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Synth177
11-27-2008, 10:48 AM
I really love my Precision but I want it to be more versatile so would it be possible to add a bridge pickup and a volume knob for it and how much would it cost. Also if it is possible and in my budget range, should I add a J pickup, a P pickup, or a Rickenbacker bridge pickup?

Rick Auricchio
11-27-2008, 11:36 AM
A "PJ" pup arrangement is quite common. Use a Jazz pickup.

A simple solution that doesn't cost much more would be to find a used jazz and call it a day.

has-sound
11-27-2008, 12:32 PM
You could use a concentric "stacked" pot for the individual volumes. That way you wouldn't have to drill extra holes.

Synth177
11-27-2008, 01:25 PM
Thanks for the replies, but can someone estimate the cost for me.

Rick Auricchio
11-27-2008, 03:07 PM
Offhand, a good jazz pickup is about US$60. A stacked volume pot is maybe $15. Add an hour of wiring labor at $60 if you're having a tech do the job.

That doesn't include the dismantling time and routing/drilling for the extra pickup. That might add 3-4 hours of luthier labor. I'll guess $60/hour for that. I wouldn't want to cut wood with the existing pickup, controls, and bridge in place; that would all have to come off first.

Prices depend on your location, of course, due to living costs.

So adding up my rough guess puts you at about $375. That's why I suggested a used jazz-style bass.

Another thought: Buy a pre-routed PJ body from warmoth.com for $170 and a J pickup, then have it finished and wired.