Jazz Bass Shootout - Squier vs. Mexican vs. American - All About the Bass

[@Prince_Sharming]

34:59 Squier neck pickstyle 35:08 Mex neck pickstyle 35:16 USA neck pickstyle 35:24 Squier bridge fingerstyle 35:32 Mex bridge fingerstyle 35:39 USA bridge fingerstyle 35:47 Squier slap both pups 35:56 Mex slap both pups 36:04 USA slap both pups You're welcome.

[@KrisMOTO23]

you are a saint.

[@canersah2848]

absolutely , you are saint :)

[@Prince_Sharming]

You guys are too nice.

[@charlescampbell5894]

Dude, the MIM sounds better in each.

[@jasonmartinez7667]

Thanks for saving my time!!!

[@Zemi.Andersen]

I own a Squier vintage modified jaguar bass, which im still in love with after 6 years. Later ive gotten a MIM fender Jazz, which sounds just amazing! Id say, the squier wins in playability, and the MIM jazz wins in sound - That said - I still find the sound of my squier, just amazing! - Specially the p-pickup! Dont get fooled by fender's branding - You can buy a squier and maybe even upgrade it, and get way more bang for your buck.

[@pensnut08]

Get a Squire you like.. New bridge and Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounders :) :)

[@bassworship50]

This is what I keep doing. Got three MODDED squiers!

[@IvoTrausch]

I'd like to see a blindfold challenge about basses, maybe with these?

[@hansmuller6661]

Yes please

[@liamcolliermusic]

would have to swap the squier to a maple fretboard

[@desvonbladet]

Music Store Köln has a super cheap J&D jazz bass with maple board (139 Euros including delivery to the Netherlands). There's one on my lap right now, and it plays and sounds great. (Or there's the 70s Squier classic vibe, if you like brands and have a bit more money.)

[@hondansx1000]

CNC stands for computer numerical controlled...used one often back when i was studying design Technology...even made a guitar for my final project

[@GrupettoGaz2905]

How did it play??..

[@hondansx1000]

better than expected...had to recut the nut and re do the frets...after that it turned out ok, as good as any squire i've played

[@LoKi6922]

I always try to blindfold myself while listening to these videos by clicking away to a different tab and then going back to see which one I preferred the sound of. For this video I preferred the USA each time. The Squier was very impressive though, for the money. Thanks again Captain.

[@Stratisfied22]

To my ears all of these sound very very similar with subtle differences. Resale value however is always something to think about when choosing an instrument and was a valid point from the Captain. I only buy instruments I know I can resell because of my G.A.S. problem :)

[@brandon2893]

that's fair, if you grow attached to your instrument though, you may not need to resell, I have yamaha trbx 174 that I've upgraded into a beautiful P bass, im never selling it.

[@petestaint8312]

😄

[@bassworship50]

my first jazz bass was a '68 fender jazz bass. I've been playing for 39 years and have owned so many different basses, I can't remember. my last six basses have been all Squiers, and only for the reason of quality /price. I now own a 4 and 5 string model (s) of the deluxe active basses and I've always amazed everyone on stage that a Squier can perform the way mine do. they're both stock too. I've owned the vm fretless, a PJ precision, a '77 vm jazz, and a affinity precision. I've gig them all professionally and recorded without a problem. I'll NEVER over spend for a bass again.

[@rolandmiller5456]

I agree..........it isn't the instrument.....it is the PLAYER. I have done bass for 20 years and I have owned both Fenders and Squiers: my present bass I use is an MIM Standard and next to my Geddy Lee (which was a gift from my late grandfather) I will NEVER part with it willingly. SHE DOES THE JOB.

[@karthurhyer]

My J Squier with Seymore Duncan Basslines is my favorite bass. (Japanese)

[@noska6877]

Mexi is a good blend of great sound and budget friendly, I’ll gladly take that one

[@basscoup]

I have squire and a MIM - the squire has better finish quality (components probably not)

[@MCiric68]

I will admit, I was blessed with a Vintage Mod Squier JBass as my starter back in the day. It has an Alder body with the Duncan Designed pickups (not made by Seymour-Duncan but produced in concert with or something like that) and it is my OG staple for doing just about anything I've ever asked. If anyone is looking to start out, I'd suggest the VM over the Affinity without a doubt

[@musenw8834]

I suppose an affinity and the mini basses are friendliest to the wallet/bank and will give you a brighter sound than the mexican and american standard.

