Upgrades for my Squier VM Jazz BAss ?

kilum · #1 07-14-2009, 12:03 PM

Hey guys, after 2 years, i finally decided to do an upgrade to my squier VM jbass.

Any thoughts? recommendations?
I was thinking in upgrading the bridge, but there is so many on the market. BAII, Hipshot "A" , Gotoh 201.

I am looking clear and sustained sound.

Pickups: I like the duncan designed, but after playing a Fender MIA american standard, WOW i could tell the difference. Is is worth to be upgrading the pickups on this bass?

Thanks ...

kilum · #2 07-14-2009, 02:35 PM

bump =)

JLS · #3 07-14-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilum

Hey guys, after 2 years, i finally decided to do an upgrade to my squier VM jbass.

Any thoughts? recommendations?
I was thinking in upgrading the bridge, but there is so many on the market. BAII, Hipshot "A" , Gotoh 201.

I am looking clear and sustained sound.

Pickups: I like the duncan designed, but after playing a Fender MIA american standard, WOW i could tell the difference. Is is worth to be upgrading the pickups on this bass?

Thanks ...

I think you would be better served, by upgrading to a better bass.

black lake · #4 07-14-2009, 11:04 PM

The best bang for the buck mod I did on mine was copper shielding. The Gotoh 201 works fine and increases the sustain a bit. Careful with modding, before you know it you at at the price of a whole new bass. That being said, the mods I did with my VM has yielded a very fine sounding and playing bass.

secretface · #5 07-15-2009, 12:45 AM

My VM P-Bass sounded killer after I upgraded the pickups. I think a pickup change would be the best place to start.

kilum · #6 07-15-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black lake

The best bang for the buck mod I did on mine was copper shielding. The Gotoh 201 works fine and increases the sustain a bit. Careful with modding, before you know it you at at the price of a whole new bass. That being said, the mods I did with my VM has yielded a very fine sounding and playing bass.

So If i copper shield the bass it will improve in sounding ?
I just want the best bang for the buck to improve the VM.

dont get me wrong, it sounds great for what it is .
just need more sustain and clarity.
so .. copper shield and bridge?

btw what does copper shield do? sorry for the noob question.

also the pickups?

kilum · #7 07-15-2009, 05:53 PM

J. Crawford · #8 07-15-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

I think you would be better served, by upgrading to a better bass.

Why? Squiers are fine instruments.

Hipshot Vintage style bridge, or BAII
Fender CS 60's pups
Flatwounds
Gotoh or Schaller tuners
Straploks

But... whats your current amp?

praisegig · #9 07-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Everything is still fine on mine, but I changed the pups to '62 RI and now it has such a great sound, it makes it a pleasure to play. Also using Chromes Flats, with stock tuners and bridge. It is one of my main basses now. JMHO

kilum · #10 07-15-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

Why? Squiers are fine instruments.

Hipshot Vintage style bridge, or BAII
Fender CS 60's pups
Flatwounds
Gotoh or Schaller tuners
Straploks

But... whats your current amp?

does tuners affect in something?
i am using ampeg BA115.

J. Crawford · #11 07-15-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilum

does tuners affect in something?
i am using ampeg BA115.

They arent needed, but they are known to increase sustain, and help keep your bass in tune for longer, and more accurately.

And copper shielding simply helps stop hum and buzz from your bass.

Sharko · #12 07-15-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

I think you would be better served, by upgrading to a better bass.

I think you would be better served by putting that comma somewhere else.

daveo119 · #13 07-16-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharko

I think you would be better served by putting that comma somewhere else.

Shut, up. H'es Trying to, Look smart.

Bassamatic · #14 07-16-2009, 08:46 AM

Find some better pickups used here or on eBay. I would leave the rest alone.

kilum · #15 07-16-2009, 09:18 AM

Thanks guys, appreciated the help.

I thought the Duncan Designed were good.
But almost everyone is recommending to change the pickups.

daveo119 · #16 07-16-2009, 10:26 AM

The Duncan Designed are by no means bad. However they do not stack up to aftermarket pickups, as you would expect considering youre paying extra.

basswave · #17 07-16-2009, 10:35 AM

I have to say that these are fine basses, seriously a new bridge, pickups and good setup will make it feel like a completely new bass.

kilum · #18 07-16-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basswave

I have to say that these are fine basses, seriously a new bridge, pickups and good setup will make it feel like a completely new bass.

Yeah, I bought it back in the days for $250 brand new and for the price no other bass can compete.
Dont get me wrong, it sounds amazing, but whenever I go to GC or Samash and play a American Standard JB (cant afford it).. my duncan sounds crap =(

wich pu's do u guys recommend ?

tomersg · #19 07-16-2009, 11:27 AM

how the weight of the squire jazz vm?
and how is the neck and the fret job? i consider get myself one.

JLS · #20 07-16-2009, 11:35 AM

I've seen enough Squier necks, especially Jazz necks, go south, to have drawn my own conclusions about their reliability. But, feel free to spend your money in whatever ways you want.