Is it possible to undo a PJ job?

[Doublesixes]

It is possible. I'm 99% sure I've seen it before here on TB and if my memory doesn't fail me, it was John Kallas @johnk_10 who did that by just making a "pickup" made out of wood that fitted perfectly into the pickup cavity along with matching the wood grain pattern. But I just can't find the thread. Another option is to cut a bigger piece of wood as somebody else suggested. The thing is that you have to refinish the whole body. Here's a video that shows something pretty similar. Hope it helps.

You know what, I've seen that a few years ago and it was Dan's video that triggered my imagination about doing a similar job on my Fender. I wonder if I should send him a pic about getting a neighborhood quote.

 

[matty1039]

The Precision is unbelievably light, only bested by my MIJ PJ Precision Lyte which must have been made out of balsa or unobtainium

Since some here (myself included) have become weight freaks, I can only speculate how much lighter the bass will become without the pup, pot, wiring and knob. I'm willing to fill the hole with foam and just add a thin veneer of plywood to make it look somewhat original.

It's not that I'm trying to emulate an original 73 as that ship has already sailed decades ago and I will never sell this buddy of mine that has seen my hands since the 70s. Frankly, I just want to recreate in my mind the pretense of playing an intact, original P. Heck, I even keep the original decrepit original case.

You could also take the pickup out but leave the pickup cover in the hole. That would reduce the weight but keep the current aesthetic.

You could pull a ZZ Top and take the pickup out and glue a cigarette in there. LOL.

 

[Axstar]

I’m very sceptical about being able to inlay a piece of wood and having it seamlessly match everything else. If you were interested in refinishing in an opaque colour that’s a different story. The simplest thing by far is to just remove the j pup wiring from the circuit. I would think that a jazz ashtray cover would look very strange on a p bass. I’ve seen this done once and didn’t care for the aesthetics of it.

Even with a solid colour the edge of any patch might telegraph up through the finish eventually as the finish contracts, the patch expands differently to the body, etc. Manage expectations accordingly!

 

[JoeWPgh]

I would not even consider doing it unless I was also going to refinish the bass in a solid color. I would leave it alone. But if your are itching to try it, get yourself a used and beaten up Squier J bass and try filling that cavity first. If it doesn't make you say, "Screw this idea!", you'll have a little experience when you attack your P.

 

[sgtpepper]

You know what, I've seen that a few years ago and it was Dan's video that triggered my imagination about doing a similar job on my Fender. I wonder if I should send him a pic about getting a neighborhood quote.

I think what Mr. Erlewine does in that video is outstanding. I'd say send him an email and ask, don't just wonder. And if you go for it, please, post pics!

 

[CallMeAl]

I’m very sceptical about being able to inlay a piece of wood and having it seamlessly match everything else. If you were interested in refinishing in an opaque colour that’s a different story. The simplest thing by far is to just remove the j pup wiring from the circuit. I would think that a jazz ashtray cover would look very strange on a p bass. I’ve seen this done once and didn’t care for the aesthetics of it.

I've looked into this for a Squier PJ I have, all the stories I saw end in the bass getting painted.

Well, after pondering for a while came to the conclusion that this setup doesn't cut it anymore for my needs as I have 3 jazz basses that cover that particular sound that sometimes I use.

I know what you're saying, I'm at odds with the PJ. I wish it was either just a J or just a P. I unhooked the J pup myself but it just feels... wrong. I've half a mind to sell it; granted, my $200 squier doesnt have near the mojo or value of your bass!

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Push pull for series!

Yup!

 

[arbiterusa]

Since some here (myself included) have become weight freaks, I can only speculate how much lighter the bass will become without the pup, pot, wiring and knob. I'm willing to fill the hole with foam and just add a thin veneer of plywood to make it look somewhat original.

3.65 ounces for the pup, wires and pot. I didn't measure the knobs as those can range all over the place.

Think the foam and plywood will be at least two ounces.

Not worth it IMO.

Also, FWIW, I've seen far more 70s P basses with J pickups than not, I consider it the "original" look of a 70s Precision.

 

[JIO]

3.65 ounces for the pup, wires and pot. I didn't measure the knobs as those can range all over the place.

Think the foam and plywood will be at least two ounces.

Not worth it IMO.

Also, FWIW, I've seen far more 70s P basses with J pickups than not, I consider it the "original" look of a 70s Precision.

Exactly! I feel the same way - it's an example of how players wanted 'more' and did such mods until the major guitar companies saw that and introduced P/J basses.

 

[JimmyM]

Just do what I do when I want only the P sound and turn down the J pickup all the way. Way too much is made of the alleged tonal change of adding the pickup and volume pot. I've never heard a lick of difference with any PJ pickup set I've ever used.

 

[IamGroot]

All this talk about PJs and J holes....

 

[JIO]

Just do what I do when I want only the P sound and turn down the J pickup all the way. Way too much is made of the alleged tonal change of adding the pickup and volume pot. I've never heard a lick of difference with any PJ pickup set I've ever used.

word

 

[Mike Sorr]

View attachment 3498898 I have a 73 Precision which, back in the day (1978 or 79) was modified by adding an original Fender Jazz pup in the bridge position.

Well, after pondering for a while came to the conclusion that this setup doesn't cut it anymore for my needs as I have 3 jazz basses that cover that particular sound that sometimes I use.

I'd like to know if anybody here has reversed a PJ job on an authentic older Fender (sunburst) and if so, what kind of results were achieved. TIA

You could always just sell it to me

 

[bobba66]

I love that bass!

 

[Skillet]

Aint nuttin wrong with that bass!

 

[BlakeInNashville]

Please do NOT put Jazz ashtray on a Precision as some have suggested!! Fill and refin, disconnect, leave as-is...all waaay better options than Jazz bridge cover on P-Bass.

 

[micguy]

I've never heard a lick of difference with any PJ pickup set I've ever used.

Taking out the 3rd pot will give your bass more articulation - not a ton, but it's audible. What will really make a difference is turning the volume pot around the right way - as a potentiometer, like a P, not in shunt like a J (that makes it a tone and volume pot all at once). At half volume, that wiring will definitely sound different than a J at half volume.

 

[JimmyM]

Taking out the 3rd pot will give your bass more articulation - not a ton, but it's audible. What will really make a difference is turning the volume pot around the right way - as a potentiometer, like a P, not in shunt like a J (that makes it a tone and volume pot all at once). At half volume, that wiring will definitely sound different than a J at half volume.

If you say so. I've never experienced anything of the sort, but OK.

 

[rd2rk]

That's a beautiful, soulful looking bass. It's been what it is for a LONG time. PLEASE don't ruin it!

 

[Mike Vee]

Definitely leave it, there are no good options.