Finally got a VM Jag! Recommend some [affordable] mods.
Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2017 11:45 pm
I've been looking at the Squire VM Jaguars pretty much since they were announced, but I never pulled the trigger, partially because I was more focused on other things, and also because some of the ones I tried in stores didn't impress me.
But recently, I found a good deal on one on eBay because it needed a new nut. A few days and some fretboard damage later, I'd changed my first nut and had the guitar playable.
I switched out the bridge with a cheap Mustang-style bridge and made some cosmetic changes to complete the all-white look I've been GASing for.
However, there are a few issues I'm still having a few minor problems that I'd like to address.
First, I'm still getting some buzzing from the bridge, sometimes because the strings are hitting the end of the intonation screws, other times because the height adjustment screws are loose.
I think I've got most of the issues adjusted well enough, but I'm still having some imperfections in the intonation. The saddles need to be moved back farther, but this will push the screws up to cause an issue again.
I've thought about getting a different bridge again, but I worry I'll just have similar issues. I've also considered trying to find bigger saddles, shorter screws, etc.
Also, the main volume pot is basically unusable. Any setting less than 90% might as well be off: the volume and tone both drop excessively.
I considered upgrading the pots, but I wonder is a treble bleed mod would be a more efficient project to tackle first.
Anything else I should consider? I don't think I've ever figured out exactly how to set the floating trem adjustment.
edit: I should have mentioned that I like the standard Jaguar switching and have no desire to change it. Although I'd love suggestions for how to *add* switches!
Now the fun part: pics!
more here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4jWjre
But recently, I found a good deal on one on eBay because it needed a new nut. A few days and some fretboard damage later, I'd changed my first nut and had the guitar playable.
I switched out the bridge with a cheap Mustang-style bridge and made some cosmetic changes to complete the all-white look I've been GASing for.
However, there are a few issues I'm still having a few minor problems that I'd like to address.
First, I'm still getting some buzzing from the bridge, sometimes because the strings are hitting the end of the intonation screws, other times because the height adjustment screws are loose.
I think I've got most of the issues adjusted well enough, but I'm still having some imperfections in the intonation. The saddles need to be moved back farther, but this will push the screws up to cause an issue again.
I've thought about getting a different bridge again, but I worry I'll just have similar issues. I've also considered trying to find bigger saddles, shorter screws, etc.
Also, the main volume pot is basically unusable. Any setting less than 90% might as well be off: the volume and tone both drop excessively.
I considered upgrading the pots, but I wonder is a treble bleed mod would be a more efficient project to tackle first.
Anything else I should consider? I don't think I've ever figured out exactly how to set the floating trem adjustment.
edit: I should have mentioned that I like the standard Jaguar switching and have no desire to change it. Although I'd love suggestions for how to *add* switches!
Now the fun part: pics!
more here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4jWjre