Squier vs. Fender Precison Bass - is the difference worth it?

[@melvinsargeant5058]

Nice to hear someone actually play the bass without a million farty notes a second. This is how to demo the sound of a bass, not show off how fast you can hit the strings.

[@KPJohnson]

Thanks! I try my best.

[@fullrangeexperience747]

That's rights, absolutely

[@maxphoto11]

I couldn’t agree more! I sometimes wonder if some even realise, that the Fender Precision Bass has a tone control.

[@lundsweden]

8:23 Squier playing starts. 10:20 Fender playing starts...

[@AllAboutBasses]

I agree the build quality of the Fender is a little superior, but sound-wise, they are very similar - it's hard to tell the difference to be honest.

[@Hrodebertsson]

I really prefer the tone on the Fender. It would be nice to know what strings are on both basses.

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

I don't think I've seen a video yet we're people say the huge price difference is worth it. People love their squiers!

[@Livemusic1800]

Awesome video. I actually own both. Both good basses. I love the fender turquoise P bass it's my 2nd favorite bass feels great and sounds nice. I added a few mods to my squier swapped in seymour duncan pickups, white pearl pickguard, and pickup cover and bridge cover and it's a cool bass as well.

[@stephenhookings1985]

I have a J & D surf green 70s jazz bass - put some EMGs on it. Lovely bass for £260 (bass, EMGs and new knobs)

[@warrenfassbinder358]

Thank you for the review, I seen the Precision on sale at GC and wanted to find a good review such as yours. I like the classic vibe series they have a great tone that blends very well, and fits right in the mix.

[@beckhamreed141]

Great review thank you so much

[@KPJohnson]

@@beckhamreed141 you’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Griffonbass]

Wow, the fender sounds demonstrably better than the Squier. If I hadn't heard it I wouldn't have believed it because I love my Squier Jazz Bass. But wow the difference is crazy.

[@tomjones2348]

You're right.

[@bapt_andthebasses]

They sound different, one has flats, the other has rounds. Not a fair comparison.

[@lincolnvaldez1873]

Good video. I think if you were to use the same set of strings on both basses it would be more of a fair comparison. As far as if it's worth price difference it depends of the person's financial budget. Every brand has their share of both good and bad models, so it depends of their quality check as well. By the way what year is the Squier? Just wondering, because I bought a used 2018 Made in China Classic Vibe 70's P Bass and I'm seriously blown away by the quality.

[@ericnino6048]

One of the things to take into consideration is the material on the fender and build quality are better in the fender. I’ve held the classic vibe basses and they feel cheaper. My player jazz bass is solid and those necks have really spoiled me. They’re excellent.

[@rubbadubdub6543]

Of course they feel cheaper - they are about half the price!

[@treignsinblood]

then why are we even watching this????@@rubbadubdub6543

[@treignsinblood]

classic vibe input jack and volume pot had issues for me.

[@neverdiminished]

The attack and decay on the fender is the classic p bass sound. Don’t know if you can get there in the squier with a change of strings and pickups

[@KPJohnson]

A pickup change could get the Squier there.

[@bapt_andthebasses]

Can't compare flatwounds to roundwounds. The pickup on the Squier is fine.

[@dextacchino7140]

Thanks for the great comparison video. I enjoy these so much! Great job. Fender deeper tone, Squier brighter.

[@KPJohnson]

Glad you liked it. That was my impression. I just spent the whole weekend gigging with the Fender. It’s a sweet bass.

[@dextacchino7140]

@@KPJohnson would you gig with the Squier as well?

[@bigred610]

I got this Squier bass for Christmas as my first bass. It's really good for the price but I want to upgrade to Fender eventually

[@robertkerr9738]

Both sound good, but for the money I would go with the Squier. They don't sound different enough to justify the extra cost of the Player!

[@KPJohnson]

Your can buy the Squier and upgrade the pickup and still end up spending less than the Player.

[@miccellomann]

Necks on the Squier Vintage Modifiert can be problematic....so I would go for the better overall quality.

[@FoamSquatch]

@@miccellomann I have this exact bass in black and the neck twisted real bad.

