Squier Classic Vibe 70's Jazz Bass V - Vintage Throwback or Throwaway? - LowEndLobster Review 

This man makes the best reviews on yt, simple and direct great video

The body on the natural and three tone sunburst is SOFT MAPLE. The body on the Black is Poplar.

The moment I watched your first video, I knew right then and there that you were a keeper. Keep up the good work my friend! I can't wait to watch your channel grow!

Loving this channel. You do great reviews. Thank you! Off to A B some fender vibe vs G&L tributes today and your review gave me a much better idea of what to look for.

I am a big Squier fan. Not only are they a pretty good bass right out of the box, but in my opinion they are an even better platform for modifications. Great review brotha!

I saw this pop up on Reverb and wondered when the review would show up haha

Nice honest review, which actually played the B string.

I bought a Glarry 5-string Jazz bass for a modding platform. Somehow the algorithm brought me here. I'm glad I came! I subscribed.

I picked one up for $300 earlier this week. Liking it for the price! I’m normally a guitar player but figured this would be nice to have around to help with writing, etc.

Great review! I'm not surprised about the fit and finish as every Squire I've laid my hands on has had that "issue". Pickups do sound great, nice and clear like single coils should. One thing I found surprising was that the solo neck pickup didn't have much of a P-bass sound (to my ears).

Great! Let's approve that bass! Anyway, another great video! Thank you!

Excellent review as always. I have this bass but modded it with a varitone and badass bridge. Sounds so much better! Nice playing. 👍🏾🙏🏿

My first bass was a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz I bought new for 300$ back in 2009 with basically this same finish. It served me very well learning bass on... I replaced the pickups, bridge, and pickguard during its life and now the neck lives on as part of a hybrid Squier neck / Fender body jazz that's one of my favorite basses I own. Squiers tend to be hit or miss in my experience but if you find one that you like they're definitely great inexpensive instruments and nice platforms for modification!

I've tried the previous version of this bass, the Squier Vintage Modified V (now discontinued), and later the same day I tried this one. It's amazing to me how subtle the differences are, yet how much better the Vintage Modified is compared to the Classic Vibe, at least in my opinion. It still doesn't compare to a Fender Jazz itself, of course, but it does come close. I haven't checked the specs, but the only differences I could appreciate at first glance are that the Vintage Modified has a string retainer bar (instead of the circular string trees), steel volume and tone knobs (instead of the more classic black plastic) and it doesn't have the 70's bridge pickup position (which I prefer personally). The fit and finish were also much better, but that varies from instrument to instrument. Both of them have AMAZING sounding pickups, that's for sure.

I do like these honest reviews.

Great review sir. Now I'm confused whether this or the paranormal 54. 😁😁 You're videos are worth watching. 🤘🤘

Looks exactly like my ‘16 Fender American Elite Jazz Bass V. Love the color combo! El Naturál is the way

I ve bought one,exactly like the one You vê tried. I think its a very beautiful bass and sounds very well. Even the BString

This is be best channel ever, you are one subscriber richer, fellow crustacean !

Just snagged one of these 4-string models a week ago, and have really been enjoying it. Put on a Hipshot kickass bridge, and I'm really happy with the feel and overall sound. Fit and finish is good-not-great. No wonky pickguard stuff here, but I have a couple high frets, and the nut needs a touch of filing too. But it's a Squier; it's common enough to run into those QC issues on a "proper" Fender, so I don't judge too harshly. The bridge pickup is a little lame on its own, but then, I feel that way about almost every J bridge pickup solo'd. Considering a Lollar 70s-style to replace, which sounds like it has a lot more life in it

After seeing this review I was glad that I decided upon the Sterling SR5/HH. As usual very good review

Hey Lobster, great job on the review as always but I think you should give more details on the B string. Specifically string gauge, which for some reason most 34” scales come stock with a 125. It’s possible some of your viewers are as unaware of the vagaries of the low B as I was when transitioning to 5 string. Through much experimentation I’ve learned that a 34” scale typically needs @ least a 130 gauge to tighten up the B. It’s a little perplexing why so many 34” 5’s come stock with B’s that don’t do the instruments justice.

