kenfxj Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I know you're on the wagon Steve but that Jag is a lot of bass for 300 bucks. I agree. The things I like are it does a P really well. I also like how when you add the bridge pup, it's like a P with more burp and definition, or a J with more beef. Either way, it's nice. The bridge alone is fine, but I never really use the bridge soloed on a J bass so no big deal. I like that it adds something to the P. I also like the neck. Slim and fast like a J, and the overall look is nice, too. I just have a hard time seeing a $300 Squier Jaguar as my main bass. I know, I know, and the guys have heard it and think it sounds great, as do I...but still. I'm just a bit of a gear snob I guess. It just seems like if whatever I get has potential to my main bass, it should be something a little more than a Squier. I know what you mean. We've been conditioned to turn up our noses at the name Squier. I love mine though. If they made a MIA version complete with the American neck, the P/J configuration, the stacked knobs and the high-mass string-through bridge... well they'd have pretty much built my perfect bass. Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I played it again today, and the USA Special jazz. There's no denying the neck on the USA. It is better than the Squier of course. The Squier is nice. One of my band mates was right there and said it sounded great even compared to the USA stuff. I don't know. I know I want a 4 string. I'm pretty sure I want passive - or at least active with passive option. I'd like 21 frets and a rosewood board. I don't know what to get. Like my friend said, with the Squier I'm only out $300 and I can sell it for maybe $200 so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 Yes, but you won't sell it, so make sure to account for that in your budget. :-) Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 Here's a surprise: Fender has just announced a new Jaguar Bass in the Fender Modern Player Series: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-modern-player-jaguar-electric-bass-guitar/h76271000001001 Not sure how this would sound compared to the Squier that I bought late last year, but of course one difference is that it has a maple fretboard with 70's style inlays. I don't have time right now to track down more specs on this model; it's the only one of the four new basses and guitars that Fender announced this week that don't have full specs at the Musician's Friend site yet. The pickup configuration looks the same though, with the main visual difference being that it has traditional Jazz bass tone and volume knobs. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 They also re-released the other Jaguar in red, blue, and sunburst. All the specs can be found on the Fender website. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 There's also a new higher-end Jag Bass from Fender, more akin to Jeremy's (if he hasn't sold it), but with the P/J combination and purely passive: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0259505500 Although I'm totally in love with mine, I'll take a look at this one if I see it in a store. Strangely, the photo looks like two Jazz pickups, but the description insists the neck is a P-bass pickup. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 Here's the official Fender product page for the other Jag bass mentioned earlier: http://www.fender.com/products/modernplayer/models.php?prodNo=0241702 I notice many of these new Modern Player instruments use koto wood. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 What is Koto wood? Do they chop up Japanese string instruments? Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/koto.htm http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/articles/archives/WWP-wood-products-magazine/koto_127690623.html Looks like an IKEA Special, but I also saw other notes that it is used for table tennis. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzilla Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I'm interested in the fact that they aren't just rehashing the same old designs (like a Player's Reissue Modern Vintage Anniversary Custom PBass that looks just like a regular PBass), but taking some chances. Even moreso on the guitar side - the Marauder looks interesting to me. My one gripe is that since these are MODERN Player series, shouldn't there be 5-string versions, too? "Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) NEW band Old band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenfxj Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Here's a surprise: Fender has just announced a new Jaguar Bass in the Fender Modern Player Series: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-modern-player-jaguar-electric-bass-guitar/h76271000001001 Not sure how this would sound compared to the Squier that I bought late last year, but of course one difference is that it has a maple fretboard with 70's style inlays. I don't have time right now to track down more specs on this model; it's the only one of the four new basses and guitars that Fender announced this week that don't have full specs at the Musician's Friend site yet. The pickup configuration looks the same though, with the main visual difference being that it has traditional Jazz bass tone and volume knobs. More than a visual difference to me and takes away one of the Squier VM Jags main selling points (again, to me). Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicklab Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Here's a surprise: Fender has just announced a new Jaguar Bass in the Fender Modern Player Series: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-modern-player-jaguar-electric-bass-guitar/h76271000001001 Not sure how this would sound compared to the Squier that I bought late last year, but of course one difference is that it has a maple fretboard with 70's style inlays. I don't have time right now to track down more specs on this model; it's the only one of the four new basses and guitars that Fender announced this week that don't have full specs at the Musician's Friend site yet. The pickup configuration looks the same though, with the main visual difference being that it has traditional Jazz bass tone and volume knobs. This new Modern Player series looks interesting. The thing is, rumor has it that Fender may be manufacturing these in China or elsewhere. I don't know for certain, or how long this particular production facility has been operating. But I do recall that the early Mexican Fenders had some issues when they came on the market. I don't really have any interest in this particular model, but I'm tempted to try out the Modern Player Telecaster bass that got announced at the same time as this Jaguar bass. Obligatory Social Media Link "My concern is, and I have to, uh, check with my accountant, that this might bump me into a higher, uh, tax..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenfxj Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 At $399 I'd be very surprised if they're any better (or even as good as) the Squier CV or VM series. Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted October 8, 2011 Author Share Posted October 8, 2011 The Modern Player and other new Fender guitars and basses -- as well as the new Squiers just announced -- vary in price considerably. One thing they have in common is that they are consistently more expensive than the Squier models for each series. This is evident at the Fender site as they have now integrated the Fender and Squier sites and make it easy to compare full series together. