Squier Jaguar Short Scale Club Part 3

[BassDaddy77]

When the Jag SS first hit the market, I figured that there might be a few areas in need of improvement, based on the price point. When I received mine (bought new, sight unseen at MF), all it needed was a tweak of the truss rod and it was good to go. I thought the J pup sounded fine. I actually REALLY liked the stock strings. My neck hasn't needed to be adjusted constantly.

But the more I read about many other Jag SS owners experience, it caused me to question my reasoning. After reading through most of this entire 3 pt thread, I began to wonder if my ears were not up to snuff, or that I was "settling for mediocrity." Was mine just a really good specimen? Was I too easily satisfied?

Fast forward 3 or 4 years and my Jag is still as it came out of the box (save for the truss adjustment). Same stock electronics. The stock strings are still on as well. (OK a little disclaimer: every time I clean and condition the fretboard, I boil and clean the strings before reinstalling them.) I simply see no reason to change anything whatsoever. Does it make me weird? Am I unreasonable? I dunno, but I really enjoy playing my Jag - even in it's box stock configuration. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

[macmanlou]

So I guess my question for everyone who has swapped out the J pickup, or done the magnet mod, did you try raising the J pickup first to see if it made a difference? Is there just something a bit odd about my particular one? Or are my ears (and eyes) deceiving me and the J pickup doesn't really sound as loud now as I think it does? I'm new to basses so can't say how it compares to other Jazz pickups in terms of tone, and I'm sure there are tons of great reasons to choose different pickups to do other things, but this could be an easy fix if it's just the output level that's the problem for some people.

I changed out the bridge pickup mainly to get rid of the single coil's hum.

 

[darkwasthenight]

When the Jag SS first hit the market, I figured that there might be a few areas in need of improvement, based on the price point. When I received mine (bought new, sight unseen at MF), all it needed was a tweak of the truss rod and it was good to go. I thought the J pup sounded fine. I actually REALLY liked the stock strings. My neck hasn't needed to be adjusted constantly.

But the more I read about many other Jag SS owners experience, it caused me to question my reasoning. After reading through most of this entire 3 pt thread, I began to wonder if my ears were not up to snuff, or that I was "settling for mediocrity." Was mine just a really good specimen? Was I too easily satisfied?

Fast forward 3 or 4 years and my Jag is still as it came out of the box (save for the truss adjustment). Same stock electronics. The stock strings are still on as well. (OK a little disclaimer: every time I clean and condition the fretboard, I boil and clean the strings before reinstalling them.) I simply see no reason to change anything whatsoever. Does it make me weird? Am I unreasonable? I dunno, but I really enjoy playing my Jag - even in it's box stock configuration. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

I've done a few tweaks but that's because I'm incapable of not tweaking; I wasn't dead happy with the bridge and I'm still planning to change the wiring up to Volume/Tone/J On/Off but that's just details. If they're all as well set up as mine I'd have no problem taking one out of the box, tuning it and walking onstage good to go.

 

[bnolsen]

Just got my CAR ss jag friday evening and it's a bit on the heavy side, about 8.4lbs with a 3" planet waves strap on it. No neck dive. Initial thoughts: from a playability standpoint I still prefer my gretsch junior jet.

I have a magnet on the way. At that time will put on GHS pressure wounds and do a full setup. I'll get a better idea of how I like it then. It certainly is a pretty bass.

 

[darkwasthenight]

Has anyone rewired their Jag to a different control scheme? I'm considering either a toggle/vol/tone or a mini switch for jazz on/off/parallel, but it would be cool to have a rotary switch to get P/Series/Parallel/J. Is there enough horizontal space in the control cavity for a rotary switch?

 

[Shardik]

Has anyone rewired their Jag to a different control scheme? I'm considering either a toggle/vol/tone or a mini switch for jazz on/off/parallel, but it would be cool to have a rotary switch to get P/Series/Parallel/J. Is there enough horizontal space in the control cavity for a rotary switch?

I guess that depends on the chosen rotary switch.

Personally I did a less radical mod by changing the J volume pot to one with a push/pull type switch that I use to cut the J pot and pickup from the circuit. That makes it a more pure P circuit, which was surprisingly easy to hear. If you thought the P pickup had power, wait till you hear it without that extra 250kOhm load of the J circuit.

 

[AltGrendel]

Has anyone rewired their Jag to a different control scheme? I'm considering either a toggle/vol/tone or a mini switch for jazz on/off/parallel, but it would be cool to have a rotary switch to get P/Series/Parallel/J. Is there enough horizontal space in the control cavity for a rotary switch?

Yes, but a standard 3 position rotary will only fit at the first Vol position (width issues further back). I tried that with a VT/VT setup and wound up taking out the tone knobs. I don't use them. You may also need to "shield" the pot in the next position with e-tape. I did as a precaution.

EDIT

I used a chicken head knob for the rotary switch. Looks pretty cool IMHO.

