upgrades: jazz to soapbar and bridge install questions

[newbold]

So my pickups weren't properly installed at the Fender factory in Mexico so to get a better output from my B, I've flipped the saddle...seen here:

Fender MIM QC: Pickup placement and replacement


In the bridge photo, one can also see how far back the saddles are set to intonate with my tapewound strings.

so I have questions:

1.a should I switch my pickups?
and if so,

1.b should I get blades or soapbars

1.c or would it be better for me to make covers and rout my bass cavity to align it properly?



Since I think I should move my bridge,

2.a should i find some way to countersink my new and old screw holes to have the bass grip more of the body and to keep the original holes in case I ever need to go back to the standard placement?

and if so,

2.b do you know about any products that would work best for this situation?

any info would be appreciated.


3. or would I just be farther ahead to wait and get a different bridge altogether and go strings through?

[walterw]

i suspect you might just be running into the quality limits of that mexi bass. it might be time to start shopping for something better all-around.

[newbold]

Though I'm not at all saying that you're in any way wrong, why have an instrument that I intend to keep that I will want to avoid playing?

It's otherwise great. Very playable and I enjoy it quite a lot.

New pickups and a bridge shift aren't difficult mods.