• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

My New P bass, Poor Man's 62

krovx

krovx

Thump or Bust
Supporting Member
Mar 11, 2003
2,649
613
Michigan, USA
#1
I have really been getting into motown music and wanted a sweet classic P to play along with some tunes. Don't have the dough for a vintage P and the 62 Reissue is big money as well. So I decided, why not try to build one from parts?

Figured why not, I have assembled some awesome strats, so this is my first bass. The parts I get:

Highway One P bass body w/ BA II bridge (2006)

MIJ 62 Reissue neck (someone removed the serial number, ol well plays great and and is in amazing shape! 1987?)

62 reissue Fender pickup

Tort pickguard. I drilled a spot with a drill press to get to the truss rod adjustment at the end of the neck.

TI Jazz flats that I had laying around. (debating about trying some other flats, but I love the squishy feel of the TIs and not a big fan of super stiff flats)

Initially I had some problems putting the neck onto the body. The holes were not lining up. I was thinking I had to fill and redrill the holes. Before I did that, I got some clamps and cork board at the suggestion of a member. After clamping it together, it screwed together easily. This neck & pocket are like glue! Combined with the BA bridge, this bass has sustain!! This bass is also very light, I want to weigh it because I am impressed with how light it is.

Overall, I have an incredible sounding/playing bass. I am still tweaking the setup to my liking, but so far I am very happy. Here are some pics! :cool:

100_1982.gif


100_1983.gif


100_1985.gif


100_1986.gif


100_1987.gif


100_1988.gif


100_1991.gif


100_1992.gif


100_1993.gif


100_1994.gif


100_1995.gif


100_1998.gif


100_2000.gif
 
#13
tdub0199 said:
Looks great!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks man! It really turned out better than I hoped. When you buy individual parts you are always gambling, I lucked out!

panama said:
Really nice job! Woudl you consider getting the neck refin'd in a tint to really finish off the look?
Click to expand...

I was thinking about that. The neck is already finished, and granted I would dig the tint I don't think I want to invest the labor.

StrangerDanger said:
Maybe consider selling the Badass and getting a vintage style fender bridge. Get some more money back and give it the vibe you are looking for. Also maybe wipe it down before glory pics are taken. JK.
Click to expand...

I have considered getting rid of the BA but the truth is I really like BA bridges. The sustain on this thing now is pretty killer, not sure I want to switch up the formula. The extra dough would be nice though :D I kept whipping this thing down, no matter what I did it kept getting smudgy...me and my dang paws :scowl:

bassfunk329 said:
Ashtray!!!!! And pickup cover too and a tug bar. You will be groovin all day long.
Click to expand...

I want to do add the cover! Totally classy! Only thing I don't dig about the BA bridge, can't put the cover on the bridge. Surprisingly I never use a tug bar, I just naturally rest my hand a certain way. I need a foam mute at least! :hyper:

Willicious said:
oh and a big +1 to the TI Jazz Flats.

awesome strings.
Click to expand...

I really dig the TIs. They sound great and they are easy on the hands. Is there other flats similar to TIs or are they kind of a league of their own?
 
#14
I'm in the process of doing something similar with a P I've got. Question, what scale length are the TI Flats? I just returned a set of LaBellas, and a set of Roto 77s to GC because the silk was basically already past the peg on my E. I've got a BAIII on mine (trying to go through the bridge, not through the body).

Yours looks sharp. I'm shooting for a nice metallic blue and lots of chrome on mine.
 
#15
echoSE7EN said:
I'm in the process of doing something similar with a P I've got. Question, what scale length are the TI Flats? I just returned a set of LaBellas, and a set of Roto 77s to GC because the silk was basically already past the peg on my E. I've got a BAIII on mine (trying to go through the bridge, not through the body).

Yours looks sharp. I'm shooting for a nice metallic blue and lots of chrome on mine.
Click to expand...

Blue and chrome looks good too, ala Steve Harris? Good luck man, I was very happy with the outcome. As long as you are patient and cruise the classifieds here you can get a pretty amazing deal.

My TIs are the JF344 set, they care called 'nickle wound steel long scale 34 inches' I hope that helps!
 
#19
Lovely bass!

I would mention though that the Badass II while a fantastic bridge makes for more sustain, and the old school approach was that even the stock bridge had a little too much sustain. Guys would regularly put sponges under the strings just forward of the bridge to mute the bass a little. This will give you an even more authentic Motown sound.



If you follow this link and pause it at about 3:10 you can get a very clear picture of Bob Babbit's Fender Precision with a sponge tucked under the strings just forward of the bridge. Try it, you'll love it!

Cheers! :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back