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Where are the 51-56 single coil precision basses?

If any of you on this SCPB thread are looking for a Seymour Duncan Custom Shop 51 P-Bass Stack pickup, I just posted one for sale here:
For Sale - Seymour Duncan Custom Shop 51 P-Bass Stack pickup - NEW

I had purchased it last year to set up a backup to my Fender CS bass that has a pair of these pickups in it, but have decided I don't really need the back up bass. The pickup is brand new, still in its plastic.
 
I hated the PUP. Sounds nothing like a P.
Swapping the single for a split coil wired in series would have fixed that.

I'm quite partial to the odd SCPB.
SCPB.jpg
 
What models are they? You build any of them yourself or buy them complete?
Most had work done by my own fair hands :laugh:
Far left is MIJ Paisley. Next Harley Benton PB-50 with a Peavey super ferrite. The blue is a pine slab body I built last year. Next 2 are again PB-50's with headstock reshapes,pickup and bridge swaps. There's actually nothing wrong with the bridges or pickups apart from the visuals. I like the 2 saddle bridge for some reason :) Pickups are Bloodstone and Herrick from the UK and a Jess Louerio from Spain.

On the floor is my attempt at the paisley finish and a telecaster build sporting a Chi Sonic. Compared to the MIJ my paisley finish is terrible :laugh: Plans are afoot for another refin :thumbsup:

I highly recommend having a go at building your own Boris.
 
Most had work done by my own fair hands :laugh:
Far left is MIJ Paisley. Next Harley Benton PB-50 with a Peavey super ferrite. The blue is a pine slab body I built last year. Next 2 are again PB-50's with headstock reshapes,pickup and bridge swaps. There's actually nothing wrong with the bridges or pickups apart from the visuals. I like the 2 saddle bridge for some reason :) Pickups are Bloodstone and Herrick from the UK and a Jess Louerio from Spain.

On the floor is my attempt at the paisley finish and a telecaster build sporting a Chi Sonic. Compared to the MIJ my paisley finish is terrible :laugh: Plans are afoot for another refin :thumbsup:

I highly recommend having a go at building your own Boris.

Nice one! Particularly like the look of the MIJ 51 and your blue slab body "sans" pickguard - classy :thumbsup:
How easy is it to convert the PB50 to the 2 saddle bridge? Any of the existing screw holes line up?
 
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How easy is it to convert the PB50 to the 2 saddle bridge? Any of the existing screw holes line up?
It's really easy Boris. I did a "build diary" on Basschat,headstock reshape,copper shielding,pickup swap and change of bridge took 2 hours. That was including photos,plenty coffee,fag breaks and cleaning up:)

The Squier 3 screw/2 saddle bridge work great and the middle screw lines up with the middle screw on the PB50 5 screw bridge.

XaOpw2Om.jpg
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Run 2 wire from the bridge saddles to the nut, this way you can ensure the strings line up with the pickup poles. Different build but same idea,here I marked the poles on tape fixed to the scratchplate.

pT60pBim.jpg


Once you are happy with the position,screw the bridge down. From the top,drill the string through pilot holes using a 5mm drill bit. Flip the body over and drill for the ferrules. I was going flush so started with a 12.5mm countersink then a 9.5mm. The countersinks I used have depth setters on them.

MZQPtKhm.jpg


Tap the ferrules in and it's job done.

The blue slab was a bit more involved. Made an MDF template,placed on top of pine blank and cut round with template router bit. Forgot to take photo of the blank but here's the template and the remains.

rlXMinmm.jpg
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Template had pilot holes for bridge and string through. Ended up with this.

zi0LQsGm.jpg


The control cavity is huge as I planned on a few different options. Standard pots or making a varitone set up,also have a Noll P-bass preamp for a rainy day. Cavity can house the battery. Used a light fast dye for stain.

qfVAYw0m.jpg


This is it assembled. 3pm on New Years day 2019.

01tofgsm.jpg
 
I suppose these are kind of an acquired taste. i have an original '56 and it is amazing. Also Pre CBS P basses, Jazz Basses Old Kay and Silvertones... The Single coil is very loud and bright. Different than a P or J. Maybe they are not popular reissues because people aren't expecting this tone but I love it. Most of my basses are Rosewood, this is obviously maple and there for is noticeably more sustain. This may sound counter-intuitive but when you roll ALL the tone off it is as fat and punchy as any bass I have ever played. The one drawback is it's super clean and not the sort of thing I would take on the road or (god forbid) a club gig.

My birth year! :cool:
 
You're welcome pal. If you fancy giving it a go I've the templates in PDF or the original MDF ones,just PM me and I'll get them to you. I've quite a list of stockists for parts too.

Cool..i'll take you up on that!
You ever managed to find someone who still stocks the Wilkinson fully adjustable 2 saddle bridge (the one the pivots on each post)?
Looks like Wilkinson stopped making them some time ago
 
I modded an already fine Classic Vibe 50's SCPB a year or two ago for an 50's-60's band project that fell through. Turned out real nice. It has been sitting in storage since I only use 5 strings now. So, I decided to put the beauty up for sale in the TB classifiedsView attachment 3393464
Hi, I found the same bass and want to do the same upgrades but I have a question:
Do the Genuine Fender reverse tuners cause neck diving?
Best regards!