Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar (Blindfolded Bass Review)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz....
It looks cool, it's named after a cool animal, but how does it actually sound?
Squier makes some really solid entry-level instruments, but this Jaguar has a couple issues. Gio described the active bass boost as a “doom knob” that could be really dangerous on your first gig if not handled carefully, and I totally agree.
This bass had a wide spread in the ratings between the three of us. Despite the bass boost issue, Gio liked it a lot more than Ben and I did, which he readily admits may be because a higher-end Fender Jaguar is one of the basses he plays regularly so this bass felt very familiar.
It’s not the worst beginner bass you could choose, but let’s keep looking and see if we can find something better.
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#squier #vintagemodifiedjaguar #beginnerbassreview

[@bobisthebuilder3982]

I have owned and played a squire jaguar standard scale for several years just like the one shown only in black on black. A jaguar is an excellent choice as you are buying 2 bases you don't have to choose between a precision or jazz bass. For the novice and seasoned alike we can both enjoy the following. 1) You can decide witch sound you like best precision for a tight metal sound; but still have the option to change on the fly if the song requires jazz if you want to muddy it up, or blend them together you want to make your own unique sound. 2) You don't have to break the bank, the money you save you can spend on a decent amp. I recommend at least a Fender 15 rumble bass amp.

[@SvenElven]

Holy shit, best, most honest reviewing approach ever!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Sven-Arne! We don't f**k around. :)

[@jose-azevedo]

Really liked how you guys conducted the review. the specific criterias and the evaluation of each tecnique's tone got me, it is not something we see in every review. Thank you guys (the blindfold was a plus too haha)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks José, glad you dug it!

[@666dazzler]

Blindfolded!!! Oohhhh, fifty shades of bass!

[@johnsyvertsen6944]

Birdbass

[@adhammp6885]

Lmao

[@DrummerGrrrl]

So...sexy! So...subversive! LOL.

[@r0cket_penguin]

Squier basses are great. Fantastic craftsmanship and playability. I've sold and traded so many brands of basses over the years and I will always keep my all black Squier VM Jaguar bass.

[@BassBuzz]

Yeah they can be!

[@mdleeproductions5002]

I’ve had this bass for over 6 years. Holds a very special place in my heart

[@NelsonMontana1234]

The thing about P/J's in general is they're neither fish nor foul. They're their own thing. On the Jag, the P pups sound great, (I wouldn't touch them) the rear, not so much, so I replaced it with a quarter pounder. Use just a touch a touch of the bass boost to get more of an "active" sound. It's certainly versatile enough to use in a lot of situations but wouldn't necessarily be my first choice for any. (Then again...) But yeah, the big tipping point is that I have one in all black with maple block neck and black headstock and there's just nothing cooler than that.

[@robroy4058]

This is a great bass, mine is from 2012-2013 and its made in Indonesia. Best $200 I've spent on gear.

[@shawn_edwin]

5:10-5:20 ohhhhhhh where do i sign up to hear more of this melodic and harmonious groove? Favorite ten seconds of life

[@T-Cranmer]

This is a perfect video and criteria for beginner basses. This is important for people on a budget.

[@ruirodrigues3282]

Great video!! :) I have one and still watched it until the end. And I must say, i love this bass. There's hardly another, for that price, that can look, feel and play that well! Highly recommend it!

[@Gadzooki]

I've had one of these for years and it's just a workhorse and indestructible. Put it through a decent amp and it's gold. But Yeah that doom knob has shattered windows. Awesome review.

[@Frankfoot986]

I bypassed the active circuit on mine and removed the knob completely. Waaaaaaay better! It’s my back up

[@sourceify]

I tore out the active circuit and it is just fine like that!

[@jeremygalvin7726]

I disconnected the bass boost on mine. Sounds sooo much better, especially the P-bass pick-ups.

[@sourceify]

I did as well, and happy with it. Did you figure out how to get rid of some of the hum of the J pickup? And did you consider upgrading the pickups?

[@cristiandt9964]

Did the same thing, even tho i'm a newbie.. I believe it sounds better as well. I also have this annoying hum on the bridge pickup at 100%, how do you get rid of it?

