So, you’re looking for a new bass guitar? Maybe it’s your first, or maybe it’s your tenth—you know what, it doesn’t even matter.
What matters is Squier has some killer basses that’ll blow your mind without draining your wallet.
Don’t worry – I’m here to help! Here’s a list of the 6 best Squier bass guitars that I think deserve your attention.
TL;DR (Quick Overview)
Need the quick and dirty version? Here’s a snapshot of the top basses and what they’re best for:
- Best Overall: Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass
- Best for Beginners: Squier Affinity P Bass
- Best for Small Hands: Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass
- Best for Those Who Dare to Be Different: Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK
- Best for Lazy Sundays: Squier Sonic Precision
- Best for Versatile Players: Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass
6 Best Squier Bass Guitars (Subjective, Yet Accurate List)
1. Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass
Okay, let’s start with a classic. The Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass is like that cool kid from the 70s who somehow never lost his edge. The design is a total throwback, and the sound? Pure vintage magic.
You’re looking at a poplar body with a maple neck and those slick Fender-designed Alnico single-coils that give you that classic punchy jazz tone. It’s versatile, and honestly, it looks like it belongs on stage.
Although it’s a Jazz Bass, it’s not necessarily only for jazz 😉 BTW, for those who love jazz vibes – here’s our guide on 10 best basses for that genre.
Key Features:
- Poplar body, maple neck (all smooth)
- 2 Fender-designed Alnico single-coils (for that iconic sound)
- 38.1 mm nut width (super comfortable)
- 20 narrow tall frets (perfect for riffing)
- Nickel hardware, vintage-style bridge
Why I Recommend It:
Listen, if you’re after a serious workhorse with vintage charm, this is it. The tone? It’s warm, full, and rich. It doesn’t matter if you’re slapping away or laying down smooth jazz lines; this bass handles it all.
Plus, that three-ply black pickguard is like wearing sunglasses indoors. It’s just cool, alright? And who doesn’t wanna feel cool? 😉
I also included this bass on my list of top 7 basses for slap 😉
2. Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass
The Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass—short, sweet, and oh-so-playable. For those of you who find standard-scale basses a bit too much to handle, this one’s got your back.
With a 30-inch scale, it’s perfect for smaller hands or anyone who likes a tighter feel. Also, it comes in surf green… which, c’mon, is one of the best colors ever.
The offset body shape also adds a lot of character to that one!
Key Features:
- Nato body, maple neck
- 1 Fender-designed Alnico split coil (powerful and simple)
- 762 mm scale (short scale = easier to play)
- 20 narrow tall frets
- Mustang bass bridge with 4 saddles
Why I Recommend It:
Besides the fact that it’s adorable? Short-scale basses like the Mustang are just more fun to play. They’re easier on your hands, and you still get a deep, satisfying tone that punches through the mix.
And can we just talk about the surf green finish? It’s like a sunny day at the beach. Honestly, what’s not to love? 🙂
3. Squier Affinity P Bass
Ah, the Squier Affinity P Bass. If you’re just getting started, or if you need a reliable backup, this bass is a total no-brainer. It’s got the classic Precision Bass sound but with a little bit of Jazz Bass magic thrown in for good measure, thanks to that bridge pickup.
Precision Basses are generally VERY versatile. Blues, alternative rock, country, worship – it can do it all. IMO it’s a great choice for indie rock too (for those who are interested, here’s our guide on top 5 indie basses).
Key Features:
- Poplar body, maple neck
- Ceramic split-coil (neck) + ceramic Jazz Bass single-coil (bridge)
- 41.3 mm nut width (a bit chunkier, but comfy)
- 20 medium jumbo frets
- 3-ply black pickguard (looks sharp!)
Why I Recommend It:
For beginners, the Affinity P Bass is gold. The sound is surprisingly punchy for something in this price range, and the Olympic White finish is clean and classic. This is your go-to if you’re looking to get a foot in the door without overspending.
Plus, it’s durable as heck—so no tears when you inevitably knock it over during practice. FYI, it happens to the best of us. 😅
4. Squier Sonic Precision
Now, for those of you who like to keep things bare-bones, meet the Squier Sonic Precision. This one’s all about getting to the point: one pickup, one tone knob, and that’s it. But guess what? Sometimes less is more.
The sound you get from this thing is pure P-Bass goodness—deep, gritty, and just plain awesome.
