Projekt In Progress: "Jazz-Ray" Build

[Malak the Mad]

Oh! Be sure to measure from the same side of the fret every time and across all basses.

Damn good point! I'm sure (tech)Mike knows to do that, but I can always make sure that I drop the hint in the form of a question. Something to the tune of, "Question for you, Mike…do you measure from the closest or furthest side of the 12th fret?". It's a great way to drive a point home while appearing to be intellectually curious about something. It just so happens that, in this case, I am quite curious!

 

[DanAdams]

I'm about to start my early 80's Ibanez Roadstar MM style mod using the fabulous Ibanez atk bridge which conveniently covers the old bridge pickup hole. I'm excited about this one. I hate the single coil bridge pickup that was in this. It's so noisey, but the split coil is great.

 

[MobileHolmes]

I have a friend whose main bass is an 80s MIJ P Bass. When he got it, it had a G & L humbucker installed in the bridge position. He said it sounded great, but it over powered the stock pickup; it sounded like crap. He replaced it with a Duncan Quarter Pounder. Then it sounded great.
The QP had enough output to balance the humbucker, so they sounded good together, and when he used just the P pickup, he didn't have to contend with a significant volume drop. The tone of the two pickups was huge.
I'm not sure what kind of front pickup you want to use, but I just thought I'd throw that out there. I like the suggestion about using a Nordstrand big single.
(btw, another friend of mine has ordered a Nordstrand big single, that he is going to put in his single pu Jaguar bass. I'm looking forward to hearing it when he's done. It will be mounted in the MM 'sweet spot')

quarter pound p pickup has as much output as any if my active basses

 

[spaz21387]

Wow! All that effort just before 2am Western Time?! Maxi-big thanks!

Sadly, I may be able to grasp some of the basic concepts, but I wouldn't know the "hows" and "whats" of the finer points of wiring electronics. That's where I depend upon (tech)Mike, to do all the stuff that, in my mind, falls somewhere between Alchemy and Keebler Elf Magic. But considering what you say about the S.U.B.'s pickup wiring and performance, and if it's echoed by enough people, I think I can scratch that off the list of possibilities.

Is your extra GFS ceramic or AlNiCo?

I think its ceramic but i could be wrong its the pro one.

 

[bassbones2]

View attachment 680023 Pickup placement comparison

the Lakland is 35 inch scale so no bueno
JB

 

[stonehenge]

What happened to the e string?

Weird photo angle, it's aligned normally

 

[stonehenge]

Here's what it sounds like for me

 

[Awesome Sauce]

the Lakland is 35 inch scale so no bueno
JB

You're absolutely correct! I always forget they're 35.

 

[Awesome Sauce]

There's this one, too. A little different than the one you posted, Malak.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I think its ceramic but i could be wrong its the pro one.

Hmm…according to the Guitar Fetish site, they're both labeled as "PRO". However, they do have individual part numbers; "T1" for the ceramics and "T2" for the Alnico ones. Are there any markings on the bottom?

Although I was ideally thinking of getting two Alnico pickups for it, you do have me thinking of an alternative. Something to the tune of an Alnico in the bridge position, to try for the vintage sound, and to have a more modern-style ceramic pup in the neck position. That could conceivably impart even more versatility, no?

I think I could work with that, but it'll require a bit more thought.

 

[spaz21387]

I think the box says t1 on it ill check when im back home. Im on my way to work. If you want it let me know just cover shipping costs.

 

[Petebass]

If I may come in here with a little of what I learned when I designed my P-Ray (Stingray bass with added Split P pickup).

Firstly the preamp. I came across this excellent thread on the Seymour Duncan forums where someone went to the trouble of measuring the frequency response of several well known preamps. Two current MM preamps are included. These will give you a very good idea of what makes the MM preamp sound so distinctive:-

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Regarding the balancing of different pickup outputs, Bartolini offer a simple solution. I installed their buffer circuit which lets you adjust the output of each pickup individually. It works very nicely, so don't be afraid of looking into unusual or uncommon pickup configurations.

 

[Freightshaker]

Sub'd for the tips. I'm also starting a similar build I'm calling the "Fleoman Pea-ray". Those Guitar Fetish pickups are almost too cheap not to try.

I suggest calling USAGC quick to check on wood availability. Mine took longer than I had hoped but no regrets, '62 jazz profile, 7.25 straight. It's beautiful. I was going to test spray polly clear today but the humidity is too high.

