I sat in a music store for an hour comparing the $1500 American J with a $300 Japanese Squire. Walked out with the Squire because the neck felt better and it played and sounded better! Added some Seymour Duncan Bassline pick-ups and still love it 20 years later.
Great points. Sometimes cheaper guitars can be surprisingly better and I’m a gear snob. I usually frown on cheap pickups but my stock Squire bass pickup sounds so good that I see no reason to change it. I might though in the future just for a different variation reason
Looks like a fun upgrade. I just got into bass a couple months ago and it’s a lot of fun. And I just bought the Classic Vibe 60’s Jazz Bass yesterday. I love it!
Well, I up-graded my Squier Vintage Modified 5-string Jazz Bass with Sadowsky On-board 4-Knob Pre-amp and Aguilar AG J5-HC Pickups. I still can't wipe out the smile of my face...
That stop motion was so cool! One of the most interesting guitar assembly timelapses I have watched! I know I'm very late with this comment but you should do this more!
Yeah, I know a little late for commenting, but it helped me decide what to do with my Squier , I used yours upgrades PLUS used Graph tech bridge and nut, a white pearliod pickguard too . Sounds great! :)
Never too late! Nice, I like pearloid pickguards. I did end up doing a bridge upgrade too, just didnt have the part in time for the video: instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/ awesome!
I would also recommend upgrading the bridge. I modded my Squier VM Jazz Bass ‘77 with similar upgrades, but also replaced the stock bridge with a Babicz Full Contact bridge. It made a world of difference in tuning stability and in tone/sustain. Thanks for sharing this video!
I have that same VM '77 Jazz Bass. I just pulled it out of the case yesterday after a 3 year slumber. Thanks for the upgrade tips! It's a great Bass for the money even stock
This is a VERY creative video Landon, and that bass is simply gorgeous! The one upgrade that you didn't do was the bridge. Swapping out those pot metal saddles for something like a drop-in Hipshot KickAss with brass ones makes for a very nice upgrade. For most applications, doing that plus changing to the Fender tuners would be enough. I did exactly this on my Squier Jaguar short scale, and it really improved the clarity of the stock pickups. However, I did need to drill a couple of new screw holes in order to mount the Fender replacement tuners for some reason. Cheers! 😎
My fave mod I did wasn't a guitar mod. Amp. Followed Phillip Mknights amp mod where he replaced a 12 AT7 in the V1 to make a Fender hotrod volume quieter. Did it in my deville 410 and that with the higher bias of 70 mV makes the od channel much better sounding. I love it. Bedroom volume levels and sweet overdrive.
changing a tube was your favorite mod? wow,mine was gutting a guitar, replacing everything inside,changing the neck,replacing it ,setting it all up, intonating it .then i stripped and refinished it all and im loving it afterwards
I agree Squiers are super value. The Squier CV Strat from China is outstanding 👍 Although, the Custom Shop stuff comes with the extra value of a free cork to sniff.
I've seen guys throw 300 bucks into a 150 dollar guitar sounds crazy but they loved everything about that guitar except the way it sounded and maybe a few cosmetic changes pick guard tuners and such but their plan is to keep that instrument forever so I say do what makes you happy
Just replaced the pots / jack input and wiring on my 2013 Squier VM 5-string bass. Wanted to share my experience. First, getting the pup wires and other wires into the Obsidian connector was a hassle... they wouldn't go in and stay tight. Ended up soldering short solid wires to the existing (stranded) wiring and then inserting the solid wire into the connector... which then went in EZ and held. Second, I didn't buy the Fender cover plate... but did have to enlarge the holes (drilled them) on the existing plate... saved $26. You must get the official Fender knobs though. Looking back at the project, I think getting the individual pots and soldering everything (instead of using the pre-wired kit) would've been easier... assuming you have decent soldering skills or a bud with those skills that can help. Good luck! The Obsidian kit is quiet and functions well.
I hate to say this but I like the stock pick ups better… But I appreciate you taking the time to make this video and like others have said I really like the stop motion animation… Very cool. thanks for sharing!
Is no one gonna mention that he recorded the stock pickups through a DI and the Noiseless pickups through the Fender Rumble? That’s what you’re hearing as being bright. If he did them both DI, we’d hear a true comparison.
most entertaining upgrade video I've ever seen. Really breathes new life into that Squier! I'm really impressed. Proves that you can get quite a lot out of a Squier with a little work.
Cool mod. I had one of those I gave it to a guy needed one for college...the worst decision I made. The stock model was absolutely killer with no mods. Wish I had back.
Here s what I am doing to the MIM Jazz by the way, hipshot hi masss bridge, dimarzio Ultajazz pups, hipshot BT7 xtender, obsidian wiring. Decided to keep the tuners for now as they seem pretty solid on the MIM. Redid my VM PBASS this week week with wilkinson tuners, fender vintage grooved bridge, seymore duncan qps, and cts pots with .47 cap. To be honest, not much of a difference in sound or playability...VMs are wonderful creatures that don t get enough love because of snobs that have labelled squiers without playing them set up properly.
You did a good job on the upgrades. The stop action was hilarious. i've been around when the vintage basses weren't vintage. We did the same things also. Just keep all the old parts just in case you get a deal on some bass that blows you away (it might happen, I know). What you did for that bass can be reinstalled . Just be careful upgrades can be addictive .
