NBD: sort of .. as good as

[GManfromOz]

I have a really lightweight Squire P Bass that is awesome for feel and for long gigs but it didn't really cut through. A bit meh really.

So I got an Aguilar 4P-Hot replacement pickup, did the swap and BANG, new Bass. I just got back from rehearsal and the Squire has gone from pussycat to honey badger, better in every respect.

I've never mod-ed a Bass before, now I can't wait to do it on another of my vanilla collection.

What would you do to a MIJ Aerodyne? Or a Squire PJ 5 string?

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

I'd leave the Aerodyne alone.
PJ5, I'd ask if it really needs anything.
Also, be aware that if you mod them all the same,
they end up sounding much the same.
Then, what's the point of having different basses?

 

[azfatboy]

I agree, I wouldn't touch an Aerodyne. That bass is on my short list, and I want one just like they come.

I think the biggest thing I think about changing on the cheaper Fenders and Squires would be the bridge, strings, and maybe the tuners. The pickups would only enter into it if I really couldn't get a sound I liked out of it. Sounds like that was exactly what you needed, though, so great job! But like BW said, if you just automatically put different pickups in everything, they will all start sounding the same...

Congrats! I agree that sometimes even a small change can make a huge change in how you feel about an instrument.

 

[Eilif]

I agree, I wouldn't touch an Aerodyne. That bass is on my short list, and I want one just like they come.

I think the biggest thing I think about changing on the cheaper Fenders and Squires would be the bridge, strings, and maybe the tuners. The pickups would only enter into it if I really couldn't get a sound I liked out of it. Sounds like that was exactly what you needed, though, so great job! But like BW said, if you just automatically put different pickups in everything, they will all start sounding the same...

Congrats! I agree that sometimes even a small change can make a huge change in how you feel about an instrument.

I'd disagree a bit. If the stock pickup is good, then that's ok, but I've found that a pickup upgrade is the mod that has THE BIGGEST effect on tone. Pickups are the thing that captures the tone of the bass and they're also the point where its easiset (possibly equaled by the electric harness) for a company to skimp to save money.

I do agree if you put the same pup in all your p-basses they'll all sound the same, but I'm not somone who will likely ever have more than one or two P-basses. Also, if you prefer greater sustain a bridge swap can be a huge difference if the stock bridge is vintage-bent-style. For folks who like a vintage tone though, a bridge swap is often not necessary.

Swapping out a pup can make a cheapie sound very close to a more expensive bass, especially with passive instruments. However, there's alot more about the construction of instruments than the pickup that contributes to things like durability, ergonomics and style and that's what you get at higher price points.

 

[GManfromOz]

Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that I'd put the same pups in all but I take your point.s. I've got a Squire Mustang 5 string i got cheap just to familiarise myself with 5s. It's doesn't sound too good so that might be the next patient.

I've had a number of high end basses, a MIA Fender P deluxe being one, and I've often been a bit disappointed putting aside playability and durability that is.

 

[DavidEdenAria]

I'd leave the Aerodyne alone.
PJ5, I'd ask if it really needs anything.
Also, be aware that if you mod them all the same,
they end up sounding much the same.
Then, what's the point of having different basses?

But.....maybe different strings on each....a different bass for every day of the week?