Picked up one of these, but from the Vintage Modified series for just over $100. Dude said the bass was dead-but I just needed to re-solder the pickups and it was working with no issues. Def a good buy if you can get it for a decent price. The vintage vibe is undeniable.

Great video! Let's face it Squier is meant to get you into the Fender thing with the hopes you'll move up through their line during your musical life. They are very nice, but you mostly still get what you pay for. Wondering if you'd consider a G&L Tribute bass review, unless the prices are not "Low End enough" for the Low End Lobster!

Love your shirt. Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Been there....10 years ago *weeps*

The five tuners on the headstock might explain the slight neck dive :-) Also, some jazzy inverted arpeggios using the open B string would certainly shake the foundations of any lobster shack! In my small experience, however, with a Yamaha RBX375, playing the open B only sounded good if I played it as close to the saddle(s) as possible. Lastly, dictionaries list the word 'mediocre" as meaning "....of average ability"! I wouldn't call THIS bass mediocre but secondhand, it would be PDG* indeed. Another good, informative review, Mr L. *Pretty Darn Good

Like the shirt along with the video!

I have the sunburst 4 string VM Jazz Bass, it has a maple body and neck. It has the Duncan designed pickup’s which to me seem to lack low end somewhat. The bass you review had a lot of punch, thanks for the review

I have the 4-string version which I got for a pretty ridiculous deal. I don't love how the natural body looks but it plays great and sounds great which is enough for me at the price I paid. As you said, I like how the blocks/binding look... from about five feet. Up close, they are not super impressive, but not horrible. I've ordered an Allen Eden shell pink body which should be a bit heavier and am going to move everything over to it as my Christmas present to myself. Comparing new prices, I'd be tempted to look towards Sire V5 for just a bit more if the modern visual update and the headstock shape doesn't offput you too much. I think this is a bit overpriced at $450 but still not too bad.

For me Dave Mustaine made natural finish instruments look cool. I will get the 4 string version, and drop some EMG's in it, black hipshot tuners and the rest of the hardware. I love that black on wood look.

The 4 strings are best for the 70s classic vibe. I upgraded to fender vintage tuners, custom shop pickups, leo quan badass 2 bridge. The 4 string loves 40-100 gauge strings

Great as always Lobster! How would you compare the Talman 5 string and the sterling 5 string?

I love your reviews! For a first approach to a cheap 5 strings bass which one would you recommend between this one, the Sire Marcus Miller V3 5st 2nd Generation and Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN?

Great review! I have been thinking about both the CV 60's/70's Jazz 4-strings, as well as the Paranormal. I'll have to wait for the next review to see which will drain my wallet. I have a pretty specific look I want (3-tone SB, rosewood/pau ferro neck) though 🤔

i agree with the b string, but as a 4 string these are good for the money and they look great!

Got mine when they first rolled out. 349. But, i got a little discount. Glad i did. The priced jumped. Very nice bass. Its a Jazz.

Cool colours sounds good grampy real good take your coffee cup connect and roll have a superior day buddy 🙂☕🍩👍

Hello There ! Thanks for the review 🌞 I’d like to know if by upgrading the bridge, the B string would sound better ? Best regards

Wow! A Squier with a solid neck, I've honestly have never experienced that. Every single Squier bass I ever handled had some degree of neck and/or fret board issues. And that tone! It almost, but not quite, makes me want to run out and buy one.

I purchased a Vintage Modified Jazz V back in December 2014, when they were still $329 -> $348 out the door after tax. Sure, I replaced everything I could on it, starting with the bridge and electronics - it is now an Active Jazz with Duncan Apollo HC pickups, Duncan preamp, and Hipshot hardware all around. It is absolutely superb. I have played a few 4-string CV’s and they were all fantastic, but for the new ~$500 pricing of this 5, I’m not so sure. You’d still have to replace (at least some of) the hardware to make it “better” (Hipshot Kickass bridge). By then you’d better get the MIM Deluxe Jazz V that already has the Bad-Ass style bridge, noiseless pickups, and 3-band preamp. Unless you want to just want to leave it alone....

