In this build guide we're making some simple improvements to a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster electric guitar. For those that own one already and don't want to make the jump to a Fender Jazzmaster, this will show you how to give it a more affordable facelift. Note that you can do as many - or as few - of these suggestions as you see fit. Let's jump in.
Pickup Upgrade and Other Parts
These are the parts we've recommended, including pickups, hardware, and new tuning machines. Consider using our orange Sweetwater buttons, as they allow you to shop easily at no extra cost to you.
Gear | PART | RATE | BROWSE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster Electric Guitar | n/a | |
 | Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster Single Coil Pickup Set | n/a | |
 | Fender Jazzmaster Tailpiece | n/a | |
 | Fender Adjustable Saddle Bridge | n/a | |
 | Fender Locking Tuning Machines for Strat or Tele | n/a |
Other Pickup Alternatives for the Squier Jazzmaster
Here are a few additional compatible pickup suggestions:
Gear | PART | RATE | BROWSE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Pure Vintage Jazzmaster Pickups | n/a | |
 | Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster II | n/a | |
 | Fender V Mod Jazzmaster Pickup Set | n/a |
The Guitar Base: Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster
The guitar we start with is the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster, which is fitted with entirely stock parts. We'll upgrade the pickups, the bridge, the bridge plate and the tuners.
The Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is a great upgrade candidate.
First, we need to find a new set of single coil Jazzmaster pickups.
Pickup Set: Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster
We settled on the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster set for their tone quality and reverse polarity wiring that helps cut down on hum and excess noise. They're technically two single coil pickups and should be fairly easy to wire in.
We recommend the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster pickups for upgrading.
Bridge Swap
Upgrading the bridge starts with the front facing plate that holds the whammy bar. The stock Squier hardware can easily be replaced with this Fender patented model.
The Fender Jazzmaster bridge faceplate is an easy win.
Then we switch out the adjustable saddles with Fender brand hardware.
Fender brand adjustable saddles.
Tuning Machines
To finish our upgrade, we put Fender brand tuning machines on the headstock, replacing the flimsy Squier hardware and improving tuning stability.
Fender tuning machines.
Conclusion
At this point you have almost an entirely new guitar and have saved yourself a few hundred dollars going from Squier to Fender. Of course, you could just buy the new Fender Jazzmaster, but it wouldn't have Seymour Duncan pickups.
If you have the Squier Jazzmaster and you already like it, do the upgrades instead of buying an entirely new guitar.
It'll feel, sound, and play dramatically better, and you'll save yourself some money in the process.
Remember, the pickups are the main point of this upgrade. Everything else should be considered optional.
Your Questions
Do you have questions about our Squier Jazzmaster pickup upgrade? If so, drop a line in the comments section below and we'll chat about it.
Build Details
- Guitar: Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster
- Pickup Configuration: SS (two jazzmaster single coils)
- Bridge Single Coil: Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster (first version)
- Neck Single Coil: Seymour Duncan Antiquity Jazzmaster (first version)
- Bridge: Fender patented
- Potentiometer upgrade? Not listed
- Knob swap? Not listed
- Tuner swap? Fender patented
- Pickguard swap? Not listed
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Written by Bobby on Electrics and Build Guides
Written by Bobby on Electrics and Build Guides
Thank you for your suggestions but I think it is not worth to upgrade entirely a Squier guitar. For the future please try to focus just on the few essential parts that make still convenient buying a Squier (otherwise you can buy directly an original Fender). For example I changed just the bridge (the one with compensated saddles) and the electronics on my Classic Vibe Telecaster and it sound amazing now spending about 100 euros. Thank you.
Could be helpful for those wanting to hang on to their Squier, and perhaps have built some attachment to it.