• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Let's See Your Hot-Rodded Cheapo Basses!

#101
11403205_10205144909526225_753266067306868646_n.jpg

I've had a few modded cheapies over the years (SXes, Deans, low-end Fenders) but the bass in this picture, an early-90s Peavey Fury, is the only one I still have, but I still play it regularly. I got it for $175 shipped through the TB classifieds some years back, and the only real hot-rodding I did to it was to put in a set of Bartolini P-bass pickups. The Barts added some low-end oomph that was missing with the stock pickups. It's now one of the best P-style basses (with a skinny J-style neck) that I've ever played.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FenderBassist, Squittolo, God's Favorite Bass and 3 others
#102
Chuck King said:
View attachment 3168395
I've had a few modded cheapies over the years (SXes, Deans, low-end Fenders) but the bass in this picture, an early-90s Peavey Fury, is the only one I still have, but I still play it regularly. I got it for $175 shipped through the TB classifieds some years back, and the only real hot-rodding I did to it was to put in a set of Bartolini P-bass pickups. The Barts added some low-end oomph that was missing with the stock pickups. It's now one of the best P-style basses (with a skinny J-style neck) that I've ever played.
Click to expand...
It's not the only bass he uses, but my cousin has had his Fury in regular rotation for a quarter century (and he's not even old).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chuck King
#103
Here are 3 of my hot rods:

Started out a Bronco, ended up a Musicmaster, modelled after a Squier Vista:
o 2009 Squier Bronco Body and Neck
o Ping Tuners
o Custom Bronco Musicmaster Headstock Decals
o Veneered the PG in Maple
o Custom 4 pole 7.6k noiseless Pickup by John Benson
o Wiring harness with 250k CTS pots, .047 orange drop cap wired to the pickup
o Switchcraft output jack
o Black PUP and PG screws
o Black witch hat knobs
o 4 saddle thur body bridge
_DSC0102.JPG

Started out a Bronco, ended up a Mustang, modelled after a '79 Fender Composition Mustang:
o Red Bronco Bass
o Mustang metal control plate
o Fender Mustang pickup
o Mustang pickguard – local luthier custom made and came out perfect
o Mustang bridge
o Hipshot lite Lollipop tuners
o Competition stripe
o Mustang Headstock decal
o Mustang knobs
_DSC0118.JPG

Started out a EB-0, modelled after a 2015 Gibson SG:
o SG bridge pickup added
o SG wiring harness
o Paisley pickguard
o SG Fret Markers
SG.jpg
057912
 
  • Like
Reactions: DrMole, FenderBassist, Rock Salad and 3 others
#104
ejaggers said:
Here are 3 of my hot rods:

Started out a Bronco, ended up a Musicmaster, modelled after a Squier Vista:
o 2009 Squier Bronco Body and Neck
o Ping Tuners
o Custom Bronco Musicmaster Headstock Decals
o Veneered the PG in Maple
o Custom 4 pole 7.6k noiseless Pickup by John Benson
o Wiring harness with 250k CTS pots, .047 orange drop cap wired to the pickup
o Switchcraft output jack
o Black PUP and PG screws
o Black witch hat knobs
o 4 saddle thur body bridge
View attachment 3168487

Started out a Bronco, ended up a Mustang, modelled after a '79 Fender Composition Mustang:
o Red Bronco Bass
o Mustang metal control plate
o Fender Mustang pickup
o Mustang pickguard – local luthier custom made and came out perfect
o Mustang bridge
o Hipshot lite Lollipop tuners
o Competition stripe
o Mustang Headstock decal
o Mustang knobs
View attachment 3168486

Started out a EB-0, modelled after a 2015 Gibson SG:
o SG bridge pickup added
o SG wiring harness
o Paisley pickguard
o SG Fret Markers
View attachment 3168485
057912
Click to expand...
Now make a Bronco into a P-J with lollipops and a paisley pickguard!
 
#105
Holy Smokes !!

