• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

First full project bass...

Mistarax

Mistarax

Jul 9, 2019
10
10
Spring Valley
#1
I have a project bass I'm working on, and I bought a new Musicman style pickup for it. The existing single pickup "cavity" is too long (horizontally) but not wide enough (vertically)to just drop it in. My first thought is that I'll have to fill the cavity completely, then re-rout it to fit the Musicman. Or, I can just rout it vertically and leave the empty space. Also, I'm not really sure how to mount it once I get the cavity right. The pickup came with screws and springs, but no cover or plate to mount it to... if this makes any sense at all, I appreciate some feedback. (Please be kind, for this is my first full refurb.) THANKS!
 
#2
Mistarax said:
I have a project bass I'm working on, and I bought a new Musicman style pickup for it. The existing single pickup "cavity" is too long (horizontally) but not wide enough (vertically)to just drop it in. My first thought is that I'll have to fill the cavity completely, then re-rout it to fit the Musicman. Or, I can just rout it vertically and leave the empty space. Also, I'm not really sure how to mount it once I get the cavity right. The pickup came with screws and springs, but no cover or plate to mount it to... if this makes any sense at all, I appreciate some feedback. (Please be kind, for this is my first full refurb.) THANKS!
Click to expand...
Pics?
 
#3
Pics will help :)

You can certainly rout out a larger hole and then inset a solid block so that you can route a new hole exactly the size of the new pickup. Depending on the finish, this might be less appealing than mounting the pickup in a new custom trim ring or pickguard?

We do love a project around here, so I'm sure you'll get lots of good support! :thumbsup:
 
#4
Mistarax said:
I have a project bass I'm working on, and I bought a new Musicman style pickup for it. The existing single pickup "cavity" is too long (horizontally) but not wide enough (vertically)to just drop it in. My first thought is that I'll have to fill the cavity completely, then re-rout it to fit the Musicman. Or, I can just rout it vertically and leave the empty space. Also, I'm not really sure how to mount it once I get the cavity right. The pickup came with screws and springs, but no cover or plate to mount it to... if this makes any sense at all, I appreciate some feedback. (Please be kind, for this is my first full refurb.) THANKS!
Click to expand...

Mistarax, Welcome to TB/LC

Yes, pics will definitely help.

Another option is to employ a pick guard to cover up the unsightly nature of what you are getting into.
If you go the "Fill in" route, you are probably going to have to repaint part/all of your bass. If you haven't done that before, that has it's own set of challenges.

Look forward to what you do here
 
#5
20190710_203139.jpg
20190710_203043.jpg
20190710_203011.jpg
20190710_203127.jpg
20190710_203115.jpg
20190710_203043.jpg
7
20190710_203139.jpg
20190710_203043.jpg
20190710_203115.jpg
20190710_203127.jpg
20190710_203043.jpg
20190710_203011.jpg
20190710_203127.jpg
20190710_203115.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Beej
#7
I doubled up on some pics, but you get the idea. @Beej : you mentioned a custom trim. Not really sure of the term.I was thinking of getting a plastic mount for it . Is that what you mean? Where could I get one? Im not too keen on the pickguard route, just because I've sanded it down and plan on staining it. The more wood that shows, the better. This was a $40 Dean bass I got at GC, so I'm havin fun with it. Unfortunately, I lost the original parts in a move, so I dont have any reference. You giys rock!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Beej
#8
I didn't word it well, but I meant a hand fitted pickup ring made of wood or pickguard material or metal, etc, big enough to cover the hole. :)

I didnt think you'd find something readily available on the market, but that was before I googled it and found this, halfway down: :laugh:
Pickup Rings

Not sure if they will cover the hole entirely though.

I'd like to see how this thing turns out. :thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Will_White
#9
Cool.. I'll check out the link. Thanks man!You can see my dilemma though... I'm definitely going to have to rout. I love the sound of the musicman pickup. The old one was a soapbar that didn't have much punch to it. My first challange in routing is; where should the top of the new pickup be? Not sure if I should I center it in the existing hole, just rout from the top of the hole. (???) This will definitely be a challenge, but im anxious to do it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Beej
#10
Personally, I string up the bass first and then mark where the pickup rout will go so that I have good alignment under the strings. Then I take care to line up the routing template right on the markings and rout away. This has always given me a perfect rout.

Since you have the MM, have you considered mounting it in the traditional location and then sourcing an inexpensive soapbar to fill the existing rout and having a two pickup bass? :D

I love spending other people's money... :woot::smug:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Will_White
#12
Years ago I ran into a similar problem (cavity larger than pickup, pickguard not an option) and I was on a super tight budget. Went to the hardware store and bought a scrap of molding, made a mounting ring out of it and with a bit of stain it looked like a high end custom part. Usually trim pieces are made of light colored wood, so you could get away with that. They also come in a variety of shapes. Great for picture frames. Hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mistarax
#13
jamro217 said:
Years ago I ran into a similar problem (cavity larger than pickup, pickguard not an option) and I was on a super tight budget. Went to the hardware store and bought a scrap of molding, made a mounting ring out of it and with a bit of stain it looked like a high end custom part. Usually trim pieces are made of light colored wood, so you could get away with that. They also come in a variety of shapes. Great for picture frames. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Excellent idea!!! I'll give it a shot if I cant find a replacement. I appreciate the input!
 
  • Like
Reactions: jamro217
#14
For a second soapbar on a cheap bass, I'd probably just hit up amazon for an overseas cheapie and then work on setting it up carefully to get the best tonal match to the MM. I personally like playing 2 pickup basses with both pickups on, so that would be my pickup mounting/height goal. You could further get them balanced with an inexpensive preamp (spending more money :D), but that's another discussion. :)

I like to watch Best Bass Gear for their sales or returned items as I've gotten more than a few good scores from them over the years.
 
#15
Beej said:
For a second soapbar on a cheap bass, I'd probably just hit up amazon for an overseas cheapie and then work on setting it up carefully to get the best tonal match to the MM. I personally like playing 2 pickup basses with both pickups on, so that would be my pickup mounting/height goal. You could further get them balanced with an inexpensive preamp (spending more money :D), but that's another discussion. :)

I like to watch Best Bass Gear for their sales or returned items as I've gotten more than a few good scores from them over the years.
Click to expand...
Cool man. I like the double pickup idea, but I don't really trust myself yet to start making new routs in it. Baby steps.... lol. Anyway, I truly appreciate all the input and suggestions. This may be my first, but definitely is not my last project. Updates to come!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Beej

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back