Customizing Your Bass

[Angel Switch]

Whenever I bring up the concept of further customizing a bass (replacing pick-ups, bridge, even neck), my fellow bass-playing friends get all critical, saying there's no point. If you could just buy some other bass that does exactly what you want it to, why go to all the trouble?
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to prove a point or win an argument. I'm mostly curious, and I've been looking into it a little bit myself.
Why do you customize? What do you change? What are you looking for that you can't buy off the shelf? Open for discussion of any sort Thanks!

 

[BoognishMang]

Well, I wouldn't customize a $1500 bass, but then again I probably would buy it because I like it the way it is.
I like to buy a cheap bass(es) and make them my own "signature" model. For me, it's more about the sound/feel. I prefer a slim (jazz) neck with a P body. I've done this to several basses.

 

[KodyAudette]

If you have a bass that feels comfortable but doesn't sound exactly how you want, and you can make it do so for less than or equal to the same amount it would cost to buy an equivalent quality bass that does feel and sound how you want, then go for it. The "It is mine, and there are none like it." factor is worth something too.

 

[Grissle]

IMO this is what CIJ, MIM Fenders and Epi instruments are perfect for. They're solid base models, nothing fancy but great platforms to build from. If their big brothers don't provide the options you're looking for or their prices are a problem a real professional instrument can be built on these platforms.

 

[1bassleft]

Simple. (1) The availability of new or used basses that I know or have been told are decent. (2) The availability of used or open box/need the space parts that can be bought cheap. Put the two together at leisure. For a lefty 5-stringer, it's no slower than waiting for the perfect bass and scrapping with the other lefties who've been waiting for such a beast to turn up.

It can also be a fun way to spend time, although I accept the argument that it gets in the way of honing chops on a quality instrument. I don't think I was ever in that category, anyway.

 

[Andyman001]

Some people like to tinker.

Like me.

 

[Doner Designs]

Some people like to tinker. Like me.

With so many options available at great prices off the shelf, I think this is the real reason for a lot of people including myself. I also really like three pickup basses and there are not many of those available off the shelf.

Also for those on a shoestring budget it may be easier to start with a Squier and modify it over time into a great bass. It would end up costing more than a complete instrument, but the cost is spread out. May work out better with the significant other as well (just changing the pickups sweetheart).

Its also a great way to bring that starter instrument along as you progress. I still have my first bass, but only the body and neck are original. Everything else has been replaced.

 

[Dave W]

I'll put lighter tuners on, different color hardware, and swap pickups/preamps if they don't sound the way I need.

Simple stuff

 

[Bongolation]

Whenever I bring up the concept of further customizing a bass (replacing pick-ups, bridge, even neck), my fellow bass-playing friends get all critical, saying there's no point.

They're right.

Unless your object is to waste a lot of time and money you'll never see again while wrecking the resale value of the original instrument.

"Let's spend $400 and three weeks turning my $1000 bass into a $300 bass! Aw, c'mon! It'll be FUN!"



Never do a mod if you're not sure of what you're doing.

Never do a mod you can't invisibly reverse.

 

[Grissle]

^ Zeek Hile!! (Sp?)

 

[cleary]

They're right.

Unless your object is to waste a lot of time and money you'll never see again while wrecking the resale value of the original instrument.

"Let's spend $400 and three weeks turning my $1000 bass into a $300 bass! Aw, c'mon! It'll be FUN!"



Never do a mod if you're not sure of what you're doing.

Never do a mod you can't invisibly reverse.

It obviously depends on the circumstances -
I have a $200 bass, a general lack of knowledge and experience of tonal differences between basses, and not much opportunity to gain that experience due to being quite remote.
I would rather drop 3-400 on upgrading this bass, gain knowledge of tonal variety, knowledge of hardware and wiring, extra experience, which would then allow me to make an informed purchasing decision on a $1500+ bass.

Alternatively, I could make a completely uninformed $1500+ purchasing decision and risk getting something completely unsuitable for my needs.

Some people also just like to tinker, I can respect that too

 

[CauliColin]

^ Sieg Heil!! (Sp?)

Fixed it for you.

 

[Vince Klortho]

They're right.

Unless your object is to waste a lot of time and money you'll never see again while wrecking the resale value of the original instrument.

"Let's spend $400 and three weeks turning my $1000 bass into a $300 bass! Aw, c'mon! It'll be FUN!"



Never do a mod if you're not sure of what you're doing.

Never do a mod you can't invisibly reverse.

What a complete pile of nonsense.

Who the hell are you to tell people what they can or can not do with their instrument ?

Thanks though. I now have a good calibration factor for your opinions.

 

[Vince Klortho]

I really should qualify that. I definitely do not like or agree with many, if not most, of the modifications I see people do. However, I think that is entirely their right to make them. By the same token, they can not expect me to be first in line to buy their abominations when they want to sell them. I despise lots of things people seem to think are stylish so I avoid those basses that have them but that's just me. I fully affirm your right to bling the crap out of your bass. Have at it. Just don't expect me to buy it when you have to sell it.

 

[hsech]

If it's your bass, do as you wish. In a previous life as a guitar player I tinkered with guitars and guitar tube amps all the time. For some reason I've never had any desire to mess with one of my bass guitars other than adding a different pickguard.

 

[ckjamm]

I think its more about personalisation and making the bass "your own".

A lot of experienced players know what they want out of a bass and will change the basses features until they get that, for others its just a simple paint job.

I would customize my bass if I had the skills to do so, but I don't.

 

[Rip Topaz]

I've only got one bass that I've left alone. I've done some sort of "personalization" to EVERY bass I've ever owned, save this one (my 60th Ann P, it's perfect as is). Go for it.

I think if you've got any plans of ever selling a bass, you should leave it stock. If its a keeper, make it your own.

 

[MoJo1364]

Whenever I bring up the concept of further customizing a bass (replacing pick-ups, bridge, even neck), my fellow bass-playing friends get all critical, saying there's no point. If you could just buy some other bass that does exactly what you want it to, why go to all the trouble?
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to prove a point or win an argument. I'm mostly curious, and I've been looking into it a little bit myself.
Why do you customize? What do you change? What are you looking for that you can't buy off the shelf? Open for discussion of any sort Thanks!

If you have a decent platform to work with, that being the neck and body. You like the way it feels. Why not? Unless it is a First Act brand bass.

 

[bassbully]

I mod only if the bass needs it or need repaired. You need to keep original parts since in most cases mods will not bring extra money.

 

[Baird6869]

What a complete pile of nonsense.

+1

I do agree that buying a $2000+ bass and promptly replacing the pickups or preamp is fairly idiotic but what is wrong with modding a cheap bass?

I have a $299 Squier that sounds/plays as good as any $1000-2000 Jazz. $70 bridge, $80 tuners and $100 pickups were added. $550 for a new bass that sounds killer sounds pretty smart to me.