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

The never-ending question.. MIM or Squier?

aaronhutson

aaronhutson

Guest
Apr 9, 2011
449
3
Tulsa Oklahoma
#1
Okay I know its a common question but I have 3 choices.

1) Upgrade a Squier Affinity P Bass I bought. I would probably use these parts:

Bridge Cover($18): Fender P Bass Bridge Cover: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend


MM Maple Neck($100): Mighty Mite MM2907 P-Bass Replacement Neck with Maple Fingerboard
Bass Satin Sealed Vintage Style Neck


Tuning Keys($35): Amazon.com: Mighty Mite Fender Style Electric Bass Tuning Machines - Chrome: Musical Instruments


Thumb Rest($12): [This invalid link has been removed]
WHITE THUMB REST FOR BASS GUITAR thumbrest | eBay


Pots & Wiring($21): Link Removed


Pickup: GFS Standard Wound

Pickup Cover: Link Removed



Option 2) Buy MIM Fender P Bass and do a few cosmetic upgrades and maybe rewire with American CTS pots.

Heres the bass: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


Option 3) Save my money to buy a better bass later on (date and bass unknown)


The only thing im not sure about in option 1 is the quality of the new maple neck. I dont know which is better or if they are even worth it. I do want a maple neck though. Just cant justify a 200 dollar one on a squier.


What Im not sure on option 2 is how much better is it gonna be than the squier? The squier feels and plays great. And I like the looks more. Its creme with a white pickguard.


And option 3.. Well thats just a backup. Like maybe save for a MIA Peavey or maybe something even better that that.


Thanks for any help!
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#2
Well, TBH, the only stuff I would change on any bass would be stuff that is busted/not working. Unless the neck/tuners/wiring isn't working, I'd leave it alone. On the other hand, I have done cosmetic changes like pickguard swaps,covers, and thumb rests, but nothing to do with the basic functions of the basses, they haven't really needed them. I have to ask, is it just that you want a maple neck, or is there somethng wrong with the one on there. Does the wiring work as it is now? If there's nothing inherently wrong with it as it is, there's no guarantees that it's gonna make the bass significantly better, unless you're simply going for cosmetic changes.
 
#3
Hi Aaron,

If I were you, I'd replace the wiring in the Squier and maybe a new set of pickups. I personally like Lollars for a vintage tone.

If you have trouble with the neck, then it might be time to replace the bass.

Replace the tuners if they need it.

Best of luck,

Bob
 
#4
C.Linton- The neck is great and plays great, but the truss rod is stripped. I got lucky that I was able to lower the saddle all the way to get a pretty decent action. But I dont like not having the ability to move is if i desire. Plus, i havent ever owned a maple neck. And I just think it would look fantastic on the bass.

The wiring is a little messy. The PO messed with it a little and added some wires for who knows what. It works, but the tone knob is scratchy and only works right when rolled off.
 
#5
Option 3: In the long run, you'll thank yourself. Especially when you have GAS later on for something else. Or, you can just eBay a neck with tuners and all for less, like a Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe neck. If you want a maple fretboard, then go the "different" route and have a '50s Classic Vibe Tele/Precision neck on your P-bass since it's nice and glossy with just the right amount of chunkiness. You could buy those for about $180 with the tuners on it. Or the Vintage Modified P-neck for $10-20 less than the CV neck.

But I would still recommend option 3.
 
#7
Option 3. And I'd save enough to get a bass that you don't feel needs any upgrades.

Honestly, if you're not happy with your Squier, eventually, you're not gonna be happy with an MIM, and you'll end up at Option 3 anyway. Save yourself some money.

I'd personally never change a neck out until the frets were worn down...seems like a waste unless the neck gets warped or something.

Plus maple fretboards are just plain ugly :hiding:
 
#10
My other bass is a peavey millenium bxp 4 string. It has t j pups. It is very versatile. Its not quite as warm and deep as the squire but i still like it. It can go from very warm and deep to a super clanky stingray-like sound. I play mostly with a pick on it.