Great precision stop motion install! All upgrade mod vids should be done that way lol Nice work and I agree- my Squire Jazz Bass is Indo and those are fantastic value.
I've been thinking of doing exactly this with the same components as well as a Fender HiMass bridge, although not maybe the controls - was thinking pre-amp there. You've proven me right in my thinking, that tone is awesome.
I've owned several guitars sold most of them except 1 MIM Stratocaster I went full mod mode on it was 350 new and has about 300 bucks in upgrades in it but I love it especially now the same Stratocaster in stock form is 800 bucks so I completely understand
Some advice for bass playing, when you pluck the strings think of it as you pushing through the string and using the next string up as a backstop. This is IMO a more efficient way of finger picking and allows for faster picking speed. Nice video btw, cheers!
Came across this video as thinking of modding my Squire affinity jazz bass. I had a squire p-bass modded last winter, and even the guy who did the job was impressed. I love the choices you made, especially the pre-assembled pot and tone configuration (going to look into that one). The best thing about squires are the cost, the build has certainly improved since the eighties (yes, i'm that old). Its the electronics that I am not sure off. I'm going to run with a Seymour Duncan set up, a heavier bridge and better tuners. It was nice to see that you were able to get hold of parts I thought as not available, and will be tracking them down soon. The stop-motion bits in this video was very good, I half expected Peter Gabriel to pop up and start singing. Well presented, very informative, and really enjoyable. Thanks
Hey man I did the exact mods on my 70’s fender jazz reissue and it sounds awesome, I’ll never get rid of it, sunburst with rosewood and block pearl inlays it’s made to be funky,, great video
lando27music Yep! It looks awesome! The flat black looks nice with the shiny black pickguard. We have photos up on our Instagram if you want to check it out. 👍🏻
I appreciate the work he put into it. I'm planning to do a modification on a Harley Benton Jazz bass. I wish he were a better bassist, I think I could've really gotten the sound difference from the pickups.
For me, way too much treble. I wanted to hear you dig into it. Good video enjoy viewing. I’m in the process of replacing pu’s on my fender jazz as the bridge pu retired itself.
I was shopping for a Squire natural with a maple neck and in the process I found a MM jazz bass that was like lightening the moment I put my hands on it......but, I still want a maple neck jazz and the comparison video really hits a home run on sound. There is a huge difference in quality among the Squires and overall they are much better than they used to be. This video is 5 years old.........did you ever replace the bridge? Seems the a better bridge would help as well.
@@landonbailey still not a high mass bridge....it will make a big difference as would a " Tusk" nut. Bass lacks real sustain as all other squire basses do compared to a real USA Fender.....do another upgrade video.
A high mass bridge is more like a .... cosmetic stuff to me. I upgraded my road worn jazz, and got clearer attack, more sustain (maybe) , and a deader E string:)
I have the same vintage modified bass at the moment. It plays wonderfully and i love it, but i may change the pickups with the same noiseless ones, and replace the knobs as well, as the strat knobs do not work on a jazz bass. Cheers for the idea, man and keep up the good work.
I've got the squier pj bass just replaced the bridge and tuners(both schaller), put on some jaco's roto swings and this thing sound vintage the way i like it the noiseless sound too polished not enough low end in my ears...expensive doesn't always mean better...cheers
I would’ve only replaced the electronics, perhaps with an EMG kit (~$200). Likely, I’d also replace the pickguard for a tortoise shell one (off-brand, because I won’t pay >$25 for a very simple piece of plastic). Maybe DIY convert it to a fretless. To each their own :)
Not to nitpick, but I want to suggest flattening the fingers of your right hand a bit, and pushing through the string more than picking it w/ your finger tip. Enjoyed the pickup demo though.
Great video. Though might have been a better idea to upgrade one of the lower end Squier Basses rather than a Vintage Modified, which is actually a well kitted out upper end variant to start with. Hence why one or two are preferring the stock pickup sounds. As the VM is perhaps one of the closest thing to a Fender that you are going to find in the Fender Squier range. VM's are in many ways probably a blingy version from the far east on a parr with the actually very good Mexican guitars. All am really saying is try the same type of mod on say an Affinity...
You have a great bass to start with, but I think there are some places where you could have shifted your $$ around for a better overall result. 1) The Squier tuners hold their tune and are more than adequate. (save the $90-). If you want a functional upgrade, just swap the low E tuner for a Hipshot Drop D and leave the others alone (or just save the money). 2)Then instead of buying a passive harness ($60) and control plate ($20+) buy a drop-in Audere pre-amp with the control plate for around $100 and turn it into an active bass. Then if you want to splurge a little, get a Gotoh heavy mass bridge for around $40. Lastly, spring for a professional fret level/crown and possibly a professional setup (if you can't do it yourself. Then you'll have a bass that will hang with the $2000 models. JMO
Just one more word about my comments... I modded my Squier VM bass much like the OP with the exception of the drop-d tuner and heavy bridge. was pretty good as it was but a few frets were ever so slightly unlevel. Getting the frets leveled allowed a much better setup and feel. I put Aguilar noiseless and did a passive rewire like the OP. But I did put an active Audere (ProZ) preamp in my 5 string Jazz and the difference if profound. Next will be a preamp for my Squier.