[@bassbutter4767]

I thought they all sounded great through all the tests but the American standard really shined with the slap test ! In rang out with more of a full bell like tone, so if you take that tone and translated into recording fingers style or chords or slap, I think you'll get more of a variety of tones on the menu with a more articulate sound on the American standard. Really great and in depth and informative video that did a stellar job of representing the iconic Fender and Squire Jazz Bass guitar ! Great job guys! Anderton rocks!!

[@bobcole612]

After much looking a soul searching I just bought a Player (MIM) J-Bass. Absolutely love it. It hasn't had a proper set up yet, and it still has the factory springs, but it's a joy to play.

[@gregpruitt1647]

I stopped by my local Guitar Center to check out the Fender Squier VM Jazz Bass '70s and Standard Fender Jazz bass. Wow! I was surprised at how close the Squire and Standard Fender basses were for playability and feel. I had expected the Squire to have sharp fret ends. Both have equal play and feel. The Squire was heaver by a few. The body of the Squire did not show the divider of multiple slabs of wood glued together. The price difference between the Fender Standard and Fender Squire was about $300.00. I am considering buying a Fender Squier VM 4 string 70s Jazz Bass. Thanks for doing this video.

[@bencarver1252]

As I watch this, the time on your clock in the background is perfectly correct 😂

[@colin_a]

I swapped the standard bridge out on my 2002 Mexican Jazz Bass for a Badass and the difference was colossal... Everything was so much better.. Very easy to do, screw holes are all the same, just a like-for-like swap... Well worth it.. 👍

[@Vortigan07]

It's taking me a long to get around to it but I'm planning on doing the same on my MIM Precision. My JB is a G&L Tribute series and it's an absolute monster!

[@driftergrey]

The MIM model almost sounds like it has a mid range boost, and there's a loss of clarity in the higher frequencies. The American Standard certainly sounds the most musical, nice texture.

[@jdavid1006]

Every time I start to feel that I'm a fairly good bass player, I listen to Nathan for about five seconds and I'm immediately corrected!

[@toledo2983]

he is my fav person for the comparing things in the meantime, absolutly serious credibility. And -of ourse- highest experience . This guy knows what hes talking about.

[@bouncer812]

is it weird that the Squire sounds good in all of the demos?

[@frankyb602]

@Timothy Yo and they are heavy!

[@MarcG7424]

Did you expect it to sound like garbage Fender put their name on it so I would expect it to at least sound decent

[@bouncer812]

@@MarcG7424 it sounds better than most fenders that cost $1000+

[@bradsimpkins5147]

I love my Squire 70s reissue. The amp is the most important part imo!!!!

[@nrich5127]

No doubt about it - a really good amp with good speakers will make a tremendous difference. Way back in the day , amps and speakers were big and HEAVY but also there was a lot of bottom end that you could not only hear but feel too.

[@gliddofglood]

You've got to love a professional salesman who is saying that there is very little difference in things with a price difference of 6x. That is one of the reasons I love these Andertons videos - they are very honest. I doubt it will put people off buying expensive if they can afford to (I could and did) but it makes those who can't afford to happy too. Very entertaining and I don't even play the bass.

[@Ndlanding]

I really enjoyed that, and your comments seemed pretty honest. Thanks a lot!

[@bartlettpsj]

Squire and then American loaded pick guard for $199 from Stratophere sounds good idea to me for a budget, but richer sound :-)

[@gglibert3238]

I've had my Mexican geddy lee for 5 years. It was the first bass I bought with my own money and it always my go to. Love that neck baby

[@tonyguethlein4582]

Bought a Squire 70's reissue and fell in love, sold my MIM Jazz. Plays really fast and smooth , play out regularly and love the lighter weight and the smooth neck.

[@bobt5778]

Its' all about getting you to move up the Fender product chain. To do this, Fender is starting you off with instruments that feels like $$$$, but cost $$. That's not a bad thing. The cheaper ones will just wear faster, but that makes sense!

[@Jaspertine]

I could really hear the jump in tone from the Squire to the Mexican, and a bit less of a jump from the Mexican to the American. That said, if I were gonna learn to play bass, I'd go with the Squire, because it still sounded very workable to my ears.

[@samueltk6495]

Excellent video! I wish you guys had done it three years ago, because I had to watch a dozen videos to figure out the difference between those three basses. Fortunately I got the American Standard, really worth.

