Modify Squier VM Jazz Bass

[GB77]

Can someone give advice or point me to a thread on modifying a Squier VM Jazz Bass with recommendations. I would like a Precision Bass body aesthetically and also because the bass is 12 lbs. I like the maple neck size and the white binding and blocks. As a new bass player I had previously purchased an SX Precision Bass. I liked it but when I found the difference in neck size I got the Jazz Bass. Gave the SX to my grandson for his lessons.
Separately I can't call it a problem or trend but I seem to have had to set up the bass several times more than the playing around with string times. Again I am new and it is possibly normal, but the SX setup only when the strings were installed as a contrast.
Again any advice or previous discussion would be nice.
Does anyone know the body wood of this model? Is it Radiata?
Thanks
GB77

 

[Malak the Mad]

Can someone give advice or point me to a thread on modifying a Squier VM Jazz Bass with recommendations. I would like a Precision Bass body aesthetically and also because the bass is 12 lbs. I like the maple neck size and the white binding and blocks. As a new bass player I had previously purchased an SX Precision Bass. I liked it but when I found the difference in neck size I got the Jazz Bass. Gave the SX to my grandson for his lessons.
Separately I can't call it a problem or trend but I seem to have had to set up the bass several times more than the playing around with string times. Again I am new and it is possibly normal, but the SX setup only when the strings were installed as a contrast.
Again any advice or previous discussion would be nice.
Does anyone know the body wood of this model? Is it Radiata?
Thanks
GB77

Just to be clear, you're saying you have to make adjustments to your Squier VM Jazz on a regular basis? What kind of adjustments? Tuning? Intonation? The height of the strings or similar bridge and/or truss rod adjustments?

• If it's the tuning, it's common to make little adjustments each time you play your bass. If it's way, way out of tune each time, there could be a number of forces at work. The tuners could be no good and need replacing.
• The strings could be unstable, constantly stretching out of shape, and need replacing.
• Rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Both can cause the wood in the neck to change it's shape, making truss rod and/or bridge adjustments necessary.

If you have pictures of your bass…body, neck and headstock…we might be able to tell you more about your particular model. Some VM's are Soft Maple and some are Basswood. It depends on the particular model you have.

 

[GB77]

Hello and thanks for the response. The bass is the Squier Vintage Modified 77 Jazz in two tone burst, maple neck and fingerboard,white binding and blocks. All stock at the moment. Adjustment is, I believe now that my setup, new strings then adjustment and then another set of flats with adjustments. It is not regular but seemed over frequent in the last 2 months. Also re-tuning often using the snark clip on. Maybe its the new strings and less than stellar tuners. The SX didn't seem to need the same attention...
I am fantasizing putting the Squier neck on a precision body, probably a used MIM P Bass. Is the neck worth the effort? I would like to see if the particulars of a parts bass is doable before modding the Jazz bass and staying with it awhile. I believe that 12 lbs is heavy for a bass, is this correct?
GB77

 

[Malak the Mad]

Hello and thanks for the response. The bass is the Squier Vintage Modified 77 Jazz in two tone burst, maple neck and fingerboard,white binding and blocks. All stock at the moment. Adjustment is, I believe now that my setup, new strings then adjustment and then another set of flats with adjustments. It is not regular but seemed over frequent in the last 2 months. Also re-tuning often using the snark clip on. Maybe its the new strings and less than stellar tuners. The SX didn't seem to need the same attention...
I am fantasizing putting the Squier neck on a precision body, probably a used MIM P Bass. Is the neck worth the effort? I would like to see if the particulars of a parts bass is doable before modding the Jazz bass and staying with it awhile. I believe that 12 lbs is heavy for a bass, is this correct?
GB77

First, yes…twelve pounds is quite heavy for a bass! From what I've seen here on TalkBass, average modern instruments weigh-in around eight to ten pounds. Honestly, I can't see how a basswood body Jazz bass could weigh quite as much as you say yours does. Impossible? No. Unlikely? Yes.

As for parts-basses, I've put together quite a few using Squier necks…

In my experience, a Squier Vintage Modified neck should fit most standard Squier/Fender bodies. There are exceptions, though. The older "Squier Standard" line isn't very compatible with others and the "Squier Deluxe" basses are also off by a little bit. But regardless of what kind of body you use, it sounds like you may need a new set of tuners. For example, yours should be compatible with Hipshot HB7 tuners.

 

[Micael Azevedo]

So do you still have the bass?
The VM Its a very nice bass by its own but like me maybe you like to upgrade things ;p I am currently modifying mine, to finish the job I am going to put an audere preamp, I think I am not gonna upgrade the pickups let's hear after...

 

[Micael Azevedo]

So upgrades:
- Babicz bride
- Graphtec nut
- Wilkinson black tunners (excellent tunners)
- hipshot drop D
- neck plate
- inlayers
-black string tree
Next mode audeea preamp and total bass cost 700€ with all the upgrades including bass and audere!

