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Is Fixing a Squier Affinity P Bass Worth It?

M

Mannas

Jan 1, 2010
84
23
#1
First, I am new here and just wanted to say hi to everybody. I recently started getting into bass and am looking forward to spending time on here.

I bought a Squier Affinity P bass about a year ago but never really touched it until a few weeks ago. I ended up buying an Ibanez SR300 because I want to get serious and like the sound of it but I had a question. I would still like to have a P bass as well. I had debated a few things but am not sure what to do and was looking for some advice. I have a few options in mind:

1. Replace the pickup in the Squier and keep it.
2. Sell the Squier and buy a Squier Vintage Modified P bass.
3. Sell the Squier and buy an SX P bass.

I am not sure what would be best. If I keep it I can replace the pickup but would the bridge need to be replaced too? Also, the pots? I don't know a whole lot about them. I have played guitar for years but don't really spend time changing parts just straight to play. I also didn't even know if I would know the difference.

If I sell it and get the VM P bass, it's still a Squier. I have read good things about it but is that really worth it? Would it be a step up?

I have also heard good things about the SX basses but I have no way of playing one before I buy it to test it. I would be afraid that I might have to replace the pickup in it as well. And the headstocks are hideous. :hmm:

If I replace the pickup what would be a good choice? I like to play alot of old Soul/Funk/RnB/Hip-Hop/Reggae. I like a good Jamerson tone and had been thinking about the Fender '62 pickup. Any other ideas?

Also, strings...Right now I have D'Addario Chromes. It seems like on the Ibanez even when I roll back the tone knob for a more muffled sound there is still a clanky noise sometimes when fretting. Not fret buzz but not sure when you cal it. It is not bad until sometimes when I hammer on. Is this a technique issue? I think the action is high, could that cause it? Also, would other strings make a difference? Any good string recommendations? I want a Jamerson type sound but I would like to be able to get a bit of definition out of them at times and not just straight muffled thump sound. Would the Labella's be a better choice?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
 
#3
Sorry...that would probably be helpful, wouldn't it? :)

It seems like the Squier seems to lack in the bottom end and there is not much flexibility with the tone knob. I was hoping to get the P bass sound but with more bottom end to it and a bit more clarity. Everything seems to just get muddy. Does that help a bit?
 
#5
There are a number of manufacturers who make P pickups. If you are looking for a vintage sound with a bit more guts than what you have a Dimarzio Model P comes to mind. If you want a bit more guts the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound might work. Either can be had for $70 or so. New pots and associated stuff added, assuming you can do the soldering yourself, you should be able to complete it for $100 or so.
 
#9
keep an eye out in the classifieds and get something used. I would recommend replacing the pots while you are at it. I picked up a G&L SB2 pbass pup in the classifieds. This was a very hot pickup with lots of growl.
Also the right strings are important. Strings are such a personal choice that it is hard to make a recommendation.
 
#11
James_B said:
Fixing one up it totally worth it. The final out come is a bass with terrible resale value that sounds and plays awesome.
Click to expand...

I've either broke even or made a profit on all of the Squier's I've sold. Of course I refinish them But really it's hard to complain about resale value. You can get a used name brand p pickup anywhere from $20 to $50. Pots cost anywhere from $2-$5. That's not much to spend to seriously upgrade the bass. If you can set up your own bass, then you are golden. The necks are solid(fretwork is hit or miss though), the body is alder. Most of them that I've seen are 3-5 piece bodies just like most of the MIM's I've seen. Though the squiers are 1/8" thinner.
 
#12
Thanks everyone for the advice so far.

ThaLowEndTheory said:
I've either broke even or made a profit on all of the Squier's I've sold. Of course I refinish them But really it's hard to complain about resale value. You can get a used name brand p pickup anywhere from $20 to $50. Pots cost anywhere from $2-$5. That's not much to spend to seriously upgrade the bass. If you can set up your own bass, then you are golden. The necks are solid(fretwork is hit or miss though), the body is alder. Most of them that I've seen are 3-5 piece bodies just like most of the MIM's I've seen. Though the squiers are 1/8" thinner.
Click to expand...

