I'm turning my Squier VM J into a Hiway 1

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

So I love many many many things about my Squier VM J-bass but I have a few gripes about it that I'm looking to fix. The pickups are ok, but this is really more about playability...

Neck feels AWESOME but tends to get messed up too easy. I got it adjusted by a good tech and think that its doing fine (no dead spots). However I DO have some fret buzz on frets 1-5, I'm using DR light gauge (.045-.100) and everything on the bass is stock. I don't feel like scouring the internet for a Badass II bridge, so I might just get a Gotoh 201...which I've heard is just a drop-in on j-basses just like the Badass II. Would this be a fix for my fret buzz issues or should I think about replacing the neck as well?

Although I would like to have that squier logo gone, I'd also like to save myself about $200 by not having to get a neck to fix this issue. I'm also open to changing my strings if it will help as well without raising my action TOO much.

[BLDavis]

From what you describe you may have one or more un-even frets. if thats the case, no aftermarket bridge replacement wil cure it. Only leveling the frets will remedy this but you need to check a few things out before you do that.
A 24" straight edge will find high/low frets fairly easily.
Check the neck relief with the strings you intend to use and tuned to pitch. If you play with a heavy right hand you may just need more relief in the neck.
Good luck. B.

[kyral210]

Sell it and buy a Fender MIM, then upgrade it...