Squier Affinity J vs. Dean Hillsboro J ?
 

I thought this would be a good topic for debate and also because I am debating which one I should go for myself.

I plan on using them as a modding platform whichever bass I get.

If I get a Squier it will be a red one. Pearl pickguard. Lipstick pickups. P style bridge cover. Possibly a maple short scale neck off of a Bronco or Mustang, if I can find one.

The Hillsboro J already has alot features I like. The maple fretboard and pearl guard. I would get the trans blue. Do lipstick pickups and a P bridge cover and call it a day pretty much. Might change out the pots as I hear the stockers are low quality. May also go with a more Fender style tuner.

Basically going for a vintage-ish cosmetic look and something unique. The lipstick pickups are something really cool and will heat up either basses tone. I am a Squier head anyways but am really leaning towards the Dean on this one as it require less mods and has a unique look on its own. And its only about $20 more.

Keep in mind, if you install a short scale neck, you will have to move the bridge, moving it closer to the bridge pickup, which would alter the sound, and generally be a PITA.

Thanks C.Linton. I didnt know I had to do that. Another hit to the Squier.

Not trying to be a smart a$$ here, but why would moving the bridge be necessary?

The bridge is set up for a 34 inch scale neck. Getting a shorter or longer scale neck will require the bridge to be moved for proper intonation.

If you want to end up with a cool short scale, I personally would use a short scale platform as a modding foundation. That way you avoid the bridge placement problems etc.
You could always start off with a Bronco and then do your styling and pickup mods. Or perhaps a Jag SS. Either could be given a really cool vintage vibe. Another option would be the SX short scale jazz bass.
With any of those basic platforms you can save a ton of money on neck mods etc. and put that dough into pickup and cosmetic mods. Heck you could probably mod two short scales and get your end result for the same price as shortening a 34" scale bass.

I have nothing against a Squier but if you ask me the best Dean Hillsboro Bass out there is the Eric Bass Signature. Quality instrument at a very affordable price. I don't even know if it exceeds $400.

If you're looking for a nice shortscale, you may want to look into a Squier Jaguar SS, from all reports, a decent enough bass for only about 170 bucks new.

The hillsboro jr 30" scale might be cool to mod although it has a single p bass, p.u. no pickgaurd.I bought a j from a guy in fla that has his shop near the dean factory if i remember right.He went over and got a factory 2nd trans black for me at a great price.Look that guy up and contact him he may be able to get you a deal on one.

Hey MakoMan, my intentions werent to build a short scale. Its really a maple fretboard thing. I thought going short while I was at it would be cool too. Figured I could get that with a Bronco or Mustang. But I am not gonna hassle with bridge changes or hunting sown a short neck. Besides, I already own a Jag SS. :D

Mattattack, do you know how the quality of the non sig Hillsboro compares? I dont doubt that the Eric bass is a cool bass. But its not really what I am after. Im looking for a J platform.

Here's MaxProud's review. I love this guys YouTube channel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQ7hSs6l2M

Hey good call. Im subscribed to him already! That guy is great when it comes to budget basses. I think he has every under 300 bass ever made. :D