Improving Squiers quality

[famouspogs]

Hello, I just bought a Squier affinity series tete and I really do enjoy the tone and how the guitar plays, not as good as my mexican but quite close. The problem is that the actual quality of the electronics is pretty poor so I'm thinking of buying new volume pots, pickup selector, jack and so forth to give it a better more high quality feel and hopefully just slightly improve the tone. Considering that its so cheap to do this would you guys advise to this just so I don't have to worry about its slight cheapness( I've already noticed a few very minor problems with the actual quality of the build material). Also I want to do this so if I ever consider buying better pickups I know for sure that the electronics inside will be of the same quality and there won't be tone loss as I've heard squiers have cheap electronics.

Thanks for reading.

[Budda]

you wont lose anything from upgrading those parts, so yeah i'd go for it.

hell i plan to, when i can afford it - my strat needs love lol.

[famouspogs]

you wont lose anything from upgrading those parts, so yeah i'd go for it.

hell i plan to, when i can afford it - my strat needs love lol.

yeah but would it bring any better sould quality do you think?

something amazing actually happened last night, i opened up the guitar to look at it, the cleanest guitar ive ever seen inside, all the electronics and wires were incredibley tidy, there was no sawdust or excess anything and everything acutally looked quality built, maybe the electronics in this aren't that bad.

[famouspogs]

I take back what I said, the pickup selector has just decided it has had enough of being told what to do and now only selects the bridge and neck at the sametime or the bridge, cant get just the neck. I think I'm going to buy a new pickup thats abit brighter for the neck and then get a whole new set of electronics so this type of thing doesn't happen with the volume pots and so forth.

[Budda]

why not just raise the neck pickup...?

it can all be put in nice and still be cheap - its an affinity series guitar, it's the bottom line squier lol.

i think you'd hear a minute difference in sound quality, at the very least.

[peter benn]

If it was me, Famous Pogs, I would do (cheapest first):

1. Play with pickup height, maybe run without a pickguard for a week to facilitate;

2. Get a CRL switch or similar, two CTS pots, a jack, and possibly an .047 or .022 tone cap if you have an issue with thin tone. Now you're in for maybe $75 plus shipping etc.

3. Now the guitar works and the p/u heights are optimized. If you've just got to change pickups, it'll cost about $100 each p/u, or maybe you get a deal used or something.

4. At this point, measure your affinity carefully in key dimensions like neck pocket depth length and width and neck section height at the butt and (from other posts I've read, etc.) I think you'll discover you can't interchange "grown-up" Fender parts with it, necks and bodies.

5. But you now own a great set of electronics, and if you upgrade your neck and body at once, getting a few more hard parts along the way (US vintage or similar quality), you'll be out of the woods.

6. Reassemble the Affinity with all its original parts and sell it.

[famouspogs]

If it was me, Famous Pogs, I would do (cheapest first):

1. Play with pickup height, maybe run without a pickguard for a week to facilitate;

2. Get a CRL switch or similar, two CTS pots, a jack, and possibly an .047 or .022 tone cap if you have an issue with thin tone. Now you're in for maybe $75 plus shipping etc.

3. Now the guitar works and the p/u heights are optimized. If you've just got to change pickups, it'll cost about $100 each p/u, or maybe you get a deal used or something.

4. At this point, measure your affinity carefully in key dimensions like neck pocket depth length and width and neck section height at the butt and (from other posts I've read, etc.) I think you'll discover you can't interchange "grown-up" Fender parts with it, necks and bodies.

5. But you now own a great set of electronics, and if you upgrade your neck and body at once, getting a few more hard parts along the way (US vintage or similar quality), you'll be out of the woods.

6. Reassemble the Affinity with all its original parts and sell it.

i originaly did that, didn't help alot. i got all new electronics and im going to redo them all tonight.