Thank you

I have the same bass and i love it

Hi,You made mention regarding the classic 5 string feeling a little neck heavy..does that apply to the 4 string also.Thinking about purchasing..but bit concerned regarding your comment.

I have a 4 string Vintage modified which is the same thing as the classic vibes(I haven't found a difference anyway) I love it,I've actually plugged my VM and my 93 mexi standard into side by side amps for sound comparison,they sound exactly alike the standard just don't have the growl ,so my guess is high end squiers and low end mexican fenders use a lot of the same parts, the modified actually has factory hi mass bridge though ,not sure the CVs do or not

Hey dude! I have been wanting to get a fender classic 70s bass 4 strings. Is it a good option?

Tried the 4 string version of this over the holiday weekend.Really wanna do it but got a chance on a Schecter CV4 and and a hard core Fender guy got Modern Player fretless jazz and Am Pro 1 fretless What to do Hmm Schecter CV4 is good but torn.

I tried this Bass, and ended up buying a Yamaha BB-705. Lovely neck on the Yamaha.

What’s that bass that is on the very top left in the back it’s sick

What would you consider a good passive alternative with a better B-string? They're somehow quite rare in this price-range in my experience.

Everyone of these I have ever picked up weighed a ton! Reminded me of the Peavey T-40. No 34" scale I have ever owned or played came close to a 35" scale Useless you run a bridge cable for a B string. I do have two 34" scale 5 string fretless bases that run flatwounds and that is a completely different story because the string tension is much greater.

tried that one out at my local music store some time ago and i agree that the b string is a pretty unnecessary addition to the bass considering how clanky and out of tune it sounds, glad it's not just my playing that made it sound bad haha

What's that bass in the top left (purchase link?)

I have a Vintage Modified 5'er that's practically the same bass. No fit or finish issues. The low B is a little weak but I use the bass for everything. What would you replace the stock pups with?

Yeah on reverb someone was selling one very similar to this with a very good price I believe $225 also shockingly similar decor to yourself

Honestly Im just waiting on the squier 40th anniversary vintage edition satin seafoam green to release. Gonna put a tort guard on it to give it that geddy lee 60s jazz seafoam custom bass look.

Please make a review of the squier paranormal jazz bas!!!

I'm never going to buy another 5 string with single coil pickups and small magnets. I compared my Sire with Yamaha RBX375 with big magnets and humbuckers and the B string sounded so much more powerful on the Yamaha. And I think on this Squier the B string is also weak. Nonetheless, great video. I love your comprehensive reviews of different and unusual basses.

I agree with your assessment. The fit and finish issues could be overlooked by me if the B string was better. The pickups do sound very decent but the B string is noticeably weak sounding in comparison to the other strings. I often wonder if a different type of string (brand, wrap, metal composition, taper....) might make a difference on the B string?

I just got an identical one of these a few days ago. Jan. 3, 2021. I agree. The tone is outstanding! Oddly, the B string sounds a little better each day, but below two of the other 4 five string basses I’ve had. Apparently, the fit and finish on mine is a little better than yours. I would rate mine 4 Stars, or lobsters, out of 5.

Dear lobster, which bass do you prefer Squier paranormal bass Squier 70s vintage modified jazz bass I just cant decide for the one that would be my second bass

Looks like you got a ruff one. I have the vintage modified which is almost exactly the same and there is no fit and finish issues with mine, quite the opposite. I would say it's as good as my mim fender player if not better.

gotta point out that the inlays are definitely not painted, got one of the four strings for a good deal because I had to pop out and glue one back down, tho on newer versions they have glossed them all in more heavily instead of a mostly satin thinner finish. the older ones have nice thinner necks and better pickups, so watch out for a good deal they clean up nicely. otherwise I think the fitment on the old ones are waaaay better than some of the newer stuff coming out. my wifes p bass has a ton of wonky badly installed screws in the machine heads

Nice passive jazz bass

@LowEndLobster How would you compare this the the Contemporary Active V? I think you've tested both.