I thought I was done with hot rodded P-basses.
P-basses.jpg

L to R

Squier Telebass body,Kmise jazz neck,super loud Warman humbucker.
Thomann PB-50 refinished in Paisley pink,2 saddle bridge,TI jazz flats, Jess Louerio split coil single PU.
Another PB-50. 2 saddle bridge.La Bella black tapes. Herrick alnico V single coil.
PB-50 with Peavey Super Ferrite single coil and TI jazz flats.

More than enough for anyone :D

Not one has broke the £200 mark.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fullmoon1971, DrMole, FenderBassist and 9 others
#107
Here's another one of my mods; an ESP LTD F junior guitar that I had Ballona Creek Lutherie convert to a 21" scale bass for $300. I saw it online for $189 and decided I'd have a "metal" bass in my collection. I provided the bridge and tailpiece, which is a little too big, but I wanted to cover the 6 string-through holes. I also provided the chrome pickup cover, truss rod cover and tuners. I again used LaBella/Gold Tone 25" flatwound strings and added an anchor on the back so they would fit. To complete the metal look, I bought a studded strap. All in it was about $475.

ESP Jr 840.jpg

ESP LTD F-Jr. Bass 875.jpg

ESP LTD F-Jr. Bass back 875.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RyoCanCan, DrMole, FenderBassist and 6 others
#112
  • Like
Reactions: wraub, Fumble Fingers and EatS1stBassist
#115
JIO said:
Interesting solution for using long gauge strings - but (for me) the bridge-stop right where it is isn't something I'd do. I can feel it hitting my body in a most uncomfortable way... (otherwise - it's cool)
Click to expand...
I just realized that the position of the stop in that photo was when I used 30" scale strings. When I went to the 25" I moved the stop much closer to the string-through holes but I never took a photo of it. I also ground down the stop to the minimum sticking out and don't have a problem against my stomach.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JIO
#116
kodiakblair said:
Holy Smokes !!

I thought I was done with hot rodded P-basses.
View attachment 3168530
L to R

Squier Telebass body,Kmise jazz neck,super loud Warman humbucker.
Thomann PB-50 refinished in Paisley pink,2 saddle bridge,TI jazz flats, Jess Louerio split coil single PU.
Another PB-50. 2 saddle bridge.La Bella black tapes. Herrick alnico V single coil.
PB-50 with Peavey Super Ferrite single coil and TI jazz flats.

More than enough for anyone :D

Not one has broke the £200 mark.
Click to expand...

That pink Paisley is awesome. Did you do the refin?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist
#117
KohanMike said:
I just realized that the position of the stop in that photo was when I used 30" scale strings. When I went to the 25" I moved the stop much closer to the string-through holes but I never took a photo of it. I also ground down the stop to the minimum sticking out and don't have a problem against my stomach.
Click to expand...

I recently made a ss 5'r and threaded the B-string to the back of the body to keep it tight. I routed a channel for it so the string was below the surface. It was a prototype so after this pic I shortened the channel a bit so the silk threading was above the nut.

fullsizeoutput_1032.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Damorand, jackn1202, clickclack and 5 others
#119
JIO said:
I routed a channel for it so the string was below the surface. It was a prototype so after this pic I shortened the channel a bit so the silk threading was above the nut.
Click to expand...
Good work. I had a custom Tele guitar style 22" scale bass made for $800 and had him make a covered recess on the back to do the same. My other mods didn't warrant that kind of work so I just use plates of one sort or another.

IMG_1112.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: JIO, EatS1stBassist and Monterey Bay-ss
#120
KohanMike said:
Here's another one of my mods; an ESP LTD F junior guitar that I had Ballona Creek Lutherie convert to a 21" scale bass for $300. I saw it online for $189 and decided I'd have a "metal" bass in my collection. I provided the bridge and tailpiece, which is a little too big, but I wanted to cover the 6 string-through holes. I also provided the chrome pickup cover, truss rod cover and tuners. I again used LaBella/Gold Tone 25" flatwound strings and added an anchor on the back so they would fit. To complete the metal look, I bought a studded strap. All in it was about $475.

View attachment 3168830
View attachment 3168835
View attachment 3168845
Click to expand...
Y E S

Let me know if you ever want to sell this one :bassist:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back