Modifying my Fender Jazz Bass MIM (pickups, bridge, and all the innards)

NachoConde · #1 09-10-2011, 04:18 PM

Hello TB,

I had been wanting to do this almost since I got it in 2008 but unfortunately since I was still a student I did not have the money however I now have a job and can afford to please my bass modding desires.

My plans were to fit it with a Leo Quan BadassBass II bridge, a new set of pickups (I was thinking between the Fender original pickups, the fender noiseless pickups, or maybe a set of Seymore Duncans) , and also to replace all the wires and pots with a nicer set of cloth bound wires and some new pots.

However now that the moment has come I cant help but wonder whether this would be a good decision or whether it might result in quite a waste of money.

So i decide to come to the best place i know. Has anyone here ever modded a MIM Fender Jazz in this way? and if so what were the results?

My other questions would be, what would the best pickups to put on it be? (I play quite an aggressive Flea-like style) and whether it would be worth replacing anything else? (ie, tuners, nut, frets, etc)

I look forward to reading what you guys have to say!

Turnaround · #2 09-10-2011, 04:51 PM

I have an '07 MIM Jazz that I modified, and I think I can offer some suggestions.

First, replace the pickups and the pots. Neither are good quality. Your choice of pickups will certainly be better than the stock ones. You might consider noiseless pups if you frequently use settings other than full-on for both pots. Note though that the noiselss pups tend to be less aggressive sounding.

As for the controls, get CTS pots. They make a substantial difference. Don't bother replacing the internal wires with cloth-covered - no sonic improvement to be had there.

Next, consider a good shielding and grounding job. This will reduce the nise to the minimum possible if done well and thoroughly. While the bass is open, consider replacing the capacitor with a better quality one.

Next, address the fretwork. You don't need to replace the frets,unless they are badly worn, but a proper levelling and recrown will allow the action to be optimized. While I was at it I rounded over the fingerboard edges to give a really nice feel to the neck.

I'm not a fan of the standard bridge that comes on these basses, so I installed a Gotoh 201. And the tuners are fine, but I decided to upgrade to Hipshot HB7's - they are a drop in replacement.

Played the bass for a couple of years with the above mods, and finally decided to take it to the next level. I installed a Sadowsky preamp and pickups. It's a wonderful bass now.

Down side is, that if I wanted to sell it, I would never be able to recover what I put into it. I was not concerned about that though, I did it to demonstrate what can be done to a simple MIM - a number of my clientele havedecided to get me to mod their basses for some of the features I included in mine. It's a showcase.

NachoConde · #3 09-10-2011, 05:41 PM

You wouldn't by any chance have any sound clips of your bass lying around? :P

Also, where would you recommend going to get something like this done?

Thank you for your advice!

lowendgenerator · #4 09-10-2011, 05:45 PM

Whatever mods you decide, it's always best to buy used. Way more bang for your buck.

NachoConde · #5 09-10-2011, 05:47 PM

What do you mean used? Like if im looking for a Badass Bass II bridge i should try and find a second hand one? same with pickups?

How does this make it better? :P

lowendgenerator · #6 09-10-2011, 05:48 PM

Used, as in, previously owned. Not new. AKA from the TB classifieds.

It allows you to pick up a set of $200 jazz pickups for $75. BA bridges are a bad example. You're better off buying one of those new, as the world hasn't caught on that they're back in production.

NachoConde · #7 09-10-2011, 05:51 PM

Sweet, i'll keep that in mind when looking, thanks for your advice!

impactwrench · #8 09-10-2011, 06:59 PM

I thought stock fenders (both MIM and MIM) have CTS pots these days?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnaround

I have an '07 MIM Jazz that I modified, and I think I can offer some suggestions.

First, replace the pickups and the pots. Neither are good quality. Your choice of pickups will certainly be better than the stock ones. You might consider noiseless pups if you frequently use settings other than full-on for both pots. Note though that the noiselss pups tend to be less aggressive sounding.

As for the controls, get CTS pots. They make a substantial difference. Don't bother replacing the internal wires with cloth-covered - no sonic improvement to be had there.

Next, consider a good shielding and grounding job. This will reduce the nise to the minimum possible if done well and thoroughly. While the bass is open, consider replacing the capacitor with a better quality one.

Next, address the fretwork. You don't need to replace the frets,unless they are badly worn, but a proper levelling and recrown will allow the action to be optimized. While I was at it I rounded over the fingerboard edges to give a really nice feel to the neck.

I'm not a fan of the standard bridge that comes on these basses, so I installed a Gotoh 201. And the tuners are fine, but I decided to upgrade to Hipshot HB7's - they are a drop in replacement.

Played the bass for a couple of years with the above mods, and finally decided to take it to the next level. I installed a Sadowsky preamp and pickups. It's a wonderful bass now.

Down side is, that if I wanted to sell it, I would never be able to recover what I put into it. I was not concerned about that though, I did it to demonstrate what can be done to a simple MIM - a number of my clientele havedecided to get me to mod their basses for some of the features I included in mine. It's a showcase.

walterw · #9 09-10-2011, 07:32 PM

yes, they do, and have for many years.

