• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Squier Classic Vibe Club (Part 3)

You're right, i could do that. take me a while to find the perfect neck like you did. Gorgeous figuring in that thing. I personally think that might be the prettiest neck that squier makes. Ive thought about getting that neck a lot, I'm just not sure it's the right fit for my paranormal jazz. View attachment 4834672
They're made in the same country, possibly even the same factory, so there's a chance they'd work together. I wish I could tell you one way or the other, but the only way to know for sure is to take the plunge or to find someone who's already attempted a swap.

To be honest, I've had a few instances where I bought a bass for a parts-swap only to find out the hard way that this-or-that part was incompatible. That's lead to a couple of returns to Guitar Center or something going up for sale on the TB Classifieds. Disappointing? For sure. Learning experiences? Absolutely.

As for buying a standalone neck that costs almost as much as the bass itself? I say don't let that stop you for two reasons...
  1. If you find a good match, you still have a bass that cost less than most off-the-shelf basses.
  2. You can sell the original neck to recoup some of the cost of the new neck.
There are necks made by AllParts and Mighty Mite that could fit the bill, not to mention other off-brands out there. The Web holds a vast sea of possibilities. ;)

Just out of curiosity, what kind of neck are you looking for? Something simple with face-dots or something snazzier with binding and blocks?
 
I done put some Nordstrands in me 70s J huzzah :bassist:
View attachment 4834686

Beauty, mate. These basses are great platforms for a new set of pickups. I have some Fralins in mine, and this thing absolutely SINGS! I'm sure those Nordys will treat you very well, indeed. Enjoy what is effectively a budget friendly top-shelf Jazz :)

Though, if I may controversially chuck this in here before I go, that's so very nearly the first tort guard I like on a natural/maple J. But, not quite... Call me fussy! :whistle: (I'd still gig that bass, though, since I'm sure it sounds righteous)
 
  • Like
Reactions: cataract
They're made in the same country, possibly even the same factory, so there's a chance they'd work together. I wish I could tell you one way or the other, but the only way to know for sure is to take the plunge or to find someone who's already attempted a swap.

To be honest, I've had a few instances where I bought a bass for a parts-swap only to find out the hard way that this-or-that part was incompatible. That's lead to a couple of returns to Guitar Center or something going up for sale on the TB Classifieds. Disappointing? For sure. Learning experiences? Absolutely.

As for buying a standalone neck that costs almost as much as the bass itself? I say don't let that stop you for two reasons...
  1. If you find a good match, you still have a bass that cost less than most off-the-shelf basses.
  2. You can sell the original neck to recoup some of the cost of the new neck.
There are necks made by AllParts and Mighty Mite that could fit the bill, not to mention other off-brands out there. The Web holds a vast sea of possibilities. ;)

Just out of curiosity, what kind of neck are you looking for? Something simple with face-dots or something snazzier with binding and blocks?
You raise a lot of good points here, thank you very much. As far as inlays and such I think the classic black dots would look nicer than the big block inlays, not that that one looks bad. It just fits the cv 70'sJ more than it would mine I think.
 
Two things I can think of to interject are these.

1) Until you get to the point of buying a custom build the "bones" of most instruments are similar. Is the poplar being used in this latest version of a CV Jazz Bass all that different than the poplar Fender used for awhile in the mid 90s? Probably not. I can probably admit that some pieces of wood may be better seasoned than another but for the most part it's all coming from a single pile. The very best stuff ends up in the custom shop or is bought by custom builders who offer one off builds. The same with necks owing to the fact that some are more stable than others possibly for the same reasons. I've yet to have one become totally unplayable but bolt on necks are easily replaced.

2) Unless you're a touring pro who can both afford and demand the best I never see it as a waste of money to upgrade a more basic instrument to the point where it plays and sounds the way I want it to and I have played hundreds of gigs with lesser models with no problem. If I never plan to sell the instrument I've upgraded something to a much higher level for far less than it would have cost to have bought it stock. If I do sell it I can always remove the upgrades if a buyer doesn't want them and return it to stock. I've done that several times before as well. I've replaced necks, pickups, and electronics and bridges on quite a few I have now and some I've sold so I would never hesitate to suggest someone else do the same if that's what will satisfy them.
 
