Essex Bass Club - Part 14

[dabbler]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I'll tell you what I use. I bought a rosewood pen blank on ebay and cut/shaped a thumbrest out of that. Use double-stick tape to put it on here's a pic of where I put mine:



At some point I'm going to replace it with a lucite/acrylic/plexiglass version so it'll hide on the front. I get a good balance between bassiness and growl in that spot.

Fourstring you incite a STRONG case of GAS in me every time you show that thing! And I really don't need another bass!

[dave64o]

I got into the SX club a few years ago when I bought my first one, but that bass recently went through a MAJOR metamorphosis and here's what she looks like now:



This bass started life as an SX SJB-62 5-string fretless. Besides having some issues with the bass itself, I also figured out that I was just not a fretless player. So, I decided to have some fun with it and modify the hell out of this bass. Here's what I had done:
- I bought a fretted SJB-62 5 string bass (used) and swapped their necks
- Hipshot 3-string string retainer (used)
- Nordstrand NJ5S pickups (one used, one new)
- Hipshot "A" style bridge (used)
- Audere 4-band preamp (new)
- Replacement control plate for controls (used)
- Replacement knobs (new)
- Had the body routed for a side jack since the 4-knob configuration on the preamp would no longer allow the jack to be on the control plate
- Replacement jack plate (used)
- WD Designs 4-ply pick guard - Aged White - Black - Aged White - Tortoise Shell (new - had to be, it was custom cut to fit the exact shape and screw hole locations of the original white pick guard)
- Musicman strap locks (new)
- S.I.T. Power Wound Nickel strings (new)
- All this work was done by a professional luthier

In the end, the only parts left from my original fretless are the unloaded body (i.e. just the wood) and the neck plate. Yes, I realize I spent a lot more in parts than I spent on the original bass but, before I started this project, I was well aware that would happen. I did save quite a bit by buying a lot of used parts here on TB, so that help minimize the actual cost. Plus I still have the other SX (now fretless) that I am now preparing to put up for sale, so I'll get even more of my money back.

It still has an SX body and neck, so I guess it qualifies as an SX? But, whatever it is, I like it A LOT, it turned into a really nice bass. I also learned a lot doing the research into all the parts, learning how they'll fit and work together, and about basses in general, which was also a good thing.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by dave64o

I got into the SX club a few years ago when I bought my first one, but that bass recently went through a MAJOR metamorphosis and here's what she looks like now:



...
It still has an SX body and neck, so I guess it qualifies as an SX? ....

Absolutely, it's still an SX!

[mookie20hz]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

I would assume, like me, because it's NOT a crutch, and he would prefer to use a thumb rest becusse it's more comfortable to him, and there are many others like him that do. The floating thumb method is not for everybody, it's not inherently superior to using a rest.

Hey, no need to get defensive,
I thought I made it quite clear that it was merely a suggestion. But let's be honest, having a thumbrest is a crutch. If you don't like that term, so be it, that's understandable but lets see...you have to physically alter every instrument so you can play it as opposed to not. That's a crutch.

[Rip Topaz]

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by mookie20hz

Hey, no need to get defensive,
I thought I made it quite clear that it was merely a suggestion. But let's be honest, having a thumbrest is a crutch. If you don't like that term, so be it, that's understandable but lets see...you have to physically alter every instrument so you can play it as opposed to not. That's a crutch.

Not being defensive, just challenging your statement that it's better to learn the floating thumb method instead of using a thumb rest.
And no,you don't have to physically alter anything. I haven't had to alter my Jazz or Precision in any way, I use the pickup as a thumb rest. And yes, your use of the term crutch implies that using a thumb rest is inferior to the floating thumb method. It's not, it's just different.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by dabbler

Fourstring you incite a STRONG case of GAS in me every time you show that thing! And I really don't need another bass!

Thanks! It has just enough tone options with switches to keep me happy.

[SBsoundguy]

I've been using my pickups as thumbrests since I first started playing 12 years ago. I don't see any problem with it.

[Corythosaurus]

Hello all, I'm a happy new member of the SX club. This guy just came today:




I ended up joining Talkbass after years of lurking partly because of how helpful this thread was... fourstringbliss, your posts/photos helped me pull the trigger, since they were really the only hands-on info I could find of the humbucker model.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying this bass. Fit & finish are as promised. I also got the "American Swamp Ash" sticker. Maybe I'm being overly hopeful here, but doesn't this look more like Ash than Alder? The grain seems too pronounced, large, and, uh, "swirly" to be Alder. Second opinions?

Also, the neck finish doesn't seem to be the 'toxic orange' that some people complain about. I'm quite happy with the look.

I'm planning on modding this, as many seem to do with their SXs. A new neck pickup is almost a certainty. I also might try some of your mods, fourstringbliss... at the very least a coil tap for the MM pickup. It also might eventually see a switchable active boost.

[dewbass4]

Originally Posted by senecio

I'm contemplating a thumb rest as I can't seem to find a good comfortable spot on either of the pickups.

Originally Posted by mookie20hz

Senicio, please, please, don't take this the wrong way but, why not just learn to play without the crutch of a thumbrest? I mean, what would happen down the road if you say, purchase a $4000.00 MTD that you couldn't get comfortable with. Would you drill holes in that?

Gentlemen,
In no way do I intend to instigate a war over technique, or what is an acceptable modification to any bass one owns at any price point. But what's wrong with using a pick / plectrum? Many great players use them. When using a pick it does not require any type of mechanical rest as well as adding a new and different dimension to your playing.
Is it time to call a truce and evaluate your paradigm about what is an acceptable technique or modification, then simply get on with what works for you?

