Modding a cheap bass

[J Wilson]

So I recently picked up a squier sonic p-bass. After an initial setup I’m very happy with the way it plays. I bought on sale over the Labor Day holiday, so needless to say not a lot invested to date other than a new set of strings.

Being the type of person that really enjoys customizing my instruments, I immediately started thinking about all the possible upgrades I could make. One of the first things that popped into my mind was adding a Hipshot drop tuner. I also considered buying a MIM p bass neck since the sonic series basses feature a j neck.

What I found was really interesting. The single Hipshot tuning key was $70+ and the replacement p neck was $399. I didn’t even consider replacing the pickup because pickup prices are so crazy (and I actually like the stock pickup).

How is it possible fender can assemble and ship an entire bass for less than the cost of common replacement parts? Not to pick on Hipshot, but 4 tuners and a bridge sell for more than the cost of dozens of basses currently on the market. Why does fender sell MIM necks for $399 and somehow won’t sell squier Chinese or Indonesia necks at a lower price point like they do for their instruments? Does anyone know of a budget drop tuner I can try? Please leave your favorite budget p bass mod suggestions.

Rock on!

Aside from the vast labor and materials price differences in the Far East, the easiest explanation (as you've found out)? It's hard to buy parts to mod a bass at retail prices (instead of Fender buying everything in the 100's or 1000's at wholesale prices at very favorable exchange rates) and have much of a chance of doing it at numbers that make sense: Hard to resell an inexpensive Squire bass at double or triple what you paid for it originally (or lose every cent you put into it) after the mods. This is why I always advise when modding an inexpensive bass, to buy parts carefully and search for deals, and try not to add a lot of expense into an inexpensive instrument.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

Fair warning modding can be a deep rabbit hole. Sometimes it can go a little too far. Here is my modded Squier, only thing original on it is the body, the pickguard, and the strap holders.

I have G.A.S. issues.

As far as possible neck replacement options, I really love the roasted maple Warmoth neck I have but you can buy a much cheaper replacement and it will be just fine.
Your current neck is probably just fine as well too.

 

[JIO]

What I found was really interesting. The single Hipshot tuning key was $70+ and the replacement p neck was $399. I didn’t even consider replacing the pickup because pickup prices are so crazy (and I actually like the stock pickup).

How is it possible fender can assemble and ship an entire bass for less than the cost of common replacement parts? Not to pick on Hipshot, but 4 tuners and a bridge sell for more than the cost of dozens of basses currently on the market. Why does fender sell MIM necks for $399 and somehow won’t sell squier Chinese or Indonesia necks at a lower price point like they do for their instruments? Does anyone know of a budget drop tuner I can try? Please leave your favorite budget p bass mod suggestions.

Rock on!

Who sells a 'budget' drop tuner? No-one and this is why they charge what they charge. I'm thankful they make one and if I want one - that's what they cost. There's no lack of cheap MIC ____ for sale.