Squier Sonic Bronco Black

I bought the Squier Bronco Bass with one clear goal in mind: to use it as a modding platform. After spending some time with it, both stock and upgraded, I can say it is a surprisingly solid base instrument.

Pros:

- The stock sound is actually quite decent. It has its own character, and while swapping to a P-Bass style single coil gives a fuller, more classic tone, the original pickup is far from bad. It is usable right out of the box.
- Build quality is respectable for the price. Nothing feels overly cheap or fragile.
- The tuning machines hold tuning well.
- Frets are well finished with no major issues.
- The bass came reasonably well set up from the factory.
- It is light and very comfortable to play, great for long sessions.

Cons:

- The stock pickguard looks quite cheap.
- The neck had a slightly unfinished, matte feel. A quick pass with 2000 grit sandpaper, about a minute of work, fixed it.
- The tuners are fine functionally, but I do not like how they look. This is subjective.

Modifications:

- New pickup (Bare Knuckle 51 Flat), new pickguard, Fender HiMass bridge, new pots.
- After these upgrades, it feels like a completely different instrument. Fuller sound, better response, overall much more serious bass.

Final thoughts:

- As a stock instrument, it is solid and fully usable.
- As a modding platform, it is excellent and highly recommended.

As a 'older' 60's muso, playing my precision basses is becoming a challenge to my creaking fingers!

This Bronco bass is the answer.....lightweight, well made, good fret finish and intonation and very easy to play, straight out of the box. Might upgrade pickup at some time, but for me, playing 60's and country music, it does what it says.....treat yourself, at thomann price it won't break the bank!