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Which Squier to fix up?

chrios

chrios

Guest
May 2, 2011
23
58
#1
I have two Squiers that I got about 5 years ago when I started playing bass, and I'd like to upgrade one of them, but I'm not sure which one to do. I really don't know much about basses themselves, so I'll post some pictures.
Also I'm not sure what to do to them. I'd like to get some new pickups, but I'd like to know what else I could do to make whichever one really nice.

The headstock says Squier Precision Bass and I think it says standard at the top. The action is extremely high because of massive fret buzz. I don't know anything else about it.
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This one says Squier P-Bass and says Affinity at the top. Again, I really don't know anything else about it, sorry.
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#3
affinity series is their 'cheapest of the cheap' range... However i recently spent a happy couple of hours jamming on a friend's Affinity P and it rocked - solid, good sounding p bass. No Q C issues.

...so maybe mod the PJ? I notice your Affinity P doesn't have those awful skinny tuning posts, which is the only thing i didn't like on my mates' bass - so if it plays alright, you migt have a keeper on your hands there...
 
#4
I would go with the first one. The first thing I'd do is take it to a GOOD guitar repair/luthier for a set up/ truss rod adjustment. You shouldn't have ultra high action if your neck is good. Once it's in good playing condition you could replace the pickups, I like the DiMarzio 126's, and the pots. After that most is cosmetic like a new pick guard or maybe a new bridge. Try to have some plan to your mods, don't just replace something to replace it.
 
#5
The affinity is what I'm fixing up I just love the way it plays. I have a standard as well use it when I'm just in the mood for a change, which doesn't happen often. I've thought about selling the standard and going crazy Modding out the affinity. I got Seymour Duncan bassline pups, a wiring kit from stew-mac, and eventually a babics bridge, hip shot machines, and whatever other needless expensive parts I find. Cheers. Have fun.
 
#6
Even better... get some simple tools and do it yourself. Here's a handy guide:
Electric Bass Guitar Setup Guide

No need to pay someone for a relatively easy adjustment. Anyone with rudimentary mechanical skills can set up a bass properly.There is also a lot to be said for being self-sufficient.

butchblack said:
I would go with the first one. The first thing I'd do is take it to a GOOD guitar repair/luthier for a set up/ truss rod adjustment. You shouldn't have ultra high action if your neck is good. Once it's in good playing condition you could replace the pickups, I like the DiMarzio 126's, and the pots. After that most is cosmetic like a new pick guard or maybe a new bridge. Try to have some plan to your mods, don't just replace something to replace it.
Click to expand...
 
#11
The Standard Special should have a Jazz neck.

So the question is pretty much: P or P/J pups, P neck or J neck.

Since you have both, you can actually move the necks around and sell the remainder. Affinity should be a bit lower quality than the Standard. If the Standard is Indonesian, I'd hang onto that.
 
#12
The Affinity will cost less to upgrade.

I am doing one.

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Original Fender 62 pickup $60, free shipping just makes it
sound awesome. (others like 3/4 pounder)

Mighty Mite Tortoise three ply shielded pick guard $19, free
shipping.

Knobs were $13.99 plus $6 shipping.

I already had some heavier pots and shielded wiring.

You can keep going, but look,

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I love mine. I got over it being a Squire.

I have a heavy black bridge, black Wilkinson tuners and
a black string tree on the way. That will be $71 more.

It adds up. I will have about $170 tied up.

But, I absolutely love my Affinity now. sound, looks and
feel are superb,

Tabdog
 
#16
buchananbass said:
I'd say learn how to do a setup, setup both basses as is,
then play each bass individually everyday for a month.
Do this and you will have your answer.
Click to expand...

Good advice. I do recommend learning how to set up and maintain the set up on your bass. But I still hold to my original suggestion of having it professionally set up by a GOOD repairman/luthier. I can get my basses to a usable set up, a good set up makes the bass a joy to play. Where you mentioned fret buzz and high action a pro can tell if there is a problem with your neck, if the neck needs to be shimmed, the nut filed, or some frets dressed, none of which I would be comfortable doing myself.
 
#18
I lucked into my affinity, I was looking for a case for my standard and I found one on Craigslist for 30 bucks. When I met the kid he pulled out the case and I opened it to find the black and white affinity. He said man I didn't take that out. I asked him if he played bass and he said it was his friends bass that quit playing. But the bass didn't work. I offered him 75 bucks for everything. I got the bass home and the wire came loose from the Jack. Soldered it back worked like a champ. I now have more money in hop up parts than I have in the bass itself.
 

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