What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass?

It features two Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups located in the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to provide an expressive, vintage-inspired tone.

Is this bass guitar suitable for left-handed players?

Yes, this specific model is built in a left-handed configuration. It is designed to accommodate left-handed ergonomics without modification.

What is the neck shape of this model?

The bass features a smooth maple neck with a comfortable 'C'-shaped profile. This shape is designed to facilitate easy transitions between frets.

What material is the fretboard made from?

The fretboard is made of maple, which provides a smooth feel and contributes to a bright, punchy sound. It typically features the block inlays characteristic of 70s-era models.

How does the price compare to other Squier models?

The typical price is approximately GBP 419. This places it in the higher tier of Squier instruments, reflecting its vintage-spec hardware and finish.

Can this bass be used for live performances?

Absolutely. The manufacturer describes it as perfect for both private practice and live shows due to its powerful and expressive pickups.

What style of music is this bass best suited for?

While versatile, it is particularly well-suited for funk, jazz, and rock. The deep, rich tones and alnico pickups provide excellent inspiration for funky basslines.

Does this model have active or passive electronics?

This specific model features passive Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups. For an active alternative, one would look at the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V.

How does it compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?

The Squier Classic Vibe focus on '70s vintage specs like block inlays and alnico pickups. The Fender Player II is a more modern standard model often featuring different fingerboard woods like Rosewood or Birch Green finishes.

Is the finish on the neck gloss or satin?

The manufacturer describes the maple neck as 'smooth,' which in the Classic Vibe series traditionally refers to a tinted gloss finish to maintain the vintage 70s aesthetic.

What is the string count for this bass?

This is a standard 4-string bass guitar. For those needing an extended range, Squier offers 5-string variants in the same series.

Who are some notable artists associated with the Jazz Bass design?

While this is a Squier model, the design is based on the Jazz Bass models played by great artists of the 1970s. Fender also produces a signature Geddy Lee Jazz Bass based on similar 70s specifications.

Gear article

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass MN Left Handed Black

The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass MN Left Handed is a four-string electric bass guitar designed to provide vintage aesthetic and tonal characteristics for left-handed musicians. Priced around £419, it features Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups and 1970s-inspired appointments, including a maple fingerboard with block inlays.

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Overview

The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass MN Left Handed is a tribute to the evolution of the Jazz Bass during the 1970s. This model specifically caters to left-handed players who require a combination of vintage-style aesthetics and modern playability. The instrument is finished in Black and features the classic offset body shape that has defined the Jazz Bass since its inception. It is positioned as a high-quality, mid-range instrument suitable for both practice and professional live performances.

Hardware and Electronics

This bass is equipped with two Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups located at the neck and bridge positions. These pickups are engineered to deliver a powerful and expressive output, characteristic of the 1970s era. The hardware is designed to ensure stability and reliable intonation, allowing for a versatile range of tones from deep, rich lows to bright, funky highs. The inclusion of alnico magnets provides a musical response that suits various genres, particularly funk and classic rock.

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Playability and Construction

A key feature of the Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is its slim 'C'-shaped maple neck, which is designed to offer comfort and ease of movement across the frets. The maple fretboard complements the neck, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to a bright, punchy tonal response. The construction is based on historical Fender designs, ensuring that the instrument feels familiar to those accustomed to traditional Jazz Bass specifications.

Sound Character

The instrument is described as emitting a huge and rich vintage-style sound. Thanks to the alnico pickups, the bass produces a deep tone that provides musical inspiration for writing complex or funky basslines. The bridge pickup offers the bite and clarity needed for lead-style playing or cutting through a mix, while the neck pickup provides the warmth and depth required for a solid rhythmic foundation.

Market Comparison

Within the Squier and Fender ecosystem, this model sits between entry-level options like the Gear4Music Chicago series and premium professional instruments. Compared to the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass, it offers a similar aesthetic and fundamental Jazz Bass tone at a more accessible price point. For players requiring five strings, the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V serves as an alternative, though the 4-string Classic Vibe remains the standard for those seeking a traditional four-string experience. It also stands as a viable alternative to the Fender Player II series for those who prefer 70s-specific styling such as block inlays.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass?: It features two Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups located in the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to provide an expressive, vintage-inspired tone.
Is this bass guitar suitable for left-handed players?: Yes, this specific model is built in a left-handed configuration. It is designed to accommodate left-handed ergonomics without modification.
What is the neck shape of this model?: The bass features a smooth maple neck with a comfortable 'C'-shaped profile. This shape is designed to facilitate easy transitions between frets.
What material is the fretboard made from?: The fretboard is made of maple, which provides a smooth feel and contributes to a bright, punchy sound. It typically features the block inlays characteristic of 70s-era models.
How does the price compare to other Squier models?: The typical price is approximately GBP 419. This places it in the higher tier of Squier instruments, reflecting its vintage-spec hardware and finish.
Can this bass be used for live performances?: Absolutely. The manufacturer describes it as perfect for both private practice and live shows due to its powerful and expressive pickups.
What style of music is this bass best suited for?: While versatile, it is particularly well-suited for funk, jazz, and rock. The deep, rich tones and alnico pickups provide excellent inspiration for funky basslines.
Does this model have active or passive electronics?: This specific model features passive Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups. For an active alternative, one would look at the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V.
How does it compare to a Fender Player II Jazz Bass?: The Squier Classic Vibe focus on '70s vintage specs like block inlays and alnico pickups. The Fender Player II is a more modern standard model often featuring different fingerboard woods like Rosewood or Birch Green finishes.
Is the finish on the neck gloss or satin?: The manufacturer describes the maple neck as 'smooth,' which in the Classic Vibe series traditionally refers to a tinted gloss finish to maintain the vintage 70s aesthetic.
What is the string count for this bass?: This is a standard 4-string bass guitar. For those needing an extended range, Squier offers 5-string variants in the same series.
Who are some notable artists associated with the Jazz Bass design?: While this is a Squier model, the design is based on the Jazz Bass models played by great artists of the 1970s. Fender also produces a signature Geddy Lee Jazz Bass based on similar 70s specifications.