[@cristiandt9964]

@@sourceify having the same issue with my bridge pickup! did you manage to solve the humming/noise issue?

[@TommyJoiner]

I have a silver HB model that has a Jazz neck and I love that thing.

[@flipdry]

I've had mine since 2014, I ended up bypassing the bass boost circuit as the battery kept dying too often. I also swapped the stock p pickup with a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder and put a large cap on the tone knob to get darker sounds. Recently put some flatwounds on it and it's excellent for rock and motown music.

[@richardrichard5409]

The trans red version of these is stunning

[@louierubio]

love this type of series

[@handybunny]

Seems amazing for a beginner bass, looks great. Question: what is the scale length? I think of Jaguars as 32" medium scale, but I wanted to be sure...

[@espvp]

Considering the price of this bass I think is great. Is not for getting on a studio an recording but it's worth the money.

[@bobisthebuilder3982]

One of the other features are the neck is not overly bulky. Being 6ft 5inches I have large hands to match its easy to play, however my 5 foot 2 daughter with much smaller hands can play this as well.

[@JonnyGesundheit]

Nice. This review convinced me to get a used one for a crisp Benjamin! (I don't see why the boost wasn't just an active/passive switch)

[@BassBuzz]

Nice!

[@gog4167]

Hmmn, I bough tone of these a couple of years ago, no 'bass boost' back then. Wish mine had the bass boost. I'm thinking of buying a Mustang MIM PJ, hope that is/will be part of this series...

[@BassBuzz]

I have the MIM Mustang P/J, they're awesome. :)

[@Stratisfied22]

I have a Classic Vibe Jazz Bass that I will put up against any passive jazz bass out there. It is a tad too heavy for my taste however.

[@dididogster9994]

Him: so you can start rocking my bank account: no

[@jimh6763]

I've not seen you review a Rickenbacker? I realize they are not a first bass type of deal, but I love mine. What do you think?

[@Roselieansy]

New jaguar coming in January, no bass boost knob, would love to see it reviewed if possible. I'd love to get a P J bass without needing a bass boost

[@adam__mark]

Is it a Sqiuer? What’s the name so I can look out for it? Thanks!

[@Roselieansy]

@@adam__mark yeah, they're calling it The Vintage Vibe series (combination of vintage modified and classic vibe maybe?) And it's just got some newer pickups and what not. Announced it at NAMM in summer kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWqtmGNqm5qneq8

[@xhotrodderx5763]

Josh the entire video: 🗿

[@Pamelamusic371]

Just purchased, Hope I love it! I was going to get a Luna tattoo electric bass !

[@iceicebuddy]

I've never played an active bass that I wasn't annoyed with

[@Bjmusic2491]

what I would do to this bass is get rid of the old electronics put a preamp in the bass that has at least two to three band EQ

[@BassBuzz]

Yeah that would probably help it... or just buy a more expensive bass with better electronics that would probably have nicer hardware too!

[@LifeGoerDreamChaser]

How bout doing a review on Squier p bass, (affinity) I own one and at times I find myself really enjoying the sound and feel, but then there’s that Squier feel that sneaks in and kinda ruins the whole vibe.

[@BassBuzz]

Yeah I wanna do a whole P bass review series (since we only did 2 pickup setups for this one). Squiers seem like they go both ways, some of them feel great, some feel cheap, it's hard to know until you get them in your hands!

[@christopherrusch]

Do one of these for the fender bronco!!

[@burningkarma]

They liked it until they saw it was a Squier LOL.

[@BassBuzz]

I don't think any of us have anything against Squiers, I thought the Jazz bass we tried was super cool.

[@burningkarma]

@mr red How is that a burn dude? I thought he responded quite respectively.

[@burningkarma]

@mr red LOL.....I didn't put my response into more context initially. I wasn't knocking Squier basses. I'm a fan of them myself. It just seems a good amount of people are embarrassed to admit they can be a solid instrument because they are affordable.

[@humiut2041]

Jeje everything Is in the mind

[@jimmynimbles5397]

I dunno, the guy with the beard said that he hated the sound and they thought the headstock was too heavy

[@kirtfulcher6288]

For the price, drop in a better preamp, get a good, wide strap, and MAYBE some ultralight tuners and you are good to go. The bones are good and you can build it up after the initial investment...

