P-Bass Cavity Shielding - Is It Needed?

HosMan · #1 12-02-2009, 12:27 PM

I always thought that any lower end bass would benefit greatly by having an internal cavity shielding job performed on it.A local luthier who does all types of bass repairs and upgrades said that most P-basses will play fine without being shielded as their pickup is hum cancelling.This gentleman will do a shielding job if I want it done but his opinion is that it is most likely not needed in my situation.Does this sound right to you guys? He feels that just re-soldering(perhaps re-wiring?)and properly grounding as needed,switching to higher quality pots and input jack and(eventually) installing a higher caliber precision pickup(Fender or aftermarket) on my little Squier should be all that is needed.

Would you have it shielded anyway?Depending on the cost I think I`d be inclined to have it done,regardless.Especially if he`s replacing/upgrading the wiring--since he`s there.

Interested in thoughts.
Thanks!

scottbass · #2 12-02-2009, 12:37 PM

IME it's not necessary on a P bass as long as everything is wired correctly, bridge grounded correctly, good quality pots with their cases grounded to a common point, etc. But it wouldn't hurt anything to do it, either.

You are paying a luthier to work on your Squier? I hope he's a good buddy who's doing the work very reasonably!

jworrellbass · #3 12-02-2009, 12:38 PM

Sounds like he's trying to get you to up grade on parts, shielding is pretty cheap. Why not do it yourself, it's very easy. Stew mac sells it, some local shops do as well (in my area). I would do that and up grade your pots and jack. All very easy.

HosMan · #4 12-02-2009, 01:14 PM

His email signatures says he`s a luthier.How`s that for credentials?

Seriously,though...he mainly does guitar tech work,repairs,maintenance type stuff for a large locally-owned music store. After the holiday`s I`ll get down to brass tacks as far as what`s best for my situation,cost,etc.

"Squier,by luthier"

Sounds silly,I know but my bass was my b-day gift from my best buddy and I`ll never sell it.Plus,this is going to be my one and only bass for *sigh* several years.The goal is to have a no-worries,decent sounding and electronically stable/sound little beginner bass.Her body,neck and and fretboard are great! Just the sub par electronics(popping,buzzing,cheap input jack and pots).

Eventually morph into a Frankenbass,most likely.

(rumor has it Santa is bringing me a Fender Original Precision Bass Pickup

)

Open to suggestions for how best to improve my lowly Squier`s lot in life. Thanks!

HosMan · #5 12-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Here is the guy that I corresponded with. Tell me what you think,k?

http://www.skipsmusic.com/guitardocQA.html

Thanks

jworrellbass · #6 12-02-2009, 01:45 PM

I used to buy from Skips when I live in Modesto. They where a good company, but that was 20+ years ago.

If you own a Squire, or any other instrument you should attempt to do your own work. IMO. But then again if you don't feel safe about doing it yourself have them do the work.

As far as Squire's go their is plenty of information on TB for that.

Good luck with your bass,
John

HosMan · #7 12-02-2009, 02:15 PM

Thank you,Jworrell. I honestly do want to learn the simpler stuff like changing strings,doing a setup,adjusting the truss rod,etc. but I soooo suck at anything mechanical.I`m terrified I`ll screw something up. That said,what are some good informational/how-to bass guitar basics type sites? I at least like to know how and what goes on when maintenance is performed.A start,I guess.

jworrellbass · #8 12-02-2009, 02:29 PM

As far as sites go I think TB, their is a thread on set up right up on the top of this page. You can also google. I learned on a cheap 2nd bass and talking to people, that was way before the internet existed..lol.."the only you have to fear is fear itself". If you only have one bass I can see your hesitation. If you can find a local bassist that does his own set up you might be able to have him show you a few tricks, it might cost you a 6 pack, but well worth it. The guy at Skips will probably show you a few things, just ask. The worse he will do is say no.

If you decide to try anything yourself, just remember little adjustments at a time.

Bobster · #9 12-02-2009, 02:38 PM

Hosman,

Here's another good site as well. It's very thorough and has good illustrations. It has many referrals from TB'ers

http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass...tupmanual.html

Benjamin Strange · #10 12-02-2009, 09:22 PM

Shielding can help eliminate RF interference, but there's no guarantees. I do it on all of my basses as I gig a lot, and I've been in situations where everybody else on stage is humming except for me, so it's been worth it.

It's not hard to do, but sometimes just paying for the shielding paint and/or copper tape can be expensive. Sometimes it's cheaper to just pay somebody to do it rather than buying a whole bunch of paint and tape that you'll only use once.