Found a MIM Squier Series Jazz Bass, Need Help

[72LML]

I need a little help/advise with a new project that I just picked up. Last night I traded a beat up ESP/LTD guitar (It was a $200 guitar new, that I bought used for $55) for what I thought was a Squier Jazz Bass. I take quick look and tell the kid that works for me, swap guitars and rush off to band practice. Get home late last night and take another look at the bass and the headstock says Fender in large letters, Made in Mexico, but has the small script “Squier Series” at the top of the headstock with a Mexican serial number. So I’m a little more excited about it. My understanding is that these are better quality than the new Squier bass guitars out there.

So not to my surprise this thing needs a little work (the action was around 3/8” – 7/16” high). Some of the pick guard screws are staring to rust. Just about every screw that holds the tuners to the headstock has stripped in the wood and even a few are missing. The bridge pickup is missing one of the bolts that sets the height. Last, the intonation screw and spring for the one of the bridge saddles had been replaced at some point with the wrong screw and a heavy-duty spring.

Can somebody point me to a website where I can find the hardware to buy? I have a feeling that most Fender retailers don’t carry replacement hardware, but maybe they do. Since the bridge is already messed up with the wrong screw and spring, any suggestions on a decent but reasonably priced upgrade that would bolt on without too many modifications? Any suggestions on upgrading the electronics with going crazy? Are the pots a good idea to upgrade? Can I replace the 1piece pick guard with a 3ply, 2 piece?

I’ll post some pictures tonight when I get home from work.

Thanks for the help.

[202dy]

Actually, your local B&M should always be the first place you look. They should have a supply of small screws in the right finishes and sizes.

Failing that, Stewart-MacDonald and All-Parts are good resources. While you're at it, pick up a copy of Guitar Player Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine. Most of the things you want to do are covered in this text.

Yes, you can replace a single ply with a multiple ply pickguard.

[selowitch]

Nice find! BTW, in case it wasn't clear, "B&M" means "brick-and-mortar" = a physical store as opposed to one that is virtual/online.

[BigOldHarry]

if you decide to buy new p'ups / bridge - BestBassGear.com is the place.

[John Wentzien]

This might help you.
http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/middle_bass.htm

[Pilgrim]

Wouldn't it be nice if Fender had named "Squier" with the conventional spelling?? But NO! It would have made life easier for so many of us.

You can probably get screws from a GC or other music store, and bridge set-screws from an ACE hardware. You probably don't need to replace the bridge...but if you want to, go ahead and have fun!