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what to do with mim active jazz?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by kevinevinevin, Nov 27, 2005.

  1. Nov 27, 2005 #1
    kevinevinevin

    kevinevinevin

    Aug 22, 2005
    i picked up a mim active jazz for 200$ (i think that is a pretty good price if i do say so myself) so i'm thinking about modifying it but i really don't have any direction. Maybe people could give me suggestions. i'm pretty much up for anything (easy come easy go) pics of suggested modifications would be highly appreciated
     
  2. Nov 27, 2005 #2
    Bobbo 77'

    Bobbo 77'

    Jul 13, 2004
    Iron River, Mich
    Kevinevinevin,
    Here's the ticket for that Bass. I have a deluxe active 5, and if I could do only one think....

    J-retro on-board pre-amp!!!! The drop-in for the Fender jazz bass. That's the ticket!


    Bobbo 77"
     
  3. Nov 27, 2005 #3
    telekaster

    telekaster

    Feb 14, 2005
    San Diego
    Maybe mods should come out of necessity. Live with the bass for a bit and the ideas for mods will come up. For $200 you got yourself a hell of a bass. I have one and I think it's great. The thing is that I don't think the preamp is all that transparent. Even with it set flat, I can't get that rich texture that a passive jazz gives. It could be the noiseless pickups also. I've heard people describe them as "lifeless" but then I've also heard people rave about them. Go figure. I still like this bass very much.

    With all that said, my favorite mod is usually a new set of pickups. Another great mod is to have the frets leveled and polished. It can make an MIM neck feel unbelievable. The thing is, it's not the type of investment that you can expect back in resle. But it's really up to the player to dictate how playable they want the instrument to be. I like all my guitars to play like butter. Nothing makes a guitar feel cheaper than a bad setup.
     
  4. Nov 27, 2005 #4
    Pennydreadful

    Pennydreadful Goin out West

    Jun 13, 2005
    Arlington, Texas
    Great price, yeah.

    I think you'd do well to replace the pre-, though I only play passive so I can't really suggest a good replacement. I just know that whatever the stock pre- on a MIM is probably not gonna be that great.

    Other than that (and maybe new pickups?), if it were me, I'd go all vintage on it. Put on the bridge and pickup covers, a wooden thumbrest, maybe string mutes under the bridge cover, etc.