[devnulljp]

Unless you love how it feels (and from your post, it doesn't sound like you're that happy with it) or you just want to fiddle a bit with doing the upgrades for the fun of it, I'd sell it and buy something better -- at the end of it all you're still going to have the cheap Squire plank, but you'll have sunk a few hundred $$ into it that you won't get back in resale later on. Those jacks and switches and things can mount up in prices -- not expensive really, but they do add up unless you buy cheap parts then you're back where you started. And if you add new pickups and maybe some other new hardware...tuners, bridge etc...

Mind you, I just sunk $200 in upgrades into a $150 Danelectro, but I loved the original guitar, just not the crappy electrics, hardware & p/u's.

Doesn't sound like you're that attached to this guitar though...

[famouspogs]

Unless you love how it feels (and from your post, it doesn't sound like you're that happy with it) or you just want to fiddle a bit with doing the upgrades for the fun of it, I'd sell it and buy something better -- at the end of it all you're still going to have the cheap Squire plank, but you'll have sunk a few hundred $$ into it that you won't get back in resale later on. Those jacks and switches and things can mount up in prices -- not expensive really, but they do add up unless you buy cheap parts then you're back where you started. And if you add new pickups and maybe some other new hardware...tuners, bridge etc...

Mind you, I just sunk $200 in upgrades into a $150 Danelectro, but I loved the original guitar, just not the crappy electrics, hardware & p/u's.

Doesn't sound like you're that attached to this guitar though...


i am, i like how it plays. the guy gave me the wrong hardware for this which is anoyying, the pots are for a strat style knob.

[the_fender_guy]

I have an Indonesian Squier Tele and the first thing a changed was the bridge pickup. I put in a Dimarzio Twang King and it made a huge difference. Next was the pots to CTS. Sounds as good as my American made Tele.

[famouspogs]

I have an Indonesian Squier Tele and the first thing a changed was the bridge pickup. I put in a Dimarzio Twang King and it made a huge difference. Next was the pots to CTS. Sounds as good as my American made Tele.

hey are allparts and dimarzio hardware any good? ive got all parts pots and a dimarzio switch. i just put the dimarzio in and was happy until i realized i did it upside down haha.

edit: did you leave the capicators on? I have a chinese squier that has two green capicators and im not sure if the better hardware needs it, i do know that even american teles have one capicator but im not sure if i need the second.

[ashtonp]

I've also noticed the quality of the electrical parts are poor. My buddy bought one and it buzzed like crazy

[fraser]

for cheap guitars to feel good its important to finish them- the squiers are just fender guitars that havent had any personal attention-
rolling the fretboard to make the fretboard edges smooth does wonders, as does a good fret finishing- look at a $1200 strat in a store, you will see the same basic components as your squier- but obviously its had more work and attention paid to it.
electronics of course are a good upgrade- quality switches, pots and caps will improve the sound, and pickups will make or break the guitar-
good quality nuts and saddles are important, but unless you can make and or modify your own theyre not worth the bother.
the affinitys have a thinner neck width at the nut, so never feel right- ive never bought one because of that, but they are upgradeable cheaply.
id concentrate on the setup, roll the fretboard edges, then as you can afford, the pickups and other electrical components.

rolling fretboards
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech/112607-rolling-neck-edges.html

i use a file to roll both the board and the frets- then i finish the fret ends with files, then polish all with finer and finer sandpaper- a bit of boiled linseed oil or tru oil afterwards to make sure the grain is sealed on maple boards-
btw i do this on mim standard guitars as well

[famouspogs]

for cheap guitars to feel good its important to finish them- the squiers are just fender guitars that havent had any personal attention-
rolling the fretboard to make the fretboard edges smooth does wonders, as does a good fret finishing- look at a $1200 strat in a store, you will see the same basic components as your squier- but obviously its had more work and attention paid to it.
electronics of course are a good upgrade- quality switches, pots and caps will improve the sound, and pickups will make or break the guitar-
good quality nuts and saddles are important, but unless you can make and or modify your own theyre not worth the bother.
the affinitys have a thinner neck width at the nut, so never feel right- ive never bought one because of that, but they are upgradeable cheaply.
id concentrate on the setup, roll the fretboard edges, then as you can afford, the pickups and other electrical components.

