Squier Affinity Jazz - Modding potential

[anzoid]

Squier are due to release a graffiti yellow version of the Affinity Jazz sometime in August. It's a colour I love, slightly less interested in the "Affinity" part as they're the bottom of the Squier budget line.

Anyone got any thougts on the modding potential in terms of buying parts - i.e. can I drop in a standard Jazz size scratchplate, and pickups, replace the bridge with an off-the-shelf bridge, or even replace the neck with any old Fender fit neck etc. or are Affinity basses... different?

In terms of expected quality of the body and neck (so, just the wooden bits) are these even worth bothering with? I realise that modding a cheapy bass can be a waste of time, but if the basic body/neck are generally decent I'm not too worried - but if the body is rubbish wood, poorly finished, or the neck is untameable with lousy frets... then maybe not.

I'm not worried about cost, recouping my expenses or whether it's a sound economic idea (I know it's not ). This would be purely for pratting around with and having a bit of fun with a yellow bass...

[soldersqueeze]

I've played loads of Affinity's, and non have been totally awful. Of the new ones I've played, they've all been good-to-remarkable. 

I honestly think they're great guitars and quality control honestly seems no worse than anything else with Squier on the headstock. 

That colour looks awesome by the way!

[Defo]

I tried an Affinity in a music shop out of curiosity, it left with me 10 minutes later. I just couldn't believe the value for money, it's great fun to play and to gig, fantastic neck and bouncy pickups. Also if it gets wrecked it's not £1500 down the pan....

[durhamboy]

I'd agree with everything said so far. The general quality of Affinity's is darn good for the money. (similarly with SX basses). Sure, long term these instruments could benefit from better tuning keys and an upgrade of their electrics. Plus a good set up wouldn't hurt, but that's a tweek than plenty of much more expensive instruments would benefit from too.

I've been building, repairing and setting up guitars and basses since the mid 70's and the difference in budget priced instruments over the years is like night and day now compared to back then.

[horrorshowbass]

Good to hear guys. Looking to stick a fender player jazz maple neck on an imperial blue squier body. Should be straight forward enough?

[hooky_lowdown]

39 minutes ago, horrorshowbass said:

Good to hear guys. Looking to stick a fender player jazz maple neck on an imperial blue squier body. Should be straight forward enough?

That'll work fine, though there will be a slight gap because Fender necks are 63mm wide at the heel, whereas pretty much all Squier's are 64mm.

[horrorshowbass]

Thanks Hooky!

[Lfalex v1.1]

I think I'd go for (given unlimited time & resources)

A matching headstock,  black (better quality) hardware, better pickups, then a new loom and pots.

I'd keep the scratchplate white. Especially if it's 3ply W/B/W.

[StickyDBRmf]

I have an Affinity Strat that I picked up@ a pawn shop for $60 US and I love it. Fit and finish is nice even the frets don't stick out like you see those YouTube vids showing. If I saw an Affinty Jazz used somewhere I would have to give it try I don't need another bass but I had a real one in the 70's and, well, you know...

[S.F.Sorrow]

I would strongly recommend that you get the exact measurements before buying. Affinity basses have varied a lot over the years and in my experience you can't expect standard Fender parts to be drop in replacements.

I've also seen Affinity J-basses where both pickups where either neck width or bridge width (I can't remember which).

I have no idea about the current Affinity basses though. For all I know they could be 100% Fender spec.

[christhammer666]

i had a p affinity stuck a quarter pounder in it and it was pretty much a monster. I had ideas of modding the hell out of it but didn't need to, tuners were incredibly stable as to was the bridge

[barrycreed]

I would imagine the CV basses would be the next step up in terms of mods?

[acidbass]

I'd go for a good basis to build a modded bass - quality neck and body woods would be a start.  Sometimes those Squier bodies are a step up from plywood and not very resonant!  I'd be looking for Alder or Ash personally.

[Geek99]

Be aware that aftermarket plates don’t generally fit affinity basses well, the neck shape and pup position is slightly different. It’s do-able but be prepared to break out the dremel 

[Geek99]

On 09/09/2020 at 15:59, S.F.Sorrow said:

I would strongly recommend that you get the exact measurements before buying. Affinity basses have varied a lot over the years and in my experience you can't expect standard Fender parts to be drop in replacements.

I've also seen Affinity J-basses where both pickups where either neck width or bridge width (I can't remember which).

I have no idea about the current Affinity basses though. For all I know they could be 100% Fender spec.

Nope things move around a bit from standard 

[horrorshowbass]

40 minutes ago, acidbass said:

I'd go for a good basis to build a modded bass - quality neck and body woods would be a start.  Sometimes those Squier bodies are a step up from plywood and not very resonant!  I'd be looking for Alder or Ash personally.

Danny boy, Micky here

yeah think im just gonna bite the bullet and get fender player jazz in tidepool blue. Beaut  

[acidbass]

20 minutes ago, horrorshowbass said:

Danny boy, Micky here

yeah think im just gonna bite the bullet and get fender player jazz in tidepool blue. Beaut  

Micky!!!!  Should have known by the username!  Hope you're well buddy

[horrorshowbass]

51 minutes ago, acidbass said:

Micky!!!!  Should have known by the username!  Hope you're well buddy

All good man, not getting to play as much but doing a bit