travelled from Bath to Bridgwater, one string lost tune slightly, height and intonation are fine. It holds tuning very well. All in all, aesthetically, and functionally very happy with the bass. I love your work, thank you.
Nice and very educational video, about the 70's basses, well I think that they have decided to make a vibe version of it for 4 reasons, one the looks of the bass (maple fretboard, block inlays), second the particular sound that the bridge pick up that is closer to the bridge has (a different flavor from the regular jazz bass), third the fact that the 70's was the era of the funk and disco music big hits and fourth that Marcus Miller has played one for many years (and of course the Marcus is active but the similar look of the bass can be use as a marketing tool) .
Thanks Alberto, they are indeed a very impressive bass. The tonal differences between the Classic Vibe and the Fender make them equally good to play and own and either one will be well worth trying and won't disappoint. Best wishes, Michael
I picked up the natural jazz v version to try out 5 string for cheap. This helped a lot!
Thanks Zach, I value your feedback which is encouraging. Interesting point about the CNC machinery - it makes sense. I'm really pleased that you found the videos helpful. Good luck with your guitar. Best wishes, Michael
Hi, new subscriber here. Very interested in buying one of these in the same colour too. Very informative and I think you may have swayed me. Many thanks 😊
Hello, I'm pleased that you found the review helpful. Good luck with your chosen bass. Check out my review on the Harley Benton (bargain basement) Jazz bass too, it might be of interest and also the comparison between Squier and Mexican Jazz basses. Best wishes, Michael
@@michaelsguitarreviews Thankyou. I will definitely check the comparison out. I’ve always thought I wanted a fender but I’m really not sure I can justify the price difference, even second hand. At least with a more budget orientated bass there would be plenty of scope for upgrading hardware etc further down the line. I am fairly new to playing bass and videos like yours are very helpful. Many thanks 😊
I don't mean simple in terms of setting up but I didn't realise how few (after a bit of practice) and simple the adjustments actually are. Will I give it a go when it needs it, mmm maybe, perhaps, probably.
Hi Gary I enjoyed your messages thank you. It's always interesting to hear about others' journeys (not just on roads in Bath). By way of comparison with the CV Jazz bass, take a look also at the review of G&L J bass which is similar price area and worth a try. I value your kind feedback on this labour of love. Best wishes Michael
Hi Michael, thanks for your reply, it's quite rare for a content creator to interact, we are all busy. I will take a look at alternative models, but I do like the look, feel and most importantly, sounds of the CV. For various reasons, I have taken up bass because I have, for one, absolutely destroyed my right elbow, to the point of not having one. Strumming was impossible, so I called the shop in Bath who agreed a straight swap of my CV strat and Tele. Not sure who got the best end of the deal but, I am more than happy. I could see the guitars were going to sit in the corner, gathering evermore dust. Your channel, which may I say is terrific, was sent to me by way of the algorithm, which makes a change from the usual Russian soldiers being blown up in tanks or our politicians being untruthful again. You have gained a regular viewer.
That's the upgrade I would love to own some point soon.Especially the Seafoam colored ones,I held one at a shop they are beautiful 🗽🛸
A lovely guitar with some great sounds. Plays well when correctly set up. Best wishes Michael
very nice video
Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Kind regards, Michael
Holy cow that IS bowed pretty good🗽🛸
Set up should be ok when purchased, but they can also be in need of attention so worth insisting on being checked first. Nice when sorted. Best wishes Michael
This bass guitar is notorious for its need for regular truss rod adjustments. Has this been your experience too, Michael?
Hello and thanks for your question. I haven't known many other similar models, so can't comment with authority on neck issues generally. I have found them to be a good guitar and as with any, might need attention to truss rod adjustment at times. Much depends on factors such as humidity, temperature and string gauges. Perhaps it's just one of the many qualities that make guitars so interesting. Thank you again, best wishes Michael
It's not that all of the CBS-era Fenders are bad; it's rather that the quality can be inconsistent at times. 1978, for example, is considered an above-average year for Fender basses.
Thanks for your interesting comment. The variation in quality is what concerns players, though curiously age rather than quality has influenced prices. I agree some examples better than others, however the CBS period quality is generally felt to fall short of that in earlier guitars. Interestingly even earlier genuine Fender guitars may be disappointing. Please see my review of a genuine 63 Stratocaster which I have known since late 1960s as I am in touch with same owner. In my opinion its not better than some more recent options. I suppose as with everything in life it's down to personal choices. Best wishes, Michael
I never understood the CBS era, I think that it was seen as another "make a quick buck" opportunity without putting in much in the way of investment. It was the 70's, many countries were in the fiscal doldrums. I can understand Fender selling the business but can't get to grips with CBS buying it, unless it genuinely thought it could trade on the name while churning out an inferior product.
I heard CBS fender still used original machining tools. These hadn't been maintained and tolerances were off. Resulting in hit and miss quality ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks for your comment John. Quality of Fender guitars is said to have deteriorated when CBS took over in 1965. There is a mystique about early Fenders (and not just Fenders!) which allies itself to sometimes very high price tags. This is surprising given the acceptance that standards post late 1960s were not thought to be high. I reviewed a genuine (I have known the guitar since the late 1960s so I know it's genuine) original Stratocaster on my channel, which did not equate to the seriously high prices people are willing to pay for similar. People seem willing to pay large sums for what can in effect be an inferior guitar. In contrast many licensed copies are very good quality, which suggests that the hype around early Fenders is more a case of the Emperor's new clothes than evidence of a better instrument. Human nature I suppose? Regards Michael
Interesting, I know this can happen in other woodwork cnc stuff when built up sawdust and stuff gets caked in. It will just change sizes stuff you're cutting over time