rolling fretboards
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech/112607-rolling-neck-edges.html

i use a file to roll both the board and the frets- then i finish the fret ends with files, then polish all with finer and finer sandpaper- a bit of boiled linseed oil or tru oil afterwards to make sure the grain is sealed on maple boards-
btw i do this on mim standard guitars as well

are there any videos on this as i would love to do this and what kind of tools do i need, i know a file and sand paper but what types? thanks

[fraser]

are there any videos on this as i would love to do this and what kind of tools do i need, i know a file and sand paper but what types? thanks

i dont know of a video- i could likely make one up, but itll take me some time-
i did find this on a google search- not exactly how i do it, but itll give you the idea-

http://www.musicianshotline.com/archive/monthly/mean_gene/02_05.htm

as for file and paper types, it varies, often with whatevers within reach at the time-
any flat medium coarseness file, preferably a smallish one works fine- then make passes with 600 grit paper, then maybe 1000 grit to polish it up.
the way i do it, the fret ends are worked at the same time as the wood, so the sandpaper passes are easier at the end-

one easier quicker method is to rub the round shaft of a screwdriver up and down the length of the fretboard edges, holding at about a 45 degree angle, applying pressure until you see the wood being shaped- in this way you get a less dramatic effect, and the fret ends remain untouched, but it will improve the feel-

[Ripper]

Thanks for the interesting tutorial and personal insight on this Fraser. I am going to give this a try to one of my guitars, I've never rolled the fretboard before, done lots of fret refinishing etc but not rolling.

[fraser]

hey ripper- no problem
a lot of guitars come from the factory with the edges rolled- i first noticed it on the mij strats- my old american one was really worn out, so i never thought about it until then- all my japan strats are reissues of older types, and they all have it, but i dont know about any other models-
all the fender reissues have it from factory, as do most of the usa models ive paid attention too-
the mim i bought last fall did not have it- nor did any of the others i looked at before or since(with the exception of the mim classic reissues-they have it)
my sq series squier has it(and is so well done it is the profile i aim for on all- you have a jv series i think? it will have it- likely exactly the way i like)
no squiers of any origin other than japan, that i have seen, have had it
(doesnt mean it isnt done on some tho)

really, it just takes that hard edge off the fretboard, gives it a more human hand friendly profile that is more comfortable, and perhaps faster.
just watch that you keep your fret ends within the rolled edge- you dont want the metal ends to be cutting into your hand- also, you do lose a bit of fretboard real estate- so if overdone may cause problems.
some guitars can be rolled nicely without touching the frets- others will need some touching up. you kind of learn to see it :smile:
i will work on a video, and some close up photos- my camera work is pretty shoddy tho- so its gonna be sloooow:food-smiley-004:

if anybody wants to check it out- go to a guitar store and try a reissue fender, or a sig model, or a custom shop- look at the fretboard edges, and play it- then try a squier-you will see and feel the difference that rolled edge makes, then yu can decide if you want to try it

[Ripper]

I just went and checked my japanese strat and yeah it does have, never paid that much attention before other than it is one of my favourite necks of all my guitars.

[Budda]

you mean proper fretwork?

i've never heard it referred to as rolling, but am having a brainfart and cant remember what im thinking of. i know its not crowning as that's the entire fret..

either way, it definitely does make guitars more enjoyable to play, when the frets dont dig into your hand..

[Ripper]

you mean proper fretwork?

i've never heard it referred to as rolling, but am having a brainfart and cant remember what im thinking of. i know its not crowning as that's the entire fret..

either way, it definitely does make guitars more enjoyable to play, when the frets dont dig into your hand..

this is different, I've always made sure my frets were flush to the side of the neck but this is where the edge of the neck has a nice gentle roll to it, kind of a worn in feeling.