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottom End Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 They also re-released the other Jaguar in red, blue, and sunburst. All the specs can be found on the Fender website. Severo "Thrilla" Jornacion, the bass player for the Smithereens was playing a red Fender Jaguar through an GK head and SWR 4x10 and 1x12 cabinets last night, and it sounded totally awesome. I was able to talk to him briefly last night, and he said he loves the Jag and wants to get one in blue as well. alas, no lefty version. "Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.'-Hamlet Guitar solos last 30 seconds, the bass line lasts for the whole song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 This bass has still proven its worth over time. I did shootouts at every store I could get to this past week, and could find neither another Jaguar Bass or Jazz Bass model (including modified editions with P/J configurations such as the Geddy Lee bass), that comes close to having as playable a neck as mine or as versatile a pickup combination. I had hoped to find an all-maple neck bass to add to my collection due to parting with the Telecaster Bass, but couldn't find one that I more than tolerated, even though I know an all-maple neck can give more snap. I won't go active so MusicMan is out of the question. A Mike Lull jazz bass caught my attention at Gelb Music today but I would rather steer clear of active basses even when they have True Bypass passive overrides. But that is one fine bass! Better than Lakland. The new Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass isn't nearly as good as this Squier edition. The pickups aren't very versatile and don't cover vintage territory, and the neck is substandard on all three of the ones I have seen so far (plus it's lacquered). I had falsely assumed it would be an "upgrade" model. I think though that I also got lucky, as none of the VM Jaguar Basses I have seen in stores (and I've seen quite a few) play as well as mine -- even before I got mine back from setup work this week. So I keep an open mind even about models I have already tried, in case I simply found bad specimens. This also ended up being a good bass for testing gear today as it is very articulate and balanced. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plangentmusic Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 I'm not sure why or how, but I can say with certainty that IN GENERAL, in the last few years the Squier line is superior to the MIM line. This isn't just coming from me, but dozens of musicians, techs and music store salesman. And it isn't just the basses, it's the guitars too. The CV Strats absolutely KILL. For $300 bucks? Impossible. Could be that Asia is getting better wood and of course, the hourly wage is about twelve cents. JAZZ UN-STANDARDS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vE4FoJ4Cr4&feature=related DON'T FEAR...THE REVERB! 60's Instrumentals with MORE BASS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenfxj Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 My Fender Telecaster bass is "Crafted In China". I just put LaBella flats on it. Tone, fit, finish, playability, looks...the thing kills. Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5 string Mike Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 I am ready to pull the trigger on this VM Jaguar- They recently added Olympic White, Candy Apple Red and Vintage Sunburst to the available colors- I am setting up to pick up this model in the Candy Apple Red. With the tort pick guard and the pearloid inlays, it looks pretty sharp. I like the red color too. "Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind"- George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 No; there is only one finish, as shown here: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0327900506 Those are different versions, and I've tried them all. You must try for yourself, of course, but I did not find the other Squier Jaguar models to sound anything like this one -- nor does the new Fender Modern Player edition. All of them have different pickups and different necks/fretboards. Even with the one I bought, it can be hit or miss. I do not recommend buying one on-line! If a local store doesn't have one, make sure you have a return policy if you order one and it isn't to your liking (or can exchange for another one). There is no guarantee that there will be consistency from one to another. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plangentmusic Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 No; there is only one finish, as shown here: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0327900506 Those are different versions, and I've tried them all. You must try for yourself, of course, but I did not find the other Squier Jaguar models to sound anything like this one -- nor does the new Fender Modern Player edition. All of them have different pickups and different necks/fretboards. Even with the one I bought, it can be hit or miss. I do not recommend buying one on-line! If a local store doesn't have one, make sure you have a return policy if you order one and it isn't to your liking (or can exchange for another one). There is no guarantee that there will be consistency from one to another. Not true on all counts. It comes in white. I have one. Looks great. I bought it online no prob. If you order fro GC you can negotiate price and return it any store if you want a refund. JAZZ UN-STANDARDS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vE4FoJ4Cr4&feature=related DON'T FEAR...THE REVERB! 60's Instrumentals with MORE BASS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 OK, it looks like the extra colours are a Guitar Center special, as they only show up at Musician's Friend and the like (not non-GC-associated vendors or Fender's own website): http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-vintage-modified-jaguar-bass Any of the four finishes is nice; this bass has one of the better trims of any Squier bass currently. But I'll bet only the black one shows up in actual Guitar Center stores. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plangentmusic Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 OK, it looks like the extra colours are a Guitar Center special, as they only show up at Musician's Friend and the like (not non-GC-associated vendors or Fender's own website): http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-vintage-modified-jaguar-bass Any of the four finishes is nice; this bass has one of the better trims of any Squier bass currently. But I'll bet only the black one shows up in actual Guitar Center stores. Yep, I've only seen the white on-line. BTW, I have an American Standard J with a maple neck and that too is not stocked by CG. It has to be ordered. JAZZ UN-STANDARDS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vE4FoJ4Cr4&feature=related DON'T FEAR...THE REVERB! 60's Instrumentals with MORE BASS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 Hey, that's good to know as the American Standard J in the rosewood neck was the ONLY current production Fender Jazz Bass that I liked very much, and I felt I would like it more in maple but didn't want to take a chance due to cost. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenfxj Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 I know there's only so much you can ask for on a $300 limited run, but it's a shame they didn't do the matching headstock bit on the white and red ones. Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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