Squier P with odd serial number

brushfirewolf

brushfirewolf

Nov 12, 2016
788
1,040
5,096
Maryland
#1
So I wanted to add a P bass to my collection but didn't want to spend a ton on one, so I decided to find the cheapest used Squier I could with the intention of modding the hell out of it.

What I found was a $85 Candy Apple Red Affinity Series with no info on the date. Turns out it feels fantastic. I love the neck- in fact I find myself picking this bass up over my basses that I paid 5-10x that amount for even though I haven't swapped out the electronics yet. It's not a sound thing. Purely feel.

Anyway, this lead me to researching the guitar's history. I want to know why it feels so good compared to other Squiers and even Fenders. From what I've found online, the Chinese Squiers with the prefix Y were made in Taiwan, the second letter N indicating it is 90s, and the following number indicating the year, which in this case is a 7. Most of what I've read also states that 1997 was the year they switched to a different SN format and also started printing "Crafted in China" instead of "Made in China". Mine has YN7 engraved into the neckplate and "Made in China" below it.

Any insight on this bad boy is much appreciated! Love the bass so far and can't wait to drop some premium electronics into it.
 
#2
Adding some pics. Also forgot to mention- notice the tuners are the fat open gear tuners. I know these weren't on most Squiers until recently. All the ones I've seen from 2000-2015 or so were the small peg, closed box tuners.
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#3
You've done your research well and know exactly what you've got, and that it has been modified. The bridge is a Hipshot A that costs about $85. Tuners look to be the same as many Vintage Modified Squiers of later years, and also MIM Fenders. Fender's Modern Player series were also made in China, but again at a later date. The black knobs are also after market up grades as is the tort pickguard.

If you haven't pulled the pickups, I wouldn't be surprised to find they have also been upgraded along with the rest of the electronics.

Congratulations on a fabulous find :thumbsup:
 
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#4
Hey man thanks for the reply! Sorry I didn't mention but I added the bridge myself, as well as the pickguard and knobs. Got an EMG set on the way and some Wilkinson tuners.

Even still, I think it was a great find for $85. The frets are perfect and neck feels absolutely fantastic. It's making me want to sell my Jazz basses for more Ps!
 
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#7
J0hn said:
So I wanted to add a P bass to my collection but didn't want to spend a ton on one, so I decided to find the cheapest used Squier I could with the intention of modding the hell out of it.

What I found was a $85 Candy Apple Red Affinity Series with no info on the date. Turns out it feels fantastic. I love the neck- in fact I find myself picking this bass up over my basses that I paid 5-10x that amount for even though I haven't swapped out the electronics yet. It's not a sound thing. Purely feel.

Hey J0hn!

Not sure where to post this question, but are you sure it is "Candy apple" red? My inquiry is because I bought an extremely similar Squier p bass with the intention of buying an extra neck and paint the headstock with a matching red tone. The one I got is, presumably, a "race red" or a "hot rod red" but looks just like yours so I don't know:rollno::(. There are some pics below.

tHANKS

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