I saw the classic vibe 70s Squire Precision bass at guitar center and I kept gravitating towards it again and again nothing else had the kind of growl that i want so i scoured eBay for all of ten seconds before i found someone selling a practically new Squire P 70s vibe and i scooped it up at asking for about 100 dollars off because everyone looking at Squires isn't interested in fenders 400 dollar price point (after all a MIM is only ~200 dollars more) or they think its an overpriced squire because they don't know what they're looking at lol anyways GREAT bass, upgraded the electronics and the knobs, looks and feels perfect!
Landon I’m thinking of buying an affinity jazz bass and modifying it to the max. Did you have to drill holes for the tuners? I love that neck with the mother of pearl markers. There is a company called epic custom shop pickups and they build great pickups for a fraction of the price of name brand pickups
That took a lot of work to produce! Awesome! So didn't get your thoughts on the upgrade. Do you prefer the new pickups? Think the new ones are a little brighter. Also how did you record them cause I didn't hear any noise on the old ones
Hi Landon! Awesome video! Can you please post the links to the other parts required for the upgrade? I see the one for the VINTAGE PLUS FOR JAZZ BASS by Obsidian, but the ones for the control plate and knobs (and the ones by Obsidianwire are out of stock) Thanks!
You're fuckin funny dude! Thanks for the great video, and also for mentioning the name of the newest version of the noiseless pickups. No wonder all these Elite Series basses sound so damn good! After I press send, I'm gonma go on the internet and look them badboys up! They sound fuckin tight!!!
It sounds great! Whats the diameter of your headstock holes? I want to grab those tuners as well, fenders site doesn't have the specs on their website. Thanks in advance.
Lots of people said they liked the stock pickup sound better, but I can assure all of them that it's only due to hearing the gen 4 pickups at a modest volume in an isolated environment. Trust me, Squier stock pickups aren't about to deliver what gen 4 pups put out on a live soundstage with a band and they won't even come close to delivering the clarity and presence that gen 4's put out in a studio mix.
I don’t see a problem with modifying a Squier. That’s the big reason I came to your video. I’ve also got a Squier Jazz Bass Vintage Modified. Mine is in natural finish with black block inlay and binding. After seeing the mods, and then hearing them, I personally don’t know if I’ll end up doing it. There is a bit more tonal crispness or brightness to the mods, but adjusting tone settings on the map would work as well for some of that. I guess I would have been a lot more impressed if the initial bass sounded terrible and suddenly sounded amazing. But honestly, hearing the two side by side, I’m convinced that the difference between the two is negligible and I’d rather mess with my amp adjustments.
Thanks for the video. I was considering upgrading some stuff on one of my basses, but your video convinced me that the difference in sound is too small to be worth the price. Not saying it's not fun to be a little experimental though. That Jazz neck looks great!
You get a like just for the stop motion. You missed the most important part to upgrade on a Squier, the nut. Get a bone nut in there and you will be amazed at the difference. Worth it, it is not money efficient :) But if it puts a smile on your face, it is worth it.
@@landonbailey Did I read that right? When you demo'd the stock bass you DI'd the signal and when you demo'd the modded bass you ran it through an amp? Did you take a line out or mic it? The modded bass sounds less distinct. A mic'd amp would explain that.
@@landonbailey heck ya man, the video was different as its unique to you! just like the bass, and that's a good thing! True the bass won't get the same cost back if its ever sold, but I don't ever plan to sell mine, ill keep it for as long as I can, or hand it down as a gift or something else. sounds awesome!
You are right I've never seen a bass upgrade like yours 👍, so the stock sounds good but the upgrade gave it some nice low end. I'm searching for a a new bass in the jazz vein and I need to keep an eye out for one of these Squire's now.
Great fun to watch! I have a Squire Jaguar VM 4, and love watching these mod vids to get ideas. On the next mod, could you add a high mass bridge? Bass on brother!
Nice demo Ahh... if you replace the pick guard with a white one, it would resemble Geddy Lee’s bass signature. And one more thing R.I.P. Vintage Modified Series
If you sum all up, couldn't you have bought a Fender Standard or Professional directly? Concerning tone comparison, the difference between LINE IN and FENDER RUMBLE is probably bigger than between before and after mod.
Super helpful vid (definitely more bottom and a bit more "growl" with those noiseless 4's). I'm thinking of getting the same pickups for my VMJB. Does getting the noiseless pickups negate the need for shielding the crevices on these basses?
Since I don't get any noise, I'm assuming they are doing the same type of job that shielding is doing. Similar to a Lace Sensor pickup. I didn't add any shielding
Hey Man. Much appreciate this, especially your choice of pick ups and electronics. What would help, at least me, a lot would be if you had someone who could really run both of those basses through some grooves and we could A B them. Please consider. And thank you again.
Hey Landon - Don't know if you will see this, but I really want to know if you had to drill new holes for fitting the Fender tuning keys? Great channel, love your videos!
@@landonbailey Solderless is the way to go. Someone had told me about Obsidian and I forgot. Definitely ordering some for a Squier and a Frankenjazz I am modding!!
Hmm, this is a debatable substitution. The cost of the guitar plus the parts to replace is greater than purchasing the Fender Player Series Jazz Bass Mexican. But we still only have Squier.