[@rifleman7313]

When is the final comparison of the basses or has it already been posted?

[@DimiLeventis]

I just wish they had more color options, I really don't dig sunbusrt, especially combined with a rosewood board

[@eaglebauer944]

I bought this in black and replaced the pickguard with a reddish tortoise one. Looks great.

[@DustyCowdog]

Weird... these are not widely available now...

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

Any way to take the treble out of it? I guess I’m more drawn to jazz bass sounds.

[@davidfox7983]

Hate neck dive I've a weight taped on to the bottom of my strap It helps Save that wrestling an octopus feeling

[@candrabalimirage]

Very Good Video !

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Candra!

[@chloechloe12345]

Which pickups did you put in your fender jag? Thanks!

[@ljgarrison6910]

Some groove right there. Mmm dang!

[@musicmaestrodj]

Can this bass be played with no battery, passive? If you could please confirm. Thanks!

[@doxx2427]

I own the 5 string version of this... it's an OK bass in my opinion.

[@del5582]

I do not think it's reasonable to criticize the Squiers for the neck blocks. What percentage of junior to intermediate bassists are playing up there?

[@ro-gg3rs]

i did as a beginner, but i was an idiot

[@giannibiancocircus]

Squire J B Vintage modified fretless. When ?

[@seanj3667]

These lower end instruments shouldn't mess with active electronics. There is too much of a compromise. I have one of the short scale, passive electronic models. I replaced the pots with the CTS jazz bass kit from Stew Mac. I also replaced the bridge with a Fender hi-mass bridge and those two changes really improved things. I am, however, considering selling it to buy the red transparent (full scale) version and making similar changes. My Jag is not my main bass though, so I don't mind screwing around with it.

[@BassBuzz]

Yep, totally agree. Manufacturers would be better off spending the money on nicer hardware or something less *flashy*.

[@michaelbell75]

The pickups in this are NOT active. Its a passive bass with an active bass boost ( 3rd knob) big difference. I like your channel and subscribed, but you should probably know about the bass before doing a video on it, especially the guy who owns one. How do you not know about the bass you own?

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Michael, you're right! Sorry for being unclear, I often say "active bass" when a bass has active electronics, whether or not that includes the pickups. I'll be more specific in the future.

[@michaelbell75]

BassBuzz sorry if I came off as rude. Just a lot of people think they are active basses and that’s a 2 band EQ when it’s not ha

[@BassBuzz]

No worries, feedback is always appreciated!

[@rayallen276]

I know this is an old thread but I just picked one of these up and I think it sounds great but confused on the controls. Is the second knob a "pickup selector" if you will. I saw another review where it explained that it was a volume knob for the J (Bridge) pickup but mine seems to dial in between the neck and bridge pickup if that makes sense.

[@Consulting-vf9ev]

does it have the possibility of active/passive switching?

[@amaurygsn1]

I have the opportunity of getting one of those. I love precisions, as my sound is very close to Steve Harris's style. Would you recommend this bass as a backup or as a bass for venues where I don't feell safe to take an American Fender Precision?

[@flipdry]

I'd totally recommend this as a backup bass. It plays great stays in tune and has a ton of tone options. The only thing I'd recommend is that if you're gigging with it to bypass the bass boost circuit as I've had the battery die on me mid gig before. It does reduce the output a bit but if you have a compressor or boots pedal it really doesnt matter. There is a video on youtube on which wired you have to desolder. I ended up replacing the pickupa with Seymour duncan quarter pounders

[@shiningcut7]

please review sub ray4 bass.. I want to know your opinion about that bass

[@SimonMls]

Buy It!!!! I have it and It s really Awesome ✌✌✌

[@darkgladiator27]

I got an older version from some years ago, but it looks the same. Has anything changed between the old one and this?

[@playsomethingtho4617]

Hi, what do you think about the Squier Jaguar Bass classic vibe, which don't have bass boost?

[@BassBuzz]

Haven't tried it, probably a cool bass though!

