Do I need to upgrade?

[Ivs]

I bought a Squier Modified Vintage Jazz Bass Fretless last week. I've been playing for three months now, so I don't think I'll be able to spot a good bass from a bad one just yet (if you remove the brand name and price tag, heh).

I recorded a short riff using first the neck pickup, then bridge pickup, then both, with no effects: SVMFL_clean (0:29)

I was told at the shop that the first thing I'd want to upgrade are the pickups, and now I wonder: should I wait until my pickups don't satisfy me any more, or am I doing myself a favor if I upgrade asap?

[SGD Lutherie]

I would wait. At this point you don't know what you want yet.

[Rick Auricchio]

+1. You'll go through different phases of what tone you want. It takes experience and playing with others to reach a tone you like.

Once you know what you really want to hear, then you can investigate the appropriate equipment to get that tone.

[Mesmerize-16]

+2

Just because it's a Squier doesn't mean it needs upgrading. From what I've heard, some of the new Squiers (like yours) sound almost as good, if not better as the Mexican Fenders. Wait another couple months and see what you think then.

[Ivs]

Yeah, I haven't started on my quest for my Tone yet. I've been thinking; maybe not having *the* tone yet is a good thing, as I can have cheap taste in gear with no problems (aside from what cheap equipment might have from being... well... cheap).

[SGD Lutherie]

I'll also add, spend time playing without being plugged in. Then you can hear the tone of your hands. Get a good tone unplugged, and then your amplified tone will follow.

There are so many tones you can get just by plucking the strings in different ways, and in different locations. Try to learn where your sound is unplugged first. Then introduce the amplified tone and try to make that match what you want to hear.

Amps often color your tone so much that the pickups hardly matter. I like to use an amp that sounds like my bass, and not the amp.

[Ivs]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

I'll also add, spend time playing without being plugged in. Then you can hear the tone of your hands. Get a good tone unplugged, and then your amplified tone will follow.

There are so many tones you can get just by plucking the strings in different ways, and in different locations. Try to learn where your sound is unplugged first. Then introduce the amplified tone and try to make that match what you want to hear.

Amps often color your tone so much that the pickups hardly matter. I like to use an amp that sounds like my bass, and not the amp.

Hmm, I'm gonna give that a try. Ever since I bought the bass I've been up 'til at least 3am playing on it. I screwed on a thumb-rest between the neck and the neck pickup, and found out I really like how much variety that little piece of plastic added to my bass .

Since I spend most of my time playing in my room using an external soundcard, I haven't been looking for an amp yet. Your advice sounds great, now I also know a bit more about what to look for in an amp, too.

[JMDT]

Do you need to upgrade? No.

Would I upgrade? Absolutely.

Two areas on an inexpensive bass that usually are deficient are the hardware and the electronics.

Putting high quality pickups on an inexpensive bass will make it sound like a bass many time more expensive than the bass and the pickups cost.

If the bass has tuning issues, I would change the tuners first, otherwise I would solid pickups on.

[BassoP]

I wouldn't upgrade anything until you've been playing a while and know what you want. If you are happy enough with your sound now, no need to change.

If you are starting out, I'd save the money you would spend on upgrades and put it towards amplification if you plan on playing with anyone. I find many beginners really underestimate their amplifier needs.

Nice playing in the clip, BTW. You've come a long way in 3 mos.

[Ivs]

Originally Posted by BassoP

I wouldn't upgrade anything until you've been playing a while and know what you want. If you are happy enough with your sound now, no need to change.

If you are starting out, I'd save the money you would spend on upgrades and put it towards amplification if you plan on playing with anyone. I find many beginners really underestimate their amplifier needs.

Nice playing in the clip, BTW. You've come a long way in 3 mos.

Thanks. BassoP .

I'm also wondering about these pickups, are they Duncan Designed? It says so on the pickups, but at the shop I bought the bass, they told me that they really aren't, Squier are just allowed to put the "Duncan Designed" label on the pickups to fully resemble a vintage bass.

Was he trying to talk me into buying new pickups? Either way, I'm happy with what I have right now, but I'm just curious.

[SteveC]

I'm in the same boat. I am debating Bartolini's for mine. They are hum canceling and I have had them in every bass I've liked - including my current fretted - so once I get time and a little cash I'll probably do it. It isn't bad the way it is, but I think Barts would make it better. There's something about the Duncan's that just sounds a little "harsh" to me.

[Honk'n_down-low]

Just play the Bass - I have the same Bass and I have a vintage Jazz - play it as it and you will know when you need something else or want to replace it - they are very decent sounding basses stock - of course they want to sell you pickups - that is the business they are in.