Hey man nice production on the video - Its much appreciated and way better than most homemade vids. IMHO you should sell that bass , and if you do let me know what your asking price is , I'll put it to good use..
Nice video man! I'll be uploading a comparison soon as well with a Squier 60s CV jazz bass. I ordered the Daphne Blue version and got it painted Olympic White, headstock uncluded, and replaced all hardware parts for gold ones. Schaller bridge for amazing sustain and had a friend of mine assemble a pair of handwounded noise isolation pickups with complete new wiring and pods. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think 🤗
Dude, the stop motion effect is KILLER. I love it. It's like I'm watching a guitar upgrade on The Gumby Show.
+Chris House hey thanks! ya I've sprinkled stop motion throughout a bunch of videos 🎸😁
Chris House +1, the stop motion is super-cool.
yeah, glad to see that someone made something unique and have so many patience. Even if it's not a key element of this video.
hey thanks! share it around if you liked it 🎸👍😁
Yes!
I sat in a music store for an hour comparing the $1500 American J with a $300 Japanese Squire. Walked out with the Squire because the neck felt better and it played and sounded better! Added some Seymour Duncan Bassline pick-ups and still love it 20 years later.
nice! ya to me it's all about the neck
Update! Now has a brass hipshot bridge and a 920D control box! Love it more !
Wow this comment really is something. Thanks a lot. Probably i'm gonna buy squier japan and modify it so it would be low cost
Great points. Sometimes cheaper guitars can be surprisingly better and I’m a gear snob. I usually frown on cheap pickups but my stock Squire bass pickup sounds so good that I see no reason to change it. I might though in the future just for a different variation reason
Looks like a fun upgrade. I just got into bass a couple months ago and it’s a lot of fun. And I just bought the Classic Vibe 60’s Jazz Bass yesterday. I love it!
nice! ya that was my first time trying ObsidianWire I believe
I noticed a deeper, richer boom to the super squire. Definitely better through my iPhone and the earphones. Loved the animation 😀👍
+Tom Corr cool thanks! ya I always recommend headphones or good speakers for a tone comparison 🎸🎸
Interesting right hand finger style technique you got.
oh ya it's my signature technique. it's called the 'I don't know what the hell I'm doing'
Well, I up-graded my Squier Vintage Modified 5-string Jazz Bass with Sadowsky On-board 4-Knob Pre-amp and Aguilar AG J5-HC Pickups. I still can't wipe out the smile of my face...
That stop motion was so cool! One of the most interesting guitar assembly timelapses I have watched! I know I'm very late with this comment but you should do this more!
Thanks a lot!
Yeah, I know a little late for commenting, but it helped me decide what to do with my Squier , I used yours upgrades PLUS used Graph tech bridge and nut, a white pearliod pickguard too . Sounds great! :)
Never too late! Nice, I like pearloid pickguards. I did end up doing a bridge upgrade too, just didnt have the part in time for the video: instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/
awesome!
I would also recommend upgrading the bridge. I modded my Squier VM Jazz Bass ‘77 with similar upgrades, but also replaced the stock bridge with a Babicz Full Contact bridge. It made a world of difference in tuning stability and in tone/sustain. Thanks for sharing this video!
4stringkingstf hey cool! I actually did the bridge as well shortly after. It just didnt make it into the video instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/
I have that same VM '77 Jazz Bass. I just pulled it out of the case yesterday after a 3 year slumber. Thanks for the upgrade tips! It's a great Bass for the money even stock
This is a VERY creative video Landon, and that bass is simply gorgeous! The one upgrade that you didn't do was the bridge. Swapping out those pot metal saddles for something like a drop-in Hipshot KickAss with brass ones makes for a very nice upgrade. For most applications, doing that plus changing to the Fender tuners would be enough. I did exactly this on my Squier Jaguar short scale, and it really improved the clarity of the stock pickups. However, I did need to drill a couple of new screw holes in order to mount the Fender replacement tuners for some reason. Cheers! 😎
My fave mod I did wasn't a guitar mod. Amp. Followed Phillip Mknights amp mod where he replaced a 12 AT7 in the V1 to make a Fender hotrod volume quieter. Did it in my deville 410 and that with the higher bias of 70 mV makes the od channel much better sounding. I love it. Bedroom volume levels and sweet overdrive.
changing a tube was your favorite mod? wow,mine was gutting a guitar,
replacing everything inside,changing the neck,replacing it ,setting it all up,
intonating it .then i stripped and refinished it all and im loving it afterwards
The video and audio effects you use are really fun and clever. They add A LOT of character to your videos. Cool stuff.
Hey thanks! there's so much out there, gotta be original somehow!
Haven't even finished the vid yet.Gotta say that the editing is awesome!Appreciate the work man.
paul bradley hey thanks! I was lots or work but really fun
I agree Squiers are super value. The Squier CV Strat from China is outstanding 👍 Although, the Custom Shop stuff comes with the extra value of a free cork to sniff.
I've seen guys throw 300 bucks into a 150 dollar guitar sounds crazy but they loved everything about that guitar except the way it sounded and maybe a few cosmetic changes pick guard tuners and such but their plan is to keep that instrument forever so I say do what makes you happy
do what works!