 

[Malak the Mad]

If I may come in here with a little of what I learned when I designed my P-Ray (Stingray bass with added Split P pickup).

Firstly the preamp. I came across this excellent thread on the Seymour Duncan forums where someone went to the trouble of measuring the frequency response of several well known preamps. Two current MM preamps are included. These will give you a very good idea of what makes the MM preamp sound so distinctive:-

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Regarding the balancing of different pickup outputs, Bartolini offer a simple solution. I installed their buffer circuit which lets you adjust the output of each pickup individually. It works very nicely, so don't be afraid of looking into unusual or uncommon pickup configurations.

Firstly, thanks for that! Now that's what I call solid "iron sights".

Secondly, deduct ½-a-thanks for making my head spin like a top! But then, I was too busy taking art classes in high school to bother with physics and chemistry. However, I think I can just barely wrap my head around the figures. I mean, I understand the differences between high and low frequencies. (Never go headphone shopping with me…I am an Unholy Terror! It usually goes something like, "Hey clerk! Why the fizzity-uck don't these $150 earbuds even have the dynamic range printed on the box?! What kinda rube do you take me for?!?")

Sub'd for the tips. I'm also starting a similar build I'm calling the "Fleoman Pea-ray". Those Guitar Fetish pickups are almost too cheap not to try.

I suggest calling USAGC quick to check on wood availability. Mine took longer than I had hoped but no regrets, '62 jazz profile, 7.25 straight. It's beautiful. I was going to test spray polly clear today but the humidity is too high.View attachment 680372

Good luck with your build, Freight! That speckled-grain looks gorgeous. Oh, and Mad Love for vintage-radiused fretboards!!

I talked to Dan at USACG about a week-and-a-half ago. He said at this time the wait would be about four to six weeks. However, I'm not in any rush to get the neck. I'll probably get one as either a "belated birthday present to myself" this fall or perhaps place an order somewhere around Christmas/New Years. Besides, I have yet-another project in the queue…

…and since I have something of a built-in audience here, not to mention it's my thread, I can get away with a minor derailment!

Earlier this year, I found out Fender had discontinued the Blacktop bass series. If anyone remembers, I am a huge fan of the Blacktop Jazz. This prompted me to try to seek out a good deal on a White Chrome Pearl BT-J body (thanks, TB Classifieds!). But not just for any run-of-the-mill/paint-by-numbers/fill-in-the-blanks project. No Siree-Bob! I wanted to do something special. So I started going through my inventory of spare parts to see what inspired me.

I already had a set of Blacktop pickups+wiring harness from the Stratosphere, but then I found a three-way ON/ON/ON switch and a TBX circuit I'd picked up for separate projects that never saw the light of day. That's when it hit me! <insert record needle scratch SFX> I could make a unique tribute to the '80s-era Fender Japan Jazz Bass Specials. Y'know, the one that Duff McKagan bought specifically to record "Appetite For Destruction" and paved the way for If anyone remembers, I am a huge fan of the Blacktop Jazz.? That one!

Since then, I've been assembling some black hardware (bridge, strap pins, etc…). Now, I'm trying to get my hands on one of the discontinued Squier Standard P-Bass Specials, specifically the Black & Chrome Edition, to harvest the neck. I might even go take it a bit further and do a glossy black finish on the exposed maple.

So when it's finished, I should have a double-Precision-pup'd Jazz with a three-way pickup selector switch and a TBX tone circuit! Suffice it to say, I am very excited about the prospect!

Here's a quick & dirty mock-up…

 

[Malak the Mad]

I think the box says t1 on it ill check when im back home. Im on my way to work. If you want it let me know just cover shipping costs.

Wow! Thanks Spaz!!

Tell you what, if it's enough to call it even, check out the "String Sale" linked to my signature. Pick out a set of strings and I'll gladly send it in exchange for the pickup.

 

[LightForce104]

Firstly, thanks for that! Now that's what I call solid "iron sights".

Secondly, deduct ½-a-thanks for making my head spin like a top! But then, I was too busy taking art classes in high school to bother with physics and chemistry. However, I think I can just barely wrap my head around the figures. I mean, I understand the differences between high and low frequencies. (Never go headphone shopping with me…I am an Unholy Terror! It usually goes something like, "Hey clerk! Why the fizzity-uck don't these $150 earbuds even have the dynamic range printed on the box?! What kinda rube do you take me for?!?")



