P-Bass Set-up

[B. Graham]

Hi,

I've been spending most of time of last several years in the double bass camp. Recently I decided to start spending time with the electric again, and I have a few set-up questions.

The bass in question is a late '80's Japanese made Squire P-Bass. Love this bass. Lot of sustain and clarity, and better than quite a few US made Fender basses I've played.

1. I forget, to adjust a truss rod that is located at the heel of the next, is it counter clock-wise that reduced the tension?
2. What other bridge options are there that maintain the classic look but have more mass?
3. I remember not feeling like I had much "headroom" when digging in on this bass. The pick-ups in there now are Fralin's. Other options? The tone I like the best for a P-Bass is like older Elvis Costello, and the intro for "Pretty Green" from The Jam.
4. It's time to replace the pots and jack. I'd like to get as good of quality as I can get, as the bass will be getting a lot of studio use, going direct to a mic pre or DI.
5. Are there any onboard pre-amps out these days that would provide some more tonal possibilities, but not change the number of pots?

Any other suggestions. The bass is solid, but I like tweaking and tinkering.

Thanks.

[emblymouse]

Yes, counter clockwise to loosen/for more relief.
Those tones you are looking for are definately achieved with flatwounds. The pick up may have less to do with it than strings. And I leave the rest to those who tinker...

[Chasarms]

Dimarzio PUs are highly regarded as P-pass replacements. Although, I would consider just lowering it a bit and trying it before I replaced the one you have now. Fralin PUs are well regarded. I am not sure you're going to find something better.

For a pre, I would consider one of those little Sadowsky outboard preamps or similar.

They sound great and won't mess with the original vibe of the bass. They also sound really nice and very natural on tape recorded DI.

[bleedingfingers]

i just put together a 50's vintage style pre
I used nordstrand pickups and a hipshot vintage bent plate bridge .
I just started using it on a gig this weekend and it rocks
and also has almost as much output as my jazz5 with barts and audere preamp.

I say go Nordstrand .

regards B.

[B. Graham]

Thanks.

I'd been thinking about the Nordstrand's.

Any new trends in wiring, pots, or jacks?

I think I have a Sansamp Bass Driver DI in a box somewhere, so I'll try that for a DI/pre-amp. Used to have a simple little Aguilar which was so simple and so sweet sounding, but I think that's gone now.

Thanks again.