I was going to buy a Warwick fretless Rockbass before I saw the Squier. And the only downside to owning this bass is the low-rent street cred that Squier have currently. But this will change. I would still play one of my Fenders on an industry gig, unless it specifically needed a fretless sound, which happens never! But I am very impressed with this bass. I would possibly upgrade if I needed to replace it, but that's only because I am vain and conceited. As a working instrument this baby is perfect, although only very slightly. It really is that good.

Sound
This is very high 7 however! Like a B++ grade, or something described as being marginally fantastic or very slightly awesome, if you get my meaning. I'm comparing the Squier to my other two Fender jazz basses which are perfect band instruments. The Marcus Miller has sooooo much going for it and my '70's reissue (with an Audere JZ-3 preamp) give me all the old school jazz funk tone I could ever need, so these two basses are clearly going to answer the call before a passive fretless ever could. But the Squier has its own thing going on, it really does, and it's hard to describe with words sometimes, but it's not totally outgunned by the other two. It has a sound and an application, or an integrity if you like, that is not at all commensurate with its cost! I'm not sure what that actually means. It's just a really good instrument. Yeah, that's it! You should buy one.

Features… read more
I'd like higher spec tuners and a larger bridge, a high gloss neck and more gigs! Those roundwounds have to go!!!(!!) Even Jaco famously said he never practised on the fretless because his roundwounds chewed up the neck! I bought mine fresh in a box and changed the strings straight out of the box. FLATWOUNDS ONLY PLEASE.

Ease of Use
The best, you know, for a fretless! Tons of mwhah if you set the action low enough and a very pleasing staight-ahead jazz tone with both the pickups full open. The treble is not too thin (although I am using flatwounds) and even adds a little growl to the mids, or at least it seems to.

Quality
It has a scratchplate-less body which would reveal any dodgy fit issues, were it to have any, but the neck/body join is pretty much seamless. The neck feels VERY slim and trim and is a beauty to play. Apart from the low-sheen gloss finish (which I think is a Jaco-style wear and tear image thing) this fretless neck is totally flawless, which is a big call! I've owned several Squiers over the years and I've always felt the need to upgrade something on them to get them up to spec, but not so with this instrument! Even my drummer had to look at the headstock between sets to see what was going on, and then he just smiled! It's all just a tone thing with basses and this bass has it by the truckload! I used to own a Fender fretless reissue and it didn't really prove itself (not at all actually), not like the Squier has. I sold the Fender but I honestly think this bass is a keeper. It has a thinner body than a Fender but it isn't really an issue.

Value
This bass is either too cheap, or else the Squier brand has some serious self-esteem issues. If Squier keep making instruments that respond like this one does it will eliminate the gear-snobbery we all have to deal with! I'm no fanboy here. I'm a working muso and this bass is very slightly AWESOME.

The Wow Factor
It's not so much that you want it as need it. It really has helped me improve my playing because I'm enjoying the Jaco vibe I can fake now. It looks the part and sounds just right.

Musical Background:
active musician

Musical Style:
funk/soul/jazz disco etc... read less