body woods (not a tone discussion)

[dg27]

I've been seeing a lot of deals on various configurations of Fender Jaguar basses. They are at times tempting, but I'm put off by some of the body woods that are used: agathis, maple, and one I only recently have started seeing, koto.

Ignoring tone (which seems to be a volatile topic on a lot of forums), I'm concerned about the stability of these woods. I've heard that in some cases some of these softer woods can be a problem if you're doing mods.

For example, my MIJ '87 Squier Jazz was a steal. I replaced the pickguard, the bridge, the pickups, and the electronics, and now it's my #2 bass (after my '76 P).

I've read various posts that in some cases something as simple as replacing the pickguard can be a problem with softer woods because the screw holes disintegrate a bit. I've read that some of these bodies can actually warp. I have no evidence that any of this is true.

If anyone has any thoughts about this I'd appreciate hearing them.

dg

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: body woods (not a tone discussion)

Agathis is very common on instruments emerging from the Cort factory in Indonesia. This wood seems perfectly stable on the Squier VM Telecaster Custom II that I have owned for years. I agree with your comments about softness leading to screw hole deformation. (For some applications, an argument could be made for threaded metal inserts.)

Having said this, the same problem can occur on trusty MIJ Squier instruments, lovingly crafted in basswood. I have a Silver Series P Bass. I have resisted the temptation to go active because this would involve cutting into the old dear.

If you fancy a Jaguar Bass as a cheap, fun instrument, grab a Squier. If you expect class, you have to shell out for something American.

 

[dg27]

Re: body woods (not a tone discussion)

Thanks--this is helpful.

BTW, are the older MIJ Squiers all basswood? The reason I ask is that my '87 MIJ Squier is tons heavier than my '84 MIJ Fender Jazz Bass Special (which I am positive is basswood). I always thought the Squier was alder (especially since it survived all kinds of surgery). (Uh-oh--I'm treading dangerously close to a tone discussion.)

I'll look at those Squiers.

Thanks.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: body woods (not a tone discussion)

A few Eighties Squier and Fender Japan vintage reissue models used Sen for its bold, Ash-like grain patterning. (See. I have avoided mentioning "tone".)

I recall working on a Fender or Squier - at different times, they dubbed the model with both brand names - System One Stratocaster. The body of that was Poplar. Kinda weighty and unforgiving.

I have encountered JV, SQ and Silver series instruments that weighed next to nothing. Every MIJ Jerry Donahue model was featherlight. All of the Pink Paisley and Blue Flower Telecaster re-issue models that I ever handled were heavy. All basswood.

 

[dg27]

Re: body woods (not a tone discussion)

Good to know. I wonder why the bold, Ash-like grain patterning is so much more apparent on my Squier Jazz than on my Fender Jazz Bass Special...hmmm...:scratchch

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: body woods (not a tone discussion)

I'd just suggest a dab of watered down wood glue on each screw before driving. Breaking watered down glue is maybe 5 more tqs to deal with and you'll be reinforcing the screw hole every time you do it.

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