IS there anywhere I can get an idea of how pickups sound? I've tried Youtube but would like to get a better idea before just blindly reading and making a choice. I was looking at the GFS PB Pro pickup as well. Anyone use this?

Also, stupid question...where can I get pots? I wouldn't even know what i am looking for and unfortunately couldn't replace the pickup and pots myself. I would have to have someone do it. Any idea how much that might run?
 
#13
I bought an Affinity P for $50. It looks new and I was really surprised at how good it sounded the way it was. But my goal for buying it was to play Luthier. So far I’ve got a Lindy Fralin pup, and I’m trying to decide on the electronics. I may get a Gotoh bridge, but I’m really not sure it will help the sound. I just like the look of it, besides, BadAss is just too expensive. Other than the pup and electronics I’m still trying to figure out why the Squire VM is so much better. The neck on mine is sweet, and a body is a body.

I’m trying to decide which way to go with the electronics. Go to my post and tell me what you think:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=616289&highlight=ejaggers
 
#14
Try some new strings and go from there. I listen to Benny and the BMW's in New Orleans. He plays a cheap black and rosewood Squire and I can only hope to someday obtain the sounds he gets out of that Squire. While equipment can make an improvement, the sound is in your hands (pick and pluck) and how you play the instrument. Do you move up and down the strings with your right hand? A P bass can sound entirely different depending on where you are plucking with your fingers down by the bridge or up by the neck.
 
#15
Mannas said:
Thanks everyone for the advice so far.



IS there anywhere I can get an idea of how pickups sound? I've tried Youtube but would like to get a better idea before just blindly reading and making a choice. I was looking at the GFS PB Pro pickup as well. Anyone use this?

Also, stupid question...where can I get pots? I wouldn't even know what i am looking for and unfortunately couldn't replace the pickup and pots myself. I would have to have someone do it. Any idea how much that might run?
Click to expand...

If you aren't doing the work yourself, first check to see if you have any friends, parents, or hook ups. If you have to pay to have someone do it, you might consider selling it. I see used affinities on ebay often between the $75 - $100 range. Problem is there are a bunch of them. I would price out the installation, the cost of the pickups, and a set up. Compare that with a squier CV or VM. Or even a used MIM. Keep in mind you may need a set up on the new bass as well if you go that route. You can buy pots at Guitar Center. You would need 250 K pots. Guitar fetish sells pots also. I don't know anything about their bass pickups though. You can also buy a kit at basspartsresource.com $13.99 for pots, cap, jack, and wire.

Link Removed

Check out the pickups & electronics forum for some info on pickups.
 
#16
Anything is a step up from an Affinity.
Even the Squier Standards and Vintage Mods.

The only way you can go down from an Affinity is to get a Rogue SX100B. Well, there are other No Name brands on ebay that have B.I.N.s for stupid low prices but I don't know of anyone who has actually touched one of those.

Light the Affinity on fire.
Save up for a Fender MIM or MIJ.
 
#19
ejaggers said:
James_B,

You bring up an excellent point. Fralins are $120, an Affinity, around $100. But Luthier training, priceless. I've been researching and have learned quite a bit, and hopefully it will pay off.
Click to expand...

It does, with your new found luthier super powers you can pull that $120 pickup and reinstall a suitable, but less expensive replacement before you sell it. Then install the Fralin into your new P. :bassist:

Seriously though, while I'm not a luthier I've learned to finish, assemble, and set up my own basses and guitars. Fret work is next on the list to learn. Luckily I have a friend who is a luthier, and he has taught me alot. Doing it myself saves me alot of money, and allows me to take advantage of a deal that others might not take because of the work involved or the cost to pay someone else to do the work. Anything I can't handle I take it to my friend to fix.
 
#20
ThaLowEndTheory,

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you. I saw that Black Tele that you made, so
I thought you were a Luthier. It is sweet by the way. In fact, that's exactly what I want next. I had my eye on a body just like it on ebay today for $31, until the last 20 minutes. Then it ended up selling for $91.
 

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