 

[gip111]

When the Jag SS first hit the market, I figured that there might be a few areas in need of improvement, based on the price point. When I received mine (bought new, sight unseen at MF), all it needed was a tweak of the truss rod and it was good to go. I thought the J pup sounded fine. I actually REALLY liked the stock strings. My neck hasn't needed to be adjusted constantly.

But the more I read about many other Jag SS owners experience, it caused me to question my reasoning. After reading through most of this entire 3 pt thread, I began to wonder if my ears were not up to snuff, or that I was "settling for mediocrity." Was mine just a really good specimen? Was I too easily satisfied?

Fast forward 3 or 4 years and my Jag is still as it came out of the box (save for the truss adjustment). Same stock electronics. The stock strings are still on as well. (OK a little disclaimer: every time I clean and condition the fretboard, I boil and clean the strings before reinstalling them.) I simply see no reason to change anything whatsoever. Does it make me weird? Am I unreasonable? I dunno, but I really enjoy playing my Jag - even in it's box stock configuration. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

I'm also one of the very few that likes it "as is". Had it now for a little over a year and like you, I also have the original strings on it, I like the sound of the bass with them but then again strings are a personal preference.

My only issue is short scales in general, as much as I like the bass, is that I can't get used to the short scale platform, I feel a little cramped when I use it.

 

[darkwasthenight]

I'm also one of the very few that likes it "as is". Had it now for a little over a year and like you, I also have the original strings on it, I like the sound of the bass with them but then again strings are a personal preference.

My only issue is short scales in general, as much as I like the bass is that I can't get used to the short scale platform, I feel a little cramped when I use it.
Contemplating the thought of selling it

I've put some heavier strings on it but to be honest it feels a little... dumpy, for want of a better word, on the short scale so I might go back to the lighter gauge it came with. It's just the low E - the rest are fine. Not had any problems with the scale but I'm a pretty small dude anyway.

 

[Major Dude]

I've had my SS Jag for a few years. Totally love it. Recently decided to put some Labella Deep Talking flats on it. I was planning on doing a set up myself with these new strings as I had recently noticed some neck bow, and I had never had it set up before. Well the Labellas really made it bow up. So after a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn, the truss rod just started spinning. Noooooo. Took it to the guitar tech at Guitar Center who confirmed the truss rod is shot. Guess that's what I get for drinking bourbon and being an amateur at doing set ups.

So now I'm totally depressed. The cost of repairing the neck far exceeds the cost of the bass, and I can't find any necks for sale on Ebay or here in the classifieds. One of the reasons I love the bass is the painted headstock, so I'd like to get an original.

Anyone had this problem with the truss rod? I'm sure it's due to my boneheaded attempt, but it seems like a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn isn't that drastic. Are the truss rods in these things poor quality?

If anyone out there has a neck for sale let me know. Or if anyone is interested in buying mine for parts.

 

[macmanlou]

I've had my SS Jag for a few years. Totally love it. Recently decided to put some Labella Deep Talking flats on it. I was planning on doing a set up myself with these new strings as I had recently noticed some neck bow, and I had never had it set up before. Well the Labellas really made it bow up. So after a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn, the truss rod just started spinning. Noooooo. Took it to the guitar tech at Guitar Center who confirmed the truss rod is shot. Guess that's what I get for drinking bourbon and being an amateur at doing set ups.

So now I'm totally depressed. The cost of repairing the neck far exceeds the cost of the bass, and I can't find any necks for sale on Ebay or here in the classifieds. One of the reasons I love the bass is the painted headstock, so I'd like to get an original.

Anyone had this problem with the truss rod? I'm sure it's due to my boneheaded attempt, but it seems like a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn isn't that drastic. Are the truss rods in these things poor quality?

If anyone out there has a neck for sale let me know. Or if anyone is interested in buying mine for parts.

That's a shame. Did you slacken the strings before you attempted to tighten the rod? I've got LaBella flats on mine and it took a bit less than 1/4 turn to set the relief where I like it.

For the cost of complete new or used Jag SS, maybe getting another one and just swapping the strings over would be the way to go. What color is yours?

 

[Major Dude]

That's a shame. Did you slacken the strings before you attempted to tighten the rod? I've got LaBella flats on mine and it took a bit less than 1/4 turn to set the relief where I like it.

For the cost of complete new or used Jag SS, maybe getting another one and just swapping the strings over would be the way to go. What color is yours?

No, I brought the strings up to tune first before I tightened the rod. I had the Labella 44 gauges, which I found were way too heavy for this bass. So I'm wondering if they had some super tension on them when I tried to tighten it up.

BTW mine is the cherry red color. Best color IMHO.

 

[Tom0Blam0]

Does anyone know

No, I brought the strings up to tune first before I tightened the rod.

That might have been the issue. I think you're supposed to not have any string tension when tweaking the truss rod . Sorry, man. I've botched a number of projects, myself. Good way to learn, I suppose

 

[macmanlou]

No, I brought the strings up to tune first before I tightened the rod.

