wraub Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I know, I know, you're thinking, "Dating a Squier... Why?" Well, you're probably right, but I just picked up a Squier Jazz Bass for pocket change, and I'd like some info on it. Anyone know of a resource for this? I reckon from random googling that the Japanese Squiers are supposed to have a better build quality than some others, but that's about it. Thanks all. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Red 67 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Just ask him out. (hehehe) Big Red's Ride Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArwinH Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 if its a jv series, then its head and shoulders above other squires out there. www.myspace.com/movementwithoutmotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cthulhu Fhtagn Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Go to the Fender website. There is a section there for Squires, and there is also a tab for determining serial numbers. Maybe this will help. I have had quite good respone by e-mailing the customer support center. Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Related to Billy Squier? Check the family tree. And, aren't you married? What does the wife say?! All luv, baby. All luv. Peace. --SW spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATM Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I was going to suggest flowers... ATM http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/atmofmn/Bass/DeepThoughtsBS.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie bass dude Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 wait for the third date before inspecting underneath the neck....sorry no beer until July 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_god_offspring Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 ...and be sure to ALWAYS use protection,.... ....gig bags that is.. hehehe -BGO 5 words you should live by... Music is its own reward --------------- My Band: www.Myspace.com/audreyisanarcissist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Hey all. Thanks for the, uh, "help". I have been doing some digging,and this looks to be from around 83, although it does have some odd details that make dating it difficult. It looks pretty beat up, but it sounds great unplugged, the price was really right, and it was a 10 minute walk from my house. It just needs a few little things, and I think I'll keep it. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JUNK MAN Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Wraub, I think you scored a good one. I picked up an 83-84 Squier P-bass back in March for $109.00! Sounded really good acousticly and looked identical to a 1969 MIA P-bass I used to have. Same exact 3-tone sunburst. It even sounds and plays better then the old 69! If you take the pickguard off, you'll see there is NO routing from the pickup cavity to the pot cavity although, they did not spray the red part of the sunburst in this area! I sure the serial# begins with a JV. I remembered looking it up in "The Bass Book" I have at home. Beat quality Squire you'll ever pickup for such a bargain price! Put a tortise shell pickguard on, some D'Addario Chromes and Duncan Bassline "Hot for P-bass" pickups in it and Whamo!!......instant "Funk Machine"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 I think I agree with you. I put a new set of XLs on it last night, just to put new strings on it, but I think flats and foam are on the way... Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JUNK MAN Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I don't think you'll be dissapointed. About the same build quality as an 70's and 80's Fender. Enjoy your cost savings!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Yeah, so far, it has the weight and solidity, the wood quality is definitely there, and it's got a cool vibe. All for practically nothing. I am pleased. Sounds really great unplugged, can't wait until tonight to actually plug it in... Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkybastard081 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I play a japan squire and i'm totally in love with the baby.... i only payed it 100 euros and it doesn't sound much diffrent form a high end jazz bass.... Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred TBP Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 MIJ FENDERS RULE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 Update: I plugged this thing in last night, and... WOW! I am completely blown away with the tone on this bass. Rich, full, deep, bright, punchy, all the cliches are present and accounted for. The pick-ups are loud as all get out, plenty hot. The neck is a dream, a vintage profile one-piece maple (no stripe) with a rosewood board that cleaned up to reveal itself as shiny and almost pristine. The rosewood itself is a deep, dark almost-black color that looks sweet on the all-black bass. The fretwork is impeccable, no sharp edges anywhere, with very little wear. Typical J-bass hum, but oh well. It's a keeper. And I am not really a "Fender bass" type, usually. Go figure. I try to keep an open mind... Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Sounds like you've got yourself a fun toy for very little money. Will you start experimenting with it (bridge, PUPs, etc.) or leave it as is? What do Mr. and Mrs. Roadstar have to say? Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 13, 2005 Author Share Posted October 13, 2005 Actually, right now it sounds and plays so well I think I'll leave it stock. It has a really nice growl, and plays slap and funk like that's what it was made for. Plus, all the parts have a healthy "patina" and that does add to the vibe of the bass. It's really something. I'll probably even leave the pickguard. As for the twins, they seem fine. Maybe a little put out, but they all have different roles, and I think we'll reach an accord in time. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted October 18, 2005 Author Share Posted October 18, 2005 Just an update: I gave this bass a workout at rehearsal tonight, and this thing is all 'o that and a bag of whatever. It just rocks. Some research leads me to believe it's basically a copy of a 62 jazz bass. 11 hole pickguard, no skunkstripe, and exposed grounding strip betwen the bridge and the bridge pickup, etc. All I know is I love the sound. