I want to convert this bass to passive

MoBeach · #1 11-04-2009, 09:48 AM

Right now it has a Bartolini preamp that's coming out, I'm going to replace the Basslines with Bartolini's (not sure which ones yet) I want a vintage warm tone. the body is swamp ash with myrtle wood top, neck through construction and the neck is bubinga/flame maple and a ebony fretboard.

Also, in passive mode it has no real tone control, just the pickup blend, how would I go about making it passive only, with a volume, blend and tone control? I'm no electronics wiz.

Thanks.

kraigo · #2 11-04-2009, 09:59 AM

I'd leave the Basslines pickups alone. They're nice pickups, so at least leave them there until you're sure you want to replace them. I'd go with volume/volume/treble cut/bass cut. A blend means that each passive pickup would be going through two pots, which will eat into your high end. I'd make the switch a parallel/series switch for the P-Bass pickup, or just leave it as a dummy (I'd probably leave it as a dummy).

For schematics, the volume/volume portion can be found with any jazz bass schematic. The bass cut/treble cut can be found on G&L's website. Parts can be found at allparts.com. Put together a spread sheet of all the parts you'll need so nothing slips your mind when you place the order.

Order all new parts so the Bartolini preamp is still intact. Carefully mark the wires so it can be easily reinstalled. Sell it or keep it, you'll still appreciate it being in one piece.

Nice looking bass! I hope you can make it into what you want it to be. What's up with the whammy bar?

KO

MoBeach · #3 11-04-2009, 10:08 AM

The whammy is a Hipshot, works pretty well! This bass was built by Digthemlows, I'm not sure if he's been active here lately. He built this for me to my specs but as of lately I'm not liking the active tone. The Basslines are SJB-2/SPB-2, so I guess they're in between the vintage and hot stacks as far as tone goes.

**line6man** · #4 11-04-2009, 02:01 PM

The standard passive volume-blend-tone setup can be found here:

http://www.seymourduncan.com/support...azz_bass_blend

throbgod13 · #5 11-04-2009, 03:44 PM

http://cracklecdn-zoovy-2.simplecdn....2hh3l12_00.jpg

replace the switch with the blend pot from the Duncan schematic.. this way you can have 2 tones, 1 volume and a Blend knob.. as for the switch, you could put a phase or series switch in.. or leave it as a dummy, or plug the hole..

it's not that hard to rewire it passive..

MoBeach · #6 11-04-2009, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the info guys!