So with the squire, it has a super deep warm sound, but doesnt handle drop tuning very well, possibly due to older strings i threw on it when I bought it. I like the thick neck though. There is just something about it im not sure about. Maybe its just the itch for a better bass. Im not sure..
 
#11
aaronhutson said:
C.Linton- The neck is great and plays great, but the truss rod is stripped. I got lucky that I was able to lower the saddle all the way to get a pretty decent action. But I dont like not having the ability to move is if i desire. Plus, i havent ever owned a maple neck. And I just think it would look fantastic on the bass.

The wiring is a little messy. The PO messed with it a little and added some wires for who knows what. It works, but the tone knob is scratchy and only works right when rolled off.
Click to expand...

Ah, well in that case ....
 
#12
PBnJBassist said:
Option 3: In the long run, you'll thank yourself. Especially when you have GAS later on for something else. Or, you can just eBay a neck with tuners and all for less, like a Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe neck. If you want a maple fretboard, then go the "different" route and have a '50s Classic Vibe Tele/Precision neck on your P-bass since it's nice and glossy with just the right amount of chunkiness. You could buy those for about $180 with the tuners on it. Or the Vintage Modified P-neck for $10-20 less than the CV neck.

But I would still recommend option 3.
Click to expand...

That might not fit. The end of the Squier Tele neck is squared off,and the Squier P or j necks have more rounded ends.
 
#13
For a little bit more than an MIM you can get a American special or a highway one or a used MIA standard. Better quality out of the box and you probably wont have to or want to Mod one. Unless you really want a thumbrest.
Which is what I should have done, but I didn't know as much 5 years ago. =P
 
#14
I modified two basses with new necks, tuners, pots/wiring, bridges, and had pro work done for the build and setup. Those basses play like a dream, BUT they have virtually no resell value. Good news for me: those basses are perfect for me and I would never have a reason to sell them. If you can get a Squier to play and sound and look like your dream, then it's worthwhile. If you can't, then look into the MIM version since I feel like they really are MIA basses without a pro-setup (frets leveled, etc). Do mods to a MIM as desired although stay away from spendy options. Lastly, if you're taste is really high, consider saving it up and buying the perfect bass.

I know I reiterated what you originally posted, but the truth is: what level will be to your own standards? If you mod a bass, I'd recommend doing it exactly the way you'll always want a bass. And then you don't sell it. Otherwise go grab another bass on the market.

That's my personal experience. A new neck on a bass lowers the value of the bass because it's no longer the original bass.
 
#19
You can just walk into most GCs and these parts off the walls - that's what I've done a lot of the time. There's no shipping/transaction fees and if you go on a Saturday afternoon, you'll get to hear some new and exciting renditions of "Stairway To Heaven' :::

PP: GearHead is Fender's own aftermarket sales for OER parts.

Bridge Cover($18): Fender P Bass Bridge Cover: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

$17.99 @ GC/GearHead/Fender OE Parts Company

Pickup Cover: Bass Parts Resource: Bass Pickup Covers

$14.00 @ GC/GearHead/Fender OE Parts Company

Thumb Rest($12): Fender Thumb Rest Precision Bass and Jazz Bass and more Bass Pickups & Parts at GuitarCenter.com.

$4.00 @ GC/GearHead/Fender OE Parts Company

Pots & Wiring($21): Bass Parts Resource* ::* Bass Wiring Kits

$5.99 ea @ GC /GearHead/Fender OE Parts Company for the pots, each and they contain a .047uF cap in each one. What's wrong with the original wires?

Pickup: GFS Standard Wound -

I have this and love it! Good choice as far as I can see.
 
#20
IMHO:

The fretwork, fit & finish and playability of the Squier VM & CV series is far superior to the MIM Fender's all day. For those equipped with the faux Seymour Duncan pups.... these sound better as well. As a retailer & repair shop... I see more MIM necks doing the pretzel act than Squier as well.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back