Matt R. wrote:
They don't offer Classic Vibes in lefty. I've held (but not plugged in) a couple VMs. Felt pretty good but it was in a music store, so they weren't set up worth a shit. Fit and finish was great. Hardware was super cheap. My assessment without actually gigging one is that a VM bass would make a great platform for upgrades or mods.
Fender had 2 Squire VM Js at NAMM this year - the natural finish and sunburst. In other words, the same basses we've been seeing from them for 3 years now. I bought the natural VM J from one of our forum members here, and I have to say it kills for the money. But it's still annoying that Fender can't bother bringing at least one of the new finish AM Stds to NAMM. I did get to see the new finishes, and they have the same sparkle flakes in them that Rick's putting in the 4003s now too. Very similar finishes.
BTW, Fender did had a lefty Classic Vibe Butterscotch Tele on hand, and I was VERY impressed. With the exception of the neck profile (and pine body), it looked and sounded very close to my '52 RI.