Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH - Can this Squier do it all? - LowEndLobster Review
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2020
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Hey everyone! This is a compilation of the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz HH portions of the Active Jazz Bass Head to Head.
Edit: The Squier is ash not alder!
Check out the full video here: • Sire vs. Squier vs. Ba...
Big thanks to Dom @ ThirdFloorGuitars for setting up my instruments. You can find him at www.thirdfloorguitars.com
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I has an Limited Edition version of the Squier Contemporary Jazz Bass it has really good tone because of the SQR humbuckers. I like the sound of the bass very clean tone, I am impressed with the tones of the bass.
Nice!
The white version of this bass was my first electric bass. I've had it for a little under four years now, and I always loved it. I do agree that the preamp is useless though, as I've always left it at 0 and just used the tone and blend knobs to control the sound.
When it comes to the finish though, I think you may have just got a bad one, or maybe the matte black has issues that the matte white doesn't, as mine is smooth to the touch all round.
As for the neck, this one spoiled me. I adore the satin finish, and can't find myself enjoying glossy finishes at all. (I tolerate it on my Hagstrom H8, but that's just because that instrument is too cool not to)
Also the shape and width of the neck are something I've come to appreciate.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a level of bias toward the instrument, but no matter how many other basses I get, I always find myself coming back to my Jazz
I just grabbed the 4-string flat white version from Guitar Center. It was $289 barely used. The previous owner put a set of flat wound strings on it and I loved the tone! I can understand what you’re saying about the price (new) with the subpar electronics. I’m glad I found one that could have easily passed for a new instrument but it cost me $160 less.
Nice! You for a great deal
Completely disagree with this review. Love mine! Slapped some nice flatwounds on mine and wow it is amazing! My .02
Thanks Guy! That's ok man, I appreciate folks sharing their experiences of the instruments I review whether or not they align with mine. I'm not the end-all-be-all bass guy, just a rando with an opinion on things. Glad you're enjoying your bass! :)
I just got mine in 5 string version and I love it.But id love a good recommendation for the different preamp,not Audere
@@Amanet13 sadowsky, aguilar
I loved the way this played. I almost got one but ended up choosing a new sterling music man stingray ray34 ash black.
Still thumbs up for squire
Thanks Ross! You chose well, the Ray34s are very nice playing instruments and don't need any mods. This Squier would need some tweaks in order to be up to snuff for me.
I have the SBMM Ray35...which is the only bass of my five that almost seems to *ignite* my amp&cab rig.
i have the same one in shoreline gold, with black pickguard and headstock, but with a roasted maple neck the body is poplar, since it’s a japan model, plays really nice, got it with the b-e-a-d strings settings, but it’s tuned to drop c, so loads of tension, but the truss rod handles it really well, i barely had to adjust it, got it checked by a luthier and really said it’s a genuine fender with a few neck paint imperfections
I loved the neck radius combined with the flatter fretboard. The finish however was too Bronco-like for me and the sound lacked something. Squier hit a peak a few years ago, but seems to be backsliding a bit. The VM's and CV's were killer for a while but so much now.
Thanks Bob! I agree, and especially for what they wanted for these things new.... definitely not worth it considering what the competition is offering today- Sire, Cort, Ibanez, etc. all have sub $400 basses that are superior in build and sound.
Thankyou for this review.
Was looking for an Active Jazz bass. But something that still sounded like a Jazz bass, just with perhaps a bit more versatility. I really wonder why Squier decided to go full HH on this, when it’s not going to give J Bass tones effectively. Why on earth did they not simply go for an EMG J style system. Surely that would have made mores sense.
Really love this bass.
Thanks :)
Nice matching headstock and gorgeous looking bass, it sounds good too.
Thanks man!
Which one better..i need suggestion...between squier cv 60 and squier vintage modified and squier contemporary 5 string..which one is better
What is better between squier contemporary hh or sterling stingray sub4
Hey Lobster! I have a question! I have this bass and just got it back from being painted all fancy but I agree with the electronics. I want to gut it actually. I'm a total maple fretboard j bass nut. My question is, can I just replace the squire preamp with something better? Can you suggest something to go well with ceramic pickups like the 'SQR' installed in it?
Hey Jonny! You can absolutely swap out the preamp. For something budget friendly, Audere has some great options. For something a bit more fancy, check out the Sadowsky and John East preamps. Hope that helps!
what do you recommend in this price point that is better? ofc 4 string active bass
Hey, what's the best pickup for this bass upgrade?
