• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Nicer Alternative To Squier Bronco Bass?

T

Toadcaster

Mar 20, 2022
67
90
#1
I'm trying to learn to play bass and have two inexpensive bass guitars...a Squier Affinity Jazz bass and a Squier Affinity Bronco bass. I think the Jazz bass sounds better but I keep picking up the Bronco bass. It just fits.
I have picked up other short scale basses, but none of them feel as good as the Bronco bass. I've handled the Mini P and the Mikro, both of which felt too small. I've handled the Sterling short scale and the new 32" Squier Affinity Jaguar, neither of which felt better than the Bronco.
I want to handle a Mustang but I have never seen one at any shop in my area. I have limited funds, so, I have to consider that also.
So, any recommendations for something that has the Bronco vibe but with better hardware and materials or should I just think about upgrading the Bronco at some point? Thanks.
 
#2
I love my Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar SS. 30" scale with PJ pickups. No longer made but if you watch you can pick one up $200-300. The only thing I've changed was the J pickup, I found the factory a little weak. Great club on TB dedicated to these, tons of info.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Toadcaster
#4
I bought a mustang PJ, thinking it would be a nicer version of my bronco, but that was not the case in my experience.

The Bronco’s neck plays so much better than the Mustang. The mustang couldn’t dial in a good tone for me, but the bronco was reliable (though noisy). I put some chromes on the bronco and it’s just so much fun to play.

You might be chasing something that doesn’t exist. Though, you could certainly mod the bronco or maybe put the neck on a mustang body.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GodsLove66, Toadcaster and jallenbass
#6
You might be between the proverbial rock and a hard place, between finding a bass better than the bronco (which you seem to like) and the limited funds. It’s possible spending more money will not make you any better or give you a better playing experience.

what exactly is the budget? And what specifically don’t you like about the bronco?

If you like the feel of the bronco, especially the neck, modding is not a bad idea at all. Just know it can be a gamble. You’re also on the right track trying out basses. Be patient and keep exploring.

One recommendation I’ll throw out is a G&L Fallout. The tribute series are a fantastic bang-for-the-buck. Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Justinian, Toadcaster and The Ancient One
#7
I bought my Bronco for $75 on CL.

The Bronco does offer great modding possibilities being that Stratocaster pickups fit in the opening. I have installed a McNelly pup in mine but I want to try a blade and a Fender Sensor. On the other hand, I do like a 2 pickup format but I did choose a Bronco in the end for the neck feel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TyBo, Toadcaster and jallenbass
#8
CallMeAl said:
You might be between the proverbial rock and a hard place, between finding a bass better than the bronco (which you seem to like) and the limited funds. It’s possible spending more money will not make you any better or give you a better playing experience.

what exactly is the budget? And what specifically don’t you like about the bronco?

If you like the feel of the bronco, especially the neck, modding is not a bad idea at all. Just know it can be a gamble. You’re also on the right track trying out basses. Be patient and keep exploring.

One recommendation I’ll throw out is a G&L Fallout. The tribute series are a fantastic bang-for-the-buck. Good luck!
Click to expand...

I wanted to stay around/under what a Mustang costs as far as budget.
The neck of the Bronco is a big part of what I like but the way it feels when sitting is another part.
And, G&L anything is a little tough to come by even though there are two local shops and a GC near me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CallMeAl
#12
Better Bronco = Mustang

You can mod the Bronco of course but when you have replaced the noisy pickup, the poor tuners and the bridge that can't be intonated properly you will have tripled the cost of your Bronco and still be stuck with a neck that's likely to be unstable in the long run (judging by the Broncos I've seen).

You would be much better off saving that money for a Mustang which is a far superior instrument. The neck of a Mustang won't be quite as slim as a Bronco though so if that's an important factor you should probably try a Mustang before buying, or buy online from a store with a good return policy.
 
#13
I put a Red Lace Sensor in my 1978 Musicmaster, which is pretty much the same bass, and it has become my stage bass instead of my USA Precision. It also put in traditional Precision wiring when I upgraded to the Lace. The tuners and two saddle bridge intonated perfectly for me with short scale TI flats. It will hold its own against anything I've ever played in over 50 years of playing. I'm playing it in my profile picture.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlexanderB, TyBo and Toadcaster
#15
HOLD THE BUS!!! Mitchell 30-inch PJ from GC $200. Mitchell is the store brand for Schecter, so it has all the Schecter QC without all the garbage or high price. Their QC leaves Fender/Squier products in the dust as so much firewood. I have one as my travel bass, including several trips to Mexico. And put GHS Balanced Nickels on it. You can read my comments in other threads, but essentially they are God's gift to short scale bass players.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlexanderB, Toadcaster and spatters
#16
I’d try as many short scale basses as you can at both prices you can afford and prices you can’t. Maybe one will be perfect that you can’t afford, but you can think about what makes it so good and and look for that or mod another bass to have it. Specifically, I’d try a Gibson Les Paul Tribute Double Cut, but that’s just my personal favorite short scale.
 
#18
204D5F40-6E74-433A-81AF-DD28CBB486C7.jpeg
You could try a Squier Bass VI but make sure you try before you buy or have a good return policy. There are a lot of lemons. Same scale length as the bronco.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlexanderB
#19
If you live near south Georgia, USA you can check out my Bronco that has an upgraded pickup, tuners, knobs and bridge. In my opinion, it sounds and plays better than a certain well-known short scale bass that sells for $1,000. No, this is not salesmanship for some instrument I am trying to sell.

BTW, I have had 3 surgeries on my left shoulder and like you, the shoulder issues have shaped my choice in instruments.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back