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Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass Modfication Questions

F

FleaAndTimmyC

May 7, 2011
40
0
#1
Hey guys! I have decided that my first bass is probably going to be the squier vintage modified jazz bass. I like it because of the natural look and funky sounds. There are a few things that I would like to know before I buy the bass.
Can you add a Fender Bridge Cover? If so how?
Can you add a pickup cover? how?
Can you add a "tug bar" to it? how?
I want it to kind of look like the bass in the picture that i attached except for the fact that it is a different bass.
I tried to attach a picture but i might have done it wrong. (this is my first time on talkbass) Thanks in advanced!
 

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#3
FleaAndTimmy-the Fender ash tray (rear pickup cover) should fit if your bridge is a Badass III or stock with no problem. 2 screws and you'll be looking better. Same for front pickup cover. Tug bar - same. Keep in mind Fender stop providing pickup covers 'cause it hampered people's playing ability.

I'm just saying . . . . .
 
#4
littlepope said:
. Keep in mind Fender stop providing pickup covers 'cause it hampered people's playing ability.

I'm just saying . . . . .
Click to expand...

He just wants to look cool don't you guys get it! ;)

I suggest take the bass with the parts to a guitar shop, and make them do that for you...it's your first bass, a lot of bad things can happen when you drill or screw into something. Let alone your first new Jazz Bass :)


What I did the first time I had bought ashtray for a MIM Jazz I once had....I velcroed it....turned out....It was the most uncomfortable thing ever when playing with a pick. So I just took it off without any evidence of screws...I sold the bass at the end...But I think thats a good idea before you make anything permanent...as well as the tug bar...If you go the 60's way...under the G string, I think theres no problem, but personally a misinstalled tug bar over the pickups, next to the fretboard, etc, or even the 70's way is a deal breaker for me....That said, it only applies if you intend to sell the bass if you get better and decide, you hate Fender or Squier and want a 5 string Spector (Or similar).... :cool:
 
#5
The Squier VM-Jazz can accept both covers - I do NOT think a HM bridge will fit under the bridge cover though. Some have tried and one player said he was going to grind down the corners of the BA to let the cover fit. He said he only had three more payments to make on the Brooklyn Bridge too.

FWIW - I have the same bass in natural blonde with both covers - but there are a few rules first:::

The trenches in both my MIM Deluxe and my VM-Jazz needed a support for the screw on the p'up covers::

100_7571.png


1) The neck p'up will not have any wood under the D/G screw hole side of the cover - but this is easily fixed.
2) On a Fender, the two screw tabs of the bridge p'up are clearly visible once the cover is on - so don't let that bother you.

Looks-wise, this is a sweet dress up.

Play-wise, I have absolutely NO troubles playing in the areas available.

I use Elixir coated strings and they create 'kitty fur' after a while from playing them and here's the funny part: the fuzz is right in the same areas that are available with the covers in place too.

So - NO - if you play with the covers your style won't get cramped and it;s actually worth the bling to have the covers on your bass IMO:::

This is my VM-Jazz::

100_7743.jpg


This is my MiM Deluxe Jazz::

100_7734.jpg


This is my Squier Precision::

100_7505.jpg


And lastly, my VM-Jaguar:::

100_7562.png


...and YES - I like the covers on them all.
 
#6
in my experience the covers and tug bar on a 'fully kitted' bass severely hamper my particular playing style. Likewise, I could never get comfortable with a Rickenbacker for the same reasons.

If this is your first bass, you will be somewhat limited to playing around the hardware. Which may, or may not create certain habits with your playing. I'd test drive some basses first to get a handle on how you wish to play. There's a reason why a lot of Jazz and Precision basses and bassists out there are tug bar, and cover free. The hardware tends to go back on for players who have developed their playing style. Try both. Don't handicap yourself simply with aesthetics.
 
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#11
Here's mine with all the bling:
Jcovers.jpg

When mounting the covers, lay down some masking tape first, both to give you something to make marks on, and to protect the finish when drilling. Oh, and you may want to take a file or some sandpaper to the bottom side of the mounting holes on the covers. Sometimes they have burrs that can scratch up your bass. That's what happened with my SX bass.
You mayaslo notice, I decide to install the tug bar as a thumb rest, for playing reasons, but als becasue it's more "authentic" for a 70's style bass.
As far as the interference with playing style, I've found I can adapt quite well, by playing up by the neck using the thumb rest. I kinda like the tone I get there too.
I never play very close to the bridge anyway, so, for me it's not an issue that the cover blocks me from doing that.
 
#12
I have a Squier VM jazz bass. I have played a bass with a neck pickup cover and didnt like it. I personally dont like spending money on things to enhance the look of the bass. I only spend money on things to enhance the tone of the bass. i only care about the sound coming out, i dont care how ugly the bass is.
 
#14
I personally added new pickups to my bass and a new bridge to add more sustain.

I am all for personalization. But two things: I would prefer to invest funds to enhance sound first, ie pickups, bridge. And I would also be worried about resell value if you start "personalizing" your bass too much.
 
#16
jnevi9nr said:
I personally added new pickups to my bass and a new bridge to add more sustain.

I am all for personalization. But two things: I would prefer to invest funds to enhance sound first, ie pickups, bridge. And I would also be worried about resell value if you start "personalizing" your bass too much.
Click to expand...

That is at the very bottom of my list of good reason - actually, it isn't even ON my list as I don't ever buy anything as an investment.

The market for such ideas and thoughts is too fractured and I don't think anyone should ever buy something with the idea of making a profit or breaking even on something like a guitar.

Music to me is an act of love and personal satisfaction, not an investment.

However, my willingness to swing my ethical fist ends at the tip of your nose - so I fully understand your reasons even if i don't agree with 'em.
 

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