Squier Vintage Modified Jazz (Blindfolded Bass Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
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This bass looks pretty sexy for a cheap beginner bass - let's put it to the test.
The Squier Vintage Modified Jazz was one of our favorite basses in this blindfolded bass reviews series.
We start with some whining about the big Fender-style neck block, which isn't an issue with this specific bass, but is a general characteristic of Fenders that makes upper fret access more difficult.
We walked through the tonal options in detail, with all pickup and tone knob settings. And there's an interesting plot twist after I adjusted the bridge pickup height...
The Squier worked well with fingerstyle, pick, or slap, so it was fun to try a range of techniques on.
Get the full scoop on our reviews here: www.bassbuzz.c...
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#squier #vintagemodifiedjazz #beginnerbassreview
People that can play can make anything sound good.
true though :D
@@phucdoitoanable - can bad players make good guitars sound good? Typically no. That's why I leave the expensive guitars to the professionals and enjoy practicing with the modestly priced stuff. I love my £319 5 string Steinberger Spirit. After a setup it's just so much fun to play. £120 Harley Benton PB450FL is a super fun fretless and active. I am looking for a 4 string J or P bass. Played one of these VMs in store. Lovely bass for the price. Weighing it up.against a Marcus Miller Sure bass.
Cheap gear
Up to a point. A bad instrument will do a few sounds nicely but wont be very versatile, in my opinion
Right ok. So why does anyone buy a moderately priced instrument then? Because we like to waste money? Dead spots, intonation, bridge height are all important in being able to play over an instrument - up and down the fretboard, and good pickups that give a nice attack for something like funk, give a nice overdriven sound whilst also sound nice clean. Being able to use a whammy bar consistenly without going out of tune, even having the ability to set it up properly so bends don’t throw it off. These are things a cheap guitar might be able to do one of, but no all. I have an epiphone which the neck joint isn’t perfect on, this means the action remains high and wont go lower without major mods, a shim would most likely help but it would throw up other issues. Yes its usable and sounds nice with some things that are ok for high action, but say you really wanted to do some precise lead guitar playing up the neck, youd find the action very uncomfortable and difficult. Not impossible, but it would certainly hamper you, and im fairly sure guitarists like page and brian may have come out and admitted they use .8 strings with a very comfortable action.
Pretending to be able to get a great sound with a bad instrument sounds like you’re either kidding yourself, or don’t really know what you’re talking about. And to be clear, cheap to me is $100-200. I have never spent more than $500 on a guitar, its more about upgrading a usable shell and most guitars are crappy from the shop anyway, so based on that perhaps you’re right in that they’re all set up badly initially.
This is such a wide ranging topic to boil it down to just ‘good guitars are overrated’ seems quite ignorant
It's about the playing not just the bass
Bought one of these this week, no regrets. I'm a guitarist who dabbles in bass for recording. This thing is just killer.
I have the 70’s vintage and it’s great, honestly. It’s really fun to play, and sounds great.
Same here I have the ‘77 . I played it in the store along with a mim and a USA and the squier sounded best to me ( I like vintage tone over modern)
Looking the squire vs mim the mim seeemed better. But I could never buy one with it arriving with some major issue. Like a dead pickup, warped neck. Or a neck pocket that was just cut embarrassingly wrong. The squire was consistently at a good level whenever I experienced one.
I got this bass used (natural version) for $180 from a guitar center in NYC on their website and shipped down to FL for free. Never gonna sell it, love it!
I recently got one of these as my first Jazz Bass (I am experienced with PJ basses though). It's a 2009 model, natural color. I like its sound a lot. No necessary upgrades for now. I am quite happy with the way it sounds live - it sounds quite expressive and its neck pickup sounds amazing. I am spending some more time trying to get the best of it in DI recordings, and I am not happy with all the recordings, but maybe I would have this same learning curve with any Jazz Bass anyway, as its 'central' frequencies are naturally different to the PJs. Now its neck feels smooth and it's really fun to play. No regrets really.
