Sting (or 50' reissues) bass mods!

[Kirk Bryant]

Here’s one I built from parts last year. 50’s Squier body and refin vintage tint neck. I used the Wilkinson bridge (strings strung through) the added ferrules, SD Antiquity PU too.
Sadly it came out a little too heavy for me to gig regularly. However it is a tone monster.
I have no issues with the intonation with this bridge. Hard to tell in pic but a contoured body.

 

[steeq]

And how's that bridge holding up? Better intonation? Also, where did you get it? I haven't been able to find it online

yes, intonation is easier than with the stock bridge, but it's still far from an easy task as with a regular four saddles bridge... anyway once you find a good intonation, the saddles are blocked by the hex screw, so it's a one time job; if I remember well, i spotted this bridge on eBay

 

[2saddleslab]

Electrosocket is a nice improvement. Worth knowing that Switchcraft makes a longer necked jack which, when used with the Electrosocket, allows use of either straight or right angle tipped cables (if using the more common size, you're generally limited to straight tips). *IF* changing the bridge, the Fender American Deluxe (at least was) a direct replacement using the same holes and allowing either top load or string through.

I use the common size Switchcraft and right angle plugs (exclusively)with no problem.

 

[Dynacord]

I use the common size Switchcraft and right angle plugs (exclusively)with no problem.

Interesting. Perhaps difference in the angled tips. I had a couple which wouldn't quite reach so switched and no problem.

 

[redstrand]

<-----look at my signature

I second the electrosocket jack, best way to be. I did get the grooved saddles, more stable and easier to tweak

 

[bassbengoa]

<-----look at my signature

I second the electrosocket jack, best way to be. I did get the grooved saddles, more stable and easier to tweak

What pickup is that?

 

[Mike Marshall]

Hey!

I just got hold of a 2002 Sting bass CIJ. I am thinking of doing a couple of mods, but I would like some enlightment. I searched the forums and apparently the 3 most common mods are:
- Electrosocket jack
- Ashtray covers for pickup and bridge
- Bridge swap

Currently I am thinking of changing the jack as it is loose. Also, I would like to try using covers, but I am not sold on it yet. I like the pickup as it is.

If you have any of those or other modifications, please, I would appreciate suggestions and -specially- pictures! We all love eye candy

My new Sting:
View attachment 3320189

I have had this type bridge on 3 basses over the years and they have never been a problem. I did replace the pickup on one bass with a Lindy Fralin split coil. I also did put the pickup cover on so I could anchor my thumb. Original basses of this period used a pickguard very close to what you have now and I have used GHS brite flats Fender flats and GHS flats with good results

 

[DavC]

i installed a Split coil in my 50's 5ver ... i like things quiet and hum free ..

 

[DigitalMan]

I was expecting to see a very long bass in this thread.

 

[ATLbassist]

If you really want to get interesting on the pickguard, someone in a thread about Squier CV 50s Precisions had one made out of tooled leather. Imagine if Waylon Jennings held onto his Buddy Holly bass and got it fixed up like his Telecaster.

 

[redstrand]

What pickup is that?

It's the same chinabucker that's in the new Embassy and Thunderbirds. The reissue had lots of mods that were done and the top wasn't a perfect match so it made a perfect candidate for mods. I posted a thread a couple years ago when I did it.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi bassbengoa

I just got hold of a 2002 Sting bass CIJ.

Happy NBD!!!


Mods?

1) The lousy jack has to go!

2) The pick guard too!!! (IMO )

3) Keep the bridge! (IMO )

4) When you have ashtrays, put them on your amp! Not on the bass! (IMO )

5) Sand it down! It needs a black rattle can job! (IMO )

6) I would not like someone else' s name on my bass = sell the neck with the mechanics! (IMO )

7) Get a lefty fretless neck with lollipops instead! (IMO )

8) Get two of these for the potis (IMO )

I would like some enlightment.

I hope I could help with my mod!!!

Have fun, enjoy your bass!!!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass​

 

[Dynacord]

It's the same chinabucker that's in the new Embassy and Thunderbirds. The reissue had lots of mods that were done and the top wasn't a perfect match so it made a perfect candidate for mods. I posted a thread a couple years ago when I did it.

I did similar with my paisley (though Gibson pickups - no easily available alternatives at the time)

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Here’s one I built from parts last year. 50’s Squier body and refin vintage tint neck. I used the Wilkinson bridge (strings strung through) the added ferrules, SD Antiquity PU too.
Sadly it came out a little too heavy for me to gig regularly. However it is a tone monster.
I have no issues with the intonation with this bridge. Hard to tell in pic but a contoured body.
View attachment 3320785

Cool! Is that the Mary Kay Pink or the Fender Blonde?

 

[bassmanrocke]

Nordstrand is producing a side by side humbucker for them now. My 53 has lost the majority of it's output so that's my main upgrade once I catch up on the bills.

 

[porterbass]

Install a second Single Coil pickup. Provides a ton of tone variation. It can get punchy and even grindy when mixing in the bridge pickup. This is my Fender Custom Shop bass that came stock like this with 2 Seymour Duncan CS '51 Stack pickups (same pickup as in the Fender CS Dusty Hill).

Congrats on your NBD! Replace the jack as noted by others here, I vote to keep the bridge and remove the pickguard on yours if possible. And I find nothing wrong with the Stinglay on the neck so keep the neck.

 

[Five String]

Can't resist re-posting a pic or two of my '55. You can see more and read about it here: A (vintage) 1955 Classic P-bass Reborn!

View attachment 3320425 View attachment 3320428

God, why do you have to do this? I drooled over your build thread and now you're giving me mental illness level GAS all over again!!!

 

[bassfreakah]

What a cool bass!!!!!
I love this discussion too!!!!!

 

[jhb138]

I installed a Wilkinson two-saddles swivel bridge on mine, to improve intonation while retaining vintage style, and upgraded pickup to Seymour Duncan SCPB-1 with a slight improvement over the stock Fender pickup, mounted GHS Precision Flats 45-105 for old style warm sound and thump, tried Rotosound 77 that were too harsh for me.
View attachment 3320772

I would love to get my hands on one of those. Probably the only replacement bridge I'd consider for my slab.

I use the common size Switchcraft and right angle plugs (exclusively)with no problem.

Same here.

 

[pfschim]

on my CIJ 51p reissue, I replaced the stock p/u's with the Lindy Fralin 51p split coils, mostly to help with hum. They sound a little different than the stock pu's, more depth and a bit brighter, so I'd say better overall, but not significantly different (at least to my ears). Really helped with the single coil hum of the stock p/u's though.

I also changed up the stock black matte pickguard with a layered and beveled white pearloid one from Pickguardian.

I kept the stock two saddle bridge. I don't have any meaningful issues with intonation with the stock bridge.

Looks good, sounds great. nice bass.