+1 to ditching the pickups, but the pots are fine.

impactwrench · #10 09-10-2011, 07:38 PM

I have a CAR 05 MIM Jazz that I slapped an 04 P neck on, put in some Dimarzio Model J's (and left the factory pots), a black pearl pickguard (both bought here on classifieds) and i might go ballz out and do a babicz bridge and Hipshot HB7 tuners, maybe with a d-tuner. I think the Badass costs too much and the string notches are not even cut a lot of times. Then again ive never had a problem with stock hardware on MIM.

babicz
Full Contact Hardware 4-String Fender-Style Bass Bridge and more Bass Pickups & Parts at GuitarCenter.com.

hipshots, no drilling on mim
HB7 Tuning Machine > Store > Hipshot Products

walterw · #11 09-10-2011, 07:39 PM

as for bridges, the 201 is fine, but not as "high mass" as it looks; that thick back section is hollow inside!

also, its spacing is narrower than jazz pickup magnets, so the string alignment will be a little off (just like it is with the stock bridge).

for my money, keep the vintage-type bridgeplate and get some threaded-rod vintage fender saddles for it; way cheaper, and they allow for proper spacing, which also forces the outer saddles in towards the center, holding them all together for improved sustain.

Grabow · #12 09-10-2011, 07:43 PM

hey Nacho

have done more mods like this then i care to mention
good choice with BA II
as for the pickups, i would reccoment the new EMG X series
would have to do a little routing in the control cavity for the battery
in active pickups are not your thing, i would reccomend Lindy Fralin pickups
great old school tone

cheers

walterw · #13 09-10-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impactwrench

I think the Badass costs too much and the string notches are not even cut a lot of times.

they're back in production, so the prices should return to sane levels.

also, they're not supposed to be pre-cut; your tech files the notches when he installs it, for perfect string spacing.

the newer II2 like the fender highway ones use has pre-grooved saddles, with several notches for adjustable spacing.

NachoConde · #14 09-11-2011, 04:45 AM

I think that I'll definitely go for either the Gotoh 201 or the BadassBass II bridge, I have another bass, a Peavey Paladium which has that bridge on it and its just rock solid and gives it some amazing sustain (which is one of the reasons why I favour the BAII), where as due to my aggressive playing style I often find the saddles on my jazz bass sliding around and even dropping down which causes me to loose some of my higher frets (its pretty annoying having to readjust my bridge every week or so).

As for the pickups I cant say I'm too upset with the original pair, but I feel as though an upgrade could definitely do it good. Back when I was in a band we recorded a couple of demo tracks in a studio and it just felt like once the whole band was playing the bass couldn't cut through and the bassline faded into a sort of textureless woofy sound in the background, I want a tone which is more defined, not overpowering but just a bit more definition to the tone.

Heres a picture of my bass with the mods I've done so far (its all aesthetic stuff):

Mods: Tortoiseshell pickguard, tinting the neck with shoe polish to make it a bit darker, and straplocks.

Turnaround · #15 09-11-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impactwrench

I thought stock fenders (both MIM and MIM) have CTS pots these days?

Mine didn't. But then, I did get it used and the previous owner may have replaced them. Can't imagine why though.

NachoConde · #16 09-12-2011, 04:18 AM

I've been scouring the web for some pickup ideas and came across this video:

DiMarzio Ultra Jazz 5 demo - YouTube

These seem to give a really great sound, the low end muddiness which I am experiencing with the stock pickups seems to be cleared up by these, and the high sounds defined and not overpowering.

Has anyone here got any experience with these, or have any suggestions for better pickups?

fhm555 · #17 09-12-2011, 04:41 AM

I recently modded my little blue mexi j with Dimarzio Model J's, a .033uf poly film cap, strap locks, white pearl pick guard, babicz bridge, and 316 stainless guard and control plate screws. Me likie...

Low Sound Love · #18 09-12-2011, 04:48 AM

I modded my MIM J with a badass II, diMarzio Ultra Jazz pups, a J-retro pre and shaller tuners (and block inlay stickers

). The pre-amp had the biggest impact on the sound (obviously), followed by the pickups.
If the bass feels good in your hands, mod the hell out of it 'till it sounds as good as it feels!

NachoConde · #19 10-10-2011, 12:06 PM

*Update* Ok, so after having a look around i decided to buy the Gotoh 201, seeing as how it can only be an improvement on the stock bridge and how its also fairly inexpensive (£28).

As for the pickups I decided to go with the Fender Custom Shop 60s Jazz Bass pickups, just because I've only been able to hear good things about them and also they seem to give a very nice warm midrange tone to the bass, and also the same theory as for the bridge, they can only be an improvement.

I'll post again once I have added these to my bass and maybe share some before/after sound clips so you guys can see what the difference sounds like.

Now to wait for a few weeks until they get shipped from the US xD

Pilgrim · #20 10-10-2011, 12:08 PM

My question to your original post is this: What problems are you trying to solve?

All the parts on your bass are good quality and are designed to work well. If you change anything, IMO the reason should be to solve a problem or change specific performance characteristics that you find less than optimal.

There's a short version of this: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.