I've had a similar squier J bass for 7 months now and it's awesome. I'm left handed and this was the best option for me under $500. still impressed on the quality of this bass compared to other cheap ones. it needs nothing but a descent strap to handle the weight issue. rock on
Honestly from someone who spent 3 months looking for a good bass and almost spending more than I wanted for a mustang bass (which I would probably buy in the future) this bass is honestly amazing and holds it's ground against fenders when set up nicely
very nice demo man. Very informative and helpful, not just for people trying to buy a jazz bass, but showing this can be a serious instrument with some pickup upgrade.
This bass is amazing.. when my band was first shaped, the bass player had this bass and was killing it
I was debating a $1500 American JBass and $300 Squire JBass. Bought the Squire, put some Bassline pickups in it and still my go-to after 20 years !
karthurhyer Lol, the best thing to do.
Pick a cheap bass, mod the shit out of it
I own one and is a 5 string version. Lovely bass
Once I adjusted the truss rod, lowered the action, and lowered the pick ups .... this is a really nice bass
I've been looking for a practice jazz bass (I'm a P fan) and I passed by the Vintage Modified, didn't know that.
After watching this video looked for that announcement again, it was still available and accorded to trying it with the seller.
Now the VM is at home :)
Great bass for the value, it's maybe the king of bargains in his range.
I really want to thank you, Josh.
These just aren't starter basses. They are played by pros too.
@Nikhil Hiatt I love my squire bass and has a fast neck. It's a great bass and well made
@NH 201 Squier basses are better than the six-strings.
Awesome stuff! Thanks for the very thorough reviews guys. This one will be my first bass (it helps that I'm a huge Vulfpeck fan). Looking forward to your upcoming lessons and reviews
Awesome! This will make a great Joe Dart soundalike bass. :)
I just picked one up! I tried a Fender Mustang, Fender Precision and this one felt and sounded best! Super happy with it!
I have 4 Squiers, and love em all. 2 are modded - 2 are just plain stock with killer set ups. I got Warwicks...Bass Mods....Ibanez...Schecters ...Laklands and Yamahas, but my workhorses are my Squiers. Even when I take one of my "good" basses to a gig - The Squier is coming too...I just like 'em!!
Just got this bass and a set of american vintage '64 pickups. Now just waiting on a soldering iron.
Word! I'm curious how that'll sound, feel free to post some photos or audio in the Bass Buzz forum if you want! (it's free) - forum.bassbuzz.com/
@@BassBuzz I'll see if I can get a before and after recording done.
@@thecappy 7 months later... how did you go?
@@takitezy7 my interface took a shit, but if you can find a pair of the PV'64s they're really good sounding. The same set are in the flea sig jazz.
I think squier is trying to catch up with Sire. They came out with a V3. Only difference: Sire is active/passive and squier is passive; FOR NOW. Just heard squier just debuted an Active 5 string. Can’t wait for you to do a review on that baby.😊
Personally, I find Sire necks to be too round...they don't play in a way that's comfortable, to me, so I'll stick with Squire, for now
Well most squier basses are usually meant to be pretty vintage styled unless it's contemporary so I wouldn't see them making many active models
Back in 2018 I got a Modified 70s Jazz Bass by Squire natural finish and maple 🍁 fretboard, block inlays and all that other good stuff. Didn't actually start playing bass until 2020 but man I still absolutely love this Jazz bass I have. It was 375 at the time and I think you can get a similar model (if the not the same one) for 450.00. Thankfully they didn't go up that much. I highly recommend Squire Jazz basses.
I was going to get this squier J bass until I saw the $80 Glarry J bass and decided to go with it, being less than 1/3 the price. Super glad I did since I enjoy tweaking and modding stuff. Once set up it was pretty decent and played well. Newbs who can afford the Squier will get a nicer bass out of the box, but for someone who wants to learn to work on and mod basses, the Glarry is the way to go. It sounds great and with all the money you save, you can upgrade it to be way nicer than the Squier. The neck is a little chunky, so I sanded it down on the back. Its real nice now. After putting some elbow grease into it, Id rate the Glarry J bass as a $400 equivalent quality bass,playability and sound wise.
get a pre-2017 version for Seymour Duncan pickups and no glossy neck. They go for about what a MIM Fender does, and is much better.
