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Advice on modding my MIJ Jazz

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by cronker, Dec 21, 2014.

  1. Dec 21, 2014 #1
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    Hello fellow TB hounds

    I have a MIJ lefty 62RI from 96. It has the little oval 50th anniversary sticker on the back of the headstock and, by taking it all apart and checking the neck etc, it seems all stock. Not worth a great deal, I would say.
    I paid $900AUD for it used, but you must remember that our dollar was in the dumps back then, and it's a lefty. I will never trade it, and it's a great bass.

    I was thinking about swapping out the scratch plate for a pearloid, so it sorta matches my Ray5.
    I really like pearloid (mother of pearl), so was contemplating those sticker things.

    I have sources for both of these online.

    Then, I was wondering about swapping out the stock pups for maybe some Lane Poors or maybe some Fralins.

    I have absolutely no issue with the way this bass sounds or performs.
    Just thought that I might "hot rod" it.
    My Ray5 is perhaps my main instrument now, but my band members love it when I pull out the J.
    Thoughts?
     
  2. Dec 21, 2014 #2
    BazzTard

    BazzTard Inactive

    Sep 12, 2014
    Adelaide, South Australia
    Hi fellow Adelaidean ! What's your band's name? I might check yas out one day.

    My opinion is, if you have no issues with it's sound, don't change the pups, unless you want a different sound.

    PS you know the rules, pics or it never happened :)
     
  3. Dec 21, 2014 #3
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    Haha. I was waitin on you to pick up on that, but then, by your own admission, you're a tard;)
    I have been playing with Dangerman lately. Not sure how long, been mostly helping out an old mate. Was bassist in The Antics for three years.
    Yep, never heard of us, it's cool. Minor covers band for longtime.

    Been trying to post pics for ages, but photobucket and iPad and this site hate each other. Help!
     
  4. Dec 21, 2014 #4
    Basshappi

    Basshappi

    Feb 12, 2007
    Tucson,AZ
    This is my lefty MIJ '62 RI it was made in the early 80's.
    I changed the pickguard to pearloid and the only other modification is the BAII bridge, the original bridge was trashed and I do not like the typical stock Fender bridge anyway. I also had the groundstrap removed from the top of the bass and routed internally.
    IMHO the stock pickup and electronics are perfect for achiveing the 60's Fender Jazz sound.
    100_0070.jpg
     
    God's Favorite Bass and cronker like this.
  5. Dec 21, 2014 #5
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    Basshappi -
    Thank you!, I now down!

    That's exactly like mine, except I have a tort pg at the moment.
    Mine is Oly White.
    Oh, and probably about ten years later.
    And I don't have the BAII
    Is that a good choice? I was thinking about the BA
    What about the pickup?
    And, are you the same as me? I love the sound!
    And (sorry) but the ground strap on mine is still outer. Do you recommend to ground it internally and why so?
     
  6. Dec 21, 2014 #6
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    PS: wanna sell it?
     
  7. Dec 22, 2014 #7
    gtxtom

    gtxtom

    Nov 3, 2008
    Philly
    I'm thinking about modding my CIJ lefty 62RI as well. Would like to hear more people's responses. We've got 3 member of a 'Lefty-only Japanese 62RI club' ... lol

    15991648561_3622d41c25_c.jpg
     
  8. Dec 22, 2014 #8
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    Interestingly, my bass is exactly like Happi's and it doesn't have a thumb rest, or the pup covers. No screw holes for them either.
    Is it still a 62RI?
    Take a look at Happi's picture, and mine is exactly the same...ish...
     
  9. Dec 23, 2014 #9
    Basshappi

    Basshappi

    Feb 12, 2007
    Tucson,AZ
    Sorry, not parting with it. It's my favorite Jazz.
    Like I said, only the bridge, straplocks and pickguard were added by me, it is completely stock otherwise.
    It also has the thinnest neck of any any Jazz I have ever handled, even a Geddy Lee.

    It was never drilled for thumbrest or covers.
    The moving of the groundstrap was simply a cosmetic decision on my part. The surface mounted ground is the only thing I don't like about the MIJ Fenders, it works just fine but it just bugs me aesthestically.

    As for the BadAss bridge, it is fine and I like it. However, over the years I have come to prefer the Gotoh 201. It has all the stability and adjustability as the BA with less footprint.