[@LB-ko6qw]

I bought a jazz bass made in Mexico 15 years ago and the neck only last 6 months . I think Mexican fender used a bad quality maple wood for the neck . Bought 7 years ago a squier jazz bass made in china and the neck still perfect 👍 .

[@josephalaguna]

Great comparison. Thank you.. I love that T-shirt as well. I need to find one like that. I have some 45s.

[@domagojoinky8262]

Sire has also entered the game with the P5. How does it compare against this two basses ?

[@KPJohnson]

I have to get my hands on one to find out. Based on my experience with Sire, I'm going to guess it will compare very favorably.

[@christopherwashington7668]

You can gig anywhere with a Squire bass. I took a Fender MIM with a Squire backup for years. Refused to let my 66 out of the house. Nobody knew the difference.

[@MemphisMike901]

I just bought the Squire Classic 70’s Vibe P bass in the surf green color. Only had it a week and love it. Will be getting it setup very soon.

[@bapt_andthebasses]

It's not the same you bought. Yours is made in Indonesia

[@KPJohnson]

These are both on sale at Guitar Center until Dec 8: $599 for the Fender and $379 for the Squier! October 6, 2022 UPDATE: The Fender is $699 and the Squier $349 at Guitar Center right now.

[@michaelkiely8878]

Just bought the Player for $599! Great deal.

[@Livemusic1800]

I seen both of those basses went up in price. 😯😑 I actually have both. ✔

[@aussiegruber86]

Dam the fender is like $1K in Australia

[@PeterMcGuiness-hi4kn]

I own a squire bass and I like it a lot. No problem.

[@sickinthahead6557]

I just bought one identical to the Seafoam green bass, 2018 model in perfect condition for $300. 🤘🤘

[@gbusa55]

Had all those .Bought a Fender P pro and never played anything since

[@DarrenSaw]

The actual sound is usually the least noticeable difference as a rule. Generally the quality of construction, hardware and electronics will be the thing Squiers are very serviceable but any heavy duty work you'll find the Fender will be much more suited for.

[@Hektagon7085]

I have some hi end Squires and the construction and hardware are all fine. But yepp, the electronics suck... But new pots and switches aren´t that expensive, so if you can solder Squiers are excellent value.

[@prophetsofpraise5206]

thanks for the info. I'm trying to decide on squire vs fender

[@joelbonnecarrere7341]

Yeah, I am very happy with my squire, fretless jazz base. It is a classic vibes 60s jazz base fretless which is awesome. I love fretless bases now I will fix it up. I will put new tuning keys on it. I will put a graphite nut on it I will send the fingerboard down with 7000 grit sandpaper Just to make it smooth and I will put new pick ups in it and I will put a high mass bridge in it. I will put new pots in it put more pots and I will probably make it an active base. Another words put a couple of batteries in it because it is a little bit light. It has some neck dive, but otherwise I paid $446 for this base if I would’ve bought it from Fender it would’ve at least been 1500 and of course I got it in a gig bag couldn’t afford the case but gig bag will work for right now so anyway, that’s why I look on it 16:40

[@soullessgemini7786]

The 70s has less bass and more upper harmonics, it also sounds more aggressive and better suited for rock, punk and metal, the player sounds more mellow and smooth and also has more defined and deeper low end, more suited towards RnB, soul, and indie. You can own both of these and get two different sounds.

[@martinhudson2552]

Great video. It’s down to preference really. I currently own a Squier Affinity PJ bass. I like it. I owned a 70s jazz bass for decades. I prefer a precision bass.

[@IvanPetrov-b8n]

Yes, there is a big difference in quality.

[@MemphisMike901]

I just started 30 days ago with the Squier 70’s. Is it strange that I prefer playing it with tone off? Or is that a personal preference?

[@KPJohnson]

Not strange at all. That should give you a nice, old school tone. Where you set your tone is always a personal preference. I usually run a PBass either full up or at about 2/3 tone.

[@MemphisMike901]

@@KPJohnson thank you for that info sir!