Lobster, 600$ in V5 or $350 Squier. Whats the best choise for the price?

This bass sounds great and I bought mine years ago for $295.00- I'm tempted to add a preamp( saw some videos with this mod and I must say this axe comes alive!)

For some reason I always liked the B string on that particular bass way better than any Fender, even the Americam Elite series. It felt more punchy and supportive . Fender is actually bad at making 5 string basses. Do you agree with that? Other than that pretty good review and on spot on every aspect! Cheers

I have this bass. I modified it with Seymour Duncan pickups and an Omega bridge. It’s now a MUCH better bass, but very heavy.

Im pretty certain the natural versions are soft maple 🍁 instead of poplar

PS. Looking closely, these look like true black inlays, not painted on. But mine is newer than yours, purchased in January of 2021. I once had a Squier Vintage Modified, and these were obviously painted on. Perhaps they have improved.

I put the alnice fender noiseless pickups in mine

Thank you for this review! I am now torn between this bass and a 5-string Squier Jaguar (bypassing the active bass boost circuit you can get a really good sound, from what I'm told).

Would you get this over the Sterling 5-string Bass?

Notice that it does not really have that Jaco sound on the bridge pickup?

Rondo music sells basses like this for $200. I've purchased two SX basses from them in the past that were slightly better or equivalent to Squiers.

Qual e a diferença entre affinity vs classic 70s

The issue with the b string I think with another bridge it can be fixed

Brilliant! I haven't tried the 5 version but the 4 was fair for the price. For me it was a choice between that and the 77 reissue (it looks like the Geddy usa, by that I mean the colors) the 77 won. I have played the "70s re"since and I'm happy with my decision. The 70s weight felt a little weird (IMO), but still nice.If you get a chance to check out the77 tho, I'd be curious to see if I just have bad taste? Anyway, thank you for sharing. Excellent Video Is it me? It seems like you aren't rushing through you videos as much as before, I hope I'm not alone on this, but I like the longer videos. Cheers

Couldn't tell if it was just him hitting his nails on the strings or something but something sounded weird to me

amp used?

This, or a sterling stingray sub, or budget ray HH?

Body is maple on that one.

I’d pay $300, but not $450 - too bad about the finish issues & painted-on inlays

The electric ground noise is a bit too obvious. Is that the bass or your studio electricity?

I prefer to the vintage modified than the classic vibe one

Nice bass. You just have to replace those sh*tty string trees with something that doesn't deviate strings laterally and you're good to go. Oh: the cheap fender hi mass bridge is compatible... you have to drill new holes, though, but it's worth the effort. A nut with narrower cuts in order to reduce string spacing on the job area of the neck is a good idea, too.

I just got the same bass in 4string yesterday for $200...

Had a love/hate 70's Vintage Modified 4 string. Looked and sounded just like this, bright and pretty punchy when amped right. But 10+lb heavy, weak maple neck that wouldn't hold setup, and worst of all s 'ski jump' at the heel end. Those two neck problems together rendered a great sounding bass useless because of playability. 🤷‍♂️

This or the sire v3? 🤔

It's one of the cheapest 70's spacing basses out there

Think is a good bass, but the noise can be diminished?

I can’t believe not everyone smashes the like button on every video😠, gotta free the claw

My comment here.

Low cost 5 string passive basses never have a great B. I owned a passive Lakland DJ5 and it had fairly useable B string. But more importantly, nice shirt........😊

The bass is connected to an interface?

Get the four string

Meh... Good Review 🦞

1:25 thnk me later

All good, but the nails makes no good sound ✌️

Same As Every Fender Designed Bass I’ve Played Sucky Low B String, Everything Else Sounds Usable LOW B SUCKS !