[@roshinijayathilaka7004]

What is the best bass guitar to practice

[@johnleftypr]

Hello, I want to find a Jaguar bass left handed but I don't see anyone with that bass left handed. That's posible?

[@doombringer1505]

Same here. Lefties LEFT OUT! Thinking of a kit "Jag" bass.

[@ed-xq5jd]

How does this compare and contrast to the mustang? I am trying to figure out which one I want to get

[@BassBuzz]

Mustang is a higher price tier, better hardware overall, so it's like comparing apples with nicer apples. :)

[@ed-xq5jd]

BassBuzz haha thanks

[@johnlackner1193]

Medium scale (32") neck?

[@dismentei]

Sure.

[@ziggysaurusrex1581]

Does the bass work as a passive bass only without a 9 volt?

[@iamalpharius9483]

Yes

[@McNathan321]

No. (Not unless you rewire it, which is certainly possible.)

[@Ace_Hunter_lives]

No. I own one of these. No batteries....no bass.

[@danangprionggo2664]

Hello I'm new in bass lesson and looking for a new bass. I think this bass is good for me. I have a question, could this bass played without battery/passive?

[@BassBuzz]

Nope, an active bass would have to have an active/passive switch to be run passive.

[@danangprionggo2664]

BassBuzz thanks mate 👍

[@nokumbaya]

@@danangprionggo2664 ​ If you are still considering one, there is a video on KZbin called Removing the Active Boost Circuit in a Squier Jaguar bass. Pretty simple fix.

[@foxmulder8862]

Mi Squier sounds better than my MIM Fender. This vintage modified serie of basses are very good quality.

[@teresaoleagonzalez9926]

i got one second hand like new for $160 , i thought it was a steal but I'm a total beginner and after watching this video maybe not?? either way I'm going to tell myself it was a great buy

[@yamiii]

They make good affordable basses, they're being a lil picky and are probably used to a certain feel from playing their bass. I have a squire jazz and honestly like it better than a lot of other basses. If you ever wanted to upgrade, find a sam ash or guitar center to try them.

[@manofhatz6495]

What’s the most one should spend on one of these here in 2023?

[@sonojon0]

Nowhere over $300.

[@travisguide4516]

Having owned this bass the headstock isn't heavy the body is and the neck won't sag down while playing the body is a boat anchor. Bass boost works well 3rd knob 4 the knob is touchy it's a bit of a one trick pony full thick bass some versatility but not alot.

[@Ace_Hunter_lives]

I felt the same way. The neck dive wasn't an issue but the thing was pretty heavy.

[@travisguide4516]

Lol I contemplate getting another because the tone was so good just far too heavy to play

[@scottpickel6370]

on this bass can you just bypass the boost circuit? Like just passive ? Just curious =

[@BassBuzz]

Well you can leave the boost off, but I don't know if that actually bypasses the circuit, you'd probably have to dig around in the bass to do that.

[@scottpickel6370]

There is a guy on youtube (Guitar Guts) that has a tutorial on bypassing that circuit man - it really improves the bass greatly - :) I bought it and did the mod and it is very, very much improved !! Sounds great - but the bass boost really sucked lol = ) now it sounds vintage - does that fender thing -

I get some serious neck dive while sitting and standing. Any idea on how to deal with this? Thick leather strap doesn't help really. Would lighter tuners change anything? Or replacing the strap bolt, for standing position? Any help much appreciated!

[@BassBuzz]

That's a classic Fender issue! I found an interesting article about this with some good suggestions - blog.warmoth.com/2016/01/12/howtofixneckheavyguitar/

[@earltate56]

Short scale?

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Earl, this wasn't a short scale, but they do make this in a short scale. (or did at least, hard to keep track of their current lineup)

[@richardrichard5409]

All passive...yet bass boost?

[@jcnoguez11]

What bass amp do you recomend for it?

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Julio, I reviewed some beginner practice amps here - www.bassbuzz.com/gear/beginner-amps

[@halfmaus]

josh is just standing there, waiting to kill them

[@ThePaiMeiKaiju]

I own one it’s my new #1

[@SushiRollGuyOfTheYear]

I got this guitar 80 dollars! Great deal!

