Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass Modifications

[angelo505]

Hopefully I'm posting this in the right place... I just got a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with the intent of overhauling it rather seriously. Here's what I'm thinking: EMG JVX pickups, Hipshot B-style bridge (brass most likely), Hipshot HB7 tuning machines (I might actually go for the ultralites, we'll have to see), various aesthetic changes (pickup cover, new knobs), eventually a new neck, though I haven't put much thought into that yet. Any thoughts? Input? Suggestions? Warnings? Thanks a bunch!

[PatQ]

Since those Vintage Modified Squiers aren't bad instruments, let's start with a simple question: Why? Just for the fun of modding it or do you want to achieve a different sound? If yes, what are you looking for?

[96tbird]

I just put HB1's on my Jazz. IMO they are a better match to the stock tuners, The coffin shape of the base plates is a vintage look. I will never understand why Fender went with the ugly HB7 shape on their MIM's etc. https://store.hipshotproducts.com/se...oducts/143.jpg

I have no idea why the neck would be necessary??

Oh and you can post your results here: Squier "Perfect Fit Replacement Parts" Mega thread

[angelo505]

@patq: my reason for modifying is a little bit of both. I picked the bass because it is a good sounding instrument at a great price, that is completely playable as is, and (I think) is a good starting place for modifying. I'm hoping to achieve a tone that's versatile enough to go from the thunderous almost slurred tone of my Carvin fretless, to a bright percussive tone (think Marcus miller) with a simple turn of a knob. I know that's a pretty big gap, but I'm really looking forward to exploring the possibilities, and learning more about my new bass and how different mods affect the tone, playability, etc.

@tbird: Thanks for the tuner insight. There's nothing wrong with the neck right now, it's just something I'd like to investigate in the future for improved playability and tone. In fact, I'm quite fond of the neck I've got. It sounds great for slapping, no buzz at all, and the black block fret markers look killer!

[C.Linton]

IMO, I really can't see getting much of an improvement of any sort with all those mods. I really don't feel they are necessary, the bass is perfectly fine as is. The only mods i've made have been purely cosmetic, i.e.more authentic black Jazz type knobs, thumb rest, covers.
YMMV with this kind of thing , of course.

[Stilettoprefer]

i love the necks the come on the VM series. i actually bought one that someone took off of their VM P body for my P project. and the tuners are standard fender size.

[96tbird]

I changed tuners to black for cosmetic reasons. The only reason I went Hipshot is... why not drop a ton on them? LOL

I really love the gear ratio tho' precise.

[cedriccjmusic]

I'm currently modding my Fender Squier Vintage Modified 77' Jazz Bass. Here's a picture of the original bass:


Here's what I've done thus far:


Current Mods:

1. Gotoh Chrome Bridge (Black)
2. Creative Cuts Geddy Lee Black Inlays
3. Warmoth Vintage Round Retainer for Bass (Black)
4. Hipshot HB1 Tuners (*Note that these tuners are not drop-in replacements. As a matter of fact, after conducting pretty thorough research, I've concluded that for the Squier Vintage Modified basses, there are no tuners that will "drop in." However, the Hipshot HB1s are the best option available. Their footprint was perfect for my Squier VM 77'.)

Future mods will include Seymour Duncan STK-J2s (which will drop-in), and a custom pickguard.

[Metania]

Originally Posted by angelo505

Hopefully I'm posting this in the right place... I just got a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with the intent of overhauling it rather seriously. Here's what I'm thinking: EMG JVX pickups, Hipshot B-style bridge (brass most likely), Hipshot HB7 tuning machines (I might actually go for the ultralites, we'll have to see), various aesthetic changes (pickup cover, new knobs), eventually a new neck, though I haven't put much thought into that yet. Any thoughts? Input? Suggestions? Warnings? Thanks a bunch!

I may be wrong but it seems to me that you bought the wrong bass,If you're only keeping the body? I'd recommend you scrap that too and get for example an All Parts or similar. Then you'll have your absoltely own custom build Jazzie

[angelo505]

UPDATE: Just finished my mods.

Got the Hipshot HB7 tuners; they're WAY better than the stock tuners. The gear ratio is nice and tight, and they actually stay in tune through a whole gig!

Got the Hipshot B-Style aluminum bridge . Lows seem a bit more throaty and the mids and highs are clear and defined. Plus it looks much cooler than the stock bridge.

Got the EMG JVX pickups. Absolutely amazing. Wired them 18v. Can't even compare them to the stock pickups (which I grew to like; might put them in a different bass). They're simply incredible beyond description.

Aesthetic upgrades include: chrome neck pickup cover, Hipshot chrome 2-string retainer, and a thumbrest. Ordered some new knobs from qparts.com, but they haven't come in yet (black acrylic domes with chrome trim, check em out).

[76sagi]

Looks Great! Has that 70's funk/rock vibe.
I am extremely impressed by some of the low end instruments available now... the Squires and Epiphones have really taken an upswing in quality. These types of upgrades are fun and can rival the some of the models put out by the big boys. Great mods, man.

[Gord_oh]

Tricked Out Squier Club Part 2