Good luck with your build, Freight! That speckled-grain looks gorgeous. Oh, and Mad Love for vintage-radiused fretboards!!

I talked to Dan at USACG about a week-and-a-half ago. He said at this time the wait would be about four to six weeks. However, I'm not in any rush to get the neck. I'll probably get one as either a "belated birthday present to myself" this fall or perhaps place an order somewhere around Christmas/New Years. Besides, I have yet-another project in the queue…

…and since I have something of a built-in audience here, not to mention it's my thread, I can get away with a minor derailment!

Earlier this year, I found out Fender had discontinued the Blacktop bass series. If anyone remembers, I am a huge fan of the Blacktop Jazz. This prompted me to try to seek out a good deal on a White Chrome Pearl BT-J body (thanks, TB Classifieds!). But not just for any run-of-the-mill/paint-by-numbers/fill-in-the-blanks project. No Siree-Bob! I wanted to do something special. So I started going through my inventory of spare parts to see what inspired me.

I already had a set of Blacktop pickups+wiring harness from the Stratosphere, but then I found a three-way ON/ON/ON switch and a TBX circuit I'd picked up for separate projects that never saw the light of day. That's when it hit me! <insert record needle scratch SFX> I could make a unique tribute to the '80s-era Fender Japan Jazz Bass Specials. Y'know, the one that Duff McKagan bought specifically to record "Appetite For Destruction" and paved the way for If anyone remembers, I am a huge fan of the Blacktop Jazz.? That one!

Since then, I've been assembling some black hardware (bridge, strap pins, etc…). Now, I'm trying to get my hands on one of the discontinued Squier Standard P-Bass Specials, specifically the Black & Chrome Edition, to harvest the neck. I might even go take it a bit further and do a glossy black finish on the exposed maple.

So when it's finished, I should have a double-Precision-pup'd Jazz with a three-way pickup selector switch and a TBX tone circuit! Suffice it to say, I am very excited about the prospect!

Here's a quick & dirty mock-up…

Please, Malak, don't bring up the Blacktop here... I'm still gassing for one...

 

[Snakeman1066]

Please, Malak, don't bring up the Blacktop here... I'm still gassing for one...

yes this!!! damn you Malak I wondered who beat me to that body..lol ...I was gonna slap a bound and blocked maple P bass neck on that and call it a day..lol

but as I own a Double P B.C. Rich and Plenty of P basses I decided to go the MM/J route.....though I may still try to find a Blacktop or Modern Player body

 

[Malak the Mad]

Please, Malak, don't bring up the Blacktop here... I'm still gassing for one...

Cheer up, Big Kahuna! Not all is lost. Between eBay and Guitar Center's used database, I'm sure you'll get one someday. (Does GC ship to HI?) Besides, with a retail price of $500 brand-new, it shouldn't cost you a fortune to acquire it.

yes this!!! damn you Malak I wondered who beat me to that body..lol ...I was gonna slap a bound and blocked maple P bass neck on that and call it a day..lol

Are you talking about the one located in Pennsylvania that was languishing in the Classifieds for almost a year? 'Cuz if so, I'd hardly call that "beating anyone to the punch".

Tell you what, you two...if I finish the MIJ Tribute project and decide to sell it, I'll arrange a meet-up and y'all can get all-Thunderdomey over it.
"TWO MEN ENTER! ONE BASS LEAVES!!"

 

[LightForce104]

Cheer up, Big Kahuna! Not all is lost. Between eBay and Guitar Center's used database, I'm sure you'll get one someday. (Does GC ship to HI?) Besides, with a retail price of $500 brand-new, it shouldn't cost you a fortune to acquire it.



Are you talking about the one located in Pennsylvania that was languishing in the Classifieds for almost a year? 'Cuz if so, I'd hardly call that "beating anyone to the punch".

Tell you what, you two...if I finish the MIJ Tribute project and decide to sell it, I'll arrange a meet-up and y'all can get all-Thunderdomey over it.
"TWO MEN ENTER! ONE BASS LEAVES!!"

Honestly, Malak, that bass is definitely looking less and less appealing to me, and I'm certain you'll absolutely hate it. I can definitely arrange for that bass to be disposed of immediately, free of charge, at a place conveniently located close to my house.

 

[spaz21387]

I think if i had to pick id go with the ghs boomers only because the only basses that need new strings are the stingrays. Oh and you have to post sound clips of the completed bass when its all done...