[THand]

Originally Posted by dewbass4

Gentlemen,
In no way do I intend to instigate a war over technique, or what is an acceptable modification to any bass one owns at any price point. But what's wrong with using a pick / plectrum? Many great players use them. When using a pick it does not require any type of mechanical rest as well as adding a new and different dimension to your playing.
Is it time to call a truce and evaluate your paradigm about what is an acceptable technique or modification, then simply get on with what works for you?

nothing wrong with using a pick.
nothing wrong with using your fingers.
nothing wrong with adding a thumbrest.
nothing wrong with using the floating thumb.
play what you want, how you want.
IMO, it's not either/or, and there is no war.
I do all of the above at times.

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by THand

nothing wrong with using a pick.
nothing wrong with using your fingers.
nothing wrong with adding a thumbrest.
nothing wrong with using the floating thumb.
play what you want, how you want.
IMO, it's not either/or, and there is no war.
I do all of the above at times.

+1.
If we all adhered to a set of rules, we would all sound the same in no time. Know the proper techniques, and then bend and break the rules to make music your own.

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by THand

nothing wrong with using a pick.
nothing wrong with using your fingers.
nothing wrong with adding a thumbrest.
nothing wrong with using the floating thumb.
play what you want, how you want.
IMO, it's not either/or, and there is no war.
I do all of the above at times.

in case it wasn't clear, this is exactly the point I was trying to make. No one technique is inherently superior to the other. Take a look at Jeff Healy (sp?) his technique was about as "wrong" as it could get, yet he still played killer guitar.

[dewbass4]

Originally Posted by THand

nothing wrong with using a pick.
nothing wrong with using your fingers.
nothing wrong with adding a thumbrest.
nothing wrong with using the floating thumb.
play what you want, how you want.
IMO, it's not either/or, and there is no war.
I do all of the above at times.

EXACTLY do ANY or ALL of the above at any time on any bass. It's not important how you go about the ultimate goal of making music, just play

Back to the OP and not finding a comfortable resting point on his SX bass..... It's an SX bass I don't think anyone should complain or die of a heart attack because you want to modify your bass. Just review any or all of the thousands of post in any of the previous 13+ parts of the Essex Bass Club threads, you'll probably find someone who has already made the exact modification you need.

[THand]

Originally Posted by dewbass4

...
Back to the OP and not finding a comfortable resting point on his SX bass..... It's an SX bass I don't think anyone should complain or die of a heart attack because you want to modify your bass. Just review any or all of the thousands of post in any of the previous 13+ parts of the Essex Bass Club threads, you'll probably find someone who has already made the exact modification you need.

This tape works really well :
You can use it to mount a thumbrest w/o drilling ( I mounted a heavy brass hipshot thumbrest on an ATK700 I didn't want to drill and it held fine & didn't hurt the finish when removed).
Once you find your sweetspot, you can drill if you want, or just keep it taped. The tape will hold. It's a pain free way to mount a thumbrest w/o drilling your bass.
On my RW Fender Jazz, I just drilled where the pre-existing holes in the pickguard were.

[senecio]

Haha - didn't expect a thumbrest debate to spring up based on my post...

Originally Posted by mookie20hz

Senicio, please, please, don't take this the wrong way but, why not just learn to play without the crutch of a thumbrest?

No offense taken. I'm primarily a guitarist, I just got the bass to mess around with, so right now floating thumb method isn't going to happen because I don't dedicate enough time to bass. I only need it for the E string, I use adjacent strings for my thumb when playing the other strings (so maybe somewhat floating?) I had a Peavey T40 back in high school (about 20 years ago) and got used to using the pickup for a thumbrest when playing the E, but for some reason the placement of the pickups on the Ursa don't seem to work as well for me.

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I'll tell you what I use. I bought a rosewood pen blank on ebay and cut/shaped a thumbrest out of that. Use double-stick tape to put it on. Here's a pic of where I put mine:

That's a great idea, I may try something like that! I really want my hand to be between the pickups and the bridge pup is too far back to be comfortable to rest on.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by senecio

Haha - didn't expect a thumbrest debate to spring up based on my post...

Yeah, I think some people here are a little uptight. They need to loosen their truss rod nuts a bit.

Originally Posted by senecio

I only need it for the E string, I use adjacent strings for my thumb when playing the other strings (so maybe somewhat floating?)

That is the floating thumb technique - you're doing it right! I prefer to play that way because then my playing hand is always pretty much the same.

I only use my thumbrest for the E-string just like you. I put mine just about in the middle between the pups on my SX J because I get a good blend between bass and growl.

[mookie20hz]

What I'm finding funny is how I was merely making a suggestion to add this technique to one's arsenal, and I did state it was only that, and certain people in here ran with the idea that I was saying my "suggestion" meant my technique is superior. Oh well, that's the beauty of the internet.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by mookie20hz

What I'm finding funny is how I was merely making a suggestion to add this technique to one's arsenal, and I did state it was only that, and certain people in here ran with the idea that I was saying my "suggestion" meant my technique is superior. Oh well, that's the beauty of the internet.

You kids and your interweb!

[THand]

Originally Posted by mookie20hz

What I'm finding funny is how I was merely making a suggestion to add this technique to one's arsenal, and I did state it was only that, and certain people in here ran with the idea that I was saying my "suggestion" meant my technique is superior. Oh well, that's the beauty of the internet.

C'mon...you know it's superior.