Vintage Modified bass line was awesome, made in Indonesia, Squier killed it to bring the Classic Vibe from China to Indonesia.
Squier make great basses. Don't listen to that beginner Bass bullshit. Not every one has big dollars to spend on gear...this bass will out live you if you maintain it like it should be maintained.
Lastly...thankfully it has passive pickups...that sire honk is dreadful.
35 years of playing I own two Fender but 6 Squiers.
@@kman-mi7su Thats fantastic for you.
No really, this is one amazing bass.
Looks good, plays extremely well even better than some Fenders, has good frets right out of the box and makes a perfect cheap modding platform for pickups, nuts, fret jobs and other stuff.
Roddy gogo The Vintage Modified series are far better than the affinity series, let this be known. I own a Geddy Lee Signature j-bass, and while this would be a stretch, the VM series is almost on par with the MIM standard (price difference isn’t a large gap either).
I own that same bass.
I have this exact bass bone stock and a classic vibe 70's & they both rock. I am very fussy with just about everything I buy, from cars to pizza beer & Bass guitars..this bass is excellent quality , sounds and plays amazing. The fact that so many people have had one for many years and many of them play it regularly and say how much they live it, but never bitch about and real issues. I can say from years of experiance with several Squire Bass guitars that they are well made and even at twice the price they would still be a great bass at a great price. Too many people gave passed up thos tone monster because is says Squire and not gender on the headstock. I guess if the people at your gigs use binoculars to watch the show they might notice what name is on the headstock of your bass.
Seriously people buy this bass..at least take one for a test drive.
Discontinued in this finish? They've vanished off most sites here in the UK other than the ones asking considerably more...
I have the fretless version of it....lil Jaco is what I call it.
Its a damn fine bass. I mean...ive been playing for over 30 years and I would say that the VM is one od the better low cost basses out there. Squire keeps putting out better and better products.
Check out the Jazz Contemporary model. DAMN!
I own a Tony Franklin Precision Bass and I like the VM almost as much.
No kidding.
2000 dollars vs. 200 dollars.
Great videos guys. Your channel has made a massive impact on my bass playing. Here in South Africa, it's always a challenge finding reviews on the guitars we have available here, but nonetheless... Any chance of a video on budget step up basses?
Hands down the VM series are the best squier basses. I tend to tell my friends to stray away from the CV line and score a used VM for a great price!
What's wrong with the classic vibe line?
These blindfold test are Fantastic!! Thank You!!
I just ordered this one! Now I’m happy:)
Nice!
How was it
Last instrument I bought was a MIM Strat. 21 frets!! That's crazy, there's no reason it shouldn't be 22. Fender has a way of being excessively true to their original designs. If you want Fender to be innovating, you have to shell out $2k for the American Professional II stuff.
Not a beginner bass. The tone is far more impressive than most instruments 3x the price.
Great video! How did you bring the bridge pickup closer to the strings?
These basses are great! I highly recommend them!
got one of these in natural with the blacked out neck lines sand block inlays out of a guitar center in NYC online for $180 bucks! only worry is the neck, both backside and between frets has all this built up sticky tape residue but bought it knowing it had a few cosmetic dings and imperfections in the finish layering and damn if this bass doesnt far exceed any and all expectations, if you can...buy one!
Josh got a job...no complaints... do your thing!!
I come from the future, in two years it will still being your main during a mundial quarantine
I wish i wouldve got a white one like this or even red, obviously i git the natural finish like every other one you see,the colired finishes are going to be the rare ones 20 years from now,
💘Got one and loving it !💘
the 2nd guy says it lacks versatility, but doesn't play over the bridge pup when soloed. Think the bridge pup sounds great personally
This was really useful thank you
You're welcome!
very informative and direct review, great job man. if you may review a budget/practice bass amp that is affordable and great. tnx
Done! www.bassbuzz.com/gear/beginner-amps
whoah, tnx
I don't have so much money but i will buy this squier jazz bass and a fender rumble 40
Great video I'm interested in the White w Black Pickguard Squire Vintage 70's that costs $349. I had one in natural a few years back and it sounded great through a peavey 300 watt. Your demo helped a lot. Not a plug, however American Musical Supply offers pay and play extended payment plan, that helps me a lot. I'm checking out the Sire Marcus Miller that's around the $350 to $550... Those bass' are active, lighter etc. don't see American Musical Supply offering the Sire Marcus Miller bass' yet. Thanks again, I picked up some riffs.