The stock sound is quite charming
🎸👍
Just replaced the pots / jack input and wiring on my 2013 Squier VM 5-string bass. Wanted to share my experience. First, getting the pup wires and other wires into the Obsidian connector was a hassle... they wouldn't go in and stay tight. Ended up soldering short solid wires to the existing (stranded) wiring and then inserting the solid wire into the connector... which then went in EZ and held. Second, I didn't buy the Fender cover plate... but did have to enlarge the holes (drilled them) on the existing plate... saved $26. You must get the official Fender knobs though. Looking back at the project, I think getting the individual pots and soldering everything (instead of using the pre-wired kit) would've been easier... assuming you have decent soldering skills or a bud with those skills that can help. Good luck! The Obsidian kit is quiet and functions well.
I hate to say this but I like the stock pick ups better… But I appreciate you taking the time to make this video and like others have said I really like the stop motion animation… Very cool. thanks for sharing!
no worries! the best tone is always in the ears of the beholder :)
@@landonbailey it might be the pots, maybe that specific pickup you bought takes out a bright tone, and you maybe got a 1meg pot? Just a theory
I agree! The stock pick-ups have more hot mids then the G4 Noiseless pickups.
Is no one gonna mention that he recorded the stock pickups through a DI and the Noiseless pickups through the Fender Rumble? That’s what you’re hearing as being bright. If he did them both DI, we’d hear a true comparison.
no one has mentioned that because it's not accurate. I did line in and rumble for stock and upgraded. I did all the combinations of pickups as well.
Way fun to watch this vid. It was cool, interesting, and definitely worth it.
Hey thanks Ron!
i have a vintage modified strat and i personally love it,ive had us and mexican strats and it easily hangs with them.
Squier has great stuff. I've had good experiences with all of the models I've owned
most entertaining upgrade video I've ever seen. Really breathes new life into that Squier! I'm really impressed. Proves that you can get quite a lot out of a Squier with a little work.
Don:Ellis Music thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. If you can find a Squier model that you love, then upgrade away! 🤣🎶🎸
This bass needs no mods.This is really dumb.
I kinda wanna get a Squier P-Bass or one of those Squier Bullet Mustang guitars and play around with them. :)
+Don:Ellis Music go for it! I'm really happy with mine
+Brbadge I never said it needed mods, Im pretty sure I said the stock hardware is good. im a modder and it's something I enjoy.
Cool mod. I had one of those I gave it to a guy needed one for college...the worst decision I made. The stock model was absolutely killer with no mods. Wish I had back.
Anderson McCant hey thanks! great stock Bass for sure. you gifted a guitar, thats super generous of you!
Here s what I am doing to the MIM Jazz by the way, hipshot hi masss bridge, dimarzio Ultajazz pups, hipshot BT7 xtender, obsidian wiring. Decided to keep the tuners for now as they seem pretty solid on the MIM. Redid my VM PBASS this week week with wilkinson tuners, fender vintage grooved bridge, seymore duncan qps, and cts pots with .47 cap. To be honest, not much of a difference in sound or playability...VMs are wonderful creatures that don t get enough love because of snobs that have labelled squiers without playing them set up properly.
You did a good job on the upgrades. The stop action was hilarious. i've been around when the vintage basses weren't vintage. We did the same things also. Just keep all the old parts just in case you get a deal on some bass that blows you away (it might happen, I know). What you did for that bass can be reinstalled . Just be careful upgrades can be addictive .
Great precision stop motion install! All upgrade mod vids should be done that way lol Nice work and I agree- my Squire Jazz Bass is Indo and those are fantastic value.
I've been thinking of doing exactly this with the same components as well as a Fender HiMass bridge, although not maybe the controls - was thinking pre-amp there. You've proven me right in my thinking, that tone is awesome.
I've owned several guitars sold most of them except 1 MIM Stratocaster I went full mod mode on it was 350 new and has about 300 bucks in upgrades in it but I love it especially now the same Stratocaster in stock form is 800 bucks so I completely understand
🎸👍
Some advice for bass playing, when you pluck the strings think of it as you pushing through the string and using the next string up as a backstop. This is IMO a more efficient way of finger picking and allows for faster picking speed. Nice video btw, cheers!
Cool thanks for the tips! I just got into bass this year, so I can definitely use some help!
Came across this video as thinking of modding my Squire affinity jazz bass. I had a squire p-bass modded last winter, and even the guy who did the job was impressed. I love the choices you made, especially the pre-assembled pot and tone configuration (going to look into that one). The best thing about squires are the cost, the build has certainly improved since the eighties (yes, i'm that old). Its the electronics that I am not sure off. I'm going to run with a Seymour Duncan set up, a heavier bridge and better tuners. It was nice to see that you were able to get hold of parts I thought as not available, and will be tracking them down soon.
The stop-motion bits in this video was very good, I half expected Peter Gabriel to pop up and start singing. Well presented, very informative, and really enjoyable.
Thanks
cheers!
Great animation on the upgrading. Superb upload thanks for sharing
hey thanks!
