HOT ROD A MIM JAZZ BASS

[GM60466]

I just got a brand spanking new MIM Jazz bass that I would like to hot rod. Everything can go.
I would like ideas for pickups, bridge, pots, nut, tuning keys, pickguard. The body paint is red.
Don't hold back now.

GM

 

[tplyons]

First, what don't you like about it?

 

[FL Knifemaker]

First, what don't you like about it?

It was stock??

 

[GM60466]

It is stock . I don't like that it is a very thin sound (no balls)

GM

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

Pickups: Nordstrand or lindy fralin single coils
Bridge: BAII, Gotoh 201, Hipshot Vintage, American Fender Bridge
Pots: 3 new CTS pots or go for a stack knob set up
Tuners: any hipshot tuners will do, ultralite or just the standard hipshots, theyre both better than stock.
Pickguard: go to basspartsresource.com and pick something that suits your fancy
Nut: you could get a bone, brass but installed if you really felt like it, its not necesary though.

 

[Jim Carr]

Pickups: Nordstrand or lindy fralin single coils
Bridge: BAII, Gotoh 201, Hipshot Vintage, American Fender Bridge
Pots: 3 new CTS pots or go for a stack knob set up
Tuners: any hipshot tuners will do, ultralite or just the standard hipshots, theyre both better than stock.
Pickguard: go to basspartsresource.com and pick something that suits your fancy
Nut: you could get a bone, brass but installed if you really felt like it, its not necesary though.

+1
But I would also consider Lindy Fralin Split coils. No Hum = more tones.
How about some good nickel roundwounds, like Sadowskys, DRs or even Fender 7250s?
Also, get the frets dressed, too. Bone nuts are nice--I like mine. Do it
all bit by bit, and assess each change. Have fun.

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

yeah sorry, forgot to mention the frets, and strings, and also forgot to say that both manufacturers make split coil pickups. i just prefer single coil pickups.

 

[ehque]

a mod i would always consider doing if i had a fender is the moses neck thing... maybe cos i play a zon.

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

hehe ive been thinking about one for mine, but ill stick with my maple/rosewood and just get it epoxied

 

[Tom]

Black pickguard
Series/parallel
Hipshot D-tuner
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II pickups, though there are many other good sets.

I would probably do at least the first three plus a pro setup. Anything else may be nice, but not necessary. Hell, even the D-tuner is a luxury.

 

[Jazzin']

"Activize" your bass. Maybe a J-Retro.
BAII bridge.
Tort Pickguard.
Shielding.
New pickups.
Straplocks.
Nice expensive comfy strap.
Replace stock strings too.

 

[MM-Stingray5]

I have always liked gold pickguards on Red p basses not sure why....

 

[phatduckk]

id go with

badass 2
lindy fralin PUPs
j retro

but that's gonna set ya back another $400-$500

 

[Philbiker]

It is stock . I don't like that it is a very thin sound (no balls)

Return it and get a P-bass. Nice fat sound you seem to be looking for.

Problem solved!

 

[The Dave]

I'll play!

DiMarzio Model Js - Dead quiet, very thick, affordable

Schaller 2000 Bridge

Mint PG

Audere Pre with Master Vol/Pan controls

GHS Flea Sig Boomers

That should do it!

 

[philthygeezer]

Bump.

Dimarzio Js
Black Hipshot Tuners
Black Gotoh 204 bridge
Black knobs.

 

[LifeIsBass]

I just recently "hot rodded" an MIM Jazz. It's a 2000 model, midnight wine finish.

Got a black pickguard for it, put Bartolini 9J1's in it and an Audere pre-amp.

Since I changed the pickups and pre at the same time I couldn't tell you specifics about how each one made a difference, but together... Wow!

It now sounds like a much, much more expensive bass. The range of tones I can get from this bass now are amazing... bright slap a la Marcus Miller to warm fingerstyle.

Due to the z switch on the Audere it's almost like having 3 different pre's in it at once. And even a moron like me who can't solder can put one in (no soldering involved!).

I originally thought I'd change the bridge and possibly the tuners but now this thing sounds so good I figure why spend the money.

 

[spudmaster34]

straplocks, best thing you can do for any bass you care about

 

[The Dave]

True dat! I just put some Schaller straplocks on my Jazz and I digs 'em! I also installed a Hipshot 3 string retainer cause my A wasn't breakin' over the nut like I wanted it to. It works and looks awesome doin' it!

 

[tortoise.sg]

depending on your budget, you could change all the parts or just get a better bass..

Looking at most of the suggestions here, you're gonna be spending more then what you paid for it.