$100 Saddle on a $10 Horse? Sure!

[dukeorock]

I have this cool 60's Japanese short scale I got for $59 at a pawn shop. Play it all the time and it's awesome! Neck feels good, balances well, sounds...Umm, interesting? I like it for the odd recording, but doubt I'd play it live as-is. I am seriously considering a new set of tuners and bridge. Maybe even a retro type pickup like a ChiSonic or a gold foil. It sounds silly to sink like $300 or more into a $59 bass, but I like this thing! Anyone done something similar?

 

[bholder]

Yup.

 

[GigantorTX]

If it's worth it to you, then go for it. It doesn't sound like you're worried about value or wanting to sell it. You want to improve a bass you like. Sounds perfectly reasonable.

 

[bholder]

Just make sure a replacement bridge has matching string spacing, some of those are quite narrow - though that looks like a normal P clone bridge.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

View attachment 781472 I have this cool 60's Japanese short scale I got for $59 at a pawn shop. Play it all the time and it's awesome! Neck feels good, balances well, sounds...Umm, interesting? I like it for the odd recording, but doubt I'd play it live as-is. I am seriously considering a new set of tuners and bridge. Maybe even a retro type pickup like a ChiSonic or a gold foil. It sounds silly to sink like $300 or more into a $59 bass, but I like this thing! Anyone done something similar?

YES if you dig it! (and have the $$ to lose if you resell) but WHY NOT????

 

[arbiterusa]

I absolutely would play it live as is. That thing is COOL.

 

[JimmyThunder]

Unless the tuning stability and intonation are an actual problem, I wouldn't touch the tuners or bridge....you never know what can make the magic go away

The pickup, well, if you want a different tone then sure do that, and if you're putting in that work you might as well do the other parts too

 

[kbakerde]

Sure, go for it. BUT, I wouldn't get rid of any old parts, you could probably sell the upgrade peices for more on their own than on the bass as a whole.

 

[Chico Ruger]

View attachment 781472 I have this cool 60's Japanese short scale I got for $59 at a pawn shop. Play it all the time and it's awesome! Neck feels good, balances well, sounds...Umm, interesting? I like it for the odd recording, but doubt I'd play it live as-is. I am seriously considering a new set of tuners and bridge. Maybe even a retro type pickup like a ChiSonic or a gold foil. It sounds silly to sink like $300 or more into a $59 bass, but I like this thing! Anyone done something similar?

I like the chair better than the bass. Looks very comfy.

 

[dukeorock]

I like the chair better than the bass. Looks very comfy.

It really is!

 

[carl h.]

I doubled the investment in my EUB by putting a set of decent strings on it.

 

[DigitalMan]

On any inexpensive bass it all comes down to neck and finish. Is the neck is in good shape in all the meaningful ways including shape, frets, and how it mates to the body? Also, by finish I mean is the body in condition that is satisfactory to you without cracking, peeling, fit issues for pick guard, etc. If those two things are good then by all means go ahead and upgrade tuners, pickups, bridge, etc. While you're at it I would replace all the pots, wires, and jack if it's passive since that's a super easy and inexpensive job. It's not an investment since the bass won't appreciate in value, but it is a fun way to improve a bass that you already like.

On the other hand, never put a dime into a cheap bass with a bad neck or a crap body.

 

[Jim C]

Sometimes when you bolt on a bunch of hot rod parts, the instrument looses its’ soul and becomes generic.
Sometimes not.

 

[pudge]

I like it,not much taper on that neck kinda like a ric.Watch the classifieds for a cool small p.u like out of a gretsch short scale or a thunderbird p.u

 

[dukeorock]

Sometimes when you bolt on a bunch of hot rod parts, the instrument looses its’ soul and becomes generic.
Sometimes not.

I'm hoping to do it respectfully, if that makes sense. I totally get what you're saying though. I certainly don't want to make this bass modern or fancy, but it might be fun to take it out on a gig at some point

 

[Jim C]

Will it play and stay in tune right now?
If the tone is groovy, I’d be afraid of changing the pickup.
How about a new set of strings for the first mod ?
Sunbeams for a nice soft nickel feel?

 

[mbelue]

To me ergonomics are worth a fair sight more than anything else.
Should an instrument feel good in my hand and have a solid neck&truss, I'm willing to gut and replace.
If i had a goto pickup I'd use it at any cost, but just trying things I'd rather cast about for something cheaper or accessible.

Still it's a righteous instrument.

 

[dukeorock]

Will it play and stay in tune right now?
If the tone is groovy, I’d be afraid of changing the pickup.
How about a new set of strings for the first mod ?
Sunbeams for a nice soft nickel feel?

Yep, experimenting with strings is the first thing I plan on doing!

 

[dukeorock]

Here's my $100 saddle AND my $10 horse

 

[carl h.]

Try a pickup from a German Hofner. One of those ought to drop right in and keep the look stock.