[@germanmartinez1994]

I prefer the sound of the squier! The difference was most noticeable when he did the slapping

[@owenbush2991]

I love how most of the video is the guy on the left saying what makes the guitar better than the other, then the guy on the right saying why it doesn't actually make any difference 😂

[@form_52]

something I learned about the Mexico basses is there's not a lot of consistency. They let tools, cutting bits/blades and such, get worn pretty badly before replacing. Wood has little to no quality control so one bass will be great pieces and one will be really bad wood. Play EVERY Mexican made bass you can find. some will sound like trash, but you will eventually find one that's nearly indistinguishable from an American standard. Be patient and play every one of them and save some money.

[@Todesnuss]

Do they have completely different departments for guitars and basses? I have two guitars from that factory and tried a few more and always found them to be of absolutely great build quality.

[@mudkiptm1951]

Or, just save your money a bit more, and buy an american.

[@therealscarred2112]

I just purchased a New-Old-Stock 2003 Fender MIM "Deluxe Zone" P/J in "Pewter" (a Metallic Silver with a touch of Bronze) - the "Spiritual Successor" to the '90s "Precision Lyte" with a downsized body and slim neck compared to standard Precision Basses. I'm much more a "Modern Jazz" & Spector Guy: I prefer their punchy, full mids as opposed to the "Open, Hollow Mids" that my ears hear from Precision & P/J Basses...but this is the P/J that has spoken to me the most among all I've played throughout the years. A downsized, super-light Alder Body, slim Maple Neck and Rosewood Fretboard, with solid P and J Pickups that's wired Vol / Blend with an Active 3-band EQ. I'm most likely going to replace the stock electronics with an Aguilar OBP-3SK/PP... not that the stock is bad, but the OBP-3 is my "Preamp Of Choice" as well as EMG's "GZR" Geezer Butler Signature Passive P/J Pickups, as I've heard *nothing* but praise about them with their "slightly gritty" tone. I'm also toying around with the idea of swapping Black GB-7s for the stock Chrome Tuners and a Hipshot Type-A Bridge I have on hand, but that would be for purely astectic values as I think that Silver and Black Hardware would simply be more "me", and I have all the parts on hand. ...but I can say with absolute honesty that it feels just like all my American or European-made Instruments, and the price I got this NOS Bass was an *absolute steal* to fill the "P/J Bass" hole in My Collection, as did a MIM "Standard"'Jazz Bass I purchased in the mid-'00s, which I upgraded the Hardware & Pickups in and sold a few years down the road and making double what I had paid for, both the Bass as well as the parts. 😉

[@TomGoldsmithguitar]

form52 thanks for the knowledge mate 👍

[@antoninomidulla604]

Form52 I Own a mexican Jazz that sounds EXACTLY like the american shown in this video; after buying that i tried other two mexicans and they sounded like crap, so you are right

[@ArielsSmartyPants]

I'll put my MIM Standard Special against any of these basses, it sounds fantastic though I do hate the active electronics.

[@wezzlyn]

when it comes to bass, I think it's more About playability than tone in terms of price ranges

[@tsaarit]

The Squire is amazing for the prize. A true bargain! I'm not a bass player but when you are composing and such.. a perfect buy. Have it left handed. Usually lefties don't make the cut as well as right handed instruments. Even my lefty Fender Am.strat needed "a little work" back in the day when got it 20 years ago..

[@jca6160]

American was my favorite in sound. That said, the Mexican and Squier sounded good at a fraction of the price of the American.

[@Ulghart]

There is a clear difference between the American and the rest. Squier and Mexican sound pretty close. Anyways, all of them sound good. If you ask me, I'll probably go with the Mexican. Great sound,, better quality and materials overall, (compared to the Squier) and almost half price of the American. I think it's the most balanced choice. BUT..if you have the dough, just go for the American. It will never disappoint you and is an instrument that you can keep and play for your whole life.

[@danielwiebe2123]

I wish the Squier had been a Vintage Modified.

[@ryanllewellyn3472]

I thought the same. More of a fair comparison...

[@davemiller7265]

Concerning the woods. You stated that the Squire Affinity is made with alder like the Fenders. Unless they've changed their procedure, the Affinity series is made from Agathis, which is in the Evergreen family of trees (which among other things helps keep the Affinity series price point) If you want Alder bodies from Squire you want a vintage modified model. The use of Agathis is also why the Squire Affinity feels so light (A point remarked on in the video) Thank you for the time and effort you spend putting out these videos.

