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Entry level bass for mods

M

Mark Kingston

Mar 2, 2011
11
0
Kansas
#1
Looking to get this guy here http://www.amazon.com/Dean-Edge-Bas...cal-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1299251833&sr=1-1
for my first foray into modding (the SX I have has sentimental value, don't want to do too much to it).
Unless someone can suggest a similarly priced 4 string with a natural body....
Thoughts, pros and cons?
Thanks in advance
Edit: I'd prefer it to be a precision but would POSSIBLY consider another Jazz. Reason being I have some EMG active pups new in box itching to get used in something
 
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#5
darkstorm said:
Make sure those pups will fit in the dean unless your willing to do rerouting. Something about the pup in the pic of the dean makes me think they wont fit right without rerouting for size.
Click to expand...

I thought that too, and after seeing it in store I'm about 80% positive I'll have to take a Dremel to it. I'm FAIRLY confident it isn't anything I can't handle.
I've also heard Dean low end necks tend to warp. Can anyone confirm this with first hand experience or is this just a case of people abusing and neglecting their equipment?
 
#7
I like buying basses for their mod potential, but I don't see much of that here. I mean, it only has a neck position pickup, which is quite untraditional. You would have to route space for another unless neck only is what you want. Not knowing the dimensions of the neck pickup means there might be some routing there too to fit something else. It's also mahogany bodied and mahogany is a pretty soft and warm sounding wood. If that''s what your after then great, but that's something thats good to keep in mind. It has a rear electronics rout which is usually good, but not knowing the size of it and since there are just two pots might mean even more routing there to fit more pots/ electronics.

To me, it doesn't seem like a great mod platform. 139 is indeed very affordable, but it's also a bit worrying. It often means that you'll also have to add a fret level to the price.

I'd recommend you either look into some other options or get another SX if you're happy with the one you have and want similar vibe. If that dean is generally what you're looking for, I'd suggest a peavey grind instead. Neck through mahogany/maple stringers, rear rout, 4 pots, two pretty standard size pickup routs and the only fretwork desperately needed on the ones I've seen is filing of the fret ends which you can easily do by yourself.
 
#8
Kipaste said:
I'd recommend you either look into some other options or get another SX if you're happy with the one you have and want similar vibe. If that dean is generally what you're looking for, I'd suggest a peavey grind instead. Neck through mahogany/maple stringers, rear rout, 4 pots, two pretty standard size pickup routs and the only fretwork desperately needed on the ones I've seen is filing of the fret ends which you can easily do by yourself.
Click to expand...

Thoughts on the Millennium? It's a bit out of my price range new(looks like about 200 bucks), but maybe I could find one used or new with a damaged finish.
 
#9
Mark Kingston said:
Thoughts on the Millennium? It's a bit out of my price range new(looks like about 200 bucks), but maybe I could find one used or new with a damaged finish.
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I've only tried a USA millenium. It was brilliant and wouldn't require any mods, but I've no experience with the BXP's. However, I'm guessing it's a lot like a bolt on grind. What I see is two models, either with J type of pickups and passive three pot electronics or soapbars and a five knob rear rout with enough room for any type of active electronics and even two batteries to begin with. I'd say it would be a whole more versatile point to start from and I'd definately rather start with either of those than the dean.

But I must say giving suggestion would probably be easier if we know what you're looking for. Active or passive, traditional or modern and so on.
 
#11
I'm not really looking for one particular thing except price and value right now. The pickups I may or may not end up using are active, but even that's not really important. I don't have any problem trading them off if I end up not liking them or using passive pups.
I just really want something that has a balanced feel to it more than anything, with a nice build quality. The main goal is just to learn some of the ins and outs of building and customizing.
I play as a hobby, just at home or when one of my friends wants to just jam, so I'm not too particular as to what sound I want to eventually achieve. This will end up being strictly a learning tool in my eyes.
 
#12
Have played some mods that sound good, don't know if they sounded better before the mods.

Can't make a silk purse kinda thing....you might end up with some Frankenstein that only you can appreciate for the time and effort..Strings, knobs and pick guard and a finely tuned set-up???
 
#13
StyleOverShow said:
Have played some mods that sound good, don't know if they sounded better before the mods.

Can't make a silk purse kinda thing....you might end up with some Frankenstein that only you can appreciate for the time and effort..Strings, knobs and pick guard and a finely tuned set-up???
Click to expand...

I've got all that done to the old SX axe, but I'm a tinkerer at heart. The only thing keeping me from going any farther on it is the fact it was my first bass, and a gift. Lost of sentimental value. I'd die inside if I ruined it, but I want to have something to tinker with.
 

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