So here is my new Squier Chris Aiken Signature Model Precision Bass. The action and maple neck on it make it a dream to play, but I want to replace all of the electronics in it along with the mirrored pickguard. I have been reading up much on this forum on shielding and pickup selections. I optioned to swap out the stock "Duncan Designed" pickups with some Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders and add a CTS 250K tone pot to the circuitry.
Before Stock Picture:
Here it is gutted, except for the ground wire from the bridge to the grounding screw in the cavity body. I left this is place to measure the resistance value and
test just how good the factory conductive paint job is.
Measurement from bridge to grounding screw: 0.1 OHMS
Measurement about 1 inch away from grounding screw: 78 OHMS
Measurement in pickup cavity: 184 OHMS
Measurement by volume control: 177 OHMS
Measurement by input jack: 270 OHMS
From everything I have researched and read, under 100 OHMS is the benchmark that everyone tries to get when shielding. So with that said, can we assume that the factory kind of skimped on the shielding of this bass?
My plan is to:
1) Shield the entire back of the new pickguard (black color) with spray glue and heavy duty aluminum foil. Roll out all air pockets with a squeegee or a rolling pin. Will cut out all openings with combination of razor knife and scissors.
2) Shield the entire inner cavity with copper shielding conductive tape.
3) Install new Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounder pick ups.
4) Install new CTS or Alpha 250k Tone Pot with 0.047 Orange capacitor.
5) Replace all wiring with shielding wiring and make all new solder joints.
Any thoughts on the resistance values stated above or any other pros / cons on what I stated above?
Before Stock Picture:
Here it is gutted, except for the ground wire from the bridge to the grounding screw in the cavity body. I left this is place to measure the resistance value and
test just how good the factory conductive paint job is.
Measurement from bridge to grounding screw: 0.1 OHMS
Measurement about 1 inch away from grounding screw: 78 OHMS
Measurement in pickup cavity: 184 OHMS
Measurement by volume control: 177 OHMS
Measurement by input jack: 270 OHMS
From everything I have researched and read, under 100 OHMS is the benchmark that everyone tries to get when shielding. So with that said, can we assume that the factory kind of skimped on the shielding of this bass?
My plan is to:
1) Shield the entire back of the new pickguard (black color) with spray glue and heavy duty aluminum foil. Roll out all air pockets with a squeegee or a rolling pin. Will cut out all openings with combination of razor knife and scissors.
2) Shield the entire inner cavity with copper shielding conductive tape.
3) Install new Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounder pick ups.
4) Install new CTS or Alpha 250k Tone Pot with 0.047 Orange capacitor.
5) Replace all wiring with shielding wiring and make all new solder joints.
Any thoughts on the resistance values stated above or any other pros / cons on what I stated above?