[@andertons]

+Dave Miller Pretty sure their site says it's alder but you might be right.

[@jameslewis2635]

I have confirmed the Squire web site does state Alder as the wood of choice for the basic Affinity series 4 string.

[@davemiller7265]

Yep, I stand corrected, the web site does say Alder bodied. Thank you for the replies.

[@bloomi5387]

In fact the vintage modified and classic vibe uses basswood,agathis and maple as body woods,just the cheaper basic affinity uses the tipical fender añder wood lol

[@LeoKapusta]

I believe the Squier Affinity in the video is made of Agathis. It looks like the kind that come with the starter packs (skunk stripe and black head stock logo) which are made in Indonesia with agathis as the body wood. The Affinities you get outside of the starter packs are made in a Chinese factory with alder bodies. Cheers.

[@focusonjunta]

Nathan's honesty, and 'open minded' approach make these videos more valuable than the 'captain-chappas' videos... I like them all... but Nathan's honesty more than Chapman's more 'stealth-corporate' approach

[@jorgelsgomes9754]

I liked your test. I suggest for future tests to use the same fresh American (or British) made strings and the same adjustments in all instruments (bass or guitars). These itens will make great diference in sound and feeling; and will give a better view to the comparison with cheaper instruments.

[@xntruth9131]

Been waiting for this!

[@LilYeshua]

The Squire(fatter but muddied bottom end) sounds better than the Mexican(thin with no musical quality whatsover) The American Standard version just sounds like music(enjoyable)to my ears! That's with using LG3G and iPhone earbuds.

[@ryanolinski7163]

I used a squire strat. I owned and mainly used a Yank deluxe Strat. A friend of mine wanted 50 bucks for it. I had it set up and fret dressed and it made a great guitar. I changed nothing. It was made in Korea and it had it's own sound and I couldn't say enough positive about it. Probably my favorite guitars I've owned over the years is an original model 22 fret Godin LG with Seymour P90's. I regularly choose it over guitar worth 4 and 5 times it's cost. Hands down the best bucks I have ever spent. In other words over the years I have come to choose guitars for that individual instrument and it's "thing". More often, expensive guitars feel and sound nicer but certainly not always.

[@MartinStrang]

The difference in sound which is what we could notice from a video is pretty clear to me. The american sounds brighter, tighter, has more gain and a lot more sustain. Now between the squier and the mim, sound differences are a lot less noticeable. But I do believe the mim is the best idea. Fender mexican factories are currently running exactly the same machinery as the USA factories, just different labour. And one of the coolest things about the Jazz bass is upgrading it. New bridge, pups, and tuning machines would be a lot cheaper than the american version.

[@marcelocoip7275]

Very usefull video. A lot of details revealed for me. Thanks!

[@robertsuggs2510]

Hey guys,,,I have a mim jazz & p-bass and the same in squires AND LOVE ALL 4 ,,,THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO 🎸🤠

[@doksfrommars]

Lee trying to sell the more expensive stuff :D

[@ItsTime2Burn]

It's funny :P Almost like he's running a business

[@DennisVlaanderen]

Ironically enough I bet he makes more money selling Squier and Mex than he does with American Std.

[@almondlowe2838]

thats not how running a shop works. andertons sells more of the cheap stuff than the expensive stuff. logically, they probably get more profit off cheaper stuff than expensive stuff.

[@bozwellification]

Haha, yeah, he keeps trying to spin it as "isn't that more expensive one so much nicer?" and gets shot down every time.

[@Ndlanding]

Personally, I think Lee seems to be more than open-minded about price v quality, and that IS a surprise for someone running a business. Love the videos!

[@brianneal4597]

The Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe occupy a nice place between the starter pack Affinity and the Mexican bass, although I have played (and own) a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz that is every bit the equal of my Mexican model. You owe it to yourself to try out the VM or Classic Vibe Squiers if you're considering a Mexican bass, at least. Nitro vs. Poly is almost as bad as the tonewood debate, lol. Not touching that one, except to say that I prefer nitro, and often finish guitars myself using stuff from Reranch. More expensive doesn't always equal better, but if you're going to buy it and upgrade the tuners and the pickups, and the bridge, and/or the pots... On an unrelated note, if that's simply the combo version of the Laney head, it sounds great. Thanks for doing these, Anderton''s video game is unmatched. I'm still waiting for the Anderton's compilation CD/DVD featuring Mick and Pete and Rabea and Paul and Lee and Nathan.