 

[CallMeAl]

I tried 2 different necks on my squier affinity, and they were both a little small. One was a Jaguar neck, one was a japanese "fender specs." I could have made them work, but would have needed some modification. (One needed a shim, one needed holes redrilled.) I ended up going back to my old neck.

When squier converted fender specs to metric, everything ended up a touch bigger. So a fender neck would fit a squier, but theres a gap. A fender body might need a little sanding to fit a squier neck. IMO if you like the VM neck your best bet would be to look for a VM precision body. Others can fit, but you might have to get crafty.

@Malak the Mad has done this a bunch, and knows squiers; maybe he can elaborate on the topic of fit and modification

Also some threads that might help:
Squier "Perfect Fit Replacement Parts" Mega thread

Squier vintage modified club, part 2

Tricked Out Squier Club Part 3

 

[CallMeAl]

FWIW, i was on a mission to build a p bass with a jazz neck. In the end, i decided to adapt to the neck. Its been about a month and i cant really see going back. I love it.

Also, theres other brands that build them that way, if the mod thing is giving you a headache :

-Squier standard (though a bit hard to find)
-Peavey milestone ii (and i think the newest ones are PJ now) these are really lightweight
-Peavey Fury
-Theres a yamaha too, BB434 i think

 

[GB77]

Howdy Malak,
Very nice set of basses Sir! I love the black on black. The weight was taken on a bathroom scale so the accuracy is suspect. I've always believed it to be 10 lbs. over {;-). Thanks for the info. I will keep my eyes open for a body and parts. Time is on my side. I envision the white bound Squier Jazz neck on a white P bass body with either white or gold anodized pickguard.
I will look into your recommended tuners, Thanks

 

[GB77]

Hello Micael,
Well done, in my humble opinion. How heavy is your jazz bass? Do you know the name of the color of white that the body is finished in. The nut and tuners will probably be the first to go on mine. I will have to look around as the hipshots are a bit pricey for me. I will look into the the Wilkinsons, do you recall the name of that type of tuner to replace the Squier without mods if possible?
Grazie Mille

 

[GB77]

Thanks for the threads to investigate, alanloomis1980. I have played an SX P bass and the neck is smaller than the original 1.75". After playing the Jazz bass I found a distinct preference for it, when I started back on the SX. Also a MIM in guitarcenter felt noticeably larger. I believe that I could get used to the larger neck but I don't care to at this time. I can wait until something comes along, fingers crossed. Except for the Jazz bass's weight, I might have considered replacing the neck pickup with a precision bass pickup....
Thanks also for the recommendation!

 

[Micael Azevedo]

Hello Micael,
Well done, in my humble opinion. How heavy is your jazz bass? Do you know the name of the color of white that the body is finished in. The nut and tuners will probably be the first to go on mine. I will have to look around as the hipshots are a bit pricey for me. I will look into the the Wilkinsons, do you recall the name of that type of tuner to replace the Squier without mods if possible?
Grazie Mille

Hello sir hope you are having a nice weekend! so answering your questions, this is the Vm in olympic white, this is not the 70 or either the 77 just the regular one with indian laurel fingerboard and pearl dots! quite heavy like 10lbs.
regarding the tunners they were wilkinson jazzbass but when they arrive they didnt fit lol... but its quite easy to drill the neck just needed a screwdriver and thats it if you need to replace the tunners again you will not notice the wilkinson holes! also chep and important mods: graphite nut, gotoh bridge.

have a nice day sir!

 

[CallMeAl]

Thanks for the threads to investigate, alanloomis1980. I have played an SX P bass and the neck is smaller than the original 1.75". After playing the Jazz bass I found a distinct preference for it, when I started back on the SX. Also a MIM in guitarcenter felt noticeably larger. I believe that I could get used to the larger neck but I don't care to at this time. I can wait until something comes along, fingers crossed. Except for the Jazz bass's weight, I might have considered replacing the neck pickup with a precision bass pickup....
Thanks also for the recommendation!

I get that. Mine has a 1.62 nut, don't know if i could get down with a 1.75 nut.

Have you seen the STRATosphere? They part out guitars. Mostly (if not all) new parts, necks and bodies.

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Can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[GB77]

Hello and I will take a look there. Much appreciated.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

FWIW, i was on a mission to build a p bass with a jazz neck. In the end, i decided to adapt to the neck. Its been about a month and i cant really see going back. I love it.

Also, theres other brands that build them that way, if the mod thing is giving you a headache :

-Squier standard (though a bit hard to find)
-Peavey milestone ii (and i think the newest ones are PJ now) these are really lightweight
-Peavey Fury
-Theres a yamaha too, BB434 i think

Save yourself the trouble and find an 80's or early 90's USA Peavey Fury....install a vintage P pickup (Duncan SPB1) and you are done basically...these can sometimes be had for cheap, though the word is out on a P with J neck.

 

[CallMeAl]

Save yourself the trouble and find an 80's or early 90's USA Peavey Fury....

I was very close to doing exactly that. But im glad now i stuck it out; after about a month all the want for a J neck faded and it felt natural. I wanted to push myself, and build a bridge so i could get a nicer bass in the future and not want to swap necks.