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Modified Fender USA P-Bass issues

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Cracky, Jul 9, 2013.

  1. Jul 9, 2013 #1
    Cracky

    Cracky

    Jun 21, 2013
    Vermont
    I have a Fender P bass with USA rosewood neck, Bartolini P pups with a Fender USA noiseless J pup added. Two volume pots and a tone pot. I have a couple of issues I will have to correct. First, the volume pots are at low volume until they are on 8 or 9. This is a Franken-bass so maybe it has linear pots rather than audio taper. I haven't checked yet but any idea of what the problem or the fix could be?
    Second, the J pup is not as strong as the P-pups. Again, any ideas?
    Also, I'm considering going to a blend pot and two tone pots, maybe. I like p-bass sound over the J-bass most of the time and I haven't found a better sound mixing the J with the P. Comments please? Thanks.
     
  2. Jul 10, 2013 #2
    Cracky

    Cracky

    Jun 21, 2013
    Vermont
    I was thinking the other way around on the pot types. But either way I have to see what's i there before I order new pots to experiment with.

    thanks for moving this post. I'm new to this forum and there is quite a bit to it, I'm finding out.
     
  3. Jul 29, 2013 #3
    Cracky

    Cracky

    Jun 21, 2013
    Vermont
    Ok, I have another question. With either of the pups selected to full on the P-bass Bart pickup is louder than the j-bass Fender Noiseless. Do you think this is because the Bart is higher output and that is how things are going to be? If I wanted to have them equal I'd need to replace the Fender pup?

    I also notice on the j-bass volume pot that it drops off at full on and is louder just off full position. I'm guessing that the pot is probably out of spec and should probably be replaced if I want it to work as it should? I am an electrician/instrument tech so I know the MO of these pieces. I just have no experience with electric bass guitars other than playing them since 1965.

    Thanks
     
  4. Jul 30, 2013 #4
    Troph

    Troph

    Apr 14, 2011
    Kirkland, WA
    Likely yes... if you test the DC resistance of the split-coil P pickup, it will likely be significantly higher than the Fender J noiseless. DC resistance usually correlates to output signal level, although there are obviously other factors too. You could also try raising the pickup height to see if it has more output to give, but I assume you've done that already.

    It's not a crime to back off a bit on the P pickup volume if you want the J pickup to come forward in the mix... But obviously your overall signal level will be lower than if everything were maxed.
    Unsure about this one, but if you see this "rolloff" at full volume behavior when the P pickup is at 0, then I would have to agree there is a pot issue on the J side.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2013 #5
    Cracky

    Cracky

    Jun 21, 2013
    Vermont
    thanks, Bub.

    I like to have volume controls that will match when I put each to '10'. I am considering a master V, blend (or three position rotary switch), master T control set-up. But I need to balance the pups first. I have not tried to bring the jazz pickup closer to the strings. That's worth a try. Otherwise, any suggestions for a possible jazz pickup match for the Bartollini precision bass pickup?