CIJ '51 Precision "refurbish"...

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Picked this bass up a few weeks ago locally for $400.

I replaced the aftermarket Basslines Quarter Pounder pickup with an SD Antiquity II. The SD/Basslines pickup sounded pretty bad, very unbalanced with super boomy lows (despite lowering the pickup all the way) and piercing highs. The Antiquity II was a night and day difference and sounds incredible.

I also strung up the bass with a set of light gauge GHS Precision Flats, rewired the bass with some CTS pots (the tone pot was shot), cloth wire, new Switchcraft output jack and a cheap Fender 0.1uf cap. Added a bridge cover (also have the pickup cover but didnt install it because it covers where I play) that I slightly aged because it just looked too shiny compared to the rest of the bass. Also aged the control plate and added some Fender Road Worn knobs, and replaced all the screws with slot head screws.

Loving the sound and feel of this bass and it set up really nice. Completely different tone than a split-coil Precision. The Antiquity II and GHS Precision Flats seem to be the perfect match for this bass.

 

[2saddleslab]

Extra bonus points for slot head screws!!

 

[4sight]

There's something about a slab that just looks right, she's a beaut

I'm planning a pickguard-less build in the near future, I think I'll be mimicking your pickup choice.

To the uninformed amongst us, what's the significance of the slot head screws? Are they just what was originally used on the '51?

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Extra bonus points for slot head screws!!

I'm not sure if they used slotted screws to hold in the tuning machine gears, but I couldn't find them!

 

[2saddleslab]

There's something about a slab that just looks right, she's a beaut

I'm planning a pickguard-less build in the near future, I think I'll be mimicking your pickup choice.

To the uninformed amongst us, what's the significance of the slot head screws? Are they just what was originally used on the '51?

Yep, the earliest P basses had slot head screws. Just a little detail that adds to the overall vintage vibe.

My 51/55 is in a renaissance stage at the moment and aged slot head screws will definitely be included.

 

[CatDaddyOTB]

Lucky duck! I've been searching for exactly the same deal - It'd sorta be a novelty in my arsenal so I'd spend about exactly that much on it. Enjoy!

 

[Rallypoint_1]

Extra bonus points for slot head screws!!

Where did you find the screws? Regular hardware store?

 

[squarewave]

Awesome

 

[Eilif]

Great buy and a great result. Nicely done!

 

[MynameisMe]

Beauty!

 

[Tad]

Nice!

 

[2saddleslab]

Where did you find the screws? Regular hardware store?

eBay. Tried local but didn’t have any luck.

 

[TinIndian]

That is exactly what I would do if I ever get around to getting my hands on one. Congrats! That is an awesome bass!

 

[Fender_Bender]

Me likey. Looks like the A and D string have raised pole pieces?. A painted black thug bar with the paint worn down to bare maple on the edges would look cool.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Where did you find the screws? Regular hardware store?

All are Fender parts that I found via Amazon, EBay and Reverb.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Me likey. Looks like the A and D string have raised pole pieces?. A painted black thug bar with the paint worn down to bare maple on the edges would look cool.

That’s why I went with that pickup. The previous one besides being way too hot was also very unbalanced volume-wise string to string. This pickup is awesome.

 

[JKB1957]

Very nice bass.

 

[Rallypoint_1]

All are Fender parts that I found via Amazon, EBay and Reverb.

Ah ok...thank you!!!

 

[Son of Wobble]

Sweet photos as per usual, Vinnie.
$core at the price, too!

 

[twinjet]

Picked this bass up a few weeks ago locally for $400.

I replaced the aftermarket Basslines Quarter Pounder pickup with an SD Antiquity II. The SD/Basslines pickup sounded pretty bad, very unbalanced with super boomy lows (despite lowering the pickup all the way) and piercing highs. The Antiquity II was a night and day difference and sounds incredible.

I also strung up the bass with a set of light gauge GHS Precision Flats, rewired the bass with some CTS pots (the tone pot was shot), cloth wire, new Switchcraft output jack and a cheap Fender 0.1uf cap. Added a bridge cover (also have the pickup cover but didnt install it because it covers where I play) that I slightly aged because it just looked too shiny compared to the rest of the bass. Also aged the control plate and added some Fender Road Worn knobs, and replaced all the screws with slot head screws.

Loving the sound and feel of this bass and it set up really nice. Completely different tone than a split-coil Precision. The Antiquity II and GHS Precision Flats seem to be the perfect match for this bass.

Very nice pictures. Looks good.