As a long-time bass player and someone who’s owned and modified multiple Squier Affinity Precision Bass guitars, I’ve often been asked: “Are mods really worth it on a Squier Affinity?”. It’s a valid question, especially when you consider the initial cost of these instruments. My experience leads me to believe there are two key things to consider before you start swapping parts on your Squier Affinity bass.
Firstly, modifications should always have a purpose. Whether you’re chasing a specific tone, improving playability, or simply enjoy tinkering, there needs to be a reason behind each change. There’s no universal “yes” or “no” answer to whether modding is “worth it” – it’s entirely subjective and depends on your goals.
Secondly, your starting point is crucial: do you actually like the bass itself? Modding a bass only makes sense if you appreciate its fundamental qualities, aside from the aspects you intend to upgrade. Ask yourself: Do you enjoy playing a Precision Bass? Does the general sound appeal to you? Is the neck comfortable and functional (truss rod working, stable)? Is the weight manageable for you? How is the fretwork? If you find yourself enjoying the bass on a basic level, then exploring modifications to enhance it further becomes a worthwhile consideration. A budget-friendly bass, carefully modded to your preferences, can genuinely rival – and in your ears, potentially surpass – the sound and feel of a much more expensive, stock Fender P Bass.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various upgrades on my Squier Affinity basses. Pickups are often the first thing players consider changing. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the overly aggressive ceramic pickups often found in modern Squier Affinity PJ models. While some earlier models around the year 2000 had pickups I liked, I generally find the ceramic ones can become tiring after extended playing. For a more vintage, classic P Bass tone, there are excellent and affordable options. Wilkinson alnico pickups are a fantastic budget choice, offering a warmer sound. Stepping up slightly, Tonerider TRP1 pickups provide a hotter, darker vintage tone, which I’ve found particularly pleasing. You can also explore taking out pickups from used Fender basses – I once acquired a fantastic pickup from a Classic 50s P Bass for a reasonable price, which was a significant improvement.
Bridges are another component some consider upgrading. In my experience, the stock bridges on Squier Affinity basses are generally functional. I only replaced the bridge on one of mine because the original was causing issues. Unless you’re experiencing problems with the stock bridge, or seeking a specific tonal change or enhanced sustain (which is debatable with bridge swaps), it’s often not a necessary modification.
Tuners, however, can be a worthwhile upgrade, especially on Affinity basses. These basses often have lightweight bodies, which can lead to neck dive – where the neck feels heavier than the body and tends to pull downwards. Switching to lightweight tuners, like Hipshot Licensed Ultralight tuners, can significantly improve the balance of the bass, making it more comfortable to play, especially for longer periods. This was a mod I found particularly impactful and would recommend, even if you buy used tuners to keep costs down.
Neck replacements are a more drastic and financially questionable modification. I once replaced the neck on a heavily modded Affinity bass because the truss rod was faulty. While I loved the bass otherwise, and found a good deal on a used neck, from a purely financial standpoint, neck replacements rarely make sense. The cost of a new neck often approaches or exceeds the value of the entire bass itself.
Finally, don’t underestimate the impact of basic fretwork and nut adjustments. Filing down uneven frets and properly cutting nut slots can dramatically improve playability. For me, a comfortable neck is paramount. If I don’t enjoy how a neck plays, I won’t enjoy the bass, regardless of other upgrades. Addressing fret and nut issues should be a priority, even if it’s not strictly an “upgrade” but rather essential maintenance for good playability.
From a purely financial perspective, modifying a Squier Affinity bass isn’t a great investment. A $120 bass, even heavily modded, will likely still be worth around $120 on the used market, perhaps a little more if you find the right buyer who appreciates your specific modifications. However, if you ever decide to sell, you can always revert the bass back to its original state by reinstalling the stock parts and selling the upgraded components separately.
Ultimately, modding a Squier Affinity bass is about personal enjoyment and tailoring your instrument to your specific needs and preferences. If you love the bass as a foundation and are clear about what you want to achieve, then modifications can be a rewarding way to elevate your playing experience without breaking the bank.
