hopping up old squier p bass

dirtdobber113 · #1 05-04-2011, 04:38 PM

Hey guys and gals, I bought a new squier precision bass a few weeks ago, and I am going to redo my old squier. Its a 20th anniversary so I'm gonna keep it around play still feels good just sound isn't as sweet as could be. I just bought a new set of SD bassline quarter pounders, and plan on picking up new dimarzio pots and EB input jack. Should I replace the saddles I've heard the squier stock ones are crap. Does anyone have the full contact bridge on thiers. Looks good just wondering. Thanks

SurferJoe46 · #2 05-04-2011, 10:11 PM

Opinions are like - well, you know.

My Squier P had the E/A p'up slowly die and cease making sounds so I put some Peavey something-or-others in it and they are really nice, fat, round and full or the familiar P-harmonics that I like.

The pots are original - and mine is a 1998-9 series Squier, so there's really nothing to be gained by just yanking them out for new unless you fear a disaster and the knobs might fall off (they don't).

I feel HM bridges are like rectums - some stink - some not as much - but a HM isn't gonna do anything positive for you unless yours (the bridge, not your rectum) is broken I feel personally.

There's nothing inherently wrong in the Fender-style bridge - some people just like the looks of a HM and some people think it's magic and that it helps them play better.

If you're just froggy and want to start ripping things that are prolly good, OUT - I'd do one change at a time and see how that works for ya.

You can unscrew a light bulb - but you can't unscrew a bass.

Oh yeah - I replaced my jack, but it didn't need it - I just did it since it was supposed to be junk when it was just fine and I was wrong (first time that year too!).

dirtdobber113 · #3 05-05-2011, 02:23 AM

thanks i really dont want to change the bridge, just thought i saw someone on here talking down the squier grade bridges. i think it looks great. thanks for the help.

BillyIVbass · #4 05-05-2011, 03:26 AM

I suggest pots/jack/cap/wire as the first upgrade to a cheap instrument. If it plays nice and sustains some quality electronics get it in the ballpark of a high dollar instrument. Also looks like you already paid for nice pickups, cheap pots isn't worth it.

If it intonates well and you are cool with the current action, I see no need to change the bridge. I prefer the classic threaded saddles though over the cheaper ones.

bstringrandy · #5 05-05-2011, 04:36 AM

On my 2002 Squier P-bass pawn shop find, the only problem I had was a scratchy volume pot.

I dropped $15 for a kit with CTS solid-shaft pots, Switchcraft jack, orange drop cap, and wire, $9 for new knobs and 30 minutes of work and I was in business!

AntAir267 · #6 05-05-2011, 07:18 AM

In the process of upgrading my Squier P. Switching to SD Quarter Pounders, bought new pots, a .047 Orange Drop Cap, and a Squier J neck. (I switched out the jack after I got the bass because the jack was dead.)

EDIT: I also switched out the saddles, the originals were sharp and were prematurely breaking strings. Actual bridge is just perfectly fine.

C.Linton · #7 05-05-2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtdobber113

thanks i really dont want to change the bridge, just thought i saw someone on here talking down the squier grade bridges. i think it looks great. thanks for the help.

You probably did. There are some people that talk down Squier's hardware saying it's crap, and IMO, (and in my admittedly limited experience - two Squier VM's) that's a lot of hogwash. The hardware (bridge, tuners) are perfectly fine, and the only reason I would ever swap them out is IF they broke.

dirtdobber113 · #8 05-05-2011, 05:38 PM

Thanks everyone, I will probably replace all the electronics for now. I don't want to mess up how it feels. I don't think of squirts being cheap, affordable and I can keep my bills paid and still have a great instrument. Thanks again.

The capacitor (orange drop) you guys referred to do music shops have them or will radio shack know What I'm talking about.

bstringrandy · #9 05-06-2011, 05:25 AM

Dirtdobber,

My suggestion would be to go to a site like basspartsresource or stewmac and get a P-Bass wiring kit. It will have pots, cap, jack, and wire. They're all around $15.

I got the one with CTS pots, .047mf Orange Drop cap, wire, and Switchcraft jack from basspartsresource.

dirtdobber113 · #10 05-07-2011, 02:00 AM

thanks bstring,
i just ordered a stewmac catalog, the guitar center close to me doesnt have any pots(???) i will enjoy the kit alot more instead of going to five different stores to build one. thanks.