[@BassBuzz]

Nice one Obi Wan! The force is strong with your bass buying skills. Other Star Wars jokes.

[@turshuturshu]

İs it short scale?

[@BassBuzz]

Ours wasn't, but they did make that bass in a short scale.

[@ArtificialJetleg]

Looking for a bass for home studio here. This looks like it will do for some indie rock/pop.

[@BassBuzz]

Definitely!

[@RHINOSAUR]

Is this a short scale bass?

[@BassBuzz]

No but Squier does make a short scale Jaguar as well.

[@RHINOSAUR]

Ha! I asked that question just before actually buying the short scale Jag last week! Fun little bass, although nothing compared to my old '78 Fender P-bass!

[@bentpolski]

Weak Pickups? How about The MIM Jaquar?

[@teacher5376]

Gibson, Squier, fender, ibanez , music man, version. And more....simple , easy, and fun....

[@bennyjetsaroundtheworld9047]

4:26 oof

[@dejanmitic3324]

Cool Jag ;)

[@callmedeno]

Is this the indonesian made one or china?

[@lucasjohnston8159]

Jag-war.

[@JohnSmith-uc9cr]

RAGE AGAINST THE BASS MACHINE

[@Kianquenseda]

Ibanez sr400eqm

[@u2be4mike]

nice tatoo)

[@vvavie4858]

If I see a mother fucking slapping a bass again im gonna loose it.

[@noe1543]

You might as well stop listening to popular music.

[@noe1543]

Great bass channel. Reviews are the weak spot, though. Don't see the point of constantly complaining about where the neck bolts to the body. It's been that way for what? 70 years? Players have been getting past the 12th fret without issue all this time. When you're looking at reviews, you have to watch for biases and wavering reviews (you don't know how the reviewer really feels until the end). Their other reviews of Fender basses are similar. None of these guys really care for Fender basses, so they shouldn't review them. This is an old video so they may be doing better reviews by now. The lessons on this channel are really cool, though. Definitely come here for the lessons.

[@noe1543]

BTW, there's nothing wrong with having preferences or biases. I wouldn't play an Ibanez bass unless I had to. So if I was asked to review one, I would either decline or tuck my bias for the review.

[@richardrichard5409]

Can't fret way up top....buy a guitar mate🤣

[@vvavie4858]

These newbs are playing open strings like it ain’t nobody’s business. I don’t wanna hear that shit no mo

[@jorisbrem]

Not in a doom metal way.. lol

[@adhammp6885]

Da heck is bass boost

[@BassBuzz]

It's the "make your neighbors think there's an earthquake" knob.

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

Not a thing wrong with this bass except the player.

[@RockmannMusic]

Nothing wrong with this review and the players except that one viewer comment

[@kevinturvey8213]

you have to question a bassist who whines about lack of access to the very highest frets - JUST STAY AWAY!

[@kryptocyde7593]

1000th like holy shit

[@richardrichard5409]

Fender? It's a Squier FFS

[@IrvinLep]

Testing a vintage replica of an iconic bass (actually 2, jazz and jag) and bitching about the number of frets and the block at the end of the neck makes no sense whatsoever

[@BassBuzz]

Well part of the point of the blindfolds was to go by sensory experience and not by what we know about the basses conceptually (i.e. "vintage replica" or "iconic"). Yes, the neck limitations and the chunky ass neck block are part of the Fender tradition, but that doesn't mean they aren't limitations on what the instrument can do. Whether's that's "good" or "bad" is a whole other discussion, but limitations they are.

[@peterparkerpietroparki3288]

owning an american fender precision PJ i dont have the need to hear about squier stuff anymore

[@tagadabrothersband]

Except if you like a thin Jazz neck. I also own an american Fender Precision PJ and I just bought a Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass PJ for the 38 mm neck profile, and also the medium scale. Just confort.

[@iamalpharius9483]

If the headstock is dragging your bass down the learn how to stabilize your imstrument while playing before it gets that put of hand. Jeez.....whiner.

[@Manito275]

Is this a short scale bass?

[@slatlock4942]

No but I have the short scale sunburst one. Are u tryna buy it?

[@jonathanloos7973]

medium scale