Does it have a button to switch from active to passive? I hate active bass tone!😱
Those humbuckers look pretty cool, much better than classic singles, if you put a black pickguard on it, it would be the best looking J bass
Thanks Ruben! They are cool looking, I dig the little SQR logo as well. Makes them feel a bit more special than a generic unlabeled soapbar. A black PG would be cool here, but the finish is a real letdown when you actually touch it.
LowEndLobster what you are referring to finish.Is it a neck,that needs a little sending and frets edge’s dressing.But that’s about it I guess.
I just saw these basses with roasted neck at Sweetwater it kinda got my attention. I would really appreciate if you could have a review on them... Thanks in advance LowEndLobster!
Hey Guy! I saw those as well. Probably not unless someone wants to send me one. I'd think that they have the same lame preamp, but a nicer neck with the roasted maple. The neck on the regular one wasn't bad, just feel a little on the unfinished side (the satin finish was non existent, felt lacking). Honestly, they're not bad basses especially as a foundation for mods. I'd just never buy one new, especially the 550 for the Sweetwater model. Dom had mentioned that one of his customers brought one of the 4 stringers like mine in and had him gut it, toss in some Nordstrand big splits, and did a passive setup. That's a mod I can get behind for this bass!
@@LowEndLobster Thanks for the infos!
@@guyviola5359 You got it! :)
Do you know the string spacing on this bass?
I've just picked up the very same model very cheaply. My intention is to pair the body with a Fender MM maple neck that I've had hanging around for a while. The neck from the Contemporary will be utilised elsewhere.
Having set the bass up, I see what you mean by the tuners - clunky and 'cheap-feeling'. While I do like the sound of the SQR's, (humbuckers on a Jazz - great idea), I think they'll be upgraded to EMGs later on but for now, I've found several very usable tones.
All in all, I'm happy with my purchase but I wouldn't buy one of these new and I think the upgrades on the latest version of this bass, wouldn't tempt me either. I have a Sire V5 and for sheer playability alone, it smashes Squier basses to bits! Hopefully, with the Fender MM neck in place, my Contemporary will satisfy my needs.
Thanks as always, for your insights, Lobster.
Hey Lobster and fellow bass players. Could someone help me with my question. I own this bass, yet I am considering to change the PUs. I thought this bass had active electronics with passive PUs, yet I found the "red cable" which suggests me that this bass has active PUs as well. So, I am not sure if I can replace the PUs with a passive set, or if the PUs actives or passives at all. Any help appreciated, thank you.
Hey Gergo! Do the red wires connect to the battery in some way? That's the real tell. Regardless, you can absolutely swap in passive pickups, just make sure the volume knob and blend knobs are the appropriate value if you intent on keeping the stock pre (I would replace that as well honestly).
@@LowEndLobster thank you for your answer. I think I will swap the active electronic as well and put passive PUs into it. I am pretty sure it has active stock PUs. Thank you again!
I don't know if you still answer comments but do you think one of these in the 5 string version would be good for a trade with my red p bass? I'm thinking about selling it for one of these. I just played it at my local music store and fell in love with it.
Your fullterton or whatever P bass? Yeah this Squier is probably a step up
Is that a 4 string spector i see in the background? :)
You have a good eye ;P. Vid on that will be coming soon.
Great video as always. Have you seen the Ashdown Low Rider bass that was released recently? It’s a Fenderbird designed by the Lakland’s founder. I think it looks absolutely stunning.
Indeed! It's interesting to see amp manufacturers venturing into instruments. Both Ashdown and Markbass have interesting offerings for sure
Well, I’m not surprised. You hate Squier’s, so I expected a bad review. I’ve owned both the 4 and 5 string version of this bass and I think they’re great, especially for the money. Both played great right out of the box, they look good and I think they sound good, too. Boost only is what Sadowsky does as well, so... my main basses are Sadowsky, I’m used to that. I’d be closer to 4 out of 5 claws if I was a BassLobster... but I’m not :-P - haven’t watched your “Sire” video yet, but I’m at -1 at least (or worse) for those Marcus Miller basses. Sold mine within ten minutes of receiving it. Now that bass stunk - so I look forward to a glowing review from you - bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! :) - love ya, man - keep ‘em coming :)
You'll be surprised with my upcoming Squier review ;)
LowEndLobster (gasp)... three stars?... hello, Hell?... are you frozen over?... :-P
And by “stars”, I mean claws of course :)
Lobster, how does this compare to the MIM/player series jazz? They are about £200 dearer over in Europe.
