The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass V is an excellent way to get into a proper five-string Jazz Bass without jumping to Fender pricing.
It keeps the familiar 34" scale, comfortable Jazz Bass body and straightforward passive controls, then adds a low B string for the extra range needed for modern rock, funk, gospel, worship, R&B and heavier styles.
Two Fender-Designed Alnico single-coil pickups deliver the clarity, growl and definition you'd expect from a Jazz Bass, while independent pickup volumes let you quickly move between warmer neck tones, bridge-pickup bite or the full sound of both pickups together.
If you're moving into a five-string but still want the feel and character of a traditional Jazz Bass, this is a strong place to start.
The Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass V gets the important things right: the low B has good definition, the neck remains comfortable for a five-string, and the Fender-Designed Alnico pickups give you that familiar Jazz Bass combination of clarity, punch and bridge-pickup growl. Blend the two pickups, and you've got a broad, balanced sound; favour either pickup and you can quickly push it warmer or more aggressive.
We also like that Squier hasn't tried to make it unnecessarily modern. There are no active electronics or complicated controls—just two volumes and a tone control. That makes it an easy bass to navigate and a versatile choice for rock, funk, pop, worship, R&B and players simply wanting access to that extended lower register.
The details from the 1970s capture the essence of the era perfectly. The black binding, block inlays, tinted maple neck and black pickguard give it the look of a much more expensive instrument.
For someone wanting a genuine five-string workhorse without spending Fender money, this is an easy bass for us to recommend.
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