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IBANEZ ARTCORE TONE PROBLEM SOLVED !!!

#62
Does anyone have a ballpark idea how much the original holes have to be opened up for the Allparts pots to fit through? Is it like several thousandths or a fair bit more than that? I don't own a reamer...those that also don't own one...what did you use? I know regular drill bit might work. Just a bit afraid of chipping the finish around the holes.
 
#64
The pots I bought were Allparts part# EP-0282-000 and I didn't need to make any hole changes. I recommend that route... vs routing!
Edit: I'll double check that in the morning.
Edit again: a) just read the first thread about drilling the holes out--sorry, I missed that earlier. Also missed the floss suggestion--THAT would have been helpful! SMH
b) those are the same pots I ordered, and I had no issues with the holes. HOWEVER, there was some finish chipping around one hole and the washers didn't match b/w the two pots. Maybe a previous owner took a stab at a mod!
Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!
 
#65
Guilty...
Once I opened one up and noticed the pot wasn't tall enough, the project became unfixable given my timeframe to move...

I'm really glad you did it, though, they are cool basses!
 
#67
Bassamatic said:
I recall that I used a small round file (pencil sized) to open the holes. It is only a very small amount and filing is probably better than drilling in terms of protecting the finish.
Click to expand...

yep...I think you're correct. A friend of mine loaned me a step drill and a file...he said to try the file first. He also said if you have to use the step drill, do it by hand...DON'T use it in a drill...otherwise it might slip and...:bawl:
 
#70
davelowell2 said:
Guilty...
Once I opened one up and noticed the pot wasn't tall enough, the project became unfixable given my timeframe to move...
I'm really glad you did it, though, they are cool basses!
Click to expand...
Aw, man, I wasn't calling you out! :) For all I knew, it was whoever had it before you...
Either way, I'm glad it wasn't me that had to worry about it. I had everything set up for soldering, including my young friend--it would have been a setback to discover that the holes needed enlarged first... Worked out super well for us!
For anyone hesitating--this mod is SO worth the trouble.
 
#71
I did the mod tonight...it was actually not that difficult. The threaded part of the pots were long enough so I was able to use the toothed washers under the top of the body...I figured it would probably keep the pots themselves from spinning. Of course the real test was playing it and it passed with flying colors....I now have some control of the tone. I have to keep remembering that this is a passive bass...several of my other basses are active so there is a wider range of tones with those basses but now at least my ASB140 is more than a one trick pony. I may actually start using it again. Thanks everyone for all the information you've gathered on this mod. Now if I can just come up with a way to deal with the location of that rear strap button. It is very awkward for me.
 
#72
The EMG 35HZ is a drop-replacement for the stock pickup with the same dimensions and mounting holes, and only have to connect two wires. You can use the existing tone and volume controls because it is a high impedance pickup. The tone control works perfectly with the EMG, and provides a gradual decrease in high frequencies. It provides a more open, full range sound than the excessively middy stock pickup. Sounds fantastic - huge improvement! ImageUploadedByTalkBass1396717693.331947.jpg
 
#73
I have an EMG 35hz in mine as well right now. I like it, but I'm not sure I've found a pickup that compliments the bass best yet. I prefer how it sounds unplugged somehow...

The stock pickup was much improved with the electronics replaced. I then decided to try the Lace Alumitone. That was a mistake! Didn't like the Alumitone at all. I then rsplaced all of the guts again with the EMG passive. It improved over the Alumitone and I haven't tried the stock Artec again yet.

Next up is an Aguilar soapbar sized to match the EMG35. Should fit perfectly. We'll see how it sounds...
 
#75
There is also a Bartolini that is a drop in and probably sounds better than the EMG. Since it is higher impedance, it works properly with the controls, but changing the pots is a lot cheaper. The stock pickup is not bad at all when you have it loaded properly.

The soft rubber fish tank tubing is a great idea for threading the pots back through the holes!
 
#76
I've watched this thread for some time, as I've had one of these basses since about '05, or '06. I've never been too happy with the tone pot, but I used preamps or my ampeg to get the sound I wanted. Now that I'm playing again, I dug this thread out of my bookmarks and have given some thought to upgrading/fixing the tone issues.

Instead of changing out the pots I'm swapping out the stock pickup for a Nordstrand Dual Coils (wound for parallel, bridge) pickup. I decided I wanted the ability to have more tonal variety by changing between series and parallel. Also, I haven't noticed anyone using that particular pup, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm torn about drilling a hole DPDT switch or a push/pull pot to switch between series and parallel. I know the rational reasons for not going with a switch, but I'm not like to sell this bass, so resale isn't a concern.

Hopefully the pickup will be here this week and I can work on it while I have some time off.
 
#77
I don't remember how the stock pup is wired, but it is also dual coil so it may be possible to do this as well.

You might be able to install the DPDT switch temporarily by clamping it in the F hole using a couple of large washers. Then, if you like it, you can consider a permanent install. The push-pull on the tone switch is a great idea. I put a push-pull on the volume switch for a kill when the knob is out.
 
#78
Nice Thread! Will be trying this mood as soon as I can find the parts. I've been playing bass for years, but never really got round to trying to modify it. How hard is it to solder all the parts? Does anyone know a good "for dummies" guide on how to install the new pots (how the wiring should be done, etc). I have really no idea what to do here.

Also, apart from the tone knob funcionality, will this mod change the overall tone of the bass even when the tone and volume knobs are set full on? I read the thread and couldn't really find an answer to the last question.
 
#79
Added the Nordstrands Dual Coil Bridge pickup yesterday, and wired it up in series. Maybe later I'll add a switch to go between series and parallel. I also added a pickup ring. I may paint it to match the binding later.

The sound is much better. The tone knob has a noticeable impact now. The sound is much more defined. Even though I didn't change the pots, the info here helped me to make a more informed decision. I wish I would have done this eight years ago. Thanks for the info.

13919027368_8f15aae793_b.jpg
DSC_3122

Ps. There was only a hot and ground wire coming from the stock pickup. It may have four wires, but they must be spliced together somewhere.
 
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#80
Did mine tonight. The tone difference is huge! Unfortunately I must have burned up one of the pots while soldering, or maybe dripped a little inside - the damn thing turns only about 1/8 way around. Ordered more pots and have to wait a few days for the re-do. Curses, foiled again by my crappy soldering skills!

Anyway, thanks for the tips!
 

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