The fender squirrel, aka fender Squire

[Lozz196]

Yep I’ve had a few Squier basses, affinity, classic vibe, vintage modern, and all were perfectly good for my needs. Of course me being a Fender US fanboi I had to have these but I think back to the basses I started out on in comparison to the Squiers (and other similarly priced instruments) and its night & day.

[Jackroadkill]

On 18/01/2025 at 17:23, Killerfridge said:

I'm just trying to read it without having a stroke

 

Penthouse?

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

I like Fenders and I do like the fender logo on the headstock, but there's nothing wrong with Squiers. They're not just for beginners — plenty of people who own and play Fenders also own and play Squiers.

 

I usually take two basses with me to a gig. For one gig I took a black Fender JMJ Mustang bass, and a 'Competion Orange' Squier Classic Vibe Mustang bass. Both basses were set up by me with D'addario Chromes. I played the Fender for two sets and the Squier for the last set. Both performed admirably; neither was hard work or uncomfortable to play, and no one complained that the sound went to shīte when I changed bass. In fact more people were up and grooving during the last set when I was playing the squier.

 

[dclaassen]

5 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

I like Fenders and I do like the fender logo on the headstock, but there's nothing wrong with Squiers. They're not just for beginners — plenty of people who own and play Fenders also own and play Squiers.

 

I usually take two basses with me to a gig. For one gig I took a black Fender JMJ Mustang bass, and a 'Competion Orange' Squier Classic Vibe Mustang bass. Both basses were set up by me with D'addario Chromes. I played the Fender for two sets and the Squier for the last set. Both performed admirably; neither was hard work or uncomfortable to play, and no one complained that the sound went to shīte when I changed bass. In fact more people were up and grooving during the last set when I was playing the squier.

 

Love your experience….just reminds me that 99% of people, band mates included, don’t know or care what rig we use….doesn’t stop us from obsessing though…:)

[Stub Mandrel]

There's something almost pathetic about those who think they are gatekeepers of being a 'real bass player' according to what brand, value or style of bass you play.

[neepheid]

Just now, Stub Mandrel said:

There's something almost pathetic about those who think they are gatekeepers of being a 'real bass player' according to what brand, value or style of bass you play.

 

"Almost"?  It's 100% sad.

 

[tegs07]

Fender have produced so many basses in a multitude of countries. I don’t think a blanket statement about Fender or Squier is worth listening to. I found a great deal on a US Fender so sold a CV to afford it. An immediate regret. Most likely another US Fender even from the same series or year might have been a great bass.

 

I sold the US Fender for a Mexican one and am happy with it. Would have been easier just to have kept the CV though.

[neepheid]

7 minutes ago, tegs07 said:

Fender have produced so many basses in a multitude of countries. I don’t think a blanket statement about Fender or Squier is worth listening to. I found a great deal on a US Fender so sold a CV to afford it. An immediate regret. Most likely another US Fender even from the same series or year might have been a great bass.

 

I sold the US Fender for a Mexican one and am happy with it. Would have been easier just to have kept the CV though.

 

I'd go so far as to say a blanket statement about any manufacturer or line of basses isn't worth listening to.  Usually it's just a bunch of hearsay campfire scare stories about "QC" - do one!

Edited 3 hours ago by neepheid

[Cato]

I'm always keeping half an eye out on what Squier are doing.

 

Apart from anything else for the last few years the finishes available on Squier's skinny stringers have been a lot more appealing to me than the rather bland offerings in the Fender Player range.

 

Also, every now and then Squire does something really cool like the baritone Jazzmasters a few years back or the FSR run of purple Bass VI's they did for Andertons a couple of years ago.

 

That purple VI has become one of my main squeezes and at the time I bought it there was no equivalent Fender model in any range outside the custom shop.

 

I'd take a punt on a Squier tomorrow if saw something that ticked the right boxes.

 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Cato

[Supernaut]

The 40th Anniversary Precision I have plays better than most Fender's I've tried. When I bought it, my intention was to buy a CS but this blew them out the water. Great basses. 
 

[Frank Blank]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

There's something almost pathetic about those who think they are gatekeepers of being a 'real bass player' according to what brand, value or style of bass you play.

 

Ohhhh Stubbs, I just love it when you're masterful... *swoon*

[Si600]

21 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

In fact more people were up and grooving during the last set when I was playing the squier.

Or, it could have been the last set of the evening and they were sufficiently lubricated to dance? 😉

 

I'm sure it was the Squier really.

[Ramirez]

On 18/01/2025 at 16:06, Bass4real said:

This is what I know 

Ok you're watching a video  or at a live show , the Bass player is playing a fender bass and it sounds really good, Any professional BASS PLAYER doesn't buy a bass off the shelf, then uses said Bass  ,

UNTIL HE OR SHE GETS THE fender BASS he got probably from Fender directly built exactly the way he wants it .for $0.00.00 

 

 

I think you're confusing 'professional' and 'elite'. Most professional players play off the shelf basses, and I'm sure plenty of them own and play Squiers.

 

My DPD delivery guy doesn't get to drive Max Verstappen's F1 car, but they're both professional drivers.

[Chienmortbb]

On 13/01/2025 at 11:02, Twigman said:

I bought a new Squier in 1984 for £129 - JV62P fiesta red - i still have it.

 

I'm never selling it but also never play it.

I had one, sold it and have regretted since.

[Chienmortbb]

On the name, It is not a spelling that makes sense in modern English, and it does offend the eye. However according to the real Wiki, Squire, Squair, Skair, Skuyer, Squires were all variations of the name over time.

 

I hereby announce that going forward I will produce Squair, Skair and Skuyer guitars and basses.