Which bridge & pickup for a '76 P-bass? - Page 2

bassclef112 · #21 02-04-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpark

I just decided to keep it and ordered a new Fender vintage bridge with the threaded saddles. Yeah, they're not the same as the original grooved, but it seems like the threaded offer better options for string spacing and alignment over pup poles and don't slide around like the grooved saddles.

I also ordered a thumbrest, bridge and pup cover. They are all new Fender parts, so they aren't 1976 originals, but I at least think I'm doing this bass justice by attempting to restore it to it's original cosmetic glory, even if the new parts aren't original.

I have a '76 P that I bought some years ago, and it also came with a BAII. Not really a bad thing but I liked the look of a bridge cover. I managed to find a NOS 70's vintage bridge, still sealed on a card, from The Brass Shop. This was Fender's line of brass replacement parts for their basses. It's a standard bent plate with the base and barrels made from brass. A lucky grab. I could now add new bridge cover.

The point is, I don't miss the BAII at all. The bass sounds as good as ever. I think you're doing the right thing by getting it the way you want it. It's not a collectible per se and you should have it looking the way it pleases you.

BTW, after several pickup changes I've currently settled on a Fender 62RI and I like it a lot. I also put on a Black Walnut pickguard cuz I like that too. I'm not worried about an original look.

sbpark · #22 02-04-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedudebrah

Got any pics of the bass? I'm sure I'm not the only one that would like to see it.

Mine is mostly original except for the volume and tone knobs and a tort guard I put on. However the body was routed for the EMG battery and there was once a J pickup in it, so I'm not terribly worried about originality, I'm more worried about how well it plays. And play well it does.

9mmMike · #23 02-04-2013, 11:43 AM

Lovely rosewood neck. I have a '74 maple neck that is just OK on mine. If it were mine, I'd probably do what you're doing (bridge and pups) as well.
Good luck with it.

thedudebrah · #24 02-04-2013, 11:59 AM

Very sharp. Love the 70s 3-tone burst. Good luck with it!

Dluxe · #25 02-04-2013, 12:24 PM

For the price you paid for the bass (originally) you could have bought all original parts and come out way ahead when you decided to sell it. That's the route I would have taken. Just don't get any ideas to change out the "rusty" pickguard screws because those are nearly impossible to find (original ones) and the new ones aren't anything like the originals.

sbpark · #26 02-04-2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dluxe

For the price you paid for the bass (originally) you could have bought all original parts and come out way ahead when you decided to sell it. That's the route I would have taken. Just don't get any ideas to change out the "rusty" pickguard screws because those are nearly impossible to find (original ones) and the new ones aren't anything like the originals.

I have no intention of changing/replacing anything thats currently on the bass that's original. I just want to replace the bridge and pickup. Sure I could go on Ebay and buy the original pups, original bridge and original covers, but that would cost up around $500-$600. For a little more than that I could buy a second bass, like a Classic 50's Precision! I only spent $75 for the new vintage style bridge, thumb rest, and covers. Yes, they are not original from 1976, but they are new Fender parts, and I have no intention of selling the bass. At least this way I can play it in as close to original condition as I can without shelling out a ton of cash for parts, and in the mean time keep an eye out for deals down the line on replacing those parts with originals if I ever feel the need to.

thedudebrah · #27 02-04-2013, 12:50 PM

If you keep your eyes on eBay long enough, you might get lucky. I got my original 77 harness ready to drop in for 145. Worth it.

sbpark · #28 02-04-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedudebrah

If you keep your eyes on eBay long enough, you might get lucky. I got my original 77 harness ready to drop in for 145. Worth it.

Nice. (I'm originally from Philly, btw. Spent all my high school days going to shows at the Troc, TLA, Dobbs, & City Gardens!)

thedudebrah · #29 02-04-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpark

Nice. (I'm originally from Philly, btw. Spent all my high school days going to shows at the Troc, TLA, Dobbs, & City Gardens!)

Philly still has a great music scene. My band is slowly starting to gig there more and more and it's always a good time.

sbpark · #30 02-04-2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedudebrah

Philly still has a great music scene. My band is slowly starting to gig there more and more and it's always a good time.

Where in the 'burbs are you? I was in Bucks County, went to Neshaminy HS.

taurus1 · #31 02-04-2013, 02:56 PM

that bass is awesome.
I use 70's P basses and one has an original 60's threaded saddle bridge, the others have the grooved saddle, neither have ever slipped and I play fairly aggressively.
I just bought a Seymour Duncan SPB-1 (voiced like a 57 supposedly) and a Fender Original P bass pup Ri. both sound really good, the Fender has more aggressive mids, it may be the capacitor, not sure.
I wouldn't bother over paying for original used 70's parts, new Fender parts are still authentic Fender.

Dluxe · #32 02-04-2013, 03:09 PM

Sure they are authentic Fender parts but will never sound like a grey bottom pickup. He's got $190 into the bass. I think he can afford to put the bass back to stock!

thedudebrah · #33 02-04-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpark

Where in the 'burbs are you? I was in Bucks County, went to Neshaminy HS.

I had lived in Warrington since I was 5, but am now living in the Hatboro/Willow Grove area with some friends. I went to Central Bucks West, but graduated from Central Bucks South when it opened in 05.

taurus1 · #34 02-04-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dluxe

Sure they are authentic Fender parts but will never sound like a grey bottom pickup. He's got $190 into the bass. I think he can afford to put the bass back to stock!

I just checked the prices of 70's grey bottoms, $450.00-$495.00, kind of ridiculous.
I have three 70's P's with grey bottoms, never realized they were so desired all of a sudden, lol.
he's keeping the bass, not reselling it, so I can understand why he wouldn't want to spend more than double what he paid for the bass on a pickup alone.

atomicdog · #35 02-20-2013, 08:41 PM

I just upgraded an Am Std with a Fender Original Pup. Big, big improvement. I also upgraded a while back with the bottom bridge depicted in the original post (instead of the stock hi-mass). Also an improvement. I would have grabbed that top one in a minute if I had found one (what's the parts number on that one?). But I agree that you should go as authentic '70s as possible.