Hey man I did the exact mods on my 70’s fender jazz reissue and it sounds awesome, I’ll never get rid of it, sunburst with rosewood and block pearl inlays it’s made to be funky,, great video
Nice! I love the neck on this one too. thanks!🎸👍
Also replaced the bridge with The omega bridge and it has great sustain
nice! I also did the bridge, but didn't have the part yet while I was making this video.
instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/
Nice! Those Gen 4 Noiseless Pickups sound awesome!
hey thanks! started your paintjob yet on your upgrade?
lando27music Yep! It looks awesome! The flat black looks nice with the shiny black pickguard. We have photos up on our Instagram if you want to check it out. 👍🏻
I'll check it out. thanks!
Hi, do you have a link to see the pics? I have a modified Squier in white, I would like to paint it black, not sure yet, thanks
I appreciate the work he put into it. I'm planning to do a modification on a Harley Benton Jazz bass. I wish he were a better bassist, I think I could've really gotten the sound difference from the pickups.
For me, way too much treble. I wanted to hear you dig into it. Good video enjoy viewing. I’m in the process of replacing pu’s on my fender jazz as the bridge pu retired itself.
The 77 Squier VM is one of the best affordable basses they made.
I was considering doing this, so very helpful not enough of a difference to warrant the expense IMO I would leave it stock
You should make one of this bass videos in the future, turned out pretty cool both the video and the bass
but I already made this one!
Loved the assembly stop motion bit, awesome stuff
Killers vintage sound man ! Love it!!
I was shopping for a Squire natural with a maple neck and in the process I found a MM jazz bass that was like lightening the moment I put my hands on it......but, I still want a maple neck jazz and the comparison video really hits a home run on sound. There is a huge difference in quality among the Squires and overall they are much better than they used to be.
This video is 5 years old.........did you ever replace the bridge? Seems the a better bridge would help as well.
I don't recall 😊
Hey, thanks for sharing! How was the tuning machine replacement? Was it direct fit or did you have to custom drill them in?
I can’t recall, too long ago
@@landonbailey oh ok. Thanks
Only the Fender Hi Mass Bridge IV is missing and the bass would be perfect.
I did end up changing out for a different bridge, it just didn't make it into the video: instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/
:)
@@landonbailey still not a high mass bridge....it will make a big difference as would a " Tusk" nut. Bass lacks real sustain as all other squire basses do compared to a real USA Fender.....do another upgrade video.
A high mass bridge is more like a .... cosmetic stuff to me.
I upgraded my road worn jazz, and got clearer attack, more sustain (maybe) , and a deader E string:)
I have the same vintage modified bass at the moment. It plays wonderfully and i love it, but i may change the pickups with the same noiseless ones, and replace the knobs as well, as the strat knobs do not work on a jazz bass. Cheers for the idea, man and keep up the good work.
ah cool! I love the neck on it
absolutely upgraded super squire I will choose to be in my studio
I've got the squier pj bass just replaced the bridge and tuners(both schaller), put on some jaco's roto swings and this thing sound vintage the way i like it the noiseless sound too polished not enough low end in my ears...expensive doesn't always mean better...cheers
Very nice!
I would’ve only replaced the electronics, perhaps with an EMG kit (~$200). Likely, I’d also replace the pickguard for a tortoise shell one (off-brand, because I won’t pay >$25 for a very simple piece of plastic). Maybe DIY convert it to a fretless. To each their own :)
Not to nitpick, but I want to suggest flattening the fingers of your right hand a bit, and pushing through the string more than picking it w/ your finger tip.
Enjoyed the pickup demo though.
👍🎸😁
Great video. Though might have been a better idea to upgrade one of the lower end Squier Basses rather than a Vintage Modified, which is actually a well kitted out upper end variant to start with. Hence why one or two are preferring the stock pickup sounds. As the VM is perhaps one of the closest thing to a Fender that you are going to find in the Fender Squier range. VM's are in many ways probably a blingy version from the far east on a parr with the actually very good Mexican guitars.
All am really saying is try the same type of mod on say an Affinity...
cool ya, the VM guitar was great as is, I think I mentioned that too :) just fun a to upgrade stuff, especially when it does it on it's own!
You have a great bass to start with, but I think there are some places where you could have shifted your $$ around for a better overall result. 1) The Squier tuners hold their tune and are more than adequate. (save the $90-). If you want a functional upgrade, just swap the low E tuner for a Hipshot Drop D and leave the others alone (or just save the money). 2)Then instead of buying a passive harness ($60) and control plate ($20+) buy a drop-in Audere pre-amp with the control plate for around $100 and turn it into an active bass. Then if you want to splurge a little, get a Gotoh heavy mass bridge for around $40. Lastly, spring for a professional fret level/crown and possibly a professional setup (if you can't do it yourself. Then you'll have a bass that will hang with the $2000 models. JMO
hey appreciate the recommendations!
Just one more word about my comments... I modded my Squier VM bass much like the OP with the exception of the drop-d tuner and heavy bridge. was pretty good as it was but a few frets were ever so slightly unlevel. Getting the frets leveled allowed a much better setup and feel. I put Aguilar noiseless and did a passive rewire like the OP. But I did put an active Audere (ProZ) preamp in my 5 string Jazz and the difference if profound. Next will be a preamp for my Squier.
I love how the parts go to their places by themselves. :D Good job, great sounding bass you made!
+immortalisblog hey thanks!
