Upgrades

[horseguards]

How does one determine whether specific pickups (and other upgrades) are compatible with one's bass? I'm a beginner with a Squier Affinity.

Is it the case, generally, that the more expensive, the higher quality and better result? For example, the Phat Staple for Bass at for $225.

For my specific bass, what would be the ultimate, extensive upgrade?

Thank you in anticipation.

Grant (England).

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Upgrades

For your first question, you have to use your own ears. You could ask for other people personal opinion, but YMMV.
For your second question, the more expensive products to tend to be better, but you shouldn't base your decision on price alone. Especially because upgrades can only make an Affinity so good.
For your last one, that depends and there is no way to know for certain before hand.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Upgrades

I'm a beginner with a Squier Affinity

You best bet is NOT a new p'up, but a pedal EQ for bass. For less than 20 quid you can get a BEHRINGER EQ700, which would allow you to "get your feet wet" in the realm of bass EQ.

What amp are you using? That is another thing a lot more important than a new p'up, but also much more expensive.

Last but not least, practicing your chops, meaning playing the right notes at the right time, more times than not, make your "tone problems" almost magically disappear.

HTH,

PS: you may get more specific responses to your questions if you post in the sub-forum called "The Bassment".

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Upgrades

An affinity is plenty good of a bass to get great tone with a Duncan pup. I have an affinity p bass with a Steve Harris in it and it sounds as good or better than the stock am std p bass I played for years. Listen to demos and see which one strikes you the most, you can't go wrong.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Upgrades

As stated, I don't think you have to spend more than the bass is worth on a pickup. You can spend a lot less and get a wonderful sound. But what sound? This is where research comes in...research is free, and you will learn what you like, what you hate, and how to pick the right pickup for you. Ask lots of questions (we don't mind), watch videos, and listen to a lot of bassists. Find out what a pickup can and can't do to your tone.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Upgrades

You best bet is NOT a new p'up, but a pedal EQ for bass. For less than 20 quid you can get a BEHRINGER EQ700, which would allow you to "get your feet wet" in the realm of bass EQ.

What amp are you using? That is another thing a lot more important than a new p'up, but also much more expensive.

Last but not least, practicing your chops, meaning playing the right notes at the right time, more times than not, make your "tone problems" almost magically disappear.

Agreed on all counts. Another recommendation would be a compressor. I don't really like compression on guitar, but it's pretty magical for bass.