[@Hiphopdabop]

Do they both have Jazz necks 🤔

[@KPJohnson]

@@Hiphopdabop no. The Squier does but the Fender has the modern P Bass profile.

[@Drone453]

Original P nut is 1.75, Player is 1.62, and Jazz is 1.5. So Player is right between the two. 👍

[@franknobody5965]

Thanks for the video! What purpose does the bridge cover serve, and do you have to screw it off, when you have to replace the strings?

[@KPJohnson]

Hello! Originally there was a foam mute on the cover. In this case it is purely cosmetic to make it look like an older bass. Yes, you do have to have unscrew it every time to change strings or adjust intonation.

[@franknobody5965]

@@KPJohnson Ok thanks. That's what I thought....just cosmetic...who needs that? 😉

[@1thess523]

What String Guage was on that Squire?

[@Nighttrain1127]

Good review once again .

[@icasalidialice3687]

I would like to know if the Squier's neck is versatile, do you find it smooth, what modifications would you make to the electronics, if any need?

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

First things first. Anyone who demos an instrument and plays Zepp is a person of culture. 2nd - I've been looking at getting a P-Bass, and this video really has me feeling okay with saving a couple bucks and getting the Squire. I think that bass, with a set of EMG pickups and a new tusq nut will have that thing sounding like a million bucks. Thanks for the review and demo.

[@KPJohnson]

Thank you for recognizing my cultural bonafides, lol. The Squier is definitely a worthy instrument. I would only recommend getting the Fender used, which is what I do. I should have a video coming with even more Zeppelin. I'm a little behind with my output.

[@Handsomdann]

@@KPJohnsonwhat song wax the last one called? I love that song

[@KPJohnson]

@@Handsomdann "How Many More Times"

[@UnitedRedDevil13]

@@KPJohnsoni just found a player p yesterday for $400. Debatibt leaving it as is or dropping in a new pickup? Any suggestions? I dig vintage/classic p sound.

[@KPJohnson]

@@UnitedRedDevil13 The Player’s do a decent job of sounding vintage. That’s a good price for a solid bass. I’d buy it and play it for a bit. You may like the sound. If not, there’s a bunch of options. I’d start with changing the pots and capacitor before the pickups.

[@nberrios777]

The Fender has the famous warm guttural P bass sound. The squire doesn’t have it at all.

[@jasondorsey7110]

The price difference is steep, but so is the resale value...I bought a "tele tribute" pbass which was also a gc/mf exclusive, and it was so heavy and uncomfortable that I sold it, but I actually made money on the sale so going with the actual fender was worthwhile anyway even though I didn't have it long

[@Skeletomania]

G&L can have the bass build in Indonesia, and still use pickups and hardwares found on US made versions. I don't understand why fender can't do the same?

[@KPJohnson]

I agree. And I would consider a G&L Tribute before a USA made one first unless the model was only available as a USA model, like my L-1000. If I were to get a L-2000 or Kiloton, I would most likely go for a Tribute.

[@scratchcrafter]

Then you are looking at Mexico Fender prices and that price Gap is what separates the models

[@vladimirstajic9328]

Fender sounds way better... But Squier looks really really cool! :)

[@fm1057]

I own both but the Squier is the Classic Vibe version in walnut finish and is pretty light. Both are great basses but i use more the Squier in my gigs because for me sounds more better. The Fender is light too and is a beautiful bass. Great video.

[@KPJohnson]

Thanks. You definitely can't go wrong with the Squier.

[@robertsensat380]

I have the Walnut squier and burst player 399 and 699

[@99FXR]

Dude for like 30 years I never really cared to figure out what that little thumb bar was for. Or tug bar as you called it. I thought it was just for a left-handed bassist if they flipped it upside down. Thanks for that little tidbit😂

[@squarepants.official555]

KoolI'm not a Bass player but I want one to mess around on🎸Nice Ramble On👍😎☯️

[@pattonPwr]

Get the Squier

[@bassista26]

I like squier sound...

[@greim145]

Is that thumb rest solid brass? Curious how much it contributes to the weight difference.

[@KPJohnson]

It is brass but I don’t think it’s that much of a difference.

