The Used Bass That Turned Out to Be a Hidden Treasure - A Modified Japanese Squier

The other day, I stopped by a certain recycle (second-hand) shop and just happened to spot a Jazz Bass that caught my eye.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary Squier Jazz Bass, but upon closer inspection, I noticed the “MADE IN JAPAN” marking and an “M” serial number.
This indicates that this guitar was a Japanese-made Squire that was completed around 1992–1993 at the renowned Fujigen factory.
In recent years, I have seen even budget domestic brands experiencing surprising price hikes, but this particular guitar was being sold at a fairly reasonable price.
I thought, “Wow, what a lucky find!” and bought it on the spot.

Squier SJB-36

Up until 1992, the SJB-36 models were made with basswood bodies.
However, starting from the 1993 catalog, they began using a tonewood composite known as “Wood Fiber”, a material designed specifically for acoustic performance.
Some might recognize it better under the name “Resoncast”.
Ibanez also had a period where they made guitars using similar materials.
Looking at the lack of visible wood grain on mine (as you can see in the image), I believe this is a 1993-era model made with Wood Fiber.

Swapping to EMG Pickups

The first thing I tackled was replacing the pickups.
Initially, I had only planned to swap the bridge pickup and see how it sounded, but right after buying the bass, I ran into an issue where no sound came out at all...
I tried everything from redoing the wiring with a soldering iron to troubleshooting the signal path, but in the end, I couldn’t fix it.
And well, if there’s no sound, there’s no point, so I decided to go all in and replace the pickups entirely.

The set I chose this time is the EMG JX Set

EMG / JX Set — Pickup set for Jazz Bass

Here’s why I chose the EMG JX Set:

• I didn’t own any basses with EMGs yet
• I wanted a sound with a wide range with beautiful harmonics
• The connector-style wiring makes installation easy
• Active pickups are resistant to noise

I had installed EMGs in guitars several times before, so I assumed this would be a quick and easy job…
But it didn’t go as smoothly as I hoped.

Problem 1: The pickups didn’t fit into the rout

Since it was a Jazz Bass-style pickup, I assumed it would pop right in without any modifications, but the bridge pickup just did not physically fit.Thankfully, the body was made of Wood Fiber, which is relatively easy to work with.
So with just a bit of sanding using sandpaper, I was able to make enough space and fit the pickup in properly.
That said, I really wish pickup sizes and routing specs were standardized across the industry. These minor differences can turn a simple upgrade into a project.

Problem 2: The battery didn’t fit in the cavity

After mock-assembling the wiring and trying to install the battery… I hit another snag.
The control cavity wasn’t deep or wide enough, and I couldn’t close the control plate!
In EMG’s official YouTube installation videos, everything fits in so neatly, so I was puzzled at first. But the reality is, if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit.
I did consider installing a separate battery box on the back by drilling a new hole, but that would have been a much bigger job than I wanted.
Instead, I opted for a simpler fix: I used a drill and file to carefully expand the control cavity, and after some work, the battery finally fit.
Crisis averted!

Problem 3: No sound

Just when I thought, “Finally, it’s done!”—I plugged it in and… no sound came out.
At this point, there was no turning back. I sat down and stared at the instruction manual for a good hour, and then finally found the issue.

It turns out that one specific connector is supposed to be plugged in upside down.
I couldn’t help but shout, “How was I supposed to know that?!” But once I flipped the connector, the sound came out loud and clear. All’s well that ends well!

Swapping the Bridge for a Badass II

Moving on, I decided to change out the bridge.
Wanting to bring the tonal focus a little lower, I replaced the vintage-style bridge with a Badass II.

ALLPARTS / BB-3342-001 Leo Quan Badass II Bass Bridge Nickel

This is hands-down my favorite bridge. I went and swapped it onto every 4-string bass I own.
One big advantage is that the string break angle becomes shallower, reducing tension and making the bass easier to play.
The increased mass also improves sustain and helps the bass stand out more clearly in an ensemble setting.
The swap was super easy. The drop-in type is compatible with most Fender-style basses, with no need for any modification.
Unlike the pickup install, this took all of 10 minutes.
※ Depending on the body material, you may need to resize the mounting holes underneath the bridge.

Strap Pins & Inlay Stickers

I swapped out the strap pins for my go-to: Schaller-style locking pins.

SCUD / EP-13C

I also added some inlay stickers. Just peel and stick the sticker directly onto the fretboard for a quick visual upgrade.

Some might find block inlays on a ’60s-style bass a little off, but I love the look, so I’m happy with the choice.

Now it’s finished!

So, what do you think?
Personally, I’m very satisfied with how it turned out.
The neutral character of the Wood Fiber body pairs perfectly with the distinct voice of the EMGs.
The end result is a sound that really brings out that active bass tones of the ’80s and ’90s.

Things I Would Like to Try Next

On all my go-to Fender-style 4-string basses, Badass II isn’t the only must-have. I also love having a Hipshot D-Tuner installed.

HIPSHOT / BT7 Extender Key Nickel (Bass Side)

To be honest, I hardly ever actually use drop D, but I just love how mechanical it looks. There's something about that industrial, functional aesthetic that really appeals to me.
Also, now that I’ve put in EMG pickups, I’m thinking of expanding my tonal options further by adding an active EQ.

EMG / BQS CONTROL

Cost Summary (All prices include tax, as of June 27, 2025)

Total: ¥71,780 (Body ¥27,500 + Modification Cost ¥44,280)

The cost of the modification ended up exceeding the price of the bass body itself, but the joy of selecting the parts myself, assembling it with my own hands, and achieving the exact sound I was aiming for was priceless.
I recommend everyone try customizing inexpensive guitars or basses to their liking and enjoy the modification life!

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