How much do you mod your basses

[NeonVomit]

I haven't really modded any of my basses. If it needs heavy modding, I won't buy it. All I've done is add straplocks to the ones which didn't already have them.

 

[jamro217]

Let's just say I have a lab assistant named Igor and leave it at that.

 

[Flysupermoo]

The most modding I get up to is string changes!

 

[pcake]

minimal modding, sort of.

the only changes i generally make are pickup replacements. that being said, my husband has done a lot of routing to add PJs to a jazz or MM style pickup bass. i believe my current herd all have their original tuners, finish and bridges.

 

[marchone]

I view modding as three types.

Advanced age requires maintenance and replacement of worn and failed parts. Frets, pickups, pots, etc.

Refinishing falls into another category.

Vintage is its own can of worms.

 

[Killens84]

I got an outstanding deal on a new Fender Player Series P bass (music educator pricing from local store). I installed a Klein 62 pickup, CTS pots and Switchcraft jack, and I also shielded the cavities with copper foil. I currently have a Hipshot B-style bridge and Hipshot HB7 tuners on order for the bass. I will finish off the bass by having a local luthier install a Tusq nut and do a fret dress.
After it’s all said and done, I will have spent about $1,200-$1,300 total for everything.
This is subjective, and YMMV, but going this route results in a better bass than a stock Fender American Pro, while also being less expensive.
This bass is serving as a backup to my Mike Lull custom P bass.

 

[marmadaddy]

Most 4 strings get a Hipshot D-Tuner, all instruments get the strap attached with rubber washers if they don't already have strap locks. Beyond that, it depends on the bass.

My 81 P has almost no original parts beyond the body.
The mid-90's Japanese P is the same except the paint is original.
My Rick has the bridge cover removed.
My Kiesel Bromberg 5 string has a ramp.
My Spector is stock.
G&L ASAT is stock.
Sires are both stock.

 

[TyBo]

Joe Bonamassa once said that he'd be very reluctant to modify any of his guitars if he initially liked them. Even if it's not your dream guitar / bass, if you enjoy playing it and there's no genuine need for any sort of modification, then don't touch it. It's usually not worth it

Of course, Joe seems to buy mostly valuable vintage instruments, so we're talking about losing a LOT of resale value if they're messed with much. In his case it makes sense not to really mod anything. Inexpensive contemporary instruments, on the other hand ...

 

[39-Bassist]

I got to the point that I could not find exactly what I wanted so I just mod or assemble my basses to my taste and liking.

 

[Geogio]

Not much, over 10 or so basses that have passed through my hands its been bits and pieces like bridge rollers, neck shims, pickups, pots, caps, jacks. Tuning machine, nut work, strings and set ups. Most of which I do myself, except fret work.

Some basses come prepped, some I've done nothing to.

I've horse traded equipment for years. Regrets? I've had a few...

 

[MrLenny1]

One mod in 30 years. Put in a Audere
preamp on one axe that had a single tone control.
Other than that I like to buy & keep original.

 

[skyline_01]

Out of the five I currently own, three of them are stock as I feel they have pretty much everything that fits my wants/needs.

- Stingray Special 5HH
- G&L L2500 Tribute
- Alien Audio Lunar 5

The other two started life as stock imports and, although they were great basses as-is, I felt there were key mods that would make them unique and also make them ready for any studio or live situation.

- SBMM SUB 4 (EBMM US maple neck/pau ferro board, Nordy pickup/preamp, anchor-bolt bridge, 3-way S/SC/P switch, tort PG, white pickup cover, Sandberg-style string retainer)
- Squier VM P5 (genuine Fender humbucker added to bridge position, '62 style V/T stack, pot/cap/jack upgrade, tort PG, Hipshot Kickass bridge)

 

[ThunderV]

Most of my basses are part basses. I mod everything......been that way my whole life.

 

[Steve Dallman]

I've modded every bass (and guitar) I have (over 50) since the late early 70's. I built a preamp and put a then just released Dimarzio P in my 65 P bass in the late 70's, and since have put preamps and noiseless pickups in all my basses. I haven't used a single coil pickup in decades, except for a Jazzmaster guitar I built. I love the versatility of active instruments and the expanded tone options they offer.

In the beginning, I'd play an instrument for a while, and see what was "missing." But soon I knew what I wanted from a new bass, be it purchased or built.

 

[MCS4]

It seems weird to me that someone would have a set rule or practice regarding how much each bass gets modded, unless they are in the "no mods at all" crowd. I guess I could say that, generally speaking, I mod each bass to include Dunlop straplocks if they don't already have them. Otherwise the extent to which each bass gets modded or not depends on what I want out of that bass and whatever things I may feel like experimenting with at the time.

 

[rtslinger]

Does every bass in your stable get modded and how much.

All of mine that are single coils get a stacked hum cancelling AlNiCo pickup.

My main player (whichever bass I am currently in love with) gets lots of tweaks. My current main squeeze is a black 92 JB+, I am switching all the hardware to black and have added a DiMarzio Area in the bridge and a Norstrand Split 51 in the neck. I have also had the bass refretted and Plekked by the local Gurus.

Most modding they get is hardware upgrades if needed and led lights

 

[staurosjohn]

Let's just say I have a lab assistant named Igor and leave it at that.

 

[foolforthecity]

I used to spend time and money modding basses, but these days I spend most time and effort actually playing them. Lots of time. With very few exceptions, I no longer spend mod money

 

[bassliner50]

Pickups of my choice are a must.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

View attachment 4662388

That's not Igor. That's "Eyegore"