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Modding a Dean Hillsboro

S

samc2527

Nov 21, 2010
117
0
Austin, TX
#1
I've been looking at getting a sterling for a while now to really get that 'ray tone. I was looking at basses and came across the Dean Hillsboro Single, which you can find for as little as $230. I guess my question I'm getting at is what do you guys think of getting the bass, replacing the pickups and pre amp with an actually MM one or a Duncan p/up and preamp. Yay or nay?

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Thanks
 
#2
Given the glowing reviews the SBMM Ray34 and Ray34C have gotten, it seems like it may not be worth the extra dough to mod a Hillsboro to that end. Depending on what electronics you pick up and if you do the labor yourself it could end up being pretty close in price, but the SBMM models already have the pickup and preamp without any additional labor and it comes with an entact warranty and (ideally) a return policy. Not sure how changing out the guts might affect that on the Dean (it might not if done carefully, dunno). Judgement call I suppose, the Dean could be great stock anyway, but if you're shooting for a MM tone the SBMM is probably going to be a lot closer right off the bat.
 
#3
Yea, I was thinking that but if I got the dean for $230 and put another $200 in it for the SD p/up and pre amp i may be saving a little bit and getting something better than a sterling...tough call I suppose. I like the sterlings just not blown away by them, esp. for the price. Plus the dean in white w/ the tort. pickguard is pretty sexy IMO
 
#4
I'd go play a Hilsboro and see how you like it, if possible. It might be just what you're looking for on its own terms. If you want to spring for an upgraded pickup and electronics later then it's just gravy. I think GC carries both, you don't have to buy there if you can find a better price elsewhere (or you have an aversion to GC), but trying both out side by side would probably be worth your time.
 
#6
I've only played one Hillsboro and it was an amazing bass for the $$. A little bit of hiss from the electronics but other than that it was great. I would say if you really want an EB go for the Sterling though. Easier but a little more expensive and you won't lose as much if you ever decide to sell. Any customization of a bass is almost always worthless when it comes to resale.
 
#10
I have 2 hillsboro, and a friend that had a stingray. All I can say is, play the Hillsboro before you buy. I have played Hillsboro's that have very sharp frets. The two I have make my Rickenbacker looks like a joke. If you buy from themusicfarm.com, they set it up, and the one I bought from them is perfect. Effortless to play. I recommend going and playing a hillsboro.

The output from it is higher than a MM, and growls easier. I modded my Hillsboro J with high output passive pickups, and a new pickguard. It is one amazing bass. Go check them out!
 
#13
metallicafan18 said:
I have 2 hillsboro, and a friend that had a stingray. All I can say is, play the Hillsboro before you buy. I have played Hillsboro's that have very sharp frets. The two I have make my Rickenbacker looks like a joke. If you buy from themusicfarm.com, they set it up, and the one I bought from them is perfect. Effortless to play. I recommend going and playing a hillsboro.

The output from it is higher than a MM, and growls easier. I modded my Hillsboro J with high output passive pickups, and a new pickguard. It is one amazing bass. Go check them out!
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exactly what he said. i love my hillsboro. its light, no neck dive, and rocks! i compared it with my dads musicman sub, and i thought it was pretty close. like metallicafan said, growls easier and loud! mine did have a few sharp frets also. but when i filed them smooth, i can't get enough of the neck! i love the satin finish on it. They are DEFINITELY worth checking out!
 
#17
I think the Dean Hillsboro series is underrated (or underappreciated), especially since the VM and CV Squiers have been getting so much love. I've played the single and the J (spent a LOT more time with the single) and was pretty impressed with both of them. I'm not one for electronics, but the pickups and the EQ worked well enough for me to ignore my bias.

I really liked the necks on these, too. Felt good in my hand, played well, and the finish was pretty nice. I even thought the new headstock was a nice departure from the standard Dean design. You should definitely go play one and see if it would work for you.

That being said...if you want the Ray sound it seems to make more sense to start with the Ray 34, versus going with a modded Dean, which may or may not give you the tone you're looking for.
 
#19
samc2527 said:
My only problem with the ray is it seems expensive for what it is, they are great basses and I have no problem spending the cash on a bass they just don't feel good enough to warrant a new cost around $600-700. Am I wrong for feeling that way?
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i feel the same way. i used to love the sterlings when they first came out. but i tried one at my local guitar center and i just couldn't agree with the price. every one there had really sharp frets too. for the money, i'd go with the hillsboro. i've seen on the dean site they have new finishes coming out also.
 

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