Brubaker Brute Club, Part 2

[And I]

unfortunately i found that the neck pickup cavity isn't quite deep enough for pickups with raised pole pieces... i put some aggies in there and while it sounds great, if i pluck any way other than very lightly, the B string hits the pole piece--even with the pickup lowered as far as possible.

 

[bassgod76]

So I owned a Brubaker MJX -4.

I sold it, as I purchased something that really filled that need, better. Always in the back of my mind, I knew I should’ve purchased this in 5 string Brute.

tlong a fellow TB’er was selling an MJX-5.
It was black, which I was not a fan of, but it came with a full compliment of Bartolini preamp and pickups, a wooden Brubaker black frame wooden pickguard, and a really plush gig bag, for a fantastic price.

I knew once received I was going to change a ton on it.

It arrived. It looked a little dirty, but not abused.

I didn’t care for the goofy black gloss finish, so I was going to update it, but flatting the finish.

I also painted an accent part on the headstock to emphasize the “noir” look.

I replaced all the chrome hardware with black, used DR Black Beauties, and it just looks more updated.

I will mess with it more, later, but I’m glad to have a Brute back in my stable!

Before:

After:

 

[drpepper]

@bassgod76 Nice job and choices. I've always thought that was the best color/pickguard combo, although I do like the gloss body. Just never pulled the trigger on painting mine.

 

[bassgod76]

@bassgod76 Nice job and choices. I've always thought that was the best color/pickguard combo, although I do like the gloss body. Just never pulled the trigger on painting mine.

It was really easy, you just scuff it with 400 grit, then 1,000, then you spray it with flat matte clear spray. I was really happy with how it came out

 

[drpepper]

It was really easy, you just scuff it with 400 grit, then 1,000, then you spray it with flat matte clear spray. I was really happy with how it came out

Oh, personally, I simply don't have a craftsman's touch. Not sure what it is...maybe lack of necessary patience? I have a project bass that I've tried out painting, fret leveling/crowning and fretboard edge rolling on.

It plays great and I've learned some things, but on any close inspection, the paint job wouldn't cut it.

On anything other than a bass like that, I'd have a skilled person do all of those things.

 

[Max Bogosity]

The black accents on the headstock look sharp.

 

[GlassToMouth]

These Brutes are solid basses. I bring a JJX-4 to every gig as my 1/2 step tuned down bass for every Eb standard tune that needs it. Natural finish, and I added EMG JX pups and a BQC pre. Sounds great, sees at least a song or two every gig .