[@grahamlewis4884]

Nathan makes me want to shop at Andertons. Honest about the sound, like no other reviewer would be. I'd buy my Squier there, My MIM there and then, when my pension comes in, my 'merican there too.

[@mattluscombe2071]

Cnc is 'Computer Numerical Control' this is a program that defines the tool path, cutting speed, feed speed etc This produces the basic profile of the body including body cavity and any other features. It's used throughout industry to accurate and repeatably cut complex shapes.

[@DigBipper188]

You should do more vids like this for bass... Maybe take a look into Yamaha's offerings with the TRBX and BB lines?

[@joepiette]

That was very useful. Thanks a lot guys.

[@rogermiller3249]

I believe the main reason the MIM and MIA basses are heavier than the Squier is that the Squier has a thinner body than a standard or traditional jazz bass. The smaller tuning pegs and posts may account for a modest amount of the weight difference too.

[@analytics8055]

The MIM bass looks pretty good. Waiting to hear it. Soon everyone will have a bass.

[@amoblahblah]

Great video - thank you for making it!

[@j0hnnyQu3s7]

Would love to see your take on some some short scale basses - Hofner, Mustang, Ibanez Mikro

[@1okanaganguy]

The difference? The American bass makers are bi-lingual.

[@form_52]

or buy a G&L and blow all three of them away. Lee! Start carrying G&L. Leo Fender started with Fenders and perfected them at G&L. You've got to try them. you'll be blown away.

[@JendaHrbac]

or Musicman? Leo did those as well.

[@form_52]

Yes, though they aren't really comparable to fender anymore. Under Ernieball musicman has ventured a long way from Leo's work and are their own thing now. Musicman is great if you're into them. But they're like trying to compare PRS or Gibson to Fenders. They're just completely different instruments now. Where G&L is still sticking to Leo's designs and traditions.

[@JendaHrbac]

I think the standard StingRay still looks and plays pretty much the same as it did when Fender designed it with Walker and Ball.

[@eljoel89]

G&L just released the Kiloton bass. It's the SB style body with the L-2000 bridge humbucker.

[@jameslewis2635]

You have a valid point. I think that as long as you are not tied to a brand you can get an instrument that is as good as the American Standard Jazz for a lot less money. There is an element of paying for the name here, after all the construction methods with the exception of the amount of gluing for the body and drilling 4 holes for the American Standard bridge are very much the same. I can believe you pay more for the bridge, tuners and woods, but we are talking £10's rather than £100's. The rest is a premium for labour cost which on any mass production basis should be less than £100 per instrument and the rest is just profiteering on the name.

[@jameslewis2635]

Things that differ are generally the hardware quality such as the pickups, bridge and tuners as well as the body wood. On cheaper guitars they will be made up of more pieces. For instance my Vintage Modified Squire is clearly a 3 piece body where as the American standard is more likely to be a 2 piece affair. On the higher end basses you get features such as a through body bridge and on the higher end you get hum cancelling pickups. Having said that the Squires are very good basses for the money and if you are not averse to a bit of modding they can become something quite unique. I bought mine because I liked the way it played. Since I have fitted an active pre-amp, built in a fariday cage using copper tape to help verses hum and replaced the bridge with something a bit more solid (the original Fender bridge was always a case of the cheapest possible design to do the job). In terms of controls I have changed the blend pot for a 3 way switch with single volume and stacked tone as I found the blend to be sapping the life out of the sound. Otherwise a bit of sanding work against the fret ends and down the back of the neck really help the ease of play. In the future I will possibly upgrade the pickups, nut and tuners but I think it will stay as is for a while yet.

[@eboethrasher]

You've also got the various Squier models, etc. The one thing I 've found about Squier is that you usually have less options for materials. Maple fretboards tend to be less common on Squier basses unless you get a particular signature model. That said, Japanese models don't get out of Japan much anymore and that's a bummer. The Squiers that used to come out of South Korea were the bee's knees.

[@JosephGallagher]

Sounded to me the main difference was on the neck pickup (thus affecting the 'both pickups' sound). If I had the money/need I'd go MIM and maaaaaaaybe try another pickup set. Great review!

[@CARBr6]

HA!! Lee, CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. I do often wonder with that, just how much difference does it really make, the same type of timber but one cut on a machine in China and the other cut on a machine in the USA can that really justify the increased cost?