Key Features:
- Poplar body, maple neck
- 1 ceramic split coil (simple but effective)
- 38.1 mm nut width (feels nice)
- 864 mm scale (standard)
- Single-layer white pickguard (clean and minimalist)
Why I Recommend It:
I love a bass that doesn’t waste my time with extra fluff. This is plug-and-play, no distractions. Just you and your tone.
The California Blue finish is bright and fun, and the tone? Classic Precision Bass thump all the way. If you’re all about getting the job done with no frills, this one’s for you.
You may also like: 6 Best Ibanez Basses
5. Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK
Alright, now we’re getting into the weird stuff. The Squier CV Bass VI—is it a bass? Is it a guitar? Well, yes. And yes. It’s got six strings, but it’s tuned like a bass, and it’s short-scale, which means you can get some freaky, out-of-this-world sounds with it. If you like to experiment, you’re gonna love this one.
Key Features:
- Poplar body, maple neck
- 3 Fender-designed Alnico single coils (so much tone variety)
- 42.8 mm nut width (a bit wider, but needed for six strings)
- 6-saddle vintage-style bridge with floating vibrato
- 3-ply tortoiseshell pickguard (super classy)
Why I Recommend It:
If you like pushing boundaries, the Bass VI is a playground of sonic possibilities. Whether you want to fill out the low end or create crazy experimental sounds, this bass can do it. Plus, it looks rad, especially with that tortoise pickguard.
Warning: this one’s not for the faint of heart, but if you like being different, hop on board!
6. Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass
Last but certainly not least is the Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass. This guy is all about versatility. With two Fender-designed humbuckers, you’ve got a wide range of tones at your disposal. Whether you’re into rock, funk, or something in between, the Rascal’s got the power to back you up.
Key Features:
- Poplar body, laurel fretboard
- 2 Fender-designed Wide-Range bass humbuckers (beefy tone)
- 38 mm nut width (nice and slim)
- 762 mm scale (short scale, easy to handle)
- 4-saddle Mustang bridge with string-through body
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re after versatility, look no further. The Paranormal Rascal Bass can handle anything you throw at it. The humbuckers give you that extra power and depth, while the short scale makes it super comfortable to play.
And the metallic black finish? Chef’s kiss. You’ll look good, sound good, and feel good. What more could you want?
My Rating
Here’s where I break it down. I’ve played these basses, and here’s how they stack up:
Bass Model | Sound Quality | Playability | Value for Money | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
CV 70s Jazz Bass | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
CV 60s Mustang Bass | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
Affinity P Bass | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 |
Sonic Precision Bass | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
CV Bass VI | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
Paranormal Rascal Bass | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
Why the Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass Wins:
This bass just ticks all the boxes. You get a vintage look, top-notch sound, and superb value. It’s like a classic car that runs perfectly but doesn’t need constant repairs.
Plus, it’s versatile—whether you’re playing soft jazz or cranking out a gritty rock line, this bass can handle it. If I could only own one bass from this list, this would be it, hands down. 🙂
FAQ
1. Are Squier bass guitars really worth it?
Absolutely. They offer great value for money, especially models like the Affinity P Bass and the CV 70s Jazz Bass. You get Fender-like quality at a fraction of the price. For beginners, Squier is often the best choice to start with.
2. What’s the difference between the short scale and long scale?
A short-scale bass (like the Mustang Bass) has a shorter neck, making it easier to play, especially if you have smaller hands. Long-scale basses like the Affinity P Bass have a deeper tone, but they can be harder to play for some.
3. Can I upgrade my Squier bass?
Definitely. Squiers are great platforms for modding. You can swap pickups, change hardware, or even get a custom paint job if you’re feeling adventurous.
4. What kind of strings come with these basses?
Most of them come with Nickel-Plated Steel strings, which are great for most types of playing. You can always change them up later if you want a different sound or feel.
5. Which Squier bass is best for gigging?
The CV 70s Jazz Bass is a great option for gigging. It’s reliable, versatile, and looks great on stage. Plus, you’ll get that iconic Jazz Bass sound that cuts through the mix.
6. What’s the best Squier bass for small hands?
If you have smaller hands, the Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass is a dream. The short scale and narrow neck make it super comfortable to play.
7. Are Squier bass guitars heavy?
It depends on the model, but generally, Squiers are pretty lightweight. For example, the Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass and Mustang Bass are comfortable to hold, even during long practice sessions or gigs.
Final Thoughts
So, which Squier bass should you pick? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
They each bring something different to the table, but the one that stands out the most to me is the Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass.
It’s versatile, looks awesome, and has that classic Fender tone that everyone loves. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s a Squier bass here for you. Happy bass hunting! 🎸