Installing J-Retro preamp? (on squier VM jazz bass)

[BassandBass]

Well I'd like to install a John East J-Retro 01 preamp on my squier vintage modified jazz bass.

The problem is, I know nothing about building basses, soldering, electronics, and anything of the sort.

My question is, will I be able to install it myself if I have it shipped to my home?

I couldn't find any 'how to' videos, but I saw in videos about other preamps that one usually has to cut the cables from the stock preamp, maybe solder the new cables or other stuff...
Doesn't look like anything an user without that kind of experience could do, but on it's website the John East preamps promise a much easier installation than its competitors.

Could someone who used J-retro preamps tell me if it's something that I'll be able to do myself, even if my 'capacities' are limited to unscrewing screws and such?

[testing1two]

Because this is an expensive preamp I would not use it as your 'learning to solder' project. A pro should be able to install it in 30 minutes.

[GeoffByrne]

If I recollect, the pickups are attached to the J-Retro via screw connectors. I can't remember about output, though, but I think soldering is involved with that.

G.

[BassandBass]

Originally Posted by testing1two

Because this is an expensive preamp I would not use it as your 'learning to solder' project. A pro should be able to install it in 30 minutes.

I actually hoped there would be no soldering required, as the website said something like that.
Was I wrong?

[luzceloffan]

there shouldnt if you cut the pickups wires from the stock preamp, then just screw then in the jretro connector.

[depalm]

On Squiers, the only concern you'll have it is the cavity deepness to accommodate the 9v battery.

Pickups are connected on screw terminals, no soldering is required except for the ground cable. But it's an easy job to do.





I did it myself on my NZaganin J custom and I have no experience in soldering.

[BassandBass]

thanks a lot for all the info depalm!

Could you give me some more details on how you soldered the ground cable?

(if you know any 'how to' video or such, it would be great :P I'm very worried about screwing up)

[depalm]

Well, don't remember exactly what I did and my bass is not with me right now.

The installation documents that comes with JRetro are pretty simple and explains very well.

Basically every ground cable should be jointed to the little black wire and solder to the center tag on jack.