Yeah we'll definitely review the Sires sometime, interesting instruments.
I been using a squier jazz bass for about 4 years but i scrapped the squier logo and placed a fender waterslide sticker instead and whenever pro guys jam with my bass they can't tell it's a squier and not a fender 😂
Ha!
Proof that a lot of us hear with our eyes... I’m so guilty of this.
i already got this bass,,nice sound(crafted in indonesia)
"Crafted" Hahahahahaha!
@@userer4579 more like produced lmfao
can you send me the link to where to buy it?
It's funny they're talking about the neck heel/block and upper fret access as if that's not the way jazz basses have been constructed since they came out. It didn't stop Jaco Pastorius lol.
i didnt had a ton of options when i choose mine, since im lefty, but i bought a nature VM in 2011, it was the older version, which came with duncan designed pickups, still like it.
Not every bassist can make everything sound good,talent isn't everything some people can't even read music
Cool series except I got a bit tired of the guys complaining about a bolt on neck block on classic basses like a Jazz Bass. If you need to play notes way up the neck, you either own a neck thru bass or you would be better off playing guitar. ;-)
Ha! Well just be clear, bolt-on necks aren't the problem, it's the specific chunky squared-off execution that is classic to Fender basses. Yes, it's a tradition, but would it really ruin the classic sound to make the transition to the body smoother?
It's a design that has worked well for decades, and when you think about Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Flea and countless others who play Jazz basses, clearly the neck block is not an issue for everybody. And afaik, even most of the great Jazz bass inspired basses from Sadowsky (Tal Wilkenfeld, Will Lee) retain the squared off neck block.
It's kind of ridiculous to complain about neck block on a beginner bass. Beginners simply aren't going to be using the upper frets much at all.
Bass is meant to be played low register not lead bass.
Solid!! Reminds me of the mark hoppus signature-!:D
What are some good pick ups to replace these with that’ll give me a good funky tone?
These basses are soooo good, josh plays a Peavey!
hey, josh! planning to buy my first bass guitar & enroll in ur course. would u recommend squier cv 60s jazz bass? we don’t have vm where im from 😞
Hi Buzz guys, wondering how better would be this Squire replacing pickups to Fender jazz bass. Would worth it? Keep it up with reviews and may experimenting some quite backing tracks. It would bring more practical feeling . Cheers!
If you're trying to make the squier better there could be a few different steps to take. Most guys prefer a high mass bridge, quarter pound pick ups, or possibly different tuning heads. If you don't wanna mess with that too much look into some pedals
What about the Deluxe series with active pickups? Any plan on reviewing that too?
Yeah, I'd love to try those! I'm often impressed with how Squier instruments play and sound.
I think the block and extra fret issues, are just a strategy to artificially push you to the more expensive models, .... and trust me it freaken works... :s
Better than a Fender MIM Standard? According to the Sound quality and the stability and etc.
Are they the original stock strings used for these tests? I find most people do comparisons with the stock strings which does not allow these basses to shine. I own two VM squires, changed the strings for better quality strings & both sounded far better than they did when they had the stock strings on them. Don't get me wrong, the stock strings are decent & do a fine job, but it is worth investing in better strings (not necessarily expensive strings), also owners should have the bass setup correctly then they will be surprised at the tone quality & playability of these basses.
I must admit, I didn't like the silver knobs & changed them for cheap replica jbass knobs for a more authentic look, plus the black jbass knobs looks much better against the chrome jbass back-plate.
Nope, we put the same D'Addario roundwound strings on all the basses to eliminate that variable from the review process. And did setups on them all. I agree, strings and a setup make a big difference!
Hi josh, I find very difficult to find vintage modified basses today. Do you think the classic vibe is a worthy heir?
