Upgrading a Fender Squier Jazz Bass Standard?

[RadioMasterDude]

Well, I've been playing for a year, I just got a Fender Squier Jazz Bass Standard (in a candy apple red finish), and I was wondering how to make it a lot better (keeping that Fender sound).

I was thinking to replace the pickups with some Fender 60's Custom Shop Jazz Bass Pickups, or some Dimarzio Ultrajazzes. Any better options? By the way, I would like to have a nice slap tone (kind of like Marcus Miller's).

What kind of strings have a better tone than the Fender Super 7250MLs? I was thinking some DR fat beams, or just recommend me some other good ones.

Is it necessary to change the bridge?

Any other modifications needed?

Well, I just want to make my bass better, by the way, I can't spend too much money. (I'm just a 13 year old kid)

Thanks!

[Oric]

I got a MIM Jazz for my sixteenth birthday after playing for about a year, and I didn't do a thing to do it. I had no money and no idea what to do, I just thought basses were supposed to stay stock. The absolute best way to make your bass sound better is to learn to play it better. I obviously don't know your skill level, but if Victor Wooten picked up your bass (assuming the setup is good, and it works), he would sound like Victor Wooten. A stock J bass can get a great slap tone, slap is all about the setup and skill. The aforementioned MIM I have put a new bridge and pickups on, but that's after three years of playing it. My Squier fretless is bone stock, and I want it to stay that way.

Q: Is it necessary to change the bridge?
A: Is it broken? Then no. Wait until you know your bass inside and out before you change anything.

My advice: take it to get a setup, maybe $20 or $30, maybe new strings, and play it constantly.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

Well, I've been playing for a year, I just got a Fender Squier Jazz Bass Standard (in a candy apple red finish), and I was wondering how to make it a lot better (keeping that Fender sound).

A thorough setup of the bass will work wonders, and should be done before any mods to ensure you're not trying to fix something that isn't broke. If you are up for the challenge, you will find Fender's very own setup guide in the sticky thread at the top of the forum (about truss rods and action). No worry if you aren't up for it yet, a good music shop should be able to hook you up.

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

I was thinking to replace the pickups with some Fender 60's Custom Shop Jazz Bass Pickups, or some Dimarzio Ultrajazzes. Any better options? By the way, I would like to have a nice slap tone (kind of like Marcus Miller's).

First and foremost, you should search our very own Pickups forum for a wealth of info on your choices. I went with SD/Basslines Antiquity IIs, but my tone goal was not the same as yours. Also, once the instrument is setup you might find the stock pickups are fine.

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

What kind of strings have a better tone than the Fender Super 7250MLs? I was thinking some DR fat beams, or just recommend me some other good ones.

I would search our Strings forum for a whole 'nother wealth of info on the subject. My preference (I play J style basses too) is D'addario nickel XLs, but again, my tone goal is not the same as yours.

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

Is it necessary to change the bridge?

Nope. Some folks do choose to change it, but it is not mandatory.

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

Any other modifications needed?

Beyond a thorough setup, nope!

Originally Posted by RadioMasterDude

Well, I just want to make my bass better, by the way, I can't spend too much money. (I'm just a 13 year old kid)

Thanks!

A thorough setup takes care of the bass, then it's up to you to practice!