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Squire Affinity JB upgrade
- Thread starter Wyatt Walker
- Start date
Welcome to TalkBass Wyatt,
One rule here, "No Pic, No Bass".
Your question is too vague to answer.
It depends on a lot of things, i.e.
- type of music you play
- type of sound you're looking for
- what you don't like about what you've got
- etc.
057912
One rule here, "No Pic, No Bass".
Your question is too vague to answer.
It depends on a lot of things, i.e.
- type of music you play
- type of sound you're looking for
- what you don't like about what you've got
- etc.
057912
I say Pickups, first and foremost. The originals may sound alright, but you won't know how bad they really are until you get some proper pickups.
2nd would be the bridge. Depending on whether you have a 4- or 5-string it may be easy or quite difficult to find a direct replacement.
The 5-string tuning machines are Ok. I don't know about the 4's...
2nd would be the bridge. Depending on whether you have a 4- or 5-string it may be easy or quite difficult to find a direct replacement.
The 5-string tuning machines are Ok. I don't know about the 4's...
Thanks ECE,
What PU's are most affordable/ I like the basic vintage 'Motown' sound and looked at the Fender vintage or I like Bartolini's. I've also looked at Hi-mass 5 string bridges but have not found a direct replacement?
What PU's are most affordable/ I like the basic vintage 'Motown' sound and looked at the Fender vintage or I like Bartolini's. I've also looked at Hi-mass 5 string bridges but have not found a direct replacement?
Strings contribute a lot to your tone. Your Squier most likely came with roundwound strings - if you're looking for more of a motown sound, change them out with flatwounds (the Fender ones are cheap and fine) and you'll be most of the way there.
Then pickups next, but pickups are expensive and a lot of work to swap. My advice here is to not change your pickups until you have a clear idea of why you would want to change them.
Tuners and bridge I wouldn't bother upgrading unless you're having issues with them.
Then pickups next, but pickups are expensive and a lot of work to swap. My advice here is to not change your pickups until you have a clear idea of why you would want to change them.
Tuners and bridge I wouldn't bother upgrading unless you're having issues with them.
As a very cheap upgrade, I would replace the stock bridge with one of the vintage style bridges by Wilkinson. It's very similar, but it's made of real steel and brass, unlike the hot dog metal of the affinity hardware. The chrome ones go for around $15 on eBay, a bit more for gold or black. I replaced the cheapo bridge on one of my peavey basses with one recently, and it was night and day. More focused tone, and just felt more stable. It's and easy drop in replacement, and well worth the cost of entry imo.
I got one through Amazon just to try it out. The pickups are "Asian Spaced" and not compatible with anything else. Fortunately, they sound pretty good. I'd gig 'em - got no choice as you're not going to be upgrading or replacing them without routing out the body.
I gotta be honest, I'd have gigged the bass right out of the box as it was fine. I'd change the strings and the pots (they use the little dime-sized pots and they don't hold up well over the long haul). I'd leave the bridge and tuners. They were fine.
My only problem, and it was the reason I couldn't keep it, is stupid. It says "Made In China" on the back on the peghead. My rig, still, somehow, has no MIC components and I'm going to try to keep it that way. But I gotta say, those new Affinities - they are just great basses out of the box.
Maybe try a Kellingsound solderless harness. They are pretty reasonably priced. Kelling is a guy who sells harnesses he hand makes and sells on Ebay. You can get it made to your specs or you can choose from his many options.
I like what it did for my p bass.
I like what it did for my p bass.
Sell the bass, take all your money and buy a better used bass.
+1.
Selling the Affinity + your $200 will get you a much better bass (and then you can consider modding that one later).
I agree with that.
As you said, affinity are good little basses out of the box for beginners or for recording bass lines on a home studio... but not much more.
If you wanna make it sound like an American elite it's not worth it! You'll end up paying the price of an elite for an instrument which value is that of an used affinity!
If you want to keep it cheap and good sounding, sell it and go at least for a classic vibes or a vintage modified... and if you want Motown tone, switch to a precision.
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
I modded an Affinity P for my daughter's Christmas present this past year. I installed an inexpensive but good bridge (Wilkinson maybe?), shielded the electronics and pickup cavities, installed a new pot/jack/tone cap kit and aluminum knobs, swapped the stock PG for a black pearl, and put on a fresh set of Dunlop Super Brights.
They were all cheap mods that made a huge difference. It sounded great!
They were all cheap mods that made a huge difference. It sounded great!
Yeah I agree with this... which is why I wouldn't mess with anything other than trying different strings. It's just not worth it on an Affinity.
an affinity's body is a decent build/modding platform..But if your going to throw down the money as your first bass, IMO i'd def. go for a solid MIA or MIM as a first purchase or Squire's VM or CS line. Otherwise you'll find cheap tuners, iffy electronics, sub-par pickups, and maybe even the wood as being cheap and non-resonant. I've built a couple using affinity bodies, but they sound amazing with those upgrades.
