I recently took the scratchplate off my Squier Jazz ('89 Korean) and my parents moaned at me that the scratchplate is needed. Is it actually necessary for the bass? Or is it fine for the bass to be naked?

Do you play fingerstyle or with a pick? The scratchplate isn't needed as such, but if you're playing with a heavy pick attack, it'll prevent you digging a hole through your bass...

If you like the look of it without, go for it! Plenty of top end basses are made without a pickguard.

If you don't play with a pick, there's no need for it.

If you do use a pick - especially if you attack hard - you probably should have one.

However, IMO the right PG is an attractive addition to most basses. YMMV.

Ok, cool. Thanks. So it doesn't unduly expose any sort of circuitry? I can see one wire in the gap normally covered up by the plate.

I play fingerstyle, only rarely use a pick (and only then on the bridge), so I don't imagine i'll have to many gaping holes in the body :P