Fender Squier Active Deluxe Jazz IV Mods... (Cont.)

[xhawk5]

I am the newest owner of a Black Squier Jazz IV. Modding started here with a Bridge lift fix, a set of Hipshot tuners, and a fret job.
Going to continue to mod and experiment and post my results here for viewing, comments and advice. Any advice and comments will be appreciated if there is a better way or if you dig what I've done. Thanks.


First, a set of D'Addario ELX160's and a true Bone nut. I had to score the plastic nut with a razor. Then gently tapped it out sideways. Bone nut fit like a glove. Perfect:

Replaced the stock pups temporarily with a set of Duncan's from a CV Jazz. DiMarzio or Fender N3's soon.
Then a Chrome Thumb rest. Where the bass hangs, my thumb goes directly between the pickups, so that's where I put it. When playing over the bridge pup, tone seems too thin, over the neck pup, strings are too floppy. Right between is perfect tension and sounds great, IMO. Chrome is a nice touch and I put it with the height of the neck pup and inline with the strings. If I rout for a longer Bridge pup, it falls right inline with both pups.

Hipshot BT1 D-Tuner on the way:

My 1st live jam was last night through my stage rig and PA: Really good tone. Clear, present, growly, and a slap monster. Gonna try a different preamp next, as this pre seems weak. Had to set the controls at the most extreme levels to get some warmth.
So far, with preamp tweaked, it sounds somewhat similar to my old $800 MIJ Jazz. Plays just as easy too.

 

[rojo412]

Sub'd

 

[xhawk5]

More...

Hipshot D-Tuner installed:

ALSO, here's a shot of an MIA Jazz Deluxe preamp, (Rev. D). Need to add a pup blend knob, then it's ready to install.
Has anyone ever heard the difference between the Squier stock pre and the MIA Deluxe pre? I forget how this MIA pre sounded. Would it be worth the time to switch it out?

 

[PortlandBass77]

I would assume the American pre-amp would sound better, at least hopefully. You could always install a good ol' pickguard on the precious!

 

[xhawk5]

And you are completely correct PortlandBass77...
Installed the pre last night after work. Fun project, had to remove pots and add the Squier pots for correct fit in the bass. Had to remove the pot attached to the board. No problem. My soldering gun is really crappy, so burnt fingers today, but it's better than a burnt board!

The MIA Fender preamp is so much better. I have headroom and plenty of +db and -db.
The tone is very tweakable and sounds ALOT like a 70's Geddy. Full of grind and grit for days.
I left the mid-switch in and not wired until they arrive. I'll wire it up Active/Passive like in the diagram.
Will post another update soon..
Thx for watching.

 

[xhawk5]

So, anyone following? hope so... The Fender Pre sounds really good through my stage rig. I'm used to my Clear, cutting, precise.... Snarly, growly, grit.
But not alot of warmth.
I'm gonna have to blame the pups.
I guess I'll look into DiMarzio 123's or maybe Fender Noiseless to match the preamp? Suggestions?

 

[archtop2]

I follow! (Wouldn't this thread rather be in bass section?)
Before I bought my Precision for an American DeLuxe tricked out vibe, I seriously thought about this model.

Would love it with mapple neck, for the pickup I'd go for active EMG or Model J, heard really good sound in passive mode, I think they deserve a preamp bump.

Edit: are both pickup the same size thus unconvenient change option ?

 

[xhawk5]

I follow! (Wouldn't this thread rather be in bass section?)
Before I bought my Precision for an American DeLuxe tricked out vibe, I seriously thought about this model.
Would love it with mapple neck, for the pickup I'd go for active EMG or Model J, heard really good sound in passive mode, I think they deserve a preamp bump.
Edit: are both pickup the same size thus unconvenient change option ?

Hey Archtop.
I wasn't sure where to put this thread. Yea, it might get more views in the bass section, I'll try to get it moved.
This is a great lil' model. I'm not quite yet prepared to rout, so I'm sticking to Jazz pups.
Existing routs are just enough for both sizes. Depending on what pickup I use, I might have to rout a slight amount from the bridge side, but I don't think so.
As far as a maple neck, NOT needed for brightness, (at least not on this particular bass. Bone nut might have helped) Black-n-Maple is a great looking combo.
I'm really blown away at how close this sounds to a Geddy Lee model as-is right now. I dig it and don't mind keeping it this way for a spell until I get more $$ for new pups. Oh, and btw, it plays like butta!

The frets were leveled, but not all have been crowned. Got the action down to 1mm, 1st string, (12th & 17th fret), to 1.5mm, 4th string, respectively. Great action. very little buzz when digging in and that's just right!

I think a standard set of Bartolini's would tone-down the brightness if someone was so inclined to do so.

 

[xhawk5]

Put stock pups back in. DD's were just not the right ones. Now for sale or trade. Looking for another 5-string. Tried at least 6 different 4's since switching to 5's 2 yrs ago and I just dig having that 5th string. I like the tones of the higher frets compared to playing a 4.
Will sell/trade with my other 4, a G&L JB-2 Tribby routed for Darkstars. Have DD Jazz pups in it now with a Redeemer circuit and black pickguard.

 

[bnolsen]

Would you consider buying a squier deluxe active jazz V instead? (not that I have one, just asking). I guess you have enough 5's now as it is.

 

[xhawk5]

Actually, I only own one 5er. and, yes, I'm in the market for another. Gotta have two. Not sure if I'll like the 2" width nut on the Squier Deluxe Active V. That's the only reason I haven't bought one so far.

 

[lokikallas]

Are you officially listing? If so, how much, with what mods?

 

[xhawk5]

All mods included: $300