Buy Cheap backup vs. Modify

[LewisK1975]

Mulling this one over!

Since having my American Elite P-Bass in April, I re-developed a love for Precision shaped PJ Basses.

So, since I like to have a similar sounding Backup for gigs, I find myself trying to decide which of these options to do:

1 - Buy a secondhand Squier PJ I've seen locally (Buyer wants £150 with a Fender practice amp, may be able to knock down / just buy the bass without the amp)

2 - Modify one of my existing Precisions into PJ (either a Roadworn P or maybe the Harley Benton PB50)

Of course another option is: -

3 - Not worry about my backup sounding similar to my main bass.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated!

Ta muchly!

[LewisK1975]

Images of local Squier, it's not an 'affinity' the small text on the headstock says 'standard' by the look of it:

[attachment=253151:$_86.JPG] [attachment=253152:$_86 (1).JPG] [attachment=253153:$_86 (2).JPG] [attachment=253154:$_86 (3).JPG]

Edited September 8, 2017 by LewisK1975

[Lozz196]

The Squier would be my option, you`d have a bass that will sound similar to the main but also not be an expensive instrument that would cause too much concern about leaving in a gig-bag unattended in a corner of a stage. Plus sell the amp on here for a few quid.

[LewisK1975]

Cheers Lozz, anyone else wanna put their 2p in?

[AntLockyer]

3. this is just another GAS excuse

[LewisK1975]

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1504872950' post='3367920']
3. this is just another GAS excuse
[/quote]

I'm considering this too.

[naxos10]

Just to keep any bass GAS at bay I'd go for 2 and modify the HB. It would then be nearly new GAS.

[Andyjr1515]

I would buy the Squier (assuming it has a decent 'feel') and consider a future upgrade to the p/ups.

[Bigwan]

3. You have a Roadworn P as a backup

[LewisK1975]

Going to see the Squier after work..

[Dave Vader]

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1504875386' post='3367955']
3. You have a Roadworn P as a backup
[/quote]

I fear this might be the answer, even if you don't want to hear it.


4. Buy yourself another bass - you know you want to.

[Paul S]

5. Buy a Yamaha BB424.

[LewisK1975]

Thanks all I ended up buying the Squier, but you all knew that was coming anyway, right?

Turned out to be a really decent Bass, chap had bought it over 15 years ago, with the best intentions of learning to play but never really bothered.

No (and I mean ZERO) fret wear, truss rod works fine. Pots a bit scratchy (to be expected), Jack socket needed tightening. Strings were OK, still pretty bright. You can't see from the Gumtree pictures I showed above, but it's a Metallic Black colour.

Gave it a once over on the weekend, set it up to my taste and I'm really quite pleased! Perfect Backup Bass.

[Ghost_Bass]

Good decision. Modding a bass would make you spend money that wouldn't add value to said bass. Buying another will make your money more worth in a possible future sale.

[Skybone]

I was going to suggest buying the Squier, but it seems like you've beaten me to it.

It would be a shame to mod the Road Worn P into a P/J. Keep it standard and use it. The Harley Benton is another issue altogether, you could spend a fortune modding it, and it could be worth less second hand than it would be as a "standard" P. You could sell it on, now that you have the Squier (maybe with the little Fender amp?) and get a few quid back. Or keep it and mod it.

Either way, enjoy your new Squier.

[Marc S]

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1504872950' post='3367920']
3. this is just another GAS excuse
[/quote]

Lewis - you know this is just another GAS excuse! lol
Sorry, I only just caught up with this thread, but my advice would have been "buy the Squier" anyway
On the back of the headstock, does it say "Made in Indonesia"? - that's probably a Vintage Modified series
They did a P/J in the VM series - I know because I once had one

Enjoy your new Squier

[LewisK1975]

Thanks all.

It is indeed mii Marc.

[Andyjr1515]

Good news. Good choice