Jazz Bass control plate

[bl2112]

I've got a Squire VM fretless jazz and about 2 weeks ago it started to feedback and extra hissing(besides the typical single coil hum). Through process of elimination I found out something was wrong with both the pickups and the bridge pot. So I swapped out the pickups and bought new pots. Problem is the pots I got the stem is to large for the control plate. Does anyone know if the Fender and Squier jazz control plates are diffferent?

[Billy K]

Had that problem just yesterday with a new pot. 2 washers under the plate and it is even with the other 2.I dont think the plates are different because I bought a black anatized (sp) one on ebay it fit fine

[georgestrings]

Yeah, I ran into that when I upgraded a VMJ's pots to CTS - I had to "hog out" the holes a little to make the CTS pots fit...


- georgestrings

[96tbird]

Squiers take metric shaft pots, Fender USA take standard 3/8" pots. There are lots of excellent quality metric pots. Bourns for example.

You can drill the holes out to fit. I have heard that standard sized pot bodies are a tight squeeze in the Squiers, check that out if you haven't already. You may have to carve some body wood away so the plate fit back where it is supposed to go.

You sure the p'ups are pooched? They are covered by warranty if it's a new bass. Besides it's unlikely that you got two bad pups in one bass. I love my Duncan Designed pups in my VM Jazz. It may just be a bad soldering job and or pots. Mine is dead quiet after I shielded it.

[bl2112]

I got this bass back when the VM was introduced(2006-07). I've been wanting to swap the PUs out for years, the past few weeks theyve been extremely noisey. What would be the easiest way to open the holes on the control plate? The pots got (All Parts 250K) are BARELY to big to get through the holes. If opening the holes isnt that hard I'd rather do that then return the pots i bought and order other ones.

[Marty Forrer]

I had that problem once, just ran a drill through the holes to enlargen them a little. A rat tail file would do it too.

[johnk_10]

or use a good tapered reamer to do it.

[walterw]

right. a drill can be risky if not done right.

one of these will do the job safely.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by johnk_10

or use a good tapered reamer to do it.

Yeah, I used a step drill and backed it up with a 2x4, but your method is a tad safer...


- georgestrings

[thatbasskid597]

I put CTS pots in my VM Jazz as well and had to ream the holes a bit larger. I used the 2 x 4 method like georgestrings. Even though it worked fine, a tapered bit would be the best option.

[bl2112]

Thanks guys, but I tested the knob on the pot and the knobs dont fit on the pots......
This repair/project ended up costing me alot more then expected and having to replace the plate (another 20 bucks plus shipping) if i mess it up and then getting new knobs(10 bucks plus shipping) would end up costing more then getting a new set of mini pots.

[littlepope]

Your knobs not fitting on the pots-see if they are split or solid shaft type. Split shaft leaves a little room for adjustment. Pots and knobs must match either as solid shaft pots & knobs or split shaft pots and knobs.

[iiipopes]

The only exception to this is that if you have a knurled/split shaft for a plastic knob, and want to use a metal knob or plastic knob with a metal insert, both of which have a set screw, you can find little brass ferrules that will fit over the knurled/split shaft so you can use the metal or metal-sleeved knobs with set screws usually used on solid shafts. On one of my instruments I have a pot that I just really like the "ramp," but it's a knurled/split shaft. So I got one of those ferrules so I could use Tele knobs on it. Works great. Hasn't wobbled in all the years since I did the mod.