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Sign up for product alertsSquier by Fender Classic Vibe Jazz Bass® ’60s videos
There are currently no videos for this product. If you are registered with us you may log in to add additional videos related to this product. You can also register an account to add a related video.Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Jazz Bass® ’60s Reviews
Dr
I agree with Bryn. I have two other basses from new - Wall Custom (now about 25 years old) and a Warwick Fortress 5 string (about 10 years old). Both are great basses (the Wal is superlative in my opinion). The elctronics on these basses are something else. I have used the Wal as my main bass for all these years, both in the studio and live. But whilst it has very comprehensive tone settings, it is always difficult to set it up live - and that is where the Custom Vibe wins hands down. I had a Fender Precision in the early 80's and it was - to put it bluntly - a dog. Poor pickups, deadspots all over the place and unreliable. It was with some hesitation I went for the Fender again (on recommendation) and even more so as the Custom Vibe is a Squire. All I can say is WOW. I have now packed up the Wal and put it to bed in its case and I use the CV for all my live work. Don't do much studio any more but I would definately have the CV with me. It is simple to use, has a great sound and the playing action is all that I would want - and I complare this to the Wal. I did replace the pickups with Toneriders and, like Bryn, the first thing I did was remove the thumb plate - not for me. I play Big Band music mostly and even the other players remarked on the sound of this baby. The tones are warm when you want it but simply by adjusting the bridge pickup volume you get the full slap and funk sound that you would ever need. I was unsure about going from active to passive but apart from a reduction of output signal there has been no other issue. Just adjust your amp levels to compensate and away you go. Playing action is great, comfortable and if anything more forgiving. I have had to get used to the buzz of the single coils that can emmanate under certain conditions (strip lighting etc) as the other basses I have are whisper silent. But once you get used to the foibles of this, even these can be controlled and in some situations dissapear. It looks good too (I have the Olympic White) and funnily enough I get a buzz from playing a Fender which is easily recogniseable to non-Bass players who now cast a nod of approval whereas before they looked mystified at a name they didn't recognise! I am looking forward to many years of service from this bass.
Dr
Got this bass second hand purchased with the previous owners modifications, which incorporate the volume and tone knobs being replaced with after market custom switches. But no matter, this bass is near faultless. Its tag of been a budget, entry level bass is totally misleading. It rocks!! The tonal range is awesome, easy handling a range of musical styles, from funk to metal and everything inbetween, for those wanting to 'rock' this Jazz easily matches the growl of a Precision. Subtle touches of volume from both the neck and bridge pickups produces warm full tones, a sound only Fenders have!! Dial both pickup volumes and tone switch to max gives the bass a growling snarl that metallists would be proud of. Even when cranked up to max there is very minimum buzz, and I mean very very minimum, a tribute to the pickups which are well spaced and aligned to the strings to perfection. Neck is slim and easy to play, the 20 frets are mid to jumbo and play action is smooth subject to personal set up. The head has the distinctive fender clover leaf tuners coupled with the standard c overall shape which makes for the total 'vibe' of the guitar. However, overall the bass is slightly on the heavy side compared to basses of this economic level, but its not an issue and even after a session of two hours non-stop standup playing will not strain your shoulder!! The paint finish is superb and has that solid look that can take all the knocks that gigging can throw at it. Mines white, three years old with no signs of discolouration, giving the impression that this bass will last a lifetime of constant playing. I have owned many basses from Yamahas to Ibanezs and beyond and nothing compares to the tonality, sound and playability of this guitar. As soon as as I dial it in crank the sound up it takes hours for me to stop smiling!! The only fault if you can call it that, is the old world finger rest positioned below the G string. Bit pointless in my humble opinion, as it is only a reflection of the thumb style used by bassists in the 60s, tipping a nod to the original playing style of that era. I suppose it was put in to complete the overall 'vibe' and 'ambience' that the guitar is suppose to represent. Modern players particularly 'slap' players will find this a hinderance. Although I don't play slap bass the finger rest, nevertheless, looks awkward and I've removed mine.