+1, also wanting to know this! If anyone has a take on this, I'd love to hear it
Beautifull bass!
I love the black one
What year is this guitar? And price when it came out please... thank you!
Is there a reason of why you didn't include the Sterling by Musicman S.U.B Series Stingray Ray 4? It's a great beginner bass too !
Yeah, we stuck with 2 pickup basses for this review series because of the versatility they offer beginners to explore different tones (since they probably only own one instrument). Those basses seem solid though!
So FENDER OR DUNCAN DESIGNED pick-ups which are better? I prefer Duncan myself
Another video of same bass said they are S.Duncan
@@mariocastaneda7321 it depends on the year older ones have Duncans in them and newer ones have Fender designed in them,ive been hoping for a video comoaring them but no ones made one yet🙄🤘
Great video man.
Thank you!
This one is the 77 version in white. Currently out of stock everywhere i look. Found one on ebay for 700$. Cant even consider this a budget option anymore...
Hey Brian, yeah, the market has changed! As far as I know the new Squier Classic Vibe series is comparable (and not price jacked).
BassBuzz wiw thanks to the reply. Youve got a new sub and a bass convert from guitar!!!
Please review the Ibanez Tmb 100.
It's on my list Lukas, they look sexy!
I bought one a few years before the rosewood ban. Great active pj. A little too modern sounding for me but a good old ampeg does it good
Hi, I’m starting with bass and I’m thinking about buying this bass, is it a good idea to start to play bass with this bass ?
Spintrap05 me too
Very good bass and versatile for different styles. Go ham
Yeah, over a half century later and they can't add that one extra fret!
Haha, maybe another 50 years. :) To be fair, Fender did make a 24-fret Jazz series for a while there.
Because real bass players don't play above the 12th fret :D
I use my 20 fret MIM P bass all the time. It’s gotten to the point that when I go to my 24 fret Ibanez it throws me off pretty good.
I’d love to know what was the bass plugged into
SOLD!!!!!
Why do the metal parts of your Squier Vintage Modified Jazz look so used and have a matte finish in other videos? Did you artificially age them or does that come from heavy use of the bass?
can u please do review of squier deluxe jazz bass v
will the bridge pickup always fail to the Jaco fans anywho? I believe so... I've never heard a neck pick up that gets the 'Jaco' sound. I've played a fretted glossed neck, 4 string, and no matter what, couldn't get the spongy "pad-like"feel of a fretless Jaco..."are we calling it a Jaco or a Jazz bass at this point" bass.
Hey! I went to purchase this bass but was told the whole VM line has been dropped by Fender. What current Fender bass do you recommend for beginners? Thanks
Classic Vibe are basically the same product, different name. Don't know why they change them so often!
Hey there ! Just bought this from a friend , havent played yet . But the problem is he sold it to me as it was a Fender Squire Classic Vibe 60s jazz bass ( he is playing guitar ) . Now i see the reviews are preeeety good and ofc i am keeping it ! But my main issue is the price . The price of the CV 60s jazz bass is 398euros . And for some reason i cannot find the price for this bass ( and i think you dont include it) so can you do me a favor and tell me the price and help me out ? ( I wont tell you how much i bought it for specific reasons (i got it quite cheap ) but i would like to know the exact price ) Thank you ! And if you help me you got yourself a new subscriber ! Really like your vids
Hey, it's out of production so there's no retail price anymore! (these reviews are a few years old)
@@BassBuzz Hmm i see ! Is there any possible way that you remember how much you bought it ? Would be very helpful to know . I mean was it a 400euro bass or a 300 ? Or in between ! Thank you for answering
I think the sound is good...lumayan bagus.
I don't know if a should get this or a Classic Vibe 60's
How do you guys get the basses you review? Do you buy them, or do you get them free in exchange for reviews?
Hey there, we bought them all full price, except the Yamaha which we borrowed from Loud and Clear Music in Cotati, CA.
@@BassBuzz Ouch!
Do you have one of these reviews in 5 string modified jazz bass?