I just subscribed, and I've gotta say your editing job is incredible, and the video itself is great. Love those Fender guitars you've got by the way!
Hey thanks for subscribing! I’m new to playing bass so this is all really fun to start learning something new. Thanks for checking out my channel!
I fucking love this sound room. If I ever live alone in a house this is what's gonna happen to the other room
hey thanks! it was work but really worth it. 🎸👍
Very worth it. Very defrent. Sounds better. I was very interested in the solderless installation. Never heard of that brand before..great video.
hey thanks! ya fun to do projects like this.
Great upgrade except the pickups! The noiseless are to thin on a passive bass, i prefer nordstrand NJ4 or aguilars!
cool thanks for the feedback! 🎸👍
I saw the classic vibe 70s Squire Precision bass at guitar center and I kept gravitating towards it again and again nothing else had the kind of growl that i want so i scoured eBay for all of ten seconds before i found someone selling a practically new Squire P 70s vibe and i scooped it up at asking for about 100 dollars off because everyone looking at Squires isn't interested in fenders 400 dollar price point (after all a MIM is only ~200 dollars more) or they think its an overpriced squire because they don't know what they're looking at lol anyways GREAT bass, upgraded the electronics and the knobs, looks and feels perfect!
The upgrade is great. The new bass has more sound.
Landon I’m thinking of buying an affinity jazz bass and modifying it to the max. Did you have to drill holes for the tuners? I love that neck with the mother of pearl markers. There is a company called epic custom shop pickups and they build great pickups for a fraction of the price of name brand pickups
That took a lot of work to produce! Awesome! So didn't get your thoughts on the upgrade. Do you prefer the new pickups? Think the new ones are a little brighter. Also how did you record them cause I didn't hear any noise on the old ones
it was 5 years ago! I don’t remember 😄
@@landonbailey oh!!! 😂
You barely touch the strings. I want to hear the sass! Slam those things! I need this data.
one day. I just started playing
@Landon Bailey just started and doing things like this xD i was beggining with 100 dollar bass
Hi Landon! Awesome video! Can you please post the links to the other parts required for the upgrade? I see the one for the VINTAGE PLUS FOR JAZZ BASS by Obsidian, but the ones for the control plate and knobs (and the ones by Obsidianwire are out of stock) Thanks!
oh hey there! I would even know anymore, this was a few years ago
You're fuckin funny dude! Thanks for the great video, and also for mentioning the name of the newest version of the noiseless pickups. No wonder all these Elite Series basses sound so damn good! After I press send, I'm gonma go on the internet and look them badboys up! They sound fuckin tight!!!
ya great pickups! not cheap pricewise but worth it I think!
It sounds great! Whats the diameter of your headstock holes? I want to grab those tuners as well, fenders site doesn't have the specs on their website. Thanks in advance.
Very cool , thank you for sharing your mod !
My pleasure!
Lots of people said they liked the stock pickup sound better, but I can assure all of them that it's only due to hearing the gen 4 pickups at a modest volume in an isolated environment. Trust me, Squier stock pickups aren't about to deliver what gen 4 pups put out on a live soundstage with a band and they won't even come close to delivering the clarity and presence that gen 4's put out in a studio mix.
thanks for the feedback! absolutely different experience if this was being used that way. cheers!
I don’t see a problem with modifying a Squier. That’s the big reason I came to your video. I’ve also got a Squier Jazz Bass Vintage Modified. Mine is in natural finish with black block inlay and binding. After seeing the mods, and then hearing them, I personally don’t know if I’ll end up doing it. There is a bit more tonal crispness or brightness to the mods, but adjusting tone settings on the map would work as well for some of that. I guess I would have been a lot more impressed if the initial bass sounded terrible and suddenly sounded amazing. But honestly, hearing the two side by side, I’m convinced that the difference between the two is negligible and I’d rather mess with my amp adjustments.
ya like I mentioned, I was upgrading an all ready great bass. I just like to do these projects for fun. thanks for checking it out!
Excellent video, thanks man
Thanks for the video. I was considering upgrading some stuff on one of my basses, but your video convinced me that the difference in sound is too small to be worth the price. Not saying it's not fun to be a little experimental though. That Jazz neck looks great!
hey awesome! ya if this video helped you save money, then that's perfect too!
A shame they don't make separate fretless jazz necks to install on a PBass body.
Put Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounders and better pots etc on my VM77 and the improvement was impressive.
cool! mods are fun
You get a like just for the stop motion. You missed the most important part to upgrade on a Squier, the nut. Get a bone nut in there and you will be amazed at the difference. Worth it, it is not money efficient :) But if it puts a smile on your face, it is worth it.
hey thanks! ya I never thought about the nut
Loved the stop motion segment
I thought it sounded better stock, the upgrade was too middy and tubby. Just my opinion :-)
hey tone is all personal taste! never wrong :)
@@landonbailey peace upon you, brother bass player :-)
@@landonbailey Did I read that right? When you demo'd the stock bass you DI'd the signal and when you demo'd the modded bass you ran it through an amp? Did you take a line out or mic it? The modded bass sounds less distinct. A mic'd amp would explain that.
agreed
He man get a new pair of ears 👂 😂 🤣
Killer job bro that’s some ideas I have for my 5-string squier 👌🏼
hey thanks! usually the comments are people saying how dumb this was! :)
@@landonbailey heck ya man, the video was different as its unique to you! just like the bass, and that's a good thing! True the bass won't get the same cost back if its ever sold, but I don't ever plan to sell mine, ill keep it for as long as I can, or hand it down as a gift or something else. sounds awesome!