[fraser]

you mean proper fretwork?

i've never heard it referred to as rolling, but am having a brainfart and cant remember what im thinking of. i know its not crowning as that's the entire fret..

either way, it definitely does make guitars more enjoyable to play, when the frets dont dig into your hand..

yup like ripper said, its just a gentle angle on the wood- i mention the frets because sometimes after rolling, you need to adjust the fret ends to match:smile:

[famouspogs]

i dont know of a video- i could likely make one up, but itll take me some time-
i did find this on a google search- not exactly how i do it, but itll give you the idea-

http://www.musicianshotline.com/archive/monthly/mean_gene/02_05.htm

as for file and paper types, it varies, often with whatevers within reach at the time-
any flat medium coarseness file, preferably a smallish one works fine- then make passes with 600 grit paper, then maybe 1000 grit to polish it up.
the way i do it, the fret ends are worked at the same time as the wood, so the sandpaper passes are easier at the end-

one easier quicker method is to rub the round shaft of a screwdriver up and down the length of the fretboard edges, holding at about a 45 degree angle, applying pressure until you see the wood being shaped- in this way you get a less dramatic effect, and the fret ends remain untouched, but it will improve the feel-

thanks for the link and a video would be awesome, im such a nervous person with ruining my guitars id have to see it done before i ever attempted it.


i finished my tele and i ended up putting 250k pots in, a new jack, all new wire, and hot texas specials a guy from long and mcquade gave me because he is incredibley nice. the guitar sounds and plays better now, its thicker from the 250k pots rather than the original 500k squier pots, id imagine this thing could take on an american tele.

[Budda]

yup like ripper said, its just a gentle angle on the wood- i mention the frets because sometimes after rolling, you need to adjust the fret ends to match:smile:

really? interesting!

my LP and my carvin play fine :) i wouldnt mind comparing a "stock" guitar to a 'rolled" guitar of the same model though!

[fraser]

thanks for the link and a video would be awesome, im such a nervous person with ruining my guitars id have to see it done before i ever attempted it.


i finished my tele and i ended up putting 250k pots in, a new jack, all new wire, and hot texas specials a guy from long and mcquade gave me because he is incredibley nice. the guitar sounds and plays better now, its thicker from the 250k pots rather than the original 500k squier pots, id imagine this thing could take on an american tele.

good m8- good
a wiring upgrade is the ultimate boost for any cheaper guitar- hell at one time those texas specials where considered an upgrade from most stock fender pickups- ive never looked into how better quality pots affect a guitars tone- different values surely will tho and i use 250k on all my stuff.
i use cheap sprague orange drop caps( under $1)
a .001 on the volume pot and a .022 on the tone-
i use one master tone knob- like this for all pups-
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/fraserkaro/stratwithmastertone.jpg
not sure if it improves the quality of the guitar, but thats how i do it-

really? interesting!

my LP and my carvin play fine :) i wouldnt mind comparing a "stock" guitar to a 'rolled" guitar of the same model though!
07-24-2008 07:34 AM


hi budda- im not familiar with those types of guitars really- gibson fretboards are comfortable enough- but its a shorter scale, and a flatter radius- the feel is very different- i never play those types of guitars for pleasure, ive worked on a number of gibsons- but was never interested enough to take note- or even look i guess.
interesting lol- its possible that gibson rolls all fretboards- or none- i just dont know. i dont own any, nor do i try them out in stores- fekk now youve got me befuddled-
does your fretboard have a smooth transition from the side of the neck to the fretting surface? like a small bevelled area that your hand will contact when playing?
buy yourself a cheesy squier- play it for a month, then bring it to me- takes me an hour or so- we have some beers- then you can try it-

[famouspogs]

thanks for the reply fraser. I kept the 473k capacitor and took off the smaller capacitor that was for a trebble bleed, i think it also made the guitar sound abit cheaper and have more mid range and less low end. its a cool sound the stock versions of these squiers have.

i went to the guitar store and with the help from a very very kind person who works there(who actually gave me the pickups for free) went through abunch of teles and discovered if you have less than 1000 the best bet for a tele sound is actually the 180 dollar squier, certainly the other guitars were higher quality and sounded higher quality but the squier was the most tele sounding in that range. my guitar which was a squier tele modified with pickups from a texas highway one sounded very similar to the american made teles that were 1000.