Fender Bullet Bass Modifications

[hankazoid]

I have an American-made Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe that's in perfect shape. Looks exactly like this:

But I've been thinking of making some improvements to it without cutting the thing up.

First off I'd like to replace the stock bridge with a Badass Bass II bridge that I have on another bass that I never ever use. I've had problems with the stock Fender bridge ever since a bolt and spring popped out from the saddle under my E-string during practice. I've put them back in, but the whole thing just doesn't seem very solid. Since the Badass II is made for Fenders this should be an easy replacement without any drilling.

The other thing I wanted to do is replace the pickups. The only split-coil I could find was this one by Seymour Duncan: http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/duncan-designed/vintage-2/mstgbass/ Problem is I can't find any info on how these sound. Are there any other pickups I can throw in this bass without having to reroute it?

As this is my first post on this forum, I'm looking forward to some feedback! Thanks.

 

[RobertPaulson]

My dad put a set of duncan P pickups in his, he had a new pickguard cut so he could keep the old controls stock if he wanted to put them back on. I can't remember if he had to route the cavity or not, I'll ask him and let you know.

 

[Johnny Alien]

Yes you would have to route the body to put in a P pickup.

What don't you like about the original pickups? I have always liked the sound of those.

 

[hankazoid]

Yes you would have to route the body to put in a P pickup.

What don't you like about the original pickups? I have always liked the sound of those.

The pickups are just kind of weak sounding to me. They seem to put out a lot of midrange and aren't very punchy.

 

[bassmanrocke]

As I recall there was only a 2 year run of American Fender Bullets. I would suggest that this limited run makes bullets at least mildly collectible, and so many have been modified that I am not sure you really should route it for p pickups. Perhaps you could get the stock pickups regaussed to improve the magnet strength. Typically these pickups sound similar to a precision(slightly more percussive due to single pole per string) so I doubt putting precision pickups will make the dramatic change you are looking for.

 

[Spacelordmother]

I'm not sure that they are the same size, but Aero makes a Mustang replacement pickup that should be close at least. I have heard good things about them.

http://www.aeroinstrument.com/pickups.html

 

[Johnny Alien]

The Bullet Bass used the same pickups as the Mustang basses so any Mustang replacement should work.

 

[hankazoid]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll definitely look into those Aero PU's right now.

 

[hankazoid]

So I ended up NOT changing the pickups on this bass.

I just dropped the BadAss II bridge on it, set my action and intonation, and strung it up with some RotoSounds I had laying around (never used Rotosounds before, always used D'Addarios). It's like a whole new instrument. Sounds so so good. I brought it into practice last night and the general consensus was that it sounded better then the Aerodyne J-bass I normally use.

I'm psyched!

 

[the-george]

My old Bullet had a BadAss on it when I bought it, thought it was a good combo. If mine had been your color, I NEVER would've got rid of it. To me, the red and single-ply white guard just looked cheap, and at the time I was only playing upright and didn't need 3 electrics. Now I have five and miss the Bullet. I'll get another one eventually, I hope.

 

[David S]

In my Mustang, I added a EMG in a new pickguard and IIRC did little if any cutting to the body. (was in the early 90's). I also used a badass, new tuners and rotos. Almost prefect sound for me. Can go back to stock with no sigh of mods.

Photo link
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x119/Astrochimp_photo/Guitars/?action=view&current=DSCN0483.jpg

David

 

[1bw]

I have a Fender USA Deluxe Bullet Bass B-34 made in 1982 or 1983. About 10 Years ago I installed Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound p-style pickups, had to rout a small amount of wood so they would fit, and installed a black custom pickup on top of my sunburst finish.
I run Dean Markley Blue Steel strings which brings added highs to the punchy low bass.
I've kept the original pick guard, pickup, and knobs when it's time to part from it.
The only thing I would do is add a Hipshot bridge or a better bridge with the same mounting holes as the Fender bridge.

 

[vroc38]

I guess I'm resurrecting an old thread but this might be helpful for anyone that wants to replace the bridge on their Bullet. Just replaced mine with an aluminum Hipshot A Style w/ Fender mount. It's a perfect fit and works like a champ. Huge improvement over the cheesy stock bridge and highly recommended.

 

[lsabina]

I replaced my Bullet's bridge with a Gotah. Works and sounds fine.

 

[vates]

What body wood was used on these basses?

 

[mongo2]

What body wood was used on these basses?

I have one in sunburst and the body looks like alder.