Squier unveils three new bass models for 2011
(Dave Molter | Posted 2011-01-06)
Although still considered the "little brother" to Fender, Squier Guitars keeps cranking out exciting models at equally exciting price points. 2010 saw the addition of the VM Jaguar Bass in an enticing P/J configuration with great looks and sound.
In 2011, Squier continues where it left off by announcing three new basses: the VM Jaguar Special, the VM Jaguar HB and the VM Jazz, which will also be available in a left-handed version. I picked up a 2010 VM Jaguar and couldn't be happier with the bass, although there were a few minor QC issues that I could rectify on my own. (See my review
here.) But overall, at a street price of less than $300, workmanship, finish and sound can't be much better than what Squier offers. I expect these three new basses to be favorites not only among players on a budget but with guys like me, who want a somewhat different look and sound but don't want to spend $1500 on a backup axe.
The VM Jaguar Special looks very much like the standard VM Jag, but replaces the passive concentric volume/tone controls with a 2 Vol, Bass Boost and Master Tone configuration. Three new finishes are available: Candy Apple Red (pictured at left); Three-Color Sunburst; and Black. The Special has a Jazz-profiled neck with rosewood fingerboard, but unlike the VM Jag has dot rather than block fret markers, and the body color is not mirrored on the headstock. A black pickguard is standard.
The Jaguar HB carries a single humbucking pickup in the Music Man position and controls it with active EQ using Volume, Bass, Mid and Treble pots. It too has a Jazz-profiled neck with rosewood board and is available in Silver, Black or Candy Apple Red.
The Squier VM Jazz Bass uses Duncan-designed pickups in the standard Jazz configurtion with a Vol/Vol/Tone control setup. It's available only in Three-Color Sunburst with a tortoise shell pickguard.
Prices haven't yet been announced, but are expected to be about the same as the 2010 Jaguar prices, around $300 USD (street) without a case or bag.
Dave Molter
is Managing Editor and Bass Guitars Editor of MusicGearReview.com. He has played bass professionally for 46 years.