Im curious on what materials the higher end squiers share with the actual lower end fender guitars,,like the necks,im guessing things like the neck are the same,these vm 70s got some nice wiring in them that you usually see on higher end basses ,,i just got an 07 VM 70s,and im nit sure what the vintage modified is about,it sounds like a jazz bass to me nit so much vintage
I think they mean a "Vintage vibe" but with modern specs, like the neck shape and pickup spacing etc. The VM70's are nice, but once you own a Mexican Fender, you'll notice a number of differences. Metal parts are thicker, better chromed, tuners especially are better. You get what you pay for still applies. I'm guessing that a Squier won't stand the rigors of the road like a Fender would.
@@bobt5778 ive actually heard that before that Fenders last longer than Squiers,but i dont know if i totally agree,ive had a an affinity,you know squiers beginner line,i got it like 6 years ago,its one of the best guitars ive ever had,in terms if craftsmanship. I guess ill find out ,considering im about to be buying a FENDER PLAYER SERIES P BASS🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
I dig it.
KILLING IN THE NAME OF
Which bass now replaces this model?
Please tell me from where can I buy this Bass?
who are the bassist/demonstrators?
whats the difference between Classic vibe and vintage modified basses?
They're basically the same, Vintage Modified was discontinued and in its place you have Classic Vibe 60s/70s. I've got the CV 70s and as far as I could tell when shopping between them, the knobs on the VM are different chrome ones, and the 'Jazz Bass' text on the CV headstock looks a bit more 70s Fender instead of generic font Squier on the VM.
I've heard the VM pickups may be Duncan designed? Can't remember now. But yeah, basically the same line, sliiightly tweaked and renamed.
I have this bass
Hey. Is Squire Affinity jazz bass similar to this bASS?
How are the edges of the fretboard? Rolled or level?
Slightly rolled, definitely not cutting my hand or anything.
Cool, thanks. If you don't mind checking, are the frets set into the neck and are they rounded off well? I have an Affinity PJ which I love, and the fret edges are really smooth.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏great bass (Squier)
my favorite bass! and it's so cheap you can mod them any way you want LoL
i have an Elite Jazz Bass that cost 2000$ and it doesn't sound as good as that. can you tell me the secret?
Hard to say without playing the bass John! The right set of strings and a good setup can go a long way though.
@BassBuzz I don't see that one available at my local store. I was going to buy the *Squier Affinity PJ Bass Pack* instead as a beginner. Has anyone tried this Squier Affinity PJ Bass model? What's your opinion on that one?
pmb6667 did you end up getting it?
What do you think of the F Squire Contemporary v HH active bass?
I have one. Extremely versatile with both passive and active EQ operating at the same time. Zero hum or noise. Very comfortable to play. Heavy, due to the ash body, but balances well due to body weight. Tight, solid low B string. Worth much more than it costs.
Review the thunderbird IV classic pro :3
How did you record it?
Hey Jonah, all the recording technical details are here: www.bassbuzz.com/gear/beginner-basses
Hello, What year model is this?and made where?Thanks
'70
but really your a good bass player I need some help with ear training and learning the entire fretboard
For learning the fret board get to know what note is on every fret so you can become more familiar with basics such as octaves then dive into scale/mode knowledge. Your ear will always take time, start with some songs you know well enough to get a little from or you can kinda stick to learning each key.
@@jamessakimae9655 thanks and what do you think of the sire basses
@@terranceburgess9170 sires are obviously more expensive, and have better hardware in general but some more expensive squiers/fenders can have similar features I've never had a oppurtunity to play a sire nor see one. my only question is what you're trying to achieve? so I can help steer you in a better way
@@jamessakimae9655 just want to learn fretboard and be a solid bass player i have a affinity squier p/j bass i practice with was going to sell it but decide to wait until i get better before i purchase another bass and just keep the squier
@@terranceburgess9170 good call, I've blown a ton of money buying different basses, like you said get better with basics and as time goes on you'll understand more of the importance pedals, different amps, then better basses affect your sound. Not sure how long you've been playing sounds beginner level, best advice is to get your bass set up correctly such as neck relief, string action, and pick up height
Should’ve tried the squier classic vibe 70’s also ! Nice video btw