Squier adds four offset instruments to Contemporary Series
Three Jazz Basses and an active humbucking Jazzmaster join the fray.
From left to right: Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST, Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH, Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH V, and Contemporary Jazz Bass
Launched only a few months ago, Squier’s Contemporary Series has received another shot in the arm this Summer NAMM. Squier has added three new active instruments and another passive bass to the line-up: the Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST, Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH, Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH V and Contemporary Jazz Bass.
Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
This isn’t your period-correct Jazzmaster. In honor of the model’s 60th anniversary this year, Squier has transformed the surf and indie favorite into a sleek and powerful instrument.
This poplar-bodied Jazzmaster comes with a pair of active Squier SQR ceramic humbuckers that the brand claims “produce high-output, modern tone perfect for crunchy rhythms and soaring solos.” It also has a flatter 12-inch-radius laurel fingerboard, a slim “C”-shaped maple neck, black chrome hardware, and a matching headstock for that consummate ‘modern’ look.
The Contemporary Active Jazzmaster is available in two finishes: Surf Pearl and Graphite Metallic. It lists for $399.99.
Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH and Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH V
The first batch of Contemporary Series instruments, curiously, didn’t feature basses. Well, Squier’s gone ahead and fixed that with this run. And the Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH (four- and five-string versions) are emblematic of the range’s modish design.
Two active Squier SQR ceramic humbuckers—not your regular single-coils, mind you—make these J Basses suitable for today’s high-gain rock. The pickups “produce high-output, modern tone with punchy lows and clear highs,” according to Squier, and offer bass/treble boost EQ controls for even more tone-tweaking fun.
A slim “C”-shaped maple neck, 12-inch-radius maple fretboard, and an upgraded bridge that enhances resonance are the other contemporary features on these ash-bodied instruments.
Both J Basses are available in Flat White and Flat Black. The four-string J Bass lists for $399.99, while the five-string lists for $429.99.
Contemporary Jazz Bass
The Contemporary Jazz Bass is for those who don’t want to fiddle around with preamps and batteries. It’s everything you love about the J Bass, but with a few tweaks to its construction and features. Like the pickups.
Squier dropped in a pair of ceramic single-coils that have been voiced to crank out hot, punchy and articulate tones. Elsewhere, you’ll find similarly ‘modern’ appointments, which include: a 12-inch-radius Indian laurel fretboard, fast “C”-shaped maple neck, a matching headstock, and the upgraded bridge found on the active basses.
The Contemporary Jazz Bass is available in Ocean Blue Metallic and Dark Metallic Red, and lists for $349.99.
For more info, check out fender.com.
