If you’re wondering if Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is a good 5-string bass or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right part of the Internet! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that unique and affordable model. Surely, it’s a really popular 5-string bass, but is it actually worth it?
The truth is that Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is a great sounding, reliable and versatile 5-string bass guitar. It certainly looks, feels and souls like a much more expensive guitar. It’s definitely worth the money!
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this Squier Jazz Bass so good and so popular among the musicians all around the world. Firstly, we’ll have a look at the detailed specifications of that model. Additionally, we’ll investigate the main pros and cons of that bass. Hopefully, this guide will help you figure out if this bass is the right fit for you!
Specs & Pricing
Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is a mid-level 5-string bass guitar that exceeds all the expectations. This is actually one of the most versatile and most interesting basses that are currently manufactured by Squier!
What makes it so cool? Well, it features a solid ash body, a comfortable Slim C-shaped maple neck and maple fretboard which guarantees a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. There’s also a modern bridge which significantly improves the sustain and tuning stability of that bass.
The manufacturer also equipped this model with active SQR ceramic humbuckers. These pickups offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. It’s really amazing that such an affordable guitar can sound better than a lot of other way more expensive 5-string basses made by other brands.
It is also worth mentioning that this Jazz Bass looks fantastic from the outside too. There’s something really unique about that black hardware and black headstock. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best looking basses made by Squier!
When it comes to pricing, it’s not the cheapest Squier bass out there, but it’s definitely not that expensive. It’s way cheaper than any 5-string bass with a Fender logo on the headstock, so it seems to be a great value for the money.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is suitable for both amateur and more intermediate bass players. No matter how advanced you are on the bass, you will definitely appreciate the uniqueness of that instrument. However, most of the time it’s used by more skilled bassists.
Just like any other Jazz Bass guitar manufactured by Squier and Fender, this is a really versatile instrument. Squier equipped this model with a pair of really good humbuckers which sound great in all styles of music. Whether you’re into metal, rock, blues, jazz or indie, this guitar won’t let you down!
It is also worth mentioning that in comparison with other 5-string basses made by other guitar brands, this model really stands out. Finding a better bass of this type won’t be that easy, especially at this price level!
Overall, this Jazz Bass is an absolutely fantastic 5-string bass guitar. There’s not much to complain about, so it’s definitely worth every cent. It will work amazingly during live gigs and studio sessions and it’s not that expensive. Who needs anything else?
Here’s an another sound demo.
Pros & Cons of Squier Contemporary Active J Bass
Although the Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is generally a fantastic 5-string bass guitar, it’s still not a high-end model. That being said, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Don’t worry though – the cons of that bass aren’t that serious anyway!
Pros
- Great Tone
- Affordable Price
- High Versatility
- Comfortable Neck
- Amazing Pickups
Cons
- Usually Comes Without A Gig Bag
- It’s Pretty Heavy
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as an advantages of that guitar. This guitar looks, sounds and feels great. In addition, it’s not overly expensive and its equipped with high quality humbuckers. Who needs anything else?
On the other hand, this bass usually comes without a gig bag, so you’ll have to get it separately. It’s not a big issue, but if you’re planning on traveling or commuting with that guitar, it can be really annoying. Also, it’s a pretty heavy guitar, so you’ll have to get used to the fact that it’s not lightweight!
Still, I’m positive that the advantages of that bass outweigh the disadvantages of that model. As I mentioned before, it won’t be that easy to find a better 5-string bass at this price level. Especially if you’re into metal!
What About Other Squier Basses?
For those who aren’t aware, this is not the only bass guitar from the Contemporary Active Series. There’s a few other great models too which also deserve a lot of attention.
I highly encourage you to check out the official Fender video below to check out all of the basses from this series. Especially if you’re not sure which one of these basses is the right fit for you!
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of the Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V or you simply have a feeling that it’s not the right fit for you, that’s not a problem! There’s still a lot of other really good bass guitars that also deserve a lot of recognition. Of course, it all depends on your own personal preferences and most importantly, your budget.
Here’s a few other bass guitars that are also worth checking out.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to consider getting the Yamaha TRBX305 5-String Bass. In my opinion, this is one of the best 5-string basses available on the market right now. It’s not overly expensive and it sounds and looks absolutely amazing. Surely, it’s a great alternative option for those who don’t want to get the Squier from today’s article.
Alternatively, you can also check out the ESP LTD B-206SM. This is a 6-string bass, so it’s a bit different than the Jazz Bass V HH. It’s an extremely versatile instrument and it’s really well made, so it’s perfect for intermediate bassists. I’m positive that this is one of the coolest basses of this type that are currently available on the market.
If you’re on a very tight budget and you’re searching for a cheap bass for home practice, perhaps choosing the Dean Custom Zone Bass will be the best option for you. It’s a really affordable and great sounding bass suitable for both amateurs and more advanced players. On top of that, it looks like a bass out of this world! Surely, a lot of you are going to love it.
FAQ
Where is Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH made?
Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is manufactured in China.
Are 5-string basses good for beginners?
5-string basses aren’t recommended for beginners – if you’re just starting out, a 4-string bass will be a better choice. However, it’s not impossible so it’s all up to you!
Are 5-string basses good for metal?
Yes, 5-string bass guitars are particularly good for metal genres. They’re great for drop tunings, so they’re really good for all styles of heavier music.
Where can I find out more about Squier guitars?
If you want to learn more about Squier guitars, go visit the official website of Fender – they’re the ones who own the whole Squier brand.
Summary
As you can see, Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH is an absolutely amazing 5-string bass guitar. Considering how good it sounds and how inexpensive it is, it’s definitely worth checking out. It may not be the best guitar in the world, but it’s definitely one of the best basses of this type at this price level.
What do you think of that Squier bass? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review at Bass Punch, hopefully it was helpful! If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
- Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass ’54 – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- ESP LTD B-206SM – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
Bass Punch
Bass Punch is curated by a group of passionate guitarists and bassists, offering a wealth of informational content. This collective of experts shares their insights, techniques, and knowledge with readers, aiming to educate and inspire enthusiasts across all levels of proficiency. The blog serves as a hub for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bass and guitar, providing valuable resources and guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.