Pimp my Squier Jazz Bass

[JaneBass1]

I have a friend who is selling her squier jazz bass for like $75. It is exactly this one:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I tested the bass and there is nothing wrong with it. It sounds ok. She just owes me a big favor and she is giving this bass cheap.

I am thinking on buying it and modify it, so it's at the same level of a fender.

I would like to see if I can make it better by replacing:
- Pickups
- Strings
- Pots or whatever is inside
- Bridge

What do you guys/girls recommend for these and if I should really replace the original parts.

 

[john_g]

I have this bass and it doesnt need much pimpin! I did replace the bridge however as I wanted more sustain. I used a Gotoh and I am happy, but I was also thinking about a BadAss II too. I have some GHS Boomers on it and it sounds great. I may swap out the pickups someday, or even add a preamp like an Audere, but as it stands right now, it sounds pretty damn good. To hear me play it, click on my myspace link in my sig and go to the "Untitled-1" track that I am working on. I think it sounds great.

 

[Baird6869]

If it is the true VM fretless bass it is a pretty good stock instrument.

I gig with mine a bit and wasn't happy with the stock pickups. I found a set of 1990's MIA Fender Jazz pickups for about $70, put them in the Squier and it sounds as good as a MIA Fender IMO.

Most of the components are pretty good but tuners and the bridge could be upgraded.

As far as strings, I like EBMM Regular Slinky rounds on mine.

 

[LarryO]

Just my opinion but i think these things would make it look and play a little nicer

quarter pounder pickups
DR Black Beauty strings
black tuners and hipshot bass extended
black control plate and knobs
black badass bridge
paint the headstock to match the body

 

[LowDown Hal]

step 01) for that price - Buy It FAST

step 02) play it for a little while and determine HOW you would like it to sound differently

step 03) ask the question again

seriously though, I'm jealous. For $75.00 I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[scuz]

Stick with chrome, IMO. Get a gotoh heavy duty bridge ([This invalid link has been removed]), it'll be a nice replacement and you shouldn't have to redrill any holes. Also go with the stacked vol/tone setup cuz it looks badass. You'll have to do some soldering and getting new pots but it sounds like you're up to that. If you want new pickups, I'd check out Aero or Lindy Fralin.

 

[stingray69]

I just posted this in another thread this morning, not a VM but hey - it is a pimped out Squier. I'd say the Audere would make the biggest immediate tone upgrade - it delivers so much tone versatility that you may find the Duncan Designed pickups/Audere combo to sound great without the need for pickup upgrades.

Audere JZ3 = $150.00 dollars
Basslines Quarter Pounders = ($75.00 used from fellow TB'er)
Strap locks = $15.00


Here's a soundclip with the Audere (in Hi-Z mode) & the stock Squier pickups. The new Duncan Basslines sound better though, IMO...Link Removed

 

[Richard89]

A brown tort pickguard, black plastic knobs, and maybe bridge and pickup covers, would look very nice on it I think