If you’re into vintage-style basses, you’ve probably heard of JV Squier basses—instruments that started as budget-friendly alternatives in the early 1980s but are now highly sought after by collectors and players alike. Despite the Squier name, these basses were built to American Fender standards, with exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and vintage-accurate specs. Today, they’re considered some of the best Fender-style basses of the era.
What's good about JV Squier Basses?
The JV (Japanese Vintage) Squier series was introduced in 1982 as Fender’s response to the booming Japanese copy market. At the time, Japanese brands like Tokai and Greco were making incredibly accurate Fender replicas at competitive prices. To counter this, Fender partnered with FujiGen Gakki to produce high-quality vintage reissues under the Fender Japan brand.
This move wasn’t just about cost-cutting—it was a way to ensure that Fender had a strong presence in Japan while also delivering well-built, affordable instruments that could compete with the rising wave of Japanese-made Fender copies. The result? Some of the best-crafted Fender-style basses of the era, often using premium Alder and Ash bodies, U.S.-made pickups, and vintage-accurate specs.
Variations of the JV Squier Basses
There were several Precision and Jazz Bass models under the JV series, all based on classic Fender designs.
Precision Bass Variations:
• PB-57 – A ‘50s-style Precision Bass, featuring a one-piece maple neck, single-ply pickguard, and ‘50s-style split-coil pickup.
• PB-62 – A ‘60s-style Precision Bass, featuring a rosewood fretboard, tortoiseshell pickguard, and ‘60s-voiced pickups.
Jazz Bass Variations:
• JB-62 – A ‘60s-style Jazz Bass, featuring a rosewood board, vintage-style tuners, and available in a range of finishes.
Each model was designed to faithfully recreate vintage Fender basses, and many players today still swear by their feel and tone.
The 1982 JV Squier Basses with the Fender Logo
The earliest JV Squier basses from 1982 originally featured a large “Fender” logo on the headstock, with a smaller “Squier Series” decal. These were high-quality vintage reissues designed to offer an affordable alternative to American-made Fender instruments while still carrying the Fender name.
However, Fender quickly realized that these Japanese-made instruments were exceptionally well-built and, at a much lower price, were competing with their own U.S. production models. To resolve this, they removed the large Fender logo and introduced a prominent “Squier” logo instead, with a smaller “by Fender” underneath. This move helped Fender establish Squier as its official entry-level brand, making it clear that these basses were distinct from their American-made counterparts.
Today, early 1982 Fender-logo JV basses are some of the rarest and most valuable models, often commanding significantly higher prices on the used market.
How Much Do They Cost Now?
When they were first released in 1982, JV Squier basses were considered affordable alternatives to American Fenders. They typically sold for around £150-£200 brand new—a steal for an instrument of that quality.
Today, things have changed dramatically. A well-kept JV Squier Precision or Jazz Bass can easily fetch £1,200-£1800, with rare Fender-logo versions going for even more.
Want to Learn More? Check Out 21frets.com
If you’re looking for more information on JV Squier basses, the best resource is www.21frets.com. This website is dedicated to the history, variations, and details of JV Squier and Fender Japan instruments. Whether you’re looking to buy one, identify a model, or just geek out over the history, 21frets.com is the ultimate place to explore the world of JV Squier basses.