Good mods for Fender Jazz

[Mtnman]

I dunno. Everyone seems to be down on the high mass bridges. Every Fender I've owned has gotten fitted with a Badass II. It really does make a difference. You don't really notice it if you're a really articulate, fast/funky player, but if you're like me and keep basslines kinda simple it really does add sustain and girth to your long notes. Also, I've noticed that I'm able to use a lot more playable harmonics that are otherwise inaudible.

Let me go further and say that I've never owned an American Fender. Mine have all been of the MiM or Squier variety so they haven't been string-thru.

As for P'ups, I have a MiM P-Bass that I put SD Quarter Pounders in. I'm not overly impressed, but there is a difference from stock. They definately have a stronger output.

I also have a MiM Jazz with Bartolinis. The Barts seem to do everything the stockers do, but just seem to add a bit of growl.

Finally, I have a VMS Squier P-Bass (the one with the maple fretboard and body). I recently dropped in a set of Fender original '62s. I like the change they made more than any other Fender I've modded.

I think Fender makes great instruments, as does most manufacturer, but I don't want a cookie-cutter bass just like everyone else has. Rather, I like to have something that's unique to me. I say mod away!!!

 

[Marty Forrer]

Strings and electronics.

Tuners and bridge are good stuff and you'd see no benefit in removing and replacing them. But it would look different and be easier to identify as yours.

This^^^^^
Also realise that a pickup is a pickup. The differences between Nordys, Fralins, Duncans etc are minor compared to the money you will spend. I have used most replacement pups over the years, and basically I can make them all sound pretty much the same by tweaking the amp tone knobs a little. In fact I took the Fralins out of an SX bass and put the originals back in and it sounded better. So pups are a real crap shoot.
Bridges make little difference, as do tuners.
IMO, your first place to start is with strings, where there is a significant difference between brands and types.

 

[Bassman62]

This^^^^^
Also realise that a pickup is a pickup. The differences between Nordys, Fralins, Duncans etc are minor compared to the money you will spend. I have used most replacement pups over the years, and basically I can make them all sound pretty much the same by tweaking the amp tone knobs a little. In fact I took the Fralins out of an SX bass and put the originals back in and it sounded better. So pups are a real crap shoot.
Bridges make little difference, as do tuners.
IMO, your first place to start is with strings, where there is a significant difference between brands and types.

Agree, most of it is sales blurb, I did own a USA Precision De-Luxe. and found the active somewhat dissapointing though and that is why I go for the J-Retro, I don't know what other active conversions offer but I particularly like the mid range frequency sweep on the J-Retro.

 

[Bassmike62]

Old thread but hey...I searched .

I have a 2011 Olympic White American Special that I love very much and chose to adorn with some nice jewellery. First a tort pickguard, then a Hipshot bridge, a series/parallel mod and most recently a Hipshot D Tuner. The other tuners will be changed in the next few weeks. Not planning a paint or pickup change unless really necessary. She's my main bass, I absolutely love to play her.