Squier "Perfect Fit Replacement Parts" Mega thread

[MartinB]

So if i keep the stock plate regardless of mini or regular ill have to drill out the holes on the plate right?

If you buy US/imperial pots, then you'll need to enlarge the holes; if you buy import/metric pots, then you won't.
Your choice of pots will also affect your choice of knobs. Split-shaft pots need push-on knobs; US split shafts have smaller/finer splines (the "teeth" on the shaft), and imports larger/coaser ones. Knobs with a set screw (as in your picture) ideally need solid-shaft pots.
Knob knowledge: Choosing the correct knob for your guitar or bass. – Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies

 

[MountainDew]

Thanks for info/link. Learned something

 

[Malak the Mad]

Split-shaft pots need push-on knobs; US split shafts have smaller/finer splines (the "teeth" on the shaft), and imports larger/coaser ones.

That's why I like to keep a bunch of these brass pot adapters handy.

 

[MountainDew]

Quick question.
I just received my gotoh gb2 tuners in the mail.
Are the tuner string holes supposed to all the same size? The hole is bigger that the stock tuners.
Just wanted to confirm before I install them

 

[paskisti]

I have Squier MV 5 2017 and its pickups are awful for B string in drop A tuning. If I make normal adjustment height for pickups they start distorting while playing B string and I need to adjust them much lower to avoid that. They also have bit lack of low end. I use 160 B string and needed to file bridge hole to fit the string and now it works mechanically and acoustic sound is good.

Have you experienced this pickup behavior with VM 5 stringer? My pickups are no-name version, not Duncan Design. I have made comparison to my 2009 passive AM V jazz bass and it acts very differently in drop A tuning (no lack of low end, no distortion). Both basses can be adjusted pretty well in terms of playability in my Drop A tuning.

I understand that basses are very different price point but still I'm suprised how bad are the original pickups. I have considered to change pickups to Lollar 5 string jazz pickups because of good availability and price (200€) in my location in EU. And I don't want stacked coil noiseless pickups but true singe coil. Fralin nor fender single coil not easily available and I don't want Duncan quarder pounders. Or maybe I just sell the bass and order MEX 5 string jazz - I need to invest 400€ more compared to Squier 300€ 200€ pickups.

Any comments are welcome.

 

[Dan_reeves]

I am sorry - I haven’t read the entire thread so this might’ve been posted already. If you were curious as to whether the 3/8 Hipshot elephant ear tuners would fit your Squier Affinity Jazz V, they do. But barely! These are the licensed ones, btw.

 

[Ian Hackett]

Hi Folks, Anyone replaced the Tuners on a MIJ Silver Series P Bass (1993/4)? The screw holes are different from the Made in Indonesia Squiers, so the Hipshot HB7's aren't a drop in replacement. Hope someone can help but otherwise, if I find a match I'll pop it on here.

 

[Harper]

Can someone tell me what the drop in replacement tuning machine for the 2011 China made Matt Freeman bass?

 

[Doctor Morbius]

Hello. I could use a few suggestions on a flat bottomed bass string nut for an Indonesian made Squier VM short scale Jag, which is 38mm if memory serves.

I've seen plastic cheapies, but would prefer something a little more uptown. Thanks!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Question for you guys, as I couldn't find an answer

Will a contemporary HH jazz 5, take a standard 5 string neck?

 

[FFFH242]

Graph tech

https://graphtech.com/collections/tusq-nuts-bass

Hello. I could use a few suggestions on a flat bottomed bass string nut for an Indonesian made Squier VM short scale Jag, which is 38mm if memory serves.

I've seen plastic cheapies, but would prefer something a little more uptown. Thanks!

 

[Sub-hoo-fer]

Hi all!

anyone have a lead on aftermarket pickguards for the paranormal 54 jazz?

 

[Malak the Mad]

Hi all!

anyone have a lead on aftermarket pickguards for the paranormal 54 jazz?

I don't know if there are any direct replacements, but if all else fails, you could always have WD Music cut you a custom guard.

• Invalid Link Removed

 

[herbygardener]

Hi all,
Great thread full-o-info!
Gave me the confidence to make some changes to my VM 70s Jazz purely for cosmetic reasons, I love the look of black on wood.
I went with the inexpensive Musiclilly brand stuff, clover tuners, string tree and 'heavy duty' bridge.
The bridge is a little bigger and slightly heavier but fit as a direct replacement. String tree fit with no alterations. The tuners fit but I found to get them lined up properly I could only use one of the four original screw holes per tuner, so had to predrill the others which was no big deal.
I also got a black control plate but that is not a direct replacement as there is a decent gap at the pick guard, so held off on that for now. Might just paint the chrome one?
I 'blacked out' the white line in the pick guard with a black sharpie
I took the opportunity to clean the fret board and polish the frets while I had the strings off and then put on some new Black beauties!
I'm loving the look now and the sound was not negatively impacted so I'm happy with that. The bass seems more balanced on the strap now as well.
Thanks for all the info and encouragement
Cheers!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Nice results!

I have a couple of suggestions for your loose ends...

