Building Custom Fender Vs Buying New Fender

[RandomRaab]

I have a dilemma.

I currently have a Squier 70's Modified Jazz Bass, that I kinda want to rip apart and customize, but want to know if its worth it, starting from a squier. Is the wood good enough?


Or, do you think its better to buy an American Jazz Bass, and swap out the pickguard or other small things to get it to where I want.

The end goal is this.

But I don't want to spend 2200 buying it like that. Haha.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[RFord04]

Maybe watch for an MIJ or MIM 75 RI (got my MIJ used for $650) and refinish the body and buy a new pickguard.

 

[ClydeMcAllister]

The Squier 60 Vibe jazz will get you most of the way there (white finish, tort guard)

 

[RandomRaab]

The Squier 60 Vibe jazz will get you most of the way there (white finish, tort guard)

Any reduction in wood quality on those as opposed to MIA Fender's?