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Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass
List: $695
The ‘70s was the decade well-remembered for all things funk. This was also the time of prog manifestation. In the bass domain, Fender’s Jazz bass was responsible for driving this movement; Geddy Lee brandishing a Jazz bass- how can we forget? Squier’s Vintage Modified (VM) Jazz bass is a member of a revival family which picks on a featured specification of a certain instrument era to vibe things up.
Build/ fit/ finish
This Indonesian beauty has an unmistakable blond finish namely due to its maple entirety; yes, you read that right- both the body & neck are maple in make. This accounts for the massive feel which is typical of instruments of the ‘70s; heavy often for the wrong reasons. The overall construction here is deserving of its asking price; a unit in the upper reaches of the Squier line up which is more refined in make, fit & finish. Praise goes to the outstanding black neck binding & block fretboard markers, the latter really are painted indicators. The hardware on the other hand, are nameless appointments but they remain reputable & functional. The highlight is however the pair of Duncan Designed pickups which possess all the right reasons you’d pay for.
Rating: 90%
Playability/ tone
This bass is a behemoth (blame the maple content), once lapped, you can feel how the body edges virtually etches into your leg. Adding to the discomfort would be the constant neck dive which was fortunately cured when the bass was strapped on. Even before one plugs this bass in, the bright resonance promises something inviting in the tone department but the default action could be better especially when there were no signs of fret buzzing across the neck register; a lower setting wouldn’t hurt.
Amplified, the tone per se is a simple lure. Like ants to sugar, you’d hear both the pickups serving their worth & are very addictive indeed. The neck unit possesses all the rounded upper end for your booming pleasure. Be sure to set your amp EQ to taste to prevent a muddy affair. The bridge single coil is a direct opposite; all the poke you need for great lead tones. The blended tone screams funk & becomes especially rewarding if snap & pop are your playing staple; now you understand why Marcus Miller is a firm Jazz Bass proponent. It gets more interesting when one varies the blend & that’s what got this reviewer hooked.
Like how a typical jazz bass should be, the narrower-than-P Bass neck profile was wisely retained by the manufacturer. The departure here would be the medium jumbo frets unlike the slim units of the basses of the past, which make this bass easier to handle. Tuning stability was also spot on; all play & less hassle.
Tone test equipment:
• Amps: Ibanez Soundwave 35/ Fender Bassman 100
Rating: 90%
Final say
Are you still looking for a worthy non-Fender Jazz bass to get you by? The VM Jazz bass will be your answer. In addition to living it up in the specifications department, the end product here is a superb player per se.The list price would be objectionable to many of us as we consider it costly in relation to the ‘Squier’ tag but we often kill a product by virtue of its pariah brand name even before we know what it’s all about (& the discounts available). Let me tell you what it’s about then- it’s a wonderful playing experience without costing you an arm or a leg.
Final rating: 90%
Product availability: Swee Lee Co
Likes:
• Playability/ Tone
• Price
• The ‘70s vibe without the ‘70s setbacks
Dislikes:
• Deafult action
• Neck dive in sitting position
Worthy competitor:
• Swing G1 Ash
**Thanks Adam for the review invitation!
