Upgrading a VM 70's Jazz - VM vs CV? (Pics)

[robbyray]

Picked this bass up for next to nothing on Craigslist. Brought it home, cleaned it up a bit, and started upgrades.

Most of the parts came from Amazon, via a brand named 'Guyker'. I didn't want to spend a bunch on parts, but so far, Guyker's stuff is pretty impressive!

• Replaced the pickguard and control plate with a black anodized aluminum set.
• Replaced the flimsy bridge with a hi-mass version with brass saddles.

• Replaced the tuners (they were pretty shoddy) with some heavy duty shrouded tuners. They are VERY smooth and holding tune is no longer an issue.


After that, I gave it a full setup and intonated the bass. It is SPOT ON now! Plays and sounds great. I thought about replacing the pickups but was pleasantly surprised with the Duncan Designed set these VMs came standard with.

All that's left is to install black strap pins, a black input jack, and possibly replace the nut with an adjustable brass nut.

Now on to my question...

This is a Vintage Modified Squier, and when I was doing research, it looks like it has been replaced with the Classic Vibe. I played a CV at Guitar Center, and I gotta say, I think I prefer my VM. I get that CVs are 'nicer', but I definitely preferred the neck on the VM. I'm not a fan of the narrow / tall frets on the CV and I can't get over the highly lacquered necks on the newer stuff. Has anyone owned both? What are your experiences with the VM vs CV? I will say, the CV felt a little better in terms of fit and finish, but I dig what I have!

 

[Gervais Cote]

Very nice match the black hardware with the natural wood, looks very classy.

I personally also prefer the VM version of this Squier jazz bass than the CV. They seem higher quality, better neck and my guts feeling tells me they will last for ever, at least more than when I have a CV in my hands.

A friend of mine bought one and brought it to me for a setup and it was like working on a Fender pro to me. Robust feeling, quality parts and fits were all flawless.

 

[DonaldR]

I have her 5-string sister:

 

[DonaldR]

What is the part number for your tuning keys? They look to hide the old screws holes.

 

[robbyray]

I have her 5-string sister:
View attachment 7294848

Now I would LOVE to have that big sister! There's something about this natural finish with all the black appointments that just looks so... BOSS!

 

[robbyray]

What is the part number for your tuning keys? They look to hide the old screws holes.

I ordered these. Now I will say, the stock tuner holes are larger than these. I got crafty and wrapped some black electrical tape around the replacement grommets until they fit. You'd never know unless I told ya! And I had to drill new holes for the screws on the back. They're super smooth and secure now, but of course, YMMV – Good luck!

 

[mrniceguy715]

Nice upgrades! I had one back in the day when they 1st released didnt look this good!

 

[ghostdog93]

I'm definitely a fan of the older VM series. This is not to say I don't love the CV basses, because I do think they are great instruments and are worth the $$ for the current models. But for me, the neck finish and overall feel of the Indonesian built VM line has always been more appealing. At their price point back in the day - $299 - they were a solid value. And that VM 70s Jazz was my first J bass, so I'm biased.

I sold my CV P bass years ago but still have my 2011 VM Mustang, and 2011 VM Jag, so that should tell you something.

 

[MechaSparky]

My first bass bought new about 15 years ago. Installed Fender pups, new electronics and knobs, covers and flats. Plays and sounds great. Not my go-to bass, but I still enjoy it. It's sentimental to me, so it may end up being my last bass, too. The expensive Fender pickups were not much of an improvement over the stock ones.

 

[MovingPitchers]

I like the finish on the VM necks but the pickups and everything else on the CVs.

 

[definenredefine]

and possibly replace the nut with an adjustable brass nut.

Guyker sells those too - Guyker Adjustable Bell Brass Nut Length 38mm Split Regulation for Bass

 

[robbyray]

I like the finish on the VM necks but the pickups and everything else on the CVs.

That is interesting. I have been very curious on the CV's pickups vs the VM's "Duncan Designed". I'd really like to know the difference between the two!

 

[DonaldR]

My VM Jazz 5 has Fender Designed pickups, probably the same as the CV.

 

[Bassamatic]

Guyker products are very good - good choice! Bass looks awesome!

 

[FugaziBomb]

I really don't touch Guyker stuff. They ape designs from brands like Hipshot and undercut them on the market by using inferior materials and Chinese slave labor.

Not only is it bad for our domestic economy, but also morally dubious. Just something to think about the next time you see a $30 bass bridge and think "what a great deal!"

 

[J Wilson]

IF this VM suits you better than the newer CV, put your wallet up and walk away, 'cause that one is PERFECT. The black hardware with those black squares on the fingerboard really, really works. I love the black metal pickguard and control plate, and the keys and bridge are the tie and cufflinks.

The best mods take what came out of the box and the add up to a little more than the sum of the parts, and this one is really, really good.

Congrats and I admire your taste, this just works.

 

[robbyray]

IF this VM suits you better than the newer CV, put your wallet up and walk away, 'cause that one is PERFECT. The black hardware with those black squares on the fingerboard really, really works. I love the black metal pickguard and control plate, and the keys and bridge are the tie and cufflinks.

The best mods take what came out of the box and the add up to a little more than the sum of the parts, and this one is really, really good.

Congrats and I admire your taste, this just works.

Hey, I really appreciate the kind words. Just made my day! And you are absolutely correct. The search is OVER.

 

[robbyray]

(2nd to) Last piece of the puzzle!

I discovered these D'Addario oval strap pins a year or so ago, and I swear I've bought 7 or 8 sets. Eliminates the need for strap locks for me. They're just the best.

Just waiting on my black input jack to arrive, and it's DONE.

 

[definenredefine]

Just something to think about the next time you see a $30 bass bridge and think "what a great deal!"

Gotoh bridges are like $30. Just sayin...

 

[logdrum]

This is an upgrade ( I will lose money if I sell it)

EMG JAX5 Pickups (Almico and the X preamp - the most vintage sounding active pickups there is with large headroom )
EMG BTS preamp stack knob (not in picture)
Hipshot Kick Ass Bridge
Hipshot ultralite Y tuners
Brass Saddles (not pictured - improved the B string lots - with the bridge in Stingray 5 level for 34 scale neck )
Battery compartment routed in the back 18v system - enables you to crank the bass boost all the way and not distort at the preamp even if you pluck hard.