I also got a black control plate but that is not a direct replacement as there is a decent gap at the pick guard, so held off on that for now. Might just paint the chrome one?

A ways back, I looked into ways to turn a chrome finish into something like Smoked Chrome or Cosmo Black and found this Dupli-Color Shadow Black-Out kit. It's a two-part process...the black-out coating, then a clear coat.

• Shadow Black-Out Coating – Duplicolor

Here's my first try with it...specifically, the bridge and control plate. My initial results weren't that great, but this low-risk/low-cost experiment taught me how to use it more effectively.

1. Smooth, even motions with the black-out spray. Don't rush or wave the can around a lot while applying. You end up with a slightly rough, speckled textured. That's why the control plate looks kinda "matte".
   
2. Don't skimp on the clear coating and make sure you give each coat plenty of time to dry. When I taped down the bridge to install it, a little peeled off.

I 'blacked out' the white line in the pick guard with a black sharpie

Did you catch any references to my "DIY Sharpie Tint™" technique? If so, cool. If not, there's the trick to it that I'll gladly share with all-y'all.

 

[Yahboy]

Hi all,
Great thread full-o-info!
Gave me the confidence to make some changes to my VM 70s Jazz purely for cosmetic reasons, I love the look of black on wood.
I went with the inexpensive Musiclilly brand stuff, clover tuners, string tree and 'heavy duty' bridge.
The bridge is a little bigger and slightly heavier but fit as a direct replacement. String tree fit with no alterations. The tuners fit but I found to get them lined up properly I could only use one of the four original screw holes per tuner, so had to predrill the others which was no big deal.
I also got a black control plate but that is not a direct replacement as there is a decent gap at the pick guard, so held off on that for now. Might just paint the chrome one?
I 'blacked out' the white line in the pick guard with a black sharpie
I took the opportunity to clean the fret board and polish the frets while I had the strings off and then put on some new Black beauties!
I'm loving the look now and the sound was not negatively impacted so I'm happy with that. The bass seems more balanced on the strap now as well.
Thanks for all the info and encouragement
Cheers!
View attachment 4744358 View attachment 4744359 View attachment 4744360 View attachment 4744361 View attachment 4744362

Look stunning !!!
but, you forget "Black-out" the control plate and magnet pole piece ...... and , fret wire and black Tusq nut.

 

[herbygardener]

I'm OK with the pick up poles and frets staying the way they are (for now ) the frets are all nicely polished now.
I would eventually like to change the nut to black but honestly didn't think about it when ordering the parts I did, will put it on the list.
As for the control plate, this was suggested by a friend...https://www.amazon.ca/VViViD-Matte-...sprefix=matte+black+vinyl+wrap,aps,165&sr=8-3

Has anyone tried this for a pickguard/control plate? Seems pretty simple.
Cheers!

 

[Malak the Mad]

As for the control plate, this was suggested by a friend...https://www.amazon.ca/VViViD-Matte-Black-Release-Technology/dp/B07PYK74SG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=6TGFG2ZM5U8N&keywords=matte+black+vinyl+wrap&qid=1657485023&sprefix=matte+black+vinyl+wrap,aps,165&sr=8-3

Has anyone tried this for a pickguard/control plate? Seems pretty simple.
Cheers!

Do you want it to have a matte finish or a glossy finish?

• https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Gloss-V...b6-86b4-f14abc43be75&pd_rd_i=B00FXY7W9U&psc=1

 

[Yahboy]

I'm OK with the pick up poles and frets staying the way they are (for now ) the frets are all nicely polished now.
I would eventually like to change the nut to black but honestly didn't think about it when ordering the parts I did, will put it on the list.
As for the control plate, this was suggested by a friend...https://www.amazon.ca/VViViD-Matte-Black-Release-Technology/dp/B07PYK74SG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=6TGFG2ZM5U8N&keywords=matte+black+vinyl+wrap&qid=1657485023&sprefix=matte+black+vinyl+wrap,aps,165&sr=8-3

Has anyone tried this for a pickguard/control plate? Seems pretty simple.
Cheers!

1.29US $ 51% OFF|Tooyful 4 Holes Vintage Control Plate Metal For Jazz Jb Style Bass Instrument Accessories - Guitar Parts & Accessories - AliExpress

If your J using Alpha pot, this aliexpress plate are nice choice.

 

[herbygardener]

1.29US $ 51% OFF|Tooyful 4 Holes Vintage Control Plate Metal For Jazz Jb Style Bass Instrument Accessories - Guitar Parts & Accessories - AliExpress

If your J using Alpha pot, this aliexpress plate are nice choice.

Thanks for this, do you know that they fit a VM 70s Jazz with no gap at the pickguard end?
I've already bought the Musiclily black control plate, but I don't like the fit. That's why I started thinking of options to adapt the chrome control plate that's on it and that fits without a gap.

Do you want it to have a matte finish or a glossy finish?

• https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Gloss-V...b6-86b4-f14abc43be75&pd_rd_i=B00FXY7W9U&psc=1

Thanks for this as well.
Haven't decided b/w gloss and matte yet, hoping to hear from someone who has successfully used this type of wrap.
I've actually seen a 'chalkboard' finish as well