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Jay Turser 54 Precision Bass....Pics

I used to be chief of service at the company that used to distribute Jay Turser, which is now handled by American Music & Sound. I've also been at the factory, and can tell you that they do nice work. The same factory does private-label for many others, e.g. Eastwood.

My only contention with this bass (model# JTB401) is the lack of string-through-body,which puts more tension on the strings and enhances sustain because of the downward angle and resulting increase of saddle contact (it also necessitates the use of extra-long scale strings). A subtlety to be sure, but it's a small fraction of the original's sound nonetheless. Because it is a budget axe, the string-through feature was eliminated. I purchased one when they first came out and "fixed" that issue with a few minutes on the drill press, string ferrules and a Wilkinson replacement bridge, plus a pickup upgrade to one made by Aero Instrument (which cost more than I paid for the bass!). However, the sonic outcome was stunning, to say the least. However, in it's raw form, it's still a great player.
 
I was surprised at how little tweeking I had to do to get a great setup. The frets are very level and without any sharp edges. Also, a few adjustments to the bridge and the intonation was easily set and the string height was perfect. The nut is cut to the right depth, so the setup pretty much fell right in. The neck is very comfortable...alittle larger than a jazz neck front to back. Also, the neck was very straight out of the box so I didn't have to adjust the truss rod. Anyway, I can't recommend this bass enough. If you get a chance try and check one out.....
 
I'm curious why a few players I've seen mount/flip the bridge cover upside-down like the one in the photo.

In my case, I'll admit that the answer is simple - I didn't consult other pix of '54 P's before mounting it, and the correct mounting orientation is NOT intuitive. It's the only bridge cover I've ever seen on any instrument that's narrower at the top than the bottom.

If I can reverse it and the current mounting holes will be hidden by the cover, then I'll do so. If not, I won't worry about it - the only people who will ever notice are details-oriented 50's Fender fans with sharp eyes.

The poly layer on the Tursers is rather thin, and it tends to crack around the mounting holes - so I'm thinking it most likely will end up staying the way it is.

And I'll echo the comment above about setup and frets - there is less end-of-fret protrusion on this Turser than on 90% oif the Fenders I see.
 
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Hey, two questions....

1) Does it use the original screw holes so no new drilling is needed?
2) Is it heavy enough to balance the bass significantly??

I admit that I'd like the bass even better if it balanced better.

1) nope, you'll need new screw holes, but it's bigger than the stock so you'll cover the old holes.

2) It made a big difference for me, altho I still have a bit of neck dive. I've read that the addition of a high mass bridge PLUS an ashtray bridge cover makes it balance perfectly but I'll never put a bridge cover on so I'll never know.
 
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U guys that've taken bits off-exchanged parts- what does the body look to be made of?? Ash, Alder? PLYWOOD with caps???? Doesnt say on ads.

Not sure what it is, but it's something pretty soft. I had to be gentle with the new bridge screws as the originals just wanted to spin and spin when perfomed a quick tightening out of the box. Bear in mind that the thing is ridiculously light so perhaps you can extrapolate.

As for price and purchase point, I also paid $99 to a dealer called P-Hill on ebay.
 
I was looking around for a 54 to 56 style Precision bass. During my search I found this bass....A 54 style Precision bass made by Jay Turser. I can't believe the quality, fit and finish, and tone this bass has. It captures the vintage sound to a tee. It has the proper contours ( front arm, belly cut) a 3 ply pickguard, good hardware, good electronics , and a great feeling neck. The fretwork is excellent with no sharp edges or high frets. It is a very light bass ( I have not put it on the bathroom scale yet). It has a little neck dive but nothing to be a deal breaker. A very cool little bass for very little money. Anyway here are the pics...
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That bass looks amazing!:eek:
 

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