[@donnix1192]

I think the 70s seafoam green has a modern p bass neck, which is 1.625 in at the nut as opposed to 1.75 in on the 50s/60s.

[@scratchcrafter]

No it's actually a Nut width: 1.685” with a “C” shape neck

[@donnix1192]

@@scratchcrafter I can’t imagine there is any substantial difference between 1.625 and 1.685, not a noticeable difference in terms of feel anyway

[@GVike]

Player sounds more focused/bassier, Squier sounds brighter. Now a Squier VM modded with American pickups can do the job very well.

[@taketwo-e5u]

The Squire has more tonal possibilities, brighter and funkier or turn the tone down. Could have been newer strings though. If it is flat wounds on the Fender that would explain the duller sound as well.

[@michaelblaney4461]

I've had squiers and fenders , usually I'd always go with a Fender .

[@rodrigomunoz6415]

Other difference of PBass Classic Vibe 70's old versus new, is the body wood, old is basswood and new is nyatoh, and is very important, both have alnico pickups

[@bapt_andthebasses]

no

[@iamLexxKelsey]

That player has more thickness in my ear buds ....I would probably put some Duncan's in the C.v an all it a day

[@Radco2000]

The seafoam sounds like an upright piano, compared to blue baby grand .

[@mark_vs___]

got my squier classic vibe for 350. thank god they went up in price

[@darkthingswithmarkdavis4497]

Just got one brand new for 325!!!! Woo Hoo! But I’m also an insane bargain hunter.

[@tracychappell2029]

The Fender sound better, deeper, more full. The Squier is OK, kind of thin sounding comparatively.

[@pdaddy879]

Might be the strings, I have 1954 on my 60s classic vibe sunburts bass and it's thumps

[@rodrigomunoz6415]

Not really, the sound is more bright in Squier, but the medium tone is very deep too

[@mattspears789]

5 months ago the Squier was $399 at sweetwater (when I bought mine)...........they've gone up $80 since then.

[@KPJohnson]

I thought they were around that. I think a few years ago they were $379.

[@mattspears789]

@@KPJohnson sounds about right.

[@ericnino6048]

They haven’t gone up in price. The dollar has gone down in value. Thank inflation.

[@mattspears789]

@@ericnino6048 Regardless of why they went up they still went up in price Is $80 is $80

[@freddysnip6257]

Not a fair comparison IMHO , the Fender has flats and the Squier has roundwounds. So naturally they will not sound the same. I would love to see a new comparison, with both basses, using the same set of strings on it. people might be surprised how good a squier is these days. I have a Squier 60's classic vibe wich plays, feels, and sounds excellent. i couldn't care less for a name on a headstock, or country of manufacturing. I'm not shelling out more money for a Fender Players series either made in mexico or the USA.

[@alwaysevolving281]

They both do they Pbass thing but they felt substantially different to me.

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

I have a Squire, but if I could afford an American Fender if I could, just because I want our country to make more and do better.

[@mattgreven7615]

Very close! Almost sounds like the fender pup’s are a tiny bit too low-which can have a huge impact on the sounds.

[@Drone453]

The Player series pickups are actually quite hot.

[@CountryFenderBass]

My Fender PBass stays in tune My Squire seems to be out of tune often. I also have funky dead spot on the B of the G String with my Squire. Plus when I got the Squire it needed fret work. It had sharp edges and they looked un finished. The pots on my Squire seem loose. The Fender seem to have better pots. That being said for the price a Squire is an awesome first bass, but you will probably move on quickly to a better bass

[@Drone453]

Agree man. I just picked up a 2019 Player second hand for only £100 more then the Squier. It's like the previous owner never played it. The Squiers I played were very good for the money but just felt cheaper overall than the MIM.

[@Madi-dw9ib]

There is a massive difference, take both on the road and you will find the Fender holds up..

[@Rick-Guitar-Bass-Science-Math]

There is no reason the Squier won’t hold up the same as the fender.

[@danielwiebe2123]

I’m almost positive that Squier does not have a jazz neck

[@pjfields2382]

You bought that at Guitar Center Cincinnati right?

