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Purchasing my first bass

dwagner

dwagner

Feb 9, 2013
655
1,556
North Dakota, USA
#1
Bass is something I'm really beginning to enjoy and want to get serious about. Initially, I was planning on spending 600-700 USD on a bass so I could get a good one, but my parents are not so keen to that idea. My idea is to maybe get a Squier and over time upgrade it and make it wicked (aka put new pickups, tuners, ect). What are your thoughts on it? My only choice really is a Squier VM J bass since I am left handed. Thoughts?

Over time I'd probably get Fender Noiseless pickups, Warmoth tuners (are they actually better?), maybe a new pickguard, ect.



Thanks!
 
#2
Your taste on mods will change as you improve, worry about that later.

I'd say look at the used market. Squiers are good, My first was a Squier Mb-4 and i love it to this day. but i learned kinda late that you get the most bang for your buck used. If used isn't an option then a Squier jazz isn't a bad choice.
 
#4
Squiers are (generally) good instruments imo. I own one and gig with it frequently. I dont know why theres such a stigma attatched to these basses. Almost like we need to apologize for having one.

Your strategy is sound. Squiers are an ideal testbed for experimenting/modding. For even greater savings, consider used. You can get alot of Squier for under $300 . Best of luck.
 
#5
I scored a 1984-87 $300 Japanese Squier Jazz in Sacramento, which is a great bass.

You don't need to spend a lot. Just make sure you play lots of basses before you make a decision. How a bass fits in your hands is important and being a Leftie your choice will be limited.

Cheers
Davo
 
#6
Davo-London said:
I scored a 1984-87 $300 Japanese Squier Jazz in Sacramento, which is a great bass.

You don't need to spend a lot. Just make sure you play lots of basses before you make a decision. How a bass fits in your hands is important and being a Leftie your choice will be limited.

Cheers
Davo
Click to expand...

I actually stumbled across a righty VM Jazz in a music store and liked how it sounded and it seemed alright from a feel perspective. I couldn't say how it'd actually feel since it was a righty but overall I liked it.
 
#13
I've been playing guitar for over 40 years, I have Gibsons, Fenders, custom made guitars. I just got a lefty Squire Jazz VM and I am impressed. Would have rather had a Precision, mind you, but the Jazz is well made, solid, sounds very nice. Don't be fooled by the low price, it is a great value.
 
#14
dwagner said:
What would you suggest for mods?
Click to expand...

Strings. Can make a big difference for not much money. The only problem is trying to sort out all the options. I put DR Sunbeams on my VM Jazz and was happy with them. A set of flats will give you a whole different feel and sound.

Other than that, just play it for a while. I'm a bass newb as well, and like to tinker, but the biggest improvements in my sound have come from improving my playing.
 
#16
Well, I happen to be a Mod-Aholic, and I took an Affinity P with a sweet neck, and modded the crap out of it. The only thing original on it is the neck, body, and tuners (except for the Hipshot Drop D). I personally think you would be satisfied with stock, but when you do decide to start modding, be careful, modding becomes an addiction. You can get some ideas from here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/hi-im-name-goes-here-im-mod-aholic-860203/

057912
 
#17
ejaggers said:
Well, I happen to be a Mod-Aholic, and I took an Affinity P with a sweet neck, and modded the crap out of it. The only thing original on it is the neck, body, and tuners (except for the Hipshot Drop D). I personally think you would be satisfied with stock, but when you do decide to start modding, be careful, modding becomes an addiction. You can get some ideas from here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/hi-im-name-goes-here-im-mod-aholic-860203/

057912
Click to expand...

Alright, cool.

I ended up buying the VM Jazz so we will see how things go!

I bought two packs of Ernie Ball 2833 Hybrid Slinky Round Wounds.

...will probably get new pups in the future... any suggestions?
 
#19
dwagner said:
Alright, cool.

I ended up buying the VM Jazz so we will see how things go!

I bought two packs of Ernie Ball 2833 Hybrid Slinky Round Wounds.

...will probably get new pups in the future... any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Get to know your bass first. I think you did well getting the Squier. Play it for a few months, find out what it doesn't do for you, then come back and ask. Dropping new pickups in a new bass is pointless unless you already know EXACTLY what you want.
 

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