Hi Michael! Great question. I think the MIM would be a better instrument overall.
Cheers lobster
The pickups are nicely voiced. I'd buy a set if they were sold separately.
Indeed, the pickups were definitely the strongest part of the instrument. It's also nice that they're a standard size. I've seen people turn these passive and install some Nordy big splits and the results have been killer!
@@LowEndLobster Those Nordys have that Fender growl in spades. No wonder they're popular. I still like Bartolinis but with more bite. They botched the ones that come with current Ibanez.
Sir what amplifier you're using? Or head amp, preamp?
Going into my Orange Crush 50 BXT, and using the line out to go into my Focusrite.
What do you think is better for rock and metal? This bass or the RGB300 from Ibanez
Hrmm, I'd probably say the RGB
@@LowEndLobster Thanks
I notice these have been marked down on Sweetwater for a while now. I'm guessing they weren't that successful and they are trying to get rid of them. So, hey, they're a lot cheaper now if anyone still wants one.
I noticed that as well. My tech Dom said that someone brought one of these in and had him gut it and install Nordies and a passive V/V/T/T setup. I can imagine that'd be a big step up over stock!
Only the 4 strings it seems :/
Would Fishman Fluence Bass Soapbars fit in it?
I'm not sure, I think they only come in DC35 and DC40 shapes, I don't think these pickups are DC shaped however.
What size are those buckers? Kinda tempted to get one and upgrade as time passes.
Great question. I think they're D2/P2 or D3. I don't know for sure honestly
@@LowEndLobster Thanks. It looks good, though you do raise a good few points. Might just go SBMM sub ray 4 and upgrade it right out of the gate.
Really cool bass! What riff are you playing first? Sounds cool. Amazing videos you have!
Thanks! I just make stuff up and mess around.
Cool
You should look at my newest video. You inspired me to do it and I will do another review soon. I'm also going to guitar center in a couple months and may make a video on basses there.
@@samsmelser_ I saw it! Comments were disabled, but I gave you a thumbs up. Great job! Keep it up :)
You can comment now, sorry
Leaving a support comment!
Leaving a thankful reply :)
THATS THE TONE I WANT (but im stuck with a fender musicmaster :( )
What do you think about the fender p. J. Mustang? This squire is eh ok it needs more booty 😎
Hey Henry! I haven't played the Fender yet but hope to at some point :)
For a few dollars more can get a Schecter Stilleto or Omen Extreme. I love my Omen! 😎
Nice! I want to get one of those Stiletto PJs. I have a Stiletto 8 string that I enjoy. Need to make a video on that one.
@@LowEndLobster Wouldn't mind a Stealth, but I also have a Dark Cherry 004 that I want to drop Fishman Fluence pups into. Modernized Ricky vibe with SLS tone.. yes please!
@@boomerbassmeme I REALLY want to try an SLS. Need to flip a few instruments first but I'm hoping they'll be part of my next 'batch'.
The Schecter Omen Extreme is my favorite bass period. I've got a 5string
You cant go wrong with one either way. The stock pups on the Omens and Stilettos are monsters, but those SLS with the Fishman Fluence really bring all that craftmanship to life!
This needs a revisit or mod version 😭😭😭
"I'm not going to pinch that like button" *hears temple of time music* "...liked and subscribed"
Just received my new 5 string and while I love the body the neck is super poor. I like to do bends but the G string slips off the frets. I can't even play my normal riffs. My only other 5 string is a Harley Benton with a much narrower neck width at the nut which is a Rolls Royce in comparison. There is so much room on the neck to get it right? Also really ugly fret cut marks on the side, just left as raw cuts which are inconsistent across the neck.
It feels like a cheap eBay bass neck and virtually raw wood.
Its' made me realise how good my Harley is which was a third of the price. It will be fine after a visit to a luthier and a new nut/setup, but I didn't expect to have to do this kind of work straight out of the box.
I have a friend who bought a white version of this bass, but it was faulty so he returned it. The company said they had no more white instruments in stock, so would he accept the black version - to which he agreed. That arrived with damage to the finish. My friend contacted the company and said he’d keep it if they refunded him a certain amount, which they refused. They messed him about rotten, but eventually he ended up with a Marcus Miller Sire - which looks the part, but somehow is lacking (especially for the price) TBH, I’m more than happy with my Harley Bentons.