[@KPJohnson]

No. Never been to Cincinnati. I bought the PBass used, not from Guitar Center.

[@lawrencetagliareni4893]

$849 fender vs $449 Squier

[@MartinGraham-xb3lq]

You don’t really look too impressed by the expression on your face by the comparison between the Squire and the Fender I’m turning 60 in July and I’m looking for a decent Bass Guitar by Fender Mustang how do you rate that Model I’ve got large hands and thick fingers help would be appreciated mate kind regards Martin

[@skater1871]

9:18 squire tone off 11:08 fender tone off

[@Zen-js3tx]

That Fender sounds a bit dead compared to the Squier. Older dead strings maybe? I'd like to hear them both again with the same fresh strings before coming to a conclusion.

[@Drone453]

Think it's got flatwounds on.

[@marksanders8066]

You could almost get a precision and a jazz bass for the player price.

[@musenw8834]

🤔 how about a JB, PB and PJ each from the Aria STB series for that price? Each of those STB basses you could get for $199

[@elkhills1]

OzzY~ Tonight, toooo- niiight.... is it just a mystery, or am I riiight?

[@Matt-mo8sl]

Better neck on the Fender. I find my Squire V-Mod, same bass as the one in this video, the neck does not stay straight.

[@Garedot]

I dont know why this color and the Teal green is always affected by the cameras, I have a Fender Jazz Bass 2000 Teal green and it always seems to be blue in pictures as your Fender here in this video

[@KPJohnson]

Much like the ocean, the color varies from blue to green depending on the light.

[@jfinneynowable]

The Squire has real inlays.

[@KPJohnson]

It was hard for me to tell with the finish over the fretboard but I believe it.

[@jezmez68]

Squier FTW (again).

[@brothermike2506]

Not busting your chops but, is not a Squire basswood body. Body is made of a far eastern type of mahogany. That is why it's heavy.That is also why they sound so great.brothermike Fender tech

[@rodrigomunoz6415]

Not really, this model of Squier use Basswood/Tilo, is really lightweight!! I have one, and only changed pots and knobs, and is a very good bass, for studio and live shows...

[@lawrencetagliareni4893]

Now $849 vs. $449.

[@KPJohnson]

The Squier price has been all over the place. The Fender goes back and forth between $749 and $849.

[@DougDoan]

On sale for $389 right now. I bought one.

[@garychait3353]

I have a 69 Fender Precision w/Jazz Neck at the time custom color, Ocean Turqoise, block inlay on rosewood neck/bought at the music store I worked for in 1969. 2024 and Fender Custom Shop says "Sorry we won't touch it because you don't have a receipt"; although I do have owners manual with name of "E Paxton", only Custom Shop in Colorado is HB Woodsong, Boulder. I thought Fender had control of their channel. I believe Woodsong is telling Fender that no receipt, no work. Moving away from Fender. If they wouldn't do this to a Senior, think what they'll do to you. Buyer Beware. I will post this on other sites selling Fender.

[@Drone453]

Surely there are plenty of good luthiers that'd be happy to work on it? I get your point though.

[@samuelbrooks7854]

i think that squier bass win

[@Drone453]

On price only.

[@bahnhofkrawinklerbrucke3038]

You can’t really compare Both Basses because the Squier has roundwound strings on and the fender has flatwounds on. With different Type of strings the comparison is misleading - sorry.

[@abdulrazakhamid2635]

Fender sounds good... Squier airy rich.....

[@adrianpop68]

Fender

[@tubedude4859]

Bottom line of these Squire etc., guitars is in N.America they could not produce instruments of this quality for that price so why all the corporate dictation ? You guys sound like politicians

[@grantkoeller8911]

$350 piced higher why??? for what????The squier is just as good as the fender....

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#149_NoWeightButFreakinPaintMatters_MyBrainSaysLeave🤦

[@1okanaganguy]

Well done. Chinese had clearer mids, Mexico had bigger boots. Bellsubbed

[@1okanaganguy]

BUT - you really should know if the Squier had painted in inlaid markers. I'd like to know but am too lazy to follow it up, so...