[@GuyNamedSean]

CARBr6 If you watch Phillip McKnight's KZbin channel, he goes into detail with the differences between cheaper and more expensive versions of similar instruments. At base, cheaper instruments don't use the better cuts of wood, have lower quality metal in the construction, and lower quality pickups and electronics.

[@CARBr6]

GuyNamedSean that may be, but if you watch the Andertons video on the Law of diminishing returns you'll see that there isn't really a huge amount of difference in the mid range mid priced stuff.

[@CARBr6]

GuyNamedSean that may be, but if you watch the Andertons video on the Law of diminishing returns you'll see that there isn't really a huge amount of difference in the mid range mid priced stuff.

[@michaelbell75]

Wait, you mean to tell me a maple board Jazz has more output and better punch than a rosewood board Jazz bass? Brilliant! Couple geniuses over here! Compare the same boards for Squier vs MIM if you want a true test. Spoiler alert, they sound identical.

[@kushking420]

Just bought a used Fender Jazz Bass (MIM), and it's way better than the how the Squier Jazz Bass I was playing for a short while. The neck and frets are much better, the pickups and knobs are better as well. I would skip on buying a Squier and get a used MIM bass

[@slewiscurious]

Just bought a second hand MIM. Im doing some mods on it. Custom pickups, eventually bridge and tuners. I think it really comes down to budget, preference and the player. There is a bit of muddy waters with all the different lines of the same product which sucks. But material these days are expensive, and these companies wanna make it attainable....and make more money.

[@dylc413]

I really didn't understand that analogy for the price vs size thing: "they didn't just go AAAARGH, 200 pounds"... cracked me up though xD

[@9999plato]

After I got divorced( long past) all I had to play was a Squire Jazz bass (japan) and it was a decent bass. I only sold it because I wanted the 70's shape neck. I played plenty of gigs with it. The Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe are decent basses. Even the cheapest ones are better than the cheap instruments available to beginners way back in the 70's. Boy there were some crappy instruments for beginners back then. People have it EASY now. It does crack me up when I see people paying pretty high prices for late 70's early 80's Strats and such. We used to bitch about how crappy a job Fender was doing back then, nobody I knew wanted the newer Fender guitars, but it's "classic" now. Yech.

[@aarondavis4341]

The Squier affinity series is a solid bass wether your a beginner or a seasoned pro,I had an affinity p,I gigged with a few times with any issues. My question is where does Squiers VINTAGE MODIFIED series fit in this lineup?

[@dankof]

Squier Jazz Bass Vintage Modified 70 (maple) instead Squier Affinity Jazz Bass would have been great ! Nice comparison anyway.

[@71co0k]

You guys referenced a video review of an Ibanez that blew you away. Can you tell me which one that was? Thanks in advance.

[@MellonVegan]

An idea for something different: how about an episode about acoustic basses?

[@sidstewart7399]

I have a 30 year old Mex Jazz...its like a Nokia phone. Beat up beyond all recognition but still plays and sounds beautiful.

[@analytics8055]

MIM Jazz sounds good.

[@monstrok]

The American Standard seemed to dominate on all of the tones. Is it 1000 times better for each Quid/dollar above the Squier? Probably not - but if I could afford the American, I'd still choose that one.

[@damez-tv1fj]

That Gibson Lee was playing is amazing

[@jdf360pwn]

Matteo Damien I believe that's his Custom Shop 58' Les Paul

[@Bluesparker]

I detect a slightly richer tone on the MIA , I'll take the one I can get and be ok with it.

[@andrewbautista23]

my take on this. neck: squier and mim same tone, sounds woody and muddy. mia - brighter, and more clearer. bridge: squier and mim same in tone, but mim has more sustain. mia has more sustain than both, but sounds bright and clearer.

[@brianalquist4238]

Thanks guys I'm going to buy a Mexican made fender bass soon and this was helpful. I did think the American made sounded the best. Cheers!

[@cracgor]

I think the only real differences between standard and American standard is the pickups are different. You could switch them and file the frets if you needed. I really don't think there is a lot of difference between the levels of Fender. Like, it is much easier to see the differences between a PRS, SE, and S2 or a Warwick Custom, Team, or Rock bass.

[@Leebrns]

I have all three -- American, Asian and Mexican -- and the American bass is the best. But the Asian bass -- about five years old -- is just great. The Mexican bass, not so much -- its tuners wore out quickly. The modern Squier Jazz bass from Asia is such a bargain.

