mapplethorpe

I still can't believe how great this guitar is considering i spent maybe $600 CAD on it. The setup took some time but once i changed the strings and adjusted the action and truss rod it played like a dream. With the rhythm/lead switch and the pickup setups you can do, this guitar can handle anything. From what I understand, the Squier Vintage Modified series is based around creating as authentic as possible representation of the original Fenders they're based on, warts and all. This means that, yes, the bridge on this thing is super finicky and the tremolo arm is very loose. After a lot of tinkering I managed to stop the stock bridge from making any noise whatsoever, but i still opted to switch it out for one of the monoprice mustang bridges you can get which is definitely less of a hassle overall. The tremolo arm is probably the most annoying thing because it just doesn't stay in place and makes squeaks and rattling noises when you strum with it in your hand (like Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine) but I can live with this. The finish is gorgeous, the Duncan Designed pickups are excellent and the neck is fast. In general the build quality seems as good to me as at least the Mexican Fender models, if not better tbh. I still wonder what the VM Jazzmaster plays like, the short scale on this is good in some circumstances but the Jazzmaster has always been my original muse. Overall I'm absolutely blown away. Don't let the Squier name scare you off, only snobs and hipsters care about the brand name anyways. I honestly love the direction Squier is headed - i.e. producers of reissues of classic guitars. From what I understand, all of the Vintage Modified Squiers are out of this world.

Take my word with a grain of salt because i have very little experience with bass guitars.