MIM conversion is it possible?

[StereoPlayer]

Can a MIM J body be upgraded with more appropriate parts? I realize that they probably have a larger route and would need a pickguard. I don’t care for the knobs they come with. Is the bridge ok?

Thanks.

Asking for a friend.

 

[joel406]

Yes

 

[JakobT]

Can a MIM J body be upgraded with more appropriate parts? I realize that they probably have a larger route and would need a pickguard. I don’t care for the knobs they come with. Is the bridge ok?

Thanks.

Asking for a friend.

There is absolutely nothing to stop you from upgrading either the hardware or the electronics if you wish to. MIM Jazz basses all have pickguards, but if you get a replacement, be sure that it's compatible. There are several flavours of Jazz bass that have pickguards with different drillings. The knobs are attached with a simple screw, and easy to change. The bridge is perfectly functional, and there is little advantage to upgrading it other than for looks, but some prefer to do it anyway.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Are the neck pocket dimensions identical for MIA/MIM?

 

[StereoPlayer]

Are the neck pocket dimensions identical for MIA/MIM?

That’s why I was asking. I have probably read all these facts at one time or another here...in one ear...out the other.

 

[Lownote38]

Are the neck pocket dimensions identical for MIA/MIM?

In my experience, yes.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Thanks to everyone for their answers so far. TB is awesome.

3,2,1...the snark should start any minute now.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I've swapped many Fender and Squier necks and they all fit like a glove!

 

[KeithPas]

All of the hardware can be easily upgraded but make sure that you get a pickguard that is specifically for MIM jazz bass as the screw holes do not perfectly line up between MIM, Squier and USA models

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Thanks to everyone for their answers so far. TB is awesome.

3,2,1...the snark should start any minute now.

+1

 

[ejaggers]

OP,
I personally think a jazz looks funny with different knobs.
Someone put precision knobs on theirs and I almost fainted.
The same thing applies to the Mustang...057912

 

[Funk With Me]

I had problems with a MIM bridge. A couple of the saddle screws slipped (it took 5 songs for this to happen) and the string completely fretted out. I replaced the bridge. Also the the plastic nut eventually broke outside of the g string allowing the string to slip out so I had a good bone nut installed. It ended up being a great bass.

 

[bumperbass]

I had problems with a MIM bridge. A couple of the saddle screws slipped (it took 5 songs for this to happen) and the string completely fretted out. I replaced the bridge

The same thing happened with my MIM Precision. It would take a few weeks for the saddles to work their way down. I bought threaded saddles and that fixed it.
I actually like this bass better than my MIA.
Mine had CTS pots and the jack had been replaced. Put a Switchcraft jack in it if it doesn't have one already.
Pickups? That's a long and winding road to travel and it can get out of control for some of us.
Try different strings first. Some MIM pickups are fine as-is.
Personally I can't play a bass that hums, so I would probably put humbuckers in it. That's just me.
Good luck finding a pickguard that fits. I gave up and left the original white one on it.

 

[vvvmmm]

So wait, this isn't a religious question?

Turns out it sorta is ...

 

[StereoPlayer]

OP,
I personally think a jazz looks funny with different knobs.
Someone put precision knobs on theirs and I almost fainted.
The same thing applies to the Mustang...057912

I agree, that’s why I don’t care for the knobs on a MIM J.
But...however...there’s one guy that did it!

 

[SLPimp]

Yup. I use mainly Squier bodies for builds and don't have to modify much. MIM stuff is a similar fit, so far as I know.

Can a MIM J body be upgraded with more appropriate parts? I realize that they probably have a larger route and would need a pickguard. I don’t care for the knobs they come with. Is the bridge ok?

Thanks.

Asking for a friend.

 

[matty1039]

OP,
I personally think a jazz looks funny with different knobs.
Someone put precision knobs on theirs and I almost fainted.
The same thing applies to the Mustang...057912

Don't look at mine then. I've got a 90's MIM with strat knobs and a one piece pickguard.

After years of looking for control plates and actual jazz pickguards that fit together perfectly I've given up and accepted the fate of having a one piece pickguard. I do have a set of actual jazz knobs that I'll put on if the mood strikes me.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

MIM use Metric parts, so I'm not sure SAE parts will fit into a MIM controls-plate.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

With a pickguard, it's easy, you just ream the holes, but different story with the controls-plate.

 

[StereoPlayer]

The plate doesn’t bother me.