Considering Converting a Squier Jag or Bronco to a VI - advice wanted

[SimonSays32]

Recently I have become very interested in the idea of modding guitars - and after watching many videos on youtube for modding custom instruments as well as building guitars I have chosen a few projects that I want to start investing the time and money into completing.

However I have never done any modding to instruments before so I am a little gun shy to start. I have been an industrial and safety equipment repair technician for nearly a decade now and am pretty good with my hands, but the nerves about ruining an instrument are very real (even if it is a relatively cheap instrument). LOL

Looking at the 3 projects I would like to do this one would be the easiest and most straight forward and hopefully will make me confident to completing the other projects which are more creative in nature so they will require dedication.

So I want to convert one of my Squier basses to a VI - mostly because of this awesome video:



I have a Bronco and it was initially my plan to do it to that, however I recently restrung that bass and started playing it 4 string and I am kind of very happy with it right now. I also have a Squier Jag that really kicks (it is my loudest bass), and I think I'd rather do it with the Jag instead:

I have looked at a few threads on this forum - as well as a number of videos of mods in general to get an idea of what the work is going to entail. I don't have many power tools - I just purchased a drill set, but I have a number of hand tools.

My end goal for this is to convert it to a VI, and paint competition stripes on it to match the headstock. In looking at it I believe the biggest mod to account for will be dowling the headstock and drilling tuning peg holes for the VI setup.

I am hoping that I might be able to get some current insight into completing this mod from the community. Especially with regards to the repainting of the headstock and adding the competition stripes as well as insight into drilling for the tuning pegs.

Not to mention any advice on choice of bridge, tuning peg hardware, etc. would be greatly appreciated especially if it is budget friendly and quality. lol

Thanks in advance!

 

[elgranluis]

I think the budget friendly option is a bass vi. You will be able to sell it for the price that you bought it (used). A DIY frankenbass will end up costing more, all costs considered :

- bronco bass 12O
-guitar tuners 60
- guitar bridge 90
- pickup 50
- assorted power tools - 150
- custom pickguard - 50

And , you’ll never be happy with a diy bass. Start saving the money , and buy a bass vi when you can afford it.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

Recently I have become very interested in the idea of modding guitars - and after watching many videos on youtube for modding custom instruments as well as building guitars I have chosen a few projects that I want to start investing the time and money into completing.

However I have never done any modding to instruments before so I am a little gun shy to start. I have been an industrial and safety equipment repair technician for nearly a decade now and am pretty good with my hands, but the nerves about ruining an instrument are very real (even if it is a relatively cheap instrument). LOL

Looking at the 3 projects I would like to do this one would be the easiest and most straight forward and hopefully will make me confident to completing the other projects which are more creative in nature so they will require dedication.

So I want to convert one of my Squier basses to a VI - mostly because of this awesome video:



I have a Bronco and it was initially my plan to do it to that, however I recently restrung that bass and started playing it 4 string and I am kind of very happy with it right now. I also have a Squier Jag that really kicks (it is my loudest bass), and I think I'd rather do it with the Jag instead:

View attachment 3967803

I have looked at a few threads on this forum - as well as a number of videos of mods in general to get an idea of what the work is going to entail. I don't have many power tools - I just purchased a drill set, but I have a number of hand tools.

My end goal for this is to convert it to a VI, and paint competition stripes on it to match the headstock. In looking at it I believe the biggest mod to account for will be dowling the headstock and drilling tuning peg holes for the VI setup.

I am hoping that I might be able to get some current insight into completing this mod from the community. Especially with regards to the repainting of the headstock and adding the competition stripes as well as insight into drilling for the tuning pegs.

Not to mention any advice on choice of bridge, tuning peg hardware, etc. would be greatly appreciated especially if it is budget friendly and quality. lol

Thanks in advance!

Umm... There are Bass VI copies available NIB that might fit your budget. Harley Benton, for example.

This would be far easier, and you'd probably be happy with it.

Also, are you looking to make a 6 string bass or a baritone guitar? These are 2 different instruments.

 

[SimonSays32]

Thanks for the responses guys! Just to be clear - I already own a Squier CV VI - I’m not too worried about cost as this is more an exercise in getting into modding and stretching my experience as a repair technician into my passion for music. As well as I have always wanted an instrument that was uniquely mine.