Thinking about a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz bass... thoughts?

[Rex_Rocker]

I have a Classic Vibe Esquire which I love. However, I did replace the pickup, bridge, and tuners, LOL. The shell of the guitar was good, but the pickup and hardware were pretty bad. The bridge was OK, TBH. I could've lived with the stock bridge, but I figured I'd go all out because I loved the guitar.

I wonder if it's going to be the same with the bass. I don't want to invest as much on the bass as I did with the guitar, because I do want a good bass to record with, but I don't mainly play bass. I just want something to have fun with.

If not, what other alternatives are there for a clanky, bright, and scooped picked sound that will get some overdrive thrown on top of that doesn't come with crappy pickups?

Thanks!

[Mincer]

These are pretty well-respected basses. I'd think you'd do fine keeping it stock, but if you were going to invest money, invest in pickups.

[donaldr]

I bought a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz 5 (same specs as new Classic Vibe) couple of years ago with the intention to mod it. It's been 5 years and still no mods.
The fit and finish is pretty incredible for an instrument in that price range. Didn't even adjust the truss rod where I have to do so on other guitars and basses couple of times a year (weather variations). No sharp frets either, and nice 2 piece soft maple body. I will probably put a John East J-Tone preamp because I like active basses but the pickup are just fine for me now, very growly when you dig them.

[Blille]

That’s a good choice.

I’m happy with my Sterling Stingray. You may want to check those out.

[Rex_Rocker]

What are Stingray basses like? I was always under the impression they were more Precision-ish than Jazz-ish because of the single humbucker and whatnot, but maybe I'm wrong? Also, what's the neck profile like? More Precision-ish or more Jazz-ish?

I honestoy don't get along with Precison basses at all.

[Blille]

What are Stingray basses like? I was always under the impression they were more Precision-ish than Jazz-ish because of the single humbucker and whatnot, but maybe I'm wrong? Also, what's the neck profile like? More Precision-ish or more Jazz-ish?

I honestoy don't get along with Precison basses at all.

I would argue it’s a bit it’s own thing. It’s just on HB but it is quite responsive to changing the picking/plucking position.

Here’s a comparison between the three sounds:

https://youtu.be/F9hGarrUWXw

The profile on the Sterlings is C and in between, less chunky than a precision for sure.

[Rex_Rocker]

I would argue it’s a bit it’s own thing. It’s just on HB but it is quite responsive to changing the picking/plucking position.

Here’s a comparison between the three sounds:

https://youtu.be/F9hGarrUWXw

The profile on the Sterlings is C and in between, less chunky than a precision for sure.

Well, I definitely like it more than the P Bass there, but I still prefer the J.

The J sounded wider and clankier in that demo. The Stingray sounded kinda honky by comparison. But I wonder if that added extra honk migh make it take overdrive better.

[Blille]

Well, I definitely like it more than the P Bass there, but I still prefer the J.

The J sounded wider and clankier in that demo. The Stingray sounded kinda honky by comparison. But I wonder if that added extra honk migh make it take overdrive better.

For sure.

Both are great and I think could work for you. I encourage you to just play them see what feels good.

[Rex_Rocker]

How about dual pickup Stingrays? Are those available in my price point?

[Rex_Rocker]

Oh, looks like there is!

https://www.long-mcquade.com/220430/Guitars/Bass-Guitars/Sterling-By-Music-Man/StingRay-Ray4-HH-Bass---Candy-Apple-Red.htm

[Rex_Rocker]

Turn of events... looks like I might be able to shell out the money for a Mexican Jazz.

[Rex_Rocker]

OK... quick question. How is the quality of the higher-end Sterlings?

I might be able to stretch the budget to fit this

https://www.long-mcquade.com/190540/Guitars/Bass-Guitars/Sterling-By-Music-Man/Ray34HH-StingRay-Bass-with-Gigbag---Stealth-Black.htm

But I don't know if it's worth it over a Mexican Fender. I know Mexican Fenders are pretty decent. But is Sterling as good? Or maybe I'm just being biased because I am Mexican, LOL.

[Blille]

OK... quick question. How is the quality of the higher-end Sterlings?

I might be able to stretch the budget to fit this

https://www.long-mcquade.com/190540/Guitars/Bass-Guitars/Sterling-By-Music-Man/Ray34HH-StingRay-Bass-with-Gigbag---Stealth-Black.htm

But I don't know if it's worth it over a Mexican Fender. I know Mexican Fenders are pretty decent. But is Sterling as good? Or maybe I'm just being biased because I am Mexican, LOL.

Folks love it but not sure it’s “better” than a Fender MIM - I think it’s more a matter of personal taste, maybe this helps

https://youtu.be/5A-bwbe8Mws

[donaldr]

Turn of events... looks like I might be able to shell out the money for a Mexican Jazz.

I would suggest you try the Squier before settling on the MIM Fender Jazz. I liked mine better.

[Mincer]

You might decide on the Squier, but have enough left over to upgrade it, if you want.