Hey,

So I've been doing a bloody load of research today into each individual part of my bass's electronics, in the hope of learning a little something when building a custom bass.

I am looking for the best possible components here, cutting no corners, regardless of cost. The signal path is only as good as its weakest link...

I was just looking for any suggestions anyone might have. What do you custom builders use as jack sockets? I've been looking at switchcrafts - but don't know if this is a good idea or not. I know they are fantastic and have them fitted on my, and our guitarists inputs on our amps. What other inputs would you recommend?

As for pots, I am looking for 250k and 500k A + B pots. I have been told its pretty much impossible these days to find small numbers of high quality pots, and that standard pots as used by fender etc. are 'crappy'. Obviously I know to take things with a pinch of salt, but has anyone else looked into the highest quality pots they can get hold of? I've been recommended Alps and Noble pots, if I can find them (which will apparently be a nightmare at 250k+). Has anyone fitted any specialist pots to their basses?

Thanks,

Nico

might be able do get some gold plated stuff. Im not sure if thats a gimmick or really good.

ive got a gold plated connector on my razer diamondback mouse, and my senheisser headphones

There is nothing wrong with a high quality pot like a CTS, and a standard open frame Switchcraft jack. They aren't junk. If you find a source for 250k ALPS pots they will probably be expensive. For Example: Angela Instruments lists the 250k Mono Volume pot at $25 each. So your V V T Jazz bass setup is $75 right there.

If you don't mind drilling the hole and doing the fitting you can use a Neutrik locking 1/4" output jack. They are really nice but kind of obtrusive/labor intensive. You could also try the Neutrik panel mount 1/4" jacks. The TRS versions are just as good as the TS version and you can use them to switch preamp power.

They aren't common in guitar electronics. You would have to make the decision if the cost was in line with the results. Not only are the parts a lot more expensive, but they take more time to set up.