[@analytics8055]

Well in the end the American Jazz sounds the best.And looks really good. I'll take that one.

[@Ben_Mdws]

Great video - really helpful!

[@billdenbigh8234]

Please review the o-bass, i want to see the orange one :)

[@siskokidd]

With an added compression and eq pedal, there's likely very little difference between the three in terms of tone. The only factor not discussed was electronics noise. Any additional hum or such from less shielding or cheaper controls in the Squire?

[@jameslewis2635]

The American Standard certainly has a nicer sound than either of the other 2. I did hear a difference between the Squire and the Mexican but it was not as pronounced. To me it does seem that the pickups along with better wood selection and higher quality components as you go up the range is noticeable when you hear the instrument in isolation. Whether that would come through so much in a live or recording situation is up for debate but if I was looking for a Jazz bass as a pro or semi-pro player I would go for the American Standard. For beginners though, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Squire as a starter instrument, just be aware you may find yourself out-growing the sound (as I did with my old Japanese Jazz Bass) or wear and tear may start to show against the tuning stability from the cheaper tuners and bridge.

[@joetspaulding]

Stepped away from the renewable wood issue right quick! lol!

[@metspin1]

Lee is still a bit of a snob. There is no cure for him. But, I still love his videos.

[@mickymillersson4376]

metspin1 As Lee owes rage shop he earns a percentage from sales, so he pushes the more expensive guitar. He's not stupid!

[@metspin1]

Literatetree I just did. And, guess what? This is not my native language.

[@daspm4798]

but does it djent?

[@legovideotv12345678]

Literatetree ??????

[@jamescole7197]

They didn't show the Squier VM Jazz because they would have then had to try to explain why the ~$350 bass was on par with the Fenders. The answer being that it just is, and that's probably the one you should buy.

[@marklowe7431]

The Squire was very impressive. It had all the mojo.

[@lar57jsy]

Thanks! Nicely done :-)

[@DanielAdeyemo8455]

In my ears, the squier wins. It has more warmth than the others (the advantage of rosewood). It also sounded a lot more genuine

[@progrocker84]

I thought so too. The US bass sounded sharper/spankier, but I preferred the softer attack and fullness of the Squire. The Squire was less conspicuous and did its job without calling too much attention to itself.

[@CharlieBass5]

I keep forgetting the bass player's name but he's really got that sixties thing going on. He was playing stuff I had long forgotten, I now wish he would have played Funky, Funky Broadway.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Nathan in full on troll mode

[@ronlawrence5635]

Ashley Mann He's always been like that in his videos.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

I like his style

[@nolarino]

I thought that was pretty good and very helpful, Thanks.

[@poikusa0207]

lutherie is making a come back. there are several smaller companies producing amazing guitars that are hand made.

[@sm26801]

Weird to do a comparison with these 3 basses, when one of them has rosewoods fretboard!

[@computerscientist5953]

MIA has more clarity than any other bass. Idk if that's the difference in strings, pickup height, etc., but I def. prefer that kind of sound over the others

[@paulsummerside]

after watching and listening to the review. The greatest difference seemed to be when going to the American model and also the most noticeable differences and step up in all three was when the neck pickup ways played on its own... if had the money and wanted Fender then it'd be the American. No question. Audibly the only difference when going from Squier to Mex-Fender was that quite powerful neck pickup. Again if i were to make any changes to my Squier which is already the much better vintage Modified would be to request the through body stringing and a better bridge and at the very least upgrade the Pickups. And am guessing that Bell tone of the Full American one would start to come through, as am really suspecting that the better Bridge and through body stringing may well be where a lot of that bell tone and sustain will be coming from. despite the drooling for the real thing.

[@Pleasantviller]

nice video Captain. If the Standard and Amrican Standard were of rosewood finger board would be more persuasive:)

[@dodgehattrup4329]

I would love to see a blindfold challenge using fender basses, either the Precision of the Jazz, like how the Tele and Strat blindfold videos have gone, with each different level.

[@ianvaughan9028]

CNC= Computer Numerical Control. Essentially it's a programmable lathe / milling machine / machining centre or other machine which can manufacture parts very consistently. :-) Just load the saved programme into the machine and voila...

[@mattiasjp]

I have been playing a Mexican Pbass Special since 2001. But it has been modified over the years and the biggest difference was when I changed the bridge for a Badass 2. Still I think that it doesn't give me the clarity on the E-string that the American Standard in this test seem to have.