You are right I've never seen a bass upgrade like yours 👍, so the stock sounds good but the upgrade gave it some nice low end. I'm searching for a a new bass in the jazz vein and I need to keep an eye out for one of these Squire's now.
ha cool! I dont think people hang around long enough to see the upgrade part. ya great value on these Squier models
Great fun to watch! I have a Squire Jaguar VM 4, and love watching these mod vids to get ideas. On the next mod, could you add a high mass bridge? Bass on brother!
hey thanks! ya after the video I did replace the bridge, it just hadn't arrived in time for the filming
Love the stop motion. What camera did you use, if you don't mind? Or is there an app for that? | 10:05 LOL
at the time it was a Galaxy S7 Edge and software called Stop Motion Studio Pro
I wonder if this would help my squier cut through better in my metal band?? I love my jazz bass but it needs more punch
I’ve seen people replacing the bridge on the Squier’s with a hipshot high mass bridge.
ah cool, ya I did the bridge too, it just didn't make the it into the final video: instagram.com/p/BaIC2MXlNco/
Nice demo
Ahh... if you replace the pick guard with a white one, it would resemble Geddy Lee’s bass signature.
And one more thing
R.I.P. Vintage Modified Series
Hi Landon . Would you know what tuners would be drop in replacements for a Squier 60’s p bass? Thanks
I don't!
If you sum all up, couldn't you have bought a Fender Standard or Professional directly?
Concerning tone comparison, the difference between LINE IN and FENDER RUMBLE is probably bigger than between before and after mod.
absolutely. I mentioned in the video that I enjoy mod projects
Why this is a mod I have never seen before! Self-upgrading parts!
stepvan Joe stop-modification! 😁🎸
Super helpful vid (definitely more bottom and a bit more "growl" with those noiseless 4's). I'm thinking of getting the same pickups for my VMJB. Does getting the noiseless pickups negate the need for shielding the crevices on these basses?
Since I don't get any noise, I'm assuming they are doing the same type of job that shielding is doing. Similar to a Lace Sensor pickup. I didn't add any shielding
i think you can mod the bass without change pickups or wire you can get diffrents sound from others strings
theoretically any mod may give you different sounds
Hey Man. Much appreciate this, especially your choice of pick ups and electronics. What would help, at least me, a lot would be if you had someone who could really run both of those basses through some grooves and we could A B them. Please consider. And thank you again.
+Mr. Barritt So you want to unmod the guitar and redo the video? 🤣👍
Do you think the electric part inside does much difference? I'm not talking about the pickups
not much. might have more durable metal parts with the upgrades.
@@landonbailey thanks
Fab job on the vid, Lando.
Thanks.
thanks Larry! 👍🎸
I have a question Landon Bailey.
Are the Gen 4 pickups good for a fretless
.
I have no idea 😊
Hey Landon - Don't know if you will see this, but I really want to know if you had to drill new holes for fitting the Fender tuning keys? Great channel, love your videos!
I see everything! and I believe the answer was yes for drilling new holes
Do the pickup leads also snap into the Obsidian or do you have to solder them? I hate soldering with a passion. Cool video.
ya it's all solderless. the wires clip into little slots
@@landonbailey Solderless is the way to go. Someone had told me about Obsidian and I forgot. Definitely ordering some for a Squier and a Frankenjazz I am modding!!
Hmm, this is a debatable substitution. The cost of the guitar plus the parts to replace is greater than purchasing the Fender Player Series Jazz Bass Mexican. But we still only have Squier.
To stick with the 70s theme of the bass why didn’t he go for some custom shop Pure Vintage 74’s? They sound much better imo.
he didn't know they existed :)
The new p u seem more powerful. Strange ! I got a 62 V M with S. Duncan designed , could you compare them with the new Fender noisless please ?
Great video, it's really well done. I actually prefer the stock sound of the squire before the pickup change.
👍🎸
Sounds great I like it a lot, I have 2 5 strings I only added pre amps one has an Audere and another has a Bassmods and they sound great
hey cool thanks for checking it out. 😁👍
Excellent video thanks, I have the same bass . The animation is fantastic, also the fruit loops T shirt!!
thanks Peter!
I know that's a bass line from a Radio Head song but I forgot the name ( I know it's from the album the Bends.) Nice transformation btw.
Bones 😊👍
I think there was some Stone temple pilots in there as well! Nice!
Hey man nice production on the video - Its much appreciated and way better than most homemade vids. IMHO you should sell that bass , and if you do let me know what your asking price is , I'll put it to good use..
hey thanks! I still use it for backing tracks 👍🎸😁
Nice video man! I'll be uploading a comparison soon as well with a Squier 60s CV jazz bass. I ordered the Daphne Blue version and got it painted Olympic White, headstock uncluded, and replaced all hardware parts for gold ones. Schaller bridge for amazing sustain and had a friend of mine assemble a pair of handwounded noise isolation pickups with complete new wiring and pods. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think 🤗