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Making a Jaco Bass

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Dubadays

Apr 4, 2009
298
0
#1
How hard would it be to take the pick-guard off of a J bass, and make it look like it had never been there (Filling in all of the screw holes, and then painting them to look like the color of the body)? I mean, I just have a general idea of what to do, and I don't really know if it'd be worth it. I really want a bass that looks like Jaco Pastorius's bass (I'm not a copier nor a follower, I just really like the look :D). Has anyone done this?
 
#4
Yeah, it sounds like it would work then, unless paying $1,500+ isn't enough for fender to not put gigantic routes under the 'guard... Also, IMO you should just leave the screwholes- they're kinda part of the Jaco look and if you ever wanted to sell it would be easier to reattach the guard than it otherwise would be. Also, you're probably aware of this, but the MIA deluxes have a smaller body style and different pickguard shape- just something to keep in mind.

And thanks! :D
 
#5
This is what a MIA Jazz body looks like under the pickguard...

!BTQjKD!!mk~$(KGrHgoH-CMEjlLl0rDjBKHdwBw,Mw~~_1.jpg


Seriously, i would just buy a Warmoth body, and don't drill for the pickguard.
 
#10
Dubadays said:
How hard would it be to take the pick-guard off of a J bass, and make it look like it had never been there (Filling in all of the screw holes, and then painting them to look like the color of the body)? I mean, I just have a general idea of what to do, and I don't really know if it'd be worth it. I really want a bass that looks like Jaco Pastorius's bass (I'm not a copier nor a follower, I just really like the look :D). Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...

Here are a few photos of my "Jaco" bass. I did not want to copy it exactly, but I just wanted the vibe. The body started as a stock Fender Highway One Sunburst. The neck is from a US 60s REissue that I lucked out and picked up on Ebay for a killer deal. I had a buddy of mine do the defret job:

1ajacorobs.jpg


1ajacorobs2.jpg


1ajacorobs5.jpg


1ajacorobs4.jpg


I just swapped out the 2 dial controls today for a J Retro, so that really changes it, but I have not had enough time to play around with it. I used Nordstand NPJ4SV pups on it. Like I said. it is not an exact copy, but it sounds amazing and plays great. I also grew up in S, FL and gigged and was friends with Jaco, so I saw and played his bass many times growing up. You just need a body that is not all routed like new US or new Mex Fenders. You can't use a Road Worn body as it has "Road Worn" branded into the top the body. The Highway Ones are fantastic or of course a Warmoth, Allparts or Bfnerco body will work great too. Good luck!! :bassist:
 

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