Just depends on the bass. Some I've wanted some changes from the start (like making a JetGlo Rick into None More Black), some have been perfect as is.
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Making it yours do you usually modify your new basses?
- Thread starter DrThumpenstein
- Start date
I usually upgrade the pickups and the electronics. I'm an EMG fanboy.
Occasionally, I rout a cavity into the back of the bass to add a 9v battery compartment.
Sometimes I upgrade the parts to a high mass bridge, ultra light tuners, and Graph Tech nut.
If necessary, I take files to the fretboard to round over the edges and fix fret sprout.
-r
Occasionally, I rout a cavity into the back of the bass to add a 9v battery compartment.
Sometimes I upgrade the parts to a high mass bridge, ultra light tuners, and Graph Tech nut.
If necessary, I take files to the fretboard to round over the edges and fix fret sprout.
-r
I don't mod or change basses. If I've bought them they'll sound and play good. I don't buy basses that need "something" done to them!
I only buy used basses, so the first thing I do is have the bass professionally set up and a new set of strings fitted. I'll get the frets checked and levelled and have the electrics serviced. I use a top luthier and he always does a fantastic job.
My tasks are to change the strap buttons, if they are not Dunlops, and give it a clean and polish.
I only buy used basses, so the first thing I do is have the bass professionally set up and a new set of strings fitted. I'll get the frets checked and levelled and have the electrics serviced. I use a top luthier and he always does a fantastic job.
My tasks are to change the strap buttons, if they are not Dunlops, and give it a clean and polish.
Sometimes, but not cosmetically. Usually it's pickups and/or pots, switches, jacks, add shielding to cavities. Changed the bridge saddles on one Guild Starfire from rosewood to brass.
My incompetence, I posted prematurely. My ex would not be surprised.
Pickups only on a few basses
My 71 P has had EMGs since '83.
My MIJ J has Fender CS pups
My Bacchus J has Barts
My 4001 V63 has a Lollar horseshoe.
Pickup and bridge covers on the P depend on my mood.
My 71 P has had EMGs since '83.
My MIJ J has Fender CS pups
My Bacchus J has Barts
My 4001 V63 has a Lollar horseshoe.
Pickup and bridge covers on the P depend on my mood.
Forgot about xtenders. I’m guilty of that one. Don’t know how that slipped my mind.
I usually get basket cases so making them mine is inevitable.
I try my best to buy an instrument, “off the wall.”
This way, I know what it sounds and feels like.
Then, I try to play it as is for about a month to really get to know it.
If I don’t like the strings it came with, I can usually imagine a set which would make it sound more to my liking.
What I’m trying to say, is that other than strings, I don’t like modding instruments I buy, as I feel that the way the instrument sounds when I buy it is how it’s going to sound period.
If, after I have an instrument a year or so and something bothers me, I will then mod it to my liking.
I don’t believe in flipping instruments.
I believe in spending whatever it takes to make it “your own” and never sell it.
Mike.
This way, I know what it sounds and feels like.
Then, I try to play it as is for about a month to really get to know it.
If I don’t like the strings it came with, I can usually imagine a set which would make it sound more to my liking.
What I’m trying to say, is that other than strings, I don’t like modding instruments I buy, as I feel that the way the instrument sounds when I buy it is how it’s going to sound period.
If, after I have an instrument a year or so and something bothers me, I will then mod it to my liking.
I don’t believe in flipping instruments.
I believe in spending whatever it takes to make it “your own” and never sell it.
Mike.
I almost always buy P type basses, and I’ll just about always install whatever is my preferred aftermarket pickup. I’ve used to go for DiMarzio 122 Model Ps; today it will be EMG GZR or Aguilar 4P-60.
I have modified custom basses because they didn’t turn out how I wanted. That said, when you get it dialed in then you’re happy!!!
You make an interesting point. I’ve been lucky with the production bases I’ve purchased. I’ve only flipped a couple. I’ve also been fortunate enough to play them all before buying them except my Fodera, and that was a calculated risk on a bass that was priced so well I knew I’d be able to get most of my investment back had it not worked out. That one plays and sounds great, my best sounding and playing bass. It even already had a drop tuner so it was perfect for me. It’s the inspiration for the J; I wanted a workhorse with similar features that I wouldn’t have to worry about at gigs.
I've modified about half of my current stash. No plans to modify the others as I'm pretty happy with how they sound and play.
The modifications concern improvements. Proper grounding and screening are on top of my mod list. Next comes rounding fret ends. Then all screws and bolts are tightened.
It depends. Other than Schaller studs, pretty much nothing. Oh I might want to try different strings or have to tweak the setup but that's about it.
Last bass I bought was a bb435 from Sweetwater about 3 years ago. Honestly, I have done nothing to that instrument except for Schaller studs. Well I tweaked the pickup height a tad but no other adjustments have been required in 3 years. Plays and sounds great even the original strings are still on there.
Last bass I bought was a bb435 from Sweetwater about 3 years ago. Honestly, I have done nothing to that instrument except for Schaller studs. Well I tweaked the pickup height a tad but no other adjustments have been required in 3 years. Plays and sounds great even the original strings are still on there.
I have all kinds of modifications done, even so far as to have customs done.
I don’t have big bucks so high dollar basses are not something I’ll buy. All my basses are under $300 and serve me well on the gigs I play. They will and do get modified because that’s something I like to do to make them “mine” and not like the next guy or gals basses. Preamps, pickups, pickguards, strings are fair game for modifications/upgrades.
100% setup and new strings by my luthier. Corrections only if needed. Rarely a mod, but sometimes. Bone nut is about as much as I usually go. Except my Fender. New electronics, 18v preamp, badass bridge, tuners, and a bone nut
Need more options in the poll results.
I ended up buying a new Serek bass earlier this year, and routed out the pickup cavity to replace the original Novak BS/DS pickups and pickguard with Serek Singles while still keeping the original mounting holes for the Novak. I can replace it with the original pickguard/pickup in a matter of minutes. Nothing like buying an expensive bass and routing out the body in front of friends that know how much you spent on it!
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I ended up buying a new Serek bass earlier this year, and routed out the pickup cavity to replace the original Novak BS/DS pickups and pickguard with Serek Singles while still keeping the original mounting holes for the Novak. I can replace it with the original pickguard/pickup in a matter of minutes. Nothing like buying an expensive bass and routing out the body in front of friends that know how much you spent on it!
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