Yes, tightening the truss rod up 1/2 turn with the strings up to pitch certainly could have been the issue.

I have run the .045 - .105 LaBella "standard" gauges on the Jag with no problems. Did you mean the "Original 1954" flats? Those are a bit too heavy IMO.

 

[mongo2]

I've had my SS Jag for a few years. Totally love it. Recently decided to put some Labella Deep Talking flats on it. I was planning on doing a set up myself with these new strings as I had recently noticed some neck bow, and I had never had it set up before. Well the Labellas really made it bow up. So after a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn, the truss rod just started spinning. Noooooo. Took it to the guitar tech at Guitar Center who confirmed the truss rod is shot. Guess that's what I get for drinking bourbon and being an amateur at doing set ups.

So now I'm totally depressed. The cost of repairing the neck far exceeds the cost of the bass, and I can't find any necks for sale on Ebay or here in the classifieds. One of the reasons I love the bass is the painted headstock, so I'd like to get an original.

Anyone had this problem with the truss rod? I'm sure it's due to my boneheaded attempt, but it seems like a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn isn't that drastic. Are the truss rods in these things poor quality?

If anyone out there has a neck for sale let me know. Or if anyone is interested in buying mine for parts.

The lesson there is to never, never, never, never use the trussrod adjustment nut to tighten the trussrod.

First things first, before a trussrod adjustment session, it's best to loosen the trussrod adjustment nut to make sure it's free to turn before tightening it.

Before tightening a trussrod, manually apply back pressure to the neck to bend the neck back a bit to take pressure off the adjustment nut and rod and then tighten the adjustment nut to hold it in place. Only then release the back pressure on the neck. Check relief and repeat as necessary.

 

[Major Dude]

The lesson there is to never, never, never, never use the trussrod adjustment nut to tighten the trussrod.

First things first, before a trussrod adjustment session, it's best to loosen the trussrod adjustment nut to make sure it's free to turn before tightening it.

Before tightening a trussrod, manually apply back pressure to the neck to bend the neck back a bit to take pressure off the adjustment nut and rod and then tighten the adjustment nut to hold it in place. Only then release the back pressure on the neck. Check relief and repeat as necessary.

Thanks for the tip. I watched a YouTube video of Ken Erlewine using a similar method. Expensive lesson to learn! But at least it wasn't one of my more expensive basses.

 

[AltGrendel]

The lesson there is to never, never, never, never use the trussrod adjustment nut to tighten the trussrod.

First things first, before a trussrod adjustment session, it's best to loosen the trussrod adjustment nut to make sure it's free to turn before tightening it.

Before tightening a trussrod, manually apply back pressure to the neck to bend the neck back a bit to take pressure off the adjustment nut and rod and then tighten the adjustment nut to hold it in place. Only then release the back pressure on the neck. Check relief and repeat as necessary.

Also I understand that you don't do more that maybe a 1/4 turn at a time. I'll do that and let it sit to settle in. Leave it for a day.

It's worked for me.

 

[bnolsen]

when setting up my jag SS i only loosened up the 2 middle strings and did the knee in the back of the neck trick. After changing out to ghs pressure wounds I adjusted the truss rod about a half turn then backed it off a bit. Then I did the full saddle adjustment. I still need to go back for a refinement session (got a few rattles now) but its much more playable.

In my limited exoerience going little by little doesn't seem to matter so much. The more you do initially means its more likely you'll have to readjust the next day.

 

[darkwasthenight]

Has anyone rewired their Jag to a different control scheme? I'm considering either a toggle/vol/tone or a mini switch for jazz on/off/parallel, but it would be cool to have a rotary switch to get P/Series/Parallel/J. Is there enough horizontal space in the control cavity for a rotary switch?

Just rewired her again! Shortly after this post I went for VVT with a push/push to take the Jazz pickup out of the circuit, which I liked but quickly got tired of having the pot sticking out of the front. Full disclosure: I must have been breathing too much solder this week because I read the diagram upside down and managed to mess the wiring up so the 'up' setting was with the pickup on and the volume pot was reversed , but either way I wasn't keen.

I've now rewired it with an on/off/on DPDT mini in the second volume position so I now have P/Kill/Series. Not had chance to try it in band context but liking what I hear so far. I was originally planning for Parallel/P/Series but picked up the wrong type of DPDT switch like a goober, so went with whatever sounded most interesting.

Next steps are to consider replacing the tone with a mini for Bass Cut/Thru/Treble Cut, but I do like playing with the tone when I'm not doing my heavy stuff so not entirely sure I'm ready to make that jump yet. To be honest I don't think I'd miss having those tiny adjustments as much as I'd appreciate just having the presets on hand. Same for volume - I don't think I've ever used anything between full on and off when I'm playing bass. Always found it much easier to just adjust technique. It's only a five minute wiring job if I'm not keen anyway, and I can't tell you how much I love not having to take the strings off to make changes compared to my Jazzmaster.

 

[Fat Freddy]

Here's mine!