How many strings does this bass have?

This is a five-string bass guitar, featuring a low B string in addition to the standard E, A, D, and G strings.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with Fender-designed Noiseless pickups, which provide traditional Jazz Bass tones without the typical single-coil hum.

Does the bass require a battery to function?

Yes, it utilizes a 9V battery to power the onboard active preamp, though it features an active/passive switch for tonal variety.

What is the purpose of the HiMass bridge?

The HiMass bridge is designed to add extra sustain and resonance to the instrument by providing more mass at the string anchor point.

What are the distinctive visual features of this 70s-style model?

Key visual details include block inlays, a bound fingerboard, and a vintage-tinted gloss neck finish, all characteristic of 1970s Fender designs.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This model is finished in a standout Sienna Sunburst, which highlights the wood grain of the body.

Can I switch between active and passive modes?

Yes, the instrument includes an active/passive switch that allows you to choose between modern punchy tones and a pure vintage vibe.

What material is used for the fingerboard?

The fingerboard is made of Laurel (LRL), which is a common alternative to rosewood, and it features binding for a premium look.

Is this bass suitable for professional recording?

Yes, the Noiseless pickups make it particularly well-suited for recording environments where electronic interference and hum can be an issue.

How does the price compare to a standard Fender Jazz Bass?

At approximately £459, this Squier model is significantly more affordable than Fender-branded counterparts like the Player II or American Professional II series.

What is the neck profile and feel?

The neck has a vintage-tinted finish designed to provide an old-school aesthetic while maintaining the playable feel associated with the Classic Vibe series.

Is this a good choice for a beginner?

While it can be used by beginners, its five strings and active electronics make it more of an intermediate-level instrument compared to basic 4-string starter packs like the VISIONSTRING or LA Select.

Gear article

Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V

The Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V is a five-string electric bass guitar that combines 1970s aesthetic details with contemporary active electronics. It features Fender-designed Noiseless pickups and a 9V onboard preamp to provide a versatile range of tones suitable for modern and vintage performance styles.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V is part of the Classic Vibe series, which aims to provide historically inspired instruments with upgraded specifications for modern players. This specific model replicates the visual cues of the 1970s era, including a bound fingerboard and block inlays. While the aesthetics are rooted in the past, the inclusion of a fifth string and active electronics positions this instrument as a bridge between vintage styling and modern functional requirements.

Electronics and Sound Character

A defining feature of this model is the electronics package. It is equipped with Fender-designed Noiseless pickups, which are engineered to eliminate the 60-cycle hum typically associated with single-coil Jazz Bass pickups. These are paired with an onboard 9V preamp that offers flexible tone-shaping capabilities.

The instrument's sound character is described as crisp and punchy. Users can toggle between an 'Active' mode for contemporary power and an 'Active/Passive' switch that allows the player to revert to a traditional vintage-style output. This versatility makes it effective for genres ranging from funk and disco to modern rock and pop.

Gear4Music Chicago Bass Guitar Trans Red Burst 15W Bass Amp & Accessory Pack

Construction and Hardware

The bass features a maple neck with a vintage-tinted gloss finish for a retro appearance. The fingerboard is constructed from Laurel (LRL) and includes the signature block inlays and binding common to deluxe 70s-era Jazz Basses.

For improved performance, Squier has fitted the instrument with a HiMass bridge. This hardware choice is intended to increase the resonance and sustain of the strings, providing a more stable foundation for the low B string. The Sienna Sunburst finish offers a distinct visual departure from the standard three-tone sunburst found on many other models.

Market Position and Comparison

Retailing at approximately £459, this model sits at the higher end of the Squier catalogue. It serves as a more affordable alternative to the Fender Player II series or the American Professional II Jazz Bass. While entry-level options like the Gear4Music Chicago or LA Select series provide basic functionality for beginners, the Classic Vibe Active 70s model is aimed at intermediate players or professionals who require the specific 'noiseless' performance and five-string range not found in standard passive four-string models like the Geddy Lee signature.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

How many strings does this bass have?: This is a five-string bass guitar, featuring a low B string in addition to the standard E, A, D, and G strings.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with Fender-designed Noiseless pickups, which provide traditional Jazz Bass tones without the typical single-coil hum.
Does the bass require a battery to function?: Yes, it utilizes a 9V battery to power the onboard active preamp, though it features an active/passive switch for tonal variety.
What is the purpose of the HiMass bridge?: The HiMass bridge is designed to add extra sustain and resonance to the instrument by providing more mass at the string anchor point.
What are the distinctive visual features of this 70s-style model?: Key visual details include block inlays, a bound fingerboard, and a vintage-tinted gloss neck finish, all characteristic of 1970s Fender designs.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This model is finished in a standout Sienna Sunburst, which highlights the wood grain of the body.
Can I switch between active and passive modes?: Yes, the instrument includes an active/passive switch that allows you to choose between modern punchy tones and a pure vintage vibe.
What material is used for the fingerboard?: The fingerboard is made of Laurel (LRL), which is a common alternative to rosewood, and it features binding for a premium look.
Is this bass suitable for professional recording?: Yes, the Noiseless pickups make it particularly well-suited for recording environments where electronic interference and hum can be an issue.
How does the price compare to a standard Fender Jazz Bass?: At approximately £459, this Squier model is significantly more affordable than Fender-branded counterparts like the Player II or American Professional II series.
What is the neck profile and feel?: The neck has a vintage-tinted finish designed to provide an old-school aesthetic while maintaining the playable feel associated with the Classic Vibe series.
Is this a good choice for a beginner?: While it can be used by beginners, its five strings and active electronics make it more of an intermediate-level instrument compared to basic 4-string starter packs like the VISIONSTRING or LA Select.