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted December 31, 2005 Author Share Posted December 31, 2005 Well hello again. This is a long post. Deal with it. Wanted to add to this thread for, if no other reason, the possibility it may help someone else searching for similar info. I have had quite a time researching this thing. So, the bass is indeed a Japanese made Squier Jazz bass. In researching this little goodie I have dug up some of the following: It would seem that Squier/Fender produced instruments originally for sale in Japan only, and these instruments carried serial numbers that begin with "JV". This apparently signifies "Japan Vintage", as these instruments were basically high-quality copies of vintage Fenders produced from Fender's actual blueprints and toolings for the demanding Japanese market. The quality was reportedly so high that Fender's reps were shocked, far surpassing what Fender was making at the time. This led to the decision to market the Squier name more broadly, as the quality to price ratio was attractive to Fender- they had basically unlimited skilled labor who desired to make high quality instruments. After the JV series came the SQ series, the E series, and others. As labor prices rose, Fender moved Squier manufacturing around to other countries, which along with falling quality control, cheaper parts and materials, etc, diminshed the "reputation" of the Squier line. Nowadays, the JV Squiers can command pretty high prices, and the market is on the rise. Similarly, the SQ and E series instruments are acquiring value. These were, allegedly, the best of the Japanese made instruments, before market demands decreased quality. Anyways, it appears the the JV series offered both P and J basses, as did the E series. However, there do not appear to have been many SQ series J basses-lots of P basses, but not a lot of the J basses. In fact, I have looked a lot, and have not found another. What I have is an SQ Jazz bass. In corresponding with a couple of experts, the theory was broached that what I have may be a transitional model, i.e. made from a mix of JV and SQ era parts, stuck with an SQ serial plate, and shipped out. So it has many characteristics of the 62 Jazz that was in the JV series, but has details that are common with the later Squiers as well. The serial # dates it to '82-83, so it's actually in pretty good condition. It looks like what Fender now calls "Lightly relic'ed". and charges more for. It's got tone for days, a neck like an arrow, sustains like crazy, is super loud and resonant unplugged, records like a dream, and I can't stop playing it. I haven't played my other basses since I got it. I would advise anyone looking for a Fender-ish instrument to hunt for one of these Squiers. The value for the money is really there, even if you pay more than I did. Which you will. I could go on, but I think that's long enough. If you have made it this far, thanks. Get yourself a drink, have a rest. Talk to ya later. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArwinH Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I got a chance to play a jv series pbass a while ago, and I do say, that was quite a bass. Definitely better than a lot of the mexico modeals I had played beck then (3 years ago). Probably on par with man of the US models I've had the chance to play recently. www.myspace.com/movementwithoutmotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Geoff Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 You like it, then? Geoff "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the World will know Peace": Jimi Hendrix http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=738517&content=music The Geoff - blame Caevan!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted December 31, 2005 Author Share Posted December 31, 2005 Originally posted by Geoff B.: You like it, then? Geoff Why do you ask? Seriously, I have never been a Fender guy. I have played the same Ibanez 5 string for many years exclusively, and been content. Played many new Fenders in shops, never "got it". I have played a few nice vintage basses, and the vibe was apparent, but nothing I could actually afford had that special something. Now I have it, I wonder how I lived without it. I'm sure I'll go back to my baby, and be pleased as ever. I just put new strings on it, so it's ready. I just have to play my Jazz bass for a little bit first... Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Ibanez Roadstar II lovers around the world -- unite! Fight the bastardized/Fenderized inclinations of your brethren, and bring them back into the fold! For shame, wraub! A love affair w/ a Fender?!?! Oh yeah, and thanks for the history about these Japanese Squiers. Peace. --Dub $$ spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred TBP Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 wraub, from all this it sounds as if you found your musical soul mate. The others will have to settle for being part of the harem, but I'm sure you'll continue to show affection to them as you have in the past. Enjoy the journey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFLA Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 A good one, is a good one - regardless of origin. Sometimes, all the pieces fall together and it feels (and sounds) right. ...All that AND a bag of chips. That bag of chips might be Vinegar and Salt, Sour Cream and Chives, Bar-B-Q, Chipotle... It's all good. More (and mo'betta choices) as time goes on. Enjoy! ...and Happy New Year! Jim Confirmed RoscoeHead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
way2fat Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 Some real sleepers come out of Japan. Sounds like you have what I have but with a Squier logo instead of a Fender logo. I know exactly how you feel. The first time I picked up my '87 Jazz MIJ I knew it was the one just by the way it sat in my arms (do not worry mademoiselle, I will be very gentle). A pair of Lindy Fralins and a set of Thomastik Jazz flats later and I wouldn't sell it for triple what I have in it. Coming through the Whappo Jr. it is vox deus temporae itself. Congrats and give us a pic. www.ethertonswitch.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted January 9, 2006 Author Share Posted January 9, 2006 Yup, this is indeed one of those. I really have a hard time not playing it. It's like a sickness... Pics? Sorry it took this long. Here ya go: Front Back Simple and loud. Enjoy. I do. Hard to believe it's from '82 from these pics, but it has its share of dings and dents. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
way2fat Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 That's it. If you ever can't resist tweaking it, think Lindy Fralin's. www.ethertonswitch.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groover Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Put a black pickguard on it to make it even louder! I have a mid 80's MIJ P-bass that's really beat up but it sounds and plays great! I believe mine is an E series as the serial number begins with an E, but it's not a Squier. The Headstock says Fender Precision. The body is smaller than a normal P-bass (like a P-bass lyte) and has no pick guard. I can't find any info on this bass other than it was manufactured somewhere between '84 and '87. Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any info for this bass? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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