This is probably not the right thread for this but its a very specific problem. Its not even really a problem I just have a look in mind when it comes to my basses. I recently got a paranormal series jazz bass, it's a really good bass, the neck feels good(like a full D profile), however it has the classic squier "problem" that the maple neck is white as paper and clashes with the almost orange butterscotch finish. I'd love to get a replacement neck, preferrably a 50's p neck, but I have major qualms about buying a fender neck that costs more than my bass. Squier necks are not that much cheaper and way harder to find. Where could i find a good maple neck thats not white or brown? It's probably weird but in my opinion maple necks look best orange lol.
Yeah, pretty "white". But it doesn't bother me.
20220916_114413.jpg


But funny you should mention the neck swap. That was actually my original plan (and still is). Yes. Weird spending $330 (Labor day sale - yes!) on a new bass and then SOLD - Black Squier PJ Jaguar Body, 34" scale. But I really want to complete the 50s P-bass look, only with those J pickups.

But when this bass arrived I found I just **Love** the neck. Nice grain, nice and fat front to back. Two piece construction. And the light color is fine with me. How could I replace such a thing of beauty?

Answer: buy this from TB classifieds: SOLD - Black Squier PJ Jaguar Body, 34" scale and put the beautiful squier J-neck on that.

Haven't bought the 50s P neck yet, so I just put another old J-neck I had laying around on that jaguar body for now, but in the end, I will end up with two nice new basses.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, pretty "white". But it doesn't bother me.
View attachment 4835518

But funny you should mention the neck swap. That was actually my original plan (and still is). Yes. Weird spending $330 (Labor day sale - yes!) on a new bass and then SOLD - Black Squier PJ Jaguar Body, 34" scale. But I really want to complete the 50s P-bass look, only with those J pickups.

But when this bass arrived I found I just **Love** the neck. Nice grain, nice and fat front to back. Two piece construction. And the light color is fine with me. How could I replace such a thing of beauty?

Answer: buy this from TB classifieds: SOLD - Black Squier PJ Jaguar Body, 34" scale and put the beautiful squier J-neck on that.

Haven't bought the 50s P neck yet, so I just put another old J-neck I had laying around on that jaguar body for now, but in the end, I will end up with two nice new basses.
There's nothing wrong at all with the playability, it's actually one of the better playing necks I've owned, but for some reason the white maple bothers me against the butterscotch.
AF96A0E3-8AFD-4335-9600-F257A80E9546.jpeg
 
Yeah but that's where they get the name "Paranormal" from
I've also been thinking about upgrading pots and pups but I know nothing about concentric pots or jazz pups. My qualms about this bass is how quiet the pups are, and the electronics do need an upgrade. Those for sure would be upgrades I do way before any neck swaps
if you buy the 12 dollar harmonica , then you'll end up paying 219 SHIPPED for the neck and harmonica. Put them in your cart and the discount is automatic. Thank me later.
You're saying if I buy a harmonica and a neck I'll get a fat deal? Where would this be? I'm not too concerned about the logo, and if I was I'd want the squier one lol.
 
I've also been thinking about upgrading pots and pups but I know nothing about concentric pots or jazz pups. My qualms about this bass is how quiet the pups are, and the electronics do need an upgrade. Those for sure would be upgrades I do way before any neck swaps
You're saying if I buy a harmonica and a neck I'll get a fat deal? Where would this be? I'm not too concerned about the logo, and if I was I'd want the squier one lol.
Fender.com. They have a sale Where you buy 2 accessories and get 30%off. There's a 12 dollar harmonica that you pair with the neck to make both 30% off.

and it comes with a fender logo , not squier, unfortunately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sulliman
My qualms about this bass is how quiet the pups are, and the electronics do need an upgrade. Those for sure would be upgrades I do way before any neck swaps

Jazz basses that aren't active often don't have as much output as other passive basses. I own a Jazz, a P, and a Ricky, and by far the quietest of the 3 is the Jazz. Have found this with other J's too, not just mine
 
These necks are beautiful! I wonder how one would look on a Shoreline Gold precision body. I'm currently building an MJT finished precision bass and haven't decided on a neck yet.
Shoreline Gold begs for a nice tinted maple/maple neck or a neck with rosewood fretboard.
I think the roasted maple has a look that is different from all the non roasted necks.
To me, the roasted ones look aged but with no wear, which is strange ...and awesome.
If I had a Fender body here I would buy that Vintera 60's neck in a quick minute.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sulliman
if you buy the 12 dollar harmonica , then you'll end up paying 219 SHIPPED for the neck and harmonica. Put them in your cart and the discount is automatic. Thank me later.
I don't know whether to thank you or curse you! I got it ordered. I was going to be disciplined with my GAS, but oh well. That is too good of a trick.

Thanks!