Help Cleaning Up a P-Bass

[PitchBlackElec]

Hey, guys. We've got a P-Bass at work that is in need of some TLC and I've taken on the task of providing it. I'm going to clean it up from head to toe, new pickups, pickguard and controls (VOL-VOL-TONE). I've got the pickguard and controls taken care of but I have a few questions:

1. Can you give some pickup recommendations? This is a PJ configuration and I'm not looking to break the bank on anything boutique but I don't want bargain bin pickups either. Something solid from Seymour Duncan or the like would do just fine. This bass is for testing effects pedals, not for gigging, so a "standard" (if there is such a thing) bass tone should be represented. Nothing too vintage, nothing too hot.

2. Any recommendations on what to use to clean the body and neck? Again, this bass has spent years sitting outside of its case without being cleaned or taken care of regularly.

3. I know this question has a broad set of answers but some string suggestions would be helpful, too. Yeah, I can just ask the guy at Guitar Center to help me out but I'd rather ask you guys.

Please forgive my ignorance in the world of bass for I am just a lowly guitar player. Thanks for any and all help!

 

[Gord_oh]

For pickups, I would go with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders. They are really verstile and good in a mix.

To clean, I know Stewmac has some nice cleaning solutions that are guitar friendly. Some of their polishs I have used with great results.

Ignorance forgiven.
This is why I love talkbass. I have learned so much from the people here.

PS- im sure someone out there will have a way longer informative post than me.

PPS- nice looking bass you have there, looks like a fun project. Post lots of pics of the process.

 

[Silver9692]

Whats the bass going to be used for? Just wonderin haha.
And I second Gord_Oh on the Duncans

 

[Muzoid]

Pups: Bill Lawrence

(1) P46 ($60)

(1) J45 ($64)

Awesome pickups!

Only strings I use are Rotosound Swing 66

 

[hifibass]

#2 You'd be amazed at how well regular lemon oil works as a bass cleaner..... makes it smell great too!

 

[Stranger Danger]

DiMarzio PJ set highly recommended. Is that a Boner?

 

[johnk_10]

i'd recommend a Duncan SPB1 and an SJB1. IME, QP's do not sound at all like stock pickups, and for testing pedals, IMO, it's better to have pickups that sound like the best of the 'standard' j and p pickups.

 

[bassplayer8953]

Is that a Boner

sure looks like one...has the correct toggle/button/controls for one too...(my avatar shows a P-Plus, and I'd say that's a brother to it)

 

[ZachM]

I recently cleaned all my basses with naphtha, which worked fantastically. It's safe for the finish, and you can soak the hardware in it to break corrosion and such. Add a few drops of 3-in-1 oil to the mix for the hardware, and it'll be slightly lubricated as well. After you do the naphtha, follow it up with fingerboard conditioner and guitar polish and you'll be in good shape

There's a good video on YouTube of Dan Erlewine demonstrating how to do all this, it's one of the Stew-Mac videos.

 

[ghostdog93]

DiMarzio PJ set highly recommended. Is that a Boner?

Sure looks the part...22 frets, Schaller bridge and appropriate controls. Cool.

As for pickups, I would either go with John K's recommendation of the SPB-1 and SJB-1 to keep it somewhat vintage sounding, or step it up a bit with the SPB-2 and STK-J2 (Hot Stack) if you feel the need.

 

[Marton]

I wish I had a MIA Fender for testing pedals. And I wish I had that bass for gigging .

 

[PitchBlackElec]

Thanks for the help, guys! I'll be sure to post picture updates!