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...n/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...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...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.

 

[Blille]

Leaving money to upgrade is a good idea. I got a cheaper Sterling and upgraded the pickup.

 

[ErikH]

I have a Squier CV P Bass that I love. Put the Steve Harris pickup in it and it rips. I recently did a straight across trade; my Dean ML Chicago Standard guitar for a 2020 Fender Player Series Jazz bass. Only thing I’ve done to it was new strings and a Bass Xtender (and of course a setup). All my basses have the Xtender. I gotta say, the Player Series is more solid than the CV P Bass. Different beasts, I know. The Jazz might make the CV a backup. CV’s are an amazing value though so if you want that, go for it.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

The thing is I'd probably trade it in at the local store. I'd be taking my Epi LP '59. I need it to be more expensive than the Epi so that they'd be willing to trade it in. So the CV is kinda out of the question now.

It's either the MIM or some sort of higher-end Sterling.

Or honestly, I'm not disliking the idea of some sort of Ibanez bass for the more modern vibe. Wish they'd come with single coils for t3H cLaNkZ, tho. And I've had Ibby basses before. I've always wanted a Jazz ever since I played a friends American Jazz in Sonic Blue or Surf Green (don't remember which, but it sorta look like the color they use on restroom tiles, LOL), so I'm leaning more towards that.

 

[ErikH]

Go for the Player Series Jazz then. Mine is white, parchment pickguard, and maple fingerboard. Such an awesome trade. That thing is solid. Sounds great.

 

[PFDarkside]

I got a Classic Vibe Jazz Bass along with new strings and pickups. I changed out the strings and it sounded so good I returned the pickups before installing them. It’s a great sounding and playing bass with no upgrades, IMO. They are better than the MIM stuff I played when I started in the 90’s.