Wow, that sounds like quite the headache! I really wasn't a fan of the finish on these, felt like a cheap rhino liner knockoff and not a real matte. Thanks for sharing your friend's experience!
LowEndLobster - I had to research what rhino liner is. Two countries separated by a common language.
@@revlewisrees9880 Ah sorry. It's a spray-on durable truck bed liner for pickup trucks haha. A very rough finish meant for durability. That's how I felt about the squier finish, kind of rough in texture.
Hi Mister Lobster, thanks for this demo
we need to take into account that the body is ASH and not Basswood, comparing to other squier bass, also you can do an upgrade project with bartolini or Aguilar soap bar pickup for instance :-)
S.V
Thank you for pointing that out!
Hey! Squier is releasing a contemporary precisions in March with PJ configuration. They've also updated the Jazz models as well. Will you be checking these out to see if there were improvements? I really enjoy your reviews, and am curious as to what you think of the updated bases for 2022. I have no obligation to Squire either way. I'm actually trying to get my hands on a Sterling Ray34 HH at the moment, but the precision models coming intrigue me.
Yes! I saw and am intrigued
@@LowEndLobster I really wish they offered mid boosts. their Fender deluxe MIM actives disappointed me that they also never offered mid boost. These contemporary models do look sleek though. contoured neck joints that you don't see on Sterlings is really cool. Hopefully the hardware is reliable and electronics get a bump up, but the electronic configuration seems to still be the exact same on these new ones. they're going for $640 loonies up here. guessing $500 still down there
also, I'm an idiot. They did have mid boost, but the one i tried a couple years ago had crappy knob functionality
Squier contemporary active jazz bass with humbuckers, it sounds clean and pristine.
Glad you liked it :)
My ROASTED MAPLE NECK and board version of this bass 5 string...Will be here Wednesday !!!...let you know what I think about it before then after the Tone Monster goes in!!!!!!
Hell yeah! That's a really interesting combo they have with that sweetwater edition. That new preamp should definitely let this bass stretch its legs!
I’ve had the olive green with roasted maple neck and ash body (Sweetwater exclusive) with for a few months. I’m loving it.
@@harsteit8879 I'm a sucker for roasted maple. I like the sweetwater colors too. Congrats!
@@harsteit8879 well Sweetwater had some issues and i ended up canceling my order for the bass ...and bit the bullet and ordered me a Bassmods J5 with a roasted neck and fretboard !!!!...it should be here in the next cpl weeks !!!!!...cant wait!!!
I bought that bass, was it a good idea? :(
Honestly, the preamp is the weak point. It's not a terrible bass, and they've been selling at huge discounts recently which definitely make them a better value. If you like the feel of it, I'd say stick with it (especially if it's your first bass) and learn about modifications. It's possible to turn cheap basses into much better instruments, and is often worth it if the bass feels good to you.
Cool bass with good clean humbucking sound, I like what Squier has done with these bass models. Hopefully I get one with my little collection of basses. The sound is clean and pristine.
Thanks Hodari! Glad you liked it :)
Cool bass with a cool sound, but it should be sold like the other squire jazz bass. It's too expensive, but it's also an active bass with humbuckers and cool finishes.
Indeed. Mark this down 100 or so dollars and then it might be a better value, but the price point and the preamp (pickups weren't awful) were a big let down here... and I really hated the finish. Felt so cheap.
@@LowEndLobster I agree with every word you wrote.
Aaaaaaah I see... 4 videos 3 basses 1 review. Are these 3 numbers some secret code???
This is a nice looking bass, block inlays would have been a lot nicer. Squire tho... I don't know, usually a disappointment. If you get the chance, check out (I'm not saying "buy" because to many sub par jazz basses can't be good for your masculinity) the 77 reissue Squire jazz. I love mine, it looks like the Geddy American jazz (black and white with white block inlays) I bought it just on looks and price, but the more I play it the more I like it. Anyway, thank you for double sharing. Cheers
I have a 5'er 70's CV coming my way soon :)
If you wanna cut the treble, turn down the tone. If you wanna cut the bass... don't lol
Lol, the thinking man's EQ ahahaha
Looks great, but sadly, the neck is where they cut the cost. I bought a 5 string and tried to travel with it because American Airlines damaged my main bass. When I got to New Jersey from Los Angeles the neck looked like a banana. I tried to adjust the truss rod but no matter how I tried to straighten it out, it just is not travel worthy. Not even close. If you're going back forth from the garage to high school? Maybe...maybe it's ok. To do real work? This bass is a toy.
