Bass project question

[Wallygatorbass]

Hi there,

As a newbie I post this for some experienced advice.

I was thinking of picking up a used "beater, project". A bass that I will take apart, refinnish, and maybe upgrade some or all the components.

Not wanting to spend much (in case I botch the whole thing) I was wondering that since I will probably replace the pups and pots, is there any real benefit to look for a name brand bass (I see lots of squires) or should I look more towards one of the no name cheaper copies that I see out there?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Christov]

The only issue I see is 'some' cheap copies use pickups that are 'not' standard size, so there may need to be some routing of the body for new pickup placement. Have fun.

 

[plangentmusic]

The Squier bodies and necks are exactly the same as the Fenders. The parts and pu's aren't bad at all, but if you want to just use the wood and customize the electronics and tuners, then you pretty much will have a customized bass.

 

[Big_Daddy]

I'd say probably a Squire. I've always found Squire's to be comfortable to play, and relatively easy to 'mod'.

 

[billiam5billion]

If you're just looking for the modding experience, like you want to tinker and learn about modification, then get the cheapest thing you can get, like an SX or a Squier Affinity. They both have perfectly good necks and bodies, and electronics are direct Fender swaps. If you're not going Fender, I don't know what to tell you. I'm a Fender guy.

 

[K-Frog]

I would steer clear of something "Less" than a Squier, SX, Jay Turser, etc.
Any thing lesser would be completely questionable quality, and many replacement parts won't fit, as already mentioned.
The above few "cheapies" mentioned are actually gig-worthy in stock form, though most enjoy modding them anyway.

Grab a Squier and have a blast is my advice.

Mine has gone from blue to natural, and now is hanging ready for a new coat of black. Just needs a b/w/b pickguard and i'll be set.

 

[etechstan]

I started out with an $89 SX jazz copy. Went through 3 different necks, Gotoh 201 bridge, Hipshot stringtree, Warmoth pg and PBass style pup. I had a lot of fun modding it and I can't think of anything else I want to do with it. I'm looking forward to my next project, a GFS P body, SX neck and GFS MM style pup. Have fun!

 

[Chrisk-K]

Get a used Squier and mutilate it to your heart's content. I learned a lot about modding thanks to my 2004 Geddy. I didn't plan to mod it but couldn't resist because the Js are so easy to mod!

 

[Stilettoprefer]

Used affinity squiers are dirt cheap used and you can put genuine fender parts on them! I personally hate the stock electronics in the affinity squiers, so i would definately do an electronics overhaul on it. But thats just my opinion

 

[Wallygator]

Thanks for all the input, I hadn't really thought about replacement parts not "fitting" and I want to keep this project as easy as possible. I think I will focus on an affinity for my first crack at it. NEXT QUESTION...which Pickups should I be looking for as an upgrade????

 

[bolophonic]

Thanks for all the input, I hadn't really thought about replacement parts not "fitting" and I want to keep this project as easy as possible. I think I will focus on an affinity for my first crack at it. NEXT QUESTION...which Pickups should I be looking for as an upgrade????

There is a whole forum on pickups. You should do some reading over there. I have learned a huge amount about pickups by reading that forum.

 

[billiam5billion]

Uh, depends on what model you're looking at. I installed Dimarzio model J's in my JAzz for a very reasonable price, and I think they sound great.

However, as a beginner, you might even go cheaper and just try to find some american standard fender pups on the bay. I got some for 15 bucks for my affinity and it sounds, well, like an american Pbass.