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I have an old Johnson
- Thread starter gary mitchell
- Start date
I was given a Johnson P by my neighbor years ago. It came to me exactly as it left Saunder's music in Youngstown, OH...the PUps said EMG, which suprised me.
I honestly don't think it was a terrible bass. I actually still have a Johnson jazz bass around here somewhere.
Upgrade/customize to your heart's desire, it'll be fun.
I honestly don't think it was a terrible bass. I actually still have a Johnson jazz bass around here somewhere.
Upgrade/customize to your heart's desire, it'll be fun.
I hope its an active Johnson. Passive ones don't perform very well.
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In this particular case, I feel a before pic is mandatory so we know what we're talkin' about.
Absolutely, without doubt, I would do it. Main reasons? A: It's fun. B: You're retired and have time. C: End up with a bass that has the finish you want. Heck, the price was right, so no fear in making a costly mistake. I've Used ReRanch rattle cans on a few projects. Easy to work with, and looks nice.
And....as I'm sure you know, the way guys around here mod their basses, used parts are are inexpensive and plentiful. You can usually snag a good P pickup right around the $30 - $50 range. Actually, I was looking in the classifieds earlier here on TB, and saw a American standard Fender, a Seymour Duncan, and a Bartolini right in that price range. (no affiliation with any). Necks are had inexpensively all over the net. You mentioned SX neck. They seem to be pretty reliable. I used one for a parts bass I put together a few years back, and it played very well with no issues at all. I sold it last year. Too heavy, wasn't getting the play time it deserved, and wanted to fund another project.
With that said, for little out of pocket cash, you might just end up with a new killer P.
All of this. It'll be fun. Worst case you wind up with a few parts you could use elsewhere.
I have driven many Peterbuild trucks hauling steel in my day.
Well, never thought I'd say this, but it's all true: I bought my son a black Johnson, he's lefty so options were limited. P bass, feels solid to me, but I can't mess with it. It seems ok, even though if I try to play it it melts my brain because everything is opposite. I agree, it seems on par with an affinity.
Came from a distributor known as “the Music Link”, made in China. Alder body and it’s decent alder. Components and electronics nothing special.
I play with my Johnson on the bandstand, people bob their heads in unison while I do. When I’m finished they usually clap. Then I wipe it down and put it away.
Turnaround
Commercial User
I for one don't really want to see a picture of someone's old Johnson.
I'd join the old Johnson club. I too have an old Johnson, which I am currently experimenting with and posting about, on and off, on a different thread called "A stunt bass begins to take shape."
Photos and lots of hemmin' and hawin' about pickups I've tried in it:
A "stunt bass" begins to take shape
I'm stalled on it at the moment due to time conflicts but hope to get some progress on it this week.
I am pretty happy with how it sounds and plays as is, after minor setup work.
About 15 years ago, I worked in a shop that sold those Johnsons as our cheapo Strat alternatives.
Your bass might make a good oar. It definitely isn't worth even an hour of any adult's free time.
If you want something to just beat on, I would suggest that it be something aside from your Johnson.
Your bass might make a good oar. It definitely isn't worth even an hour of any adult's free time.
If you want something to just beat on, I would suggest that it be something aside from your Johnson.
