Modified Squier Vintage Modified? Why not?!

[Mofo-Kang]

I got one of these a couple of weeks ago thinking I might do a Darkstar project with it. Like others have mentioned, I was impressed with the quality of the bass for the price paid (under $200).

One thing I didn't like about it, though, was the stock bridge. It's supposed to be like one of the older telebass bridges, with two saddles for the 4 strings--you can't independently intonate each string. The saddles themselves are heavy brass and not bad, but the rest of the bridge is also just a bent steel plate. Don't like it.

So, I replaced it with a heavy bridge, and to try to compensate a bit for the change in appearance, I added a P-bass bridge cover. I realized that changing the strings would be a pain without removing the cover--and removing the cover a few times would strip out the screw holes pretty quickly. Solution? A couple of threaded inserts and some short screws holding the cover on.

Some pics:

[Mofo-Kang]

I was thinking of doing another pickguard, too, but I'm not sure what would work--clear would be nice because the sunburst finish looks quite good...except the pickup wire routing and control cavity would be showing, and those do NOT look quite good.

Maybe a tort pickguard? I'll hold off on that til I order the Darkstar and maybe a 2-band preamp for it.

I kind of like how it turned out...not bad for about 25 minutes' work.

[Mofo-Kang]

wow, 90 views and not one comment? I know it's not exactly a masterpiece, but I thought the threaded inserts were a nice touch.

[Herrlster]

They are a nice touch, very good idea too. Do you have to route or cover up the hole when you put the Darkstar in or is it the same size as the stock pickup?

[Mofo-Kang]

Originally Posted by Herrlster

They are a nice touch, very good idea too. Do you have to route or cover up the hole when you put the Darkstar in or is it the same size as the stock pickup?

Looking at some other threads by people who have done it, it sounds like the Darkstar will go in with no routing needed, but the pickguard needs to be trimmed a little.

[Rhomco]

I did a few mods to mine. Full Jazz Harness, Jazz Pickup, Mass Bridge and lastly a Rosewoodboard Jazz neck cut down to the Tele headstock. I really like it.
Rob

[Oric]

Originally Posted by Mofo-Kang

I realized that changing the strings would be a pain without removing the cover--and removing the cover a few times would strip out the screw holes pretty quickly.

Does this happen a lot? I'm thinking about a bridge cover for my MIM Jazz, and if that's a problem, I'll do what you did.

[daveman50]

Originally Posted by Mofo-Kang

Looking at some other threads by people who have done it, it sounds like the Darkstar will go in with no routing needed, but the pickguard needs to be trimmed a little.

That's correct. The best way to do it is to mount the pickup directly on the body. Here's my old post on this mod:

Dark Star - Squier "Vintage Modified Precision Bass TB"

[sevenyearsdown]

Cool mods everyone.

I just ordered a classis tele bridge cover, and a thumb rest for mine. They should arrive shortly. I had a new nut installed on mine as well. IMO - the plastic ones one the Squiers are just plain garbage.

When I get mine done - pics will follow.

BTW - I saw someone put a white PG (might have been perloid) on one of these and it looked pretty good.

[Mofo-Kang]

Originally Posted by Oric

Does this happen a lot? I'm thinking about a bridge cover for my MIM Jazz, and if that's a problem, I'll do what you did.

The sort of bridge cover I got has to be removed if your bridge is a top-loading one. If you string through the body, it might be easier to remove it, but probably isn't 100% necessary. If I'm not mistaken, MIM Jazz Basses aren't strung through the body, so if you use that kind of bridge cover, the inserts are a good idea.

[Honk'n_down-low]

Originally Posted by Rhomco

I did a few mods to mine. Full Jazz Harness, Jazz Pickup, Mass Bridge and lastly a Rosewoodboard Jazz neck cut down to the Tele headstock. I really like it.
Rob

HOT BASS!!!!

[Mofo-Kang]

Originally Posted by Rhomco

I did a few mods to mine. Full Jazz Harness, Jazz Pickup, Mass Bridge and lastly a Rosewoodboard Jazz neck cut down to the Tele headstock. I really like it.

Yeah, that looks great. I bet the combination of that big, bass-y original pickup with the bridge jazz pickup makes it well-balanced sounding, too.

[sevenyearsdown]

I posted these in another thread, but here goes. I know, the thumb rest is on the wrong side, but I actually use it as an anchor.....which is why it is where it is.

[GODSBASSMAN]

How would it be to mount a 5 string neck on one of these beautiful 4 stringers?
I know a new bridge would be needed and a pickup. I like the idea of the at the neck location tone.

[LCW]

I got one of these for 150$. I was dumb and someone offered me 200$ for it, knowing i wa sgetting a 50$ profit i sold it.

Whats 50$ ? i should have kept it.