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vvt to stack knob conversion

USAJO

USAJO

Apr 13, 2005
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#1
I have a USA standard and really miss the 62 RI Jazz I sold years ago. I can't justify spending what the used 62 RI's go for now and was kicking around the idea of converting my VVT to a stack knob. Anyone do this ? Other than the plate are the specs of a 62 RI different than the standard USA Jazz VVT ?

Thanks
 
#3
I used this:

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#5
The original wiring in '59 -'62 had "bridging" resistors to reduce the interactions of the tone controls. The Vintage Series reissues did not. Those resistors decreased the output is like why CBS/Schultz dropped them when starting the Vintage Series. However, the VS stack-knob controls do not work as independently as the originals.

You have to replace all the pots of course, and you're going to need an additional tone capacitor, so just buy a whole kit of the new control plate with the pots and knobs already installable wired. That way you only have to solder the PUP leads and string ground wire.
 
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#9
Had this mod done a week ago on my MIJ '62 reissue (you can see it in my avatar) when I decided I wanted to give my bass a more vintage-y vibe in addition to getting more tonal variety without having to revert to active electronics (my bass' original VVT circuit did not have a proper lefty tone pot, so the tone was essentially an on/off switch). Got the parts (all genuine Fender) off eBay and had them installed with my stock pickups.

Gotta say I love what I'm hearing so far. My bridge pickup sounds a heck of a lot better, while my neck pickup sounds different in a good way - not necessarily "better" since I slightly miss how my neck pickup sounded with the original circuit, but at least different in a nice way. All in all, a splendid improvement.

JTE said:
The original wiring in '59 -'62 had "bridging" resistors to reduce the interactions of the tone controls. The Vintage Series reissues did not. Those resistors decreased the output is like why CBS/Schultz dropped them when starting the Vintage Series. However, the VS stack-knob controls do not work as independently as the originals.
Click to expand...

I concur; I had mine set up without the resistors, no discernible decrease in output when playing with one pickup on one at a time as compared with the stock VVT circuit. In terms of the tone, when I have both pickups on full with the stacked circuit, the bridge tone is effectively "deactivated" while the neck tone makes very slight adjustments on its own; to hear a difference in tone with both pickups on, I have to turn both tone knobs as well. Personally this is a minor issue as I'm one of those people who tend to use their pickups individually anyway, but I understand how it might be a slight issue for those who regularly use both pickups together
 
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#10
Just had a CS Jazz relic converted from stack pot to VVT. I used an aged control-plate assembly fully wired from these folks: Guitar Parts for Madisons Music Store

Considerably darker tone color, but can still sparkle as needed. So I guess you might likely find the change makes your instrument less dark sounding.

I commonly use both pickups, and while I often favor one or the other as needed, running both full is common. Now, I find it a little easier to dial in what I want because of the absence of interaction between two tone controls.
 
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