From Squier to Fender

[bassgod76]

You learn by doing!

 

[SquierJazz72]

It can take a while to get that soldering right. My first few attempts were real hack jobs, but once I learned a few small things, I got a whole lot better. Definitely a skill I am glad I added.

 

[Billy K]

Greg, Flux get it at Radio Shack

 

[gregmon79]

Greg, Flux get it at Radio Shack

That's what I thought I was using. Does flux tend to bond more efficiently?

 

[gregmon79]

I gotta say, I notice a good difference in my tone and sound on my P now that I've changed the pots and cap out. I also get more clarity when I bend notes. Am I just imaging this or does changing these things make that much of a difference? I've had those pots in there for over 10 years.

 

[4OnTheFloor]

That's what I thought I was using. Does flux tend to bond more efficiently?

Most solder is "flux core" so it provides the flux for you. If you do not have flux core it is a really good idea for a nice clean (not "cold") solder joint. Today most commercial solder is rohs compliant, which means no lead, this leads to poor solder flow. Flux fixes problems with solder flow. A flux pen is a great tool to have because you can control just the right amount without getting messy (flux is acid and it is sticky so try not to spill )

 

[soflbass]

I gotta say, I notice a good difference in my tone and sound on my P now that I've changed the pots and cap out. I also get more clarity when I bend notes. Am I just imaging this or does changing these things make that much of a difference? I've had those pots in there for over 10 years.

You may have changed the capacitor rating with the upgrade. Plus you have nice, clean pots and connections now. The pots and capacitor together function as a circuit filter. The new assembly may have changed your frequency range. Many people, including me, change the capacitor rating to get either a brighter or darker tone.

 

[gregmon79]

You may have changed the capacitor rating with the upgrade. Plus you have nice, clean pots and connections now. The pots and capacitor together function as a circuit filter. The new assembly may have changed your frequency range. Many people, including me, change the capacitor rating to get either a brighter or darker tone.

That makes sense. My tone seems a tad darker but it a great way. The punch is more defined now and it's less clanky. I sort of liked the clank in my P before but it was a tad too much. Now it's so smooth.

 

[SquierJazz72]

That makes sense. My tone seems a tad darker but it a great way. The punch is more defined now and it's less clanky. I sort of liked the clank in my P before but it was a tad too much. Now it's so smooth.

I think that's exactly what happened too. All my Squiers came stock with .033 caps and the 500k pots. The basses both seemed to transfer a lot of high end noise and clank. 250k pots and .047 caps fixed that. But even if the pot values don't change, the tone cap value change alone will still alter your tone circuit.

 

[soflbass]

I think that's exactly what happened too. All my Squiers came stock with .033 caps and the 500k pots. The basses both seemed to transfer a lot of high end noise and clank. 250k pots and .047 caps fixed that. But even if the pot values don't change, the tone cap value change alone will still alter your tone circuit.

That's right. Even with the tone knob turned all the way up the cap will affect tone. I use a 0.1 mf capacitor with 250k pots just cause I like the sound I get from that combo. Enjoy gregmon.

 

[portlandguy]

Sell and pick up a used - 2008 to current MIA Fender P or J

 

[gregmon79]

Just painted a blank p/g I got from a fellow TB'r. I like it. There's a couple of spots I have to touch up but I'm pleased. New pot and cap, new guard. Feels like new bass sort of. My first bass I ever owned too.