And yes, the preamp is just plain uselessly wrong.
Damn, bummer to hear it! I've had similar experiences with other Squiers (CV 70 P specifically). Thanks for sharing your experience!
I think there is a glitch in the matrix
THE AGENTS ARE HERE!
I had this bass and I traded it in at guitar center
I'm super picky about my basses, usually only play 6 string, 35" scale, something super modern for metal etc
I tried one at my guitar store and I fell in love, I might have to break my 6 string and 35" rule.
While I understand the criticisms about the eq versatility I do really love the sound which includes the colour the pre-amp adds. :)
What does a lobster claw have to do with a bass?
i gotta knock you for the electronics, you should really use a good di and quality interface for reviews. this bass doesn't sound like it does in your video. also the distortion would go away.
Aw man I'm super disappointed with this bass. I've been super excited about it since it came out but haven't seen much on it, and it doesn't really seem fit to justify buying it at that price point with a lame eq system
Bingo! Yeah if it was 100 bucks less and was VVTT instead of offering that lame EQ, then it might be a different story here.
Wambo , you might want to try it for yourself. I have played the five string version a few times and I really enjoyed it.
@@Below-Average_Joe I concur. I think they’re great, so - if we all agreed on what we like there would only be one bass, and we’d all like it :-P
Gotta love his smug, snarky, elitist comments. 😂
;)
The soundest lad on youtube😅
J Bass just looks wrong with soapbars.
I feel you, especially when they're in the traditional spot. I think some of the Modern-ish Sadowsky and Valenti designs that use soapbars look good IMO
Hope you never need to count to more than seven in your intros.
LOL
He don’t know what he talking bout bro 😂
This review is not so much about this bass. Why do all these reviews have to be played thru a lousy little amp with the volume on three. C’mon let these things rip so we can hear them like we play them. Also, not everyone plays slap or strums chords. I think chords on a bass sound like mud no matter if it’s a cheap squire or a big time custom job. When I go to try out a bass I don’t want to try it out on some little practice amp. That’s not what I use gigging. So please bring it when reviewing a bass.
Thanks Peter!
Squire should just change it's name to SQR. The name "Squire" implies someone who isn't all the way to knighthood, and at this point, they have some instruments that clearly outshine their less goofy-named rivals!
To clarify, THIS particular bass does not outshine the competition. Good video.
Thanks and you're right! Or at least make an "SQR" line of more modern basses, where Squier sticks with the classic style.
The name is Squier not "Squire" and it's named after Victor Carroll Squier, who founded the company around 130 years ago.
@@a_wretch_like_me9665 thanks for the info man!
@@steveschenker1380 welcome 👍, hope i didn't come off as being rude
The bass its okay .the whiners and who talk a lot they not .what the
F you mày expect for under $500 .what dont you built one and see how much time and parts you will need .
IMO Sire does the active J thing better for less money and better build. Thanks Emiliano!
Cheap ceramic nasal-sounding pickups,....even the pre-amp can't save how bad they sound.
Anytime I watch a bass review of yours you’re constantly saying negative things about the bass.
I've made over 500 videos talking about the pros and cons of various basses at a plethora of price points. It sounds like you're looking up bad basses ;P. I kid, but I have always tried to provide factual information, accurate sound clips, and my opinions. However i don't treat my opinion as fact/ gospel and i highly discourage anyone from doing that. Use as much of as little of the info i provide, but at least the info is there for you to use if you choose.
its ugly, tone so so, jazz bass with passive pickups ya get that growl, i hate this bass
Thanks Tom! Yeah I wasn't really a fan here. I've seen folks replace the preamp with solid results, but honestly you're not going to get the J tone that you want without some J pickups in here. If you're after a traditional J, definitely look elsewhere... in fact just look elsewhere anyways hahaha, the Sire is a much better value!
@@LowEndLobster i have a mexican jazz bass, 2 single coils passive, ilove it
I understand that you praise the Contemporary, but it is still a Squier with a bad sound... I really appreciate your bass video presentations