Why

[Sixgunn]

i don’t understand this. Why buy a bass that was design to souls like it does just to make changes. I have a Fender American elite 5 and dto my ears it sound like a fender Especially in passive mode. The bass cost $2000 + why buy it of all ypu are going to do is cjange the PU or preamp, why not get a custom made bass.

Me thinks someone was absent on proofreading day....

 

[basscapes]

i don’t understand this. Why buy a bass that was design to souls like it does just to make changes. I have a Fender American elite 5 and dto my ears it sound like a fender Especially in passive mode. The bass cost $2000 + why buy it of all ypu are going to do is cjange the PU or preamp, why not get a custom made bass.

Because to get EVERYTHING I'VE EVER WANTED in a custom instrument, built by a REAL instrument, would cost me easily over $4k. I've priced it out already...

Until I get to that point (meaning; my wallet gets heavy enough to justify), I'll be "stuck" buying used instruments that feel good to me, and making them sound as close to my ideal as possible.

 

[J-Bassomatic]

I have to put a large part of it to TB. I have always played them stock but when I read about all the modifications described in these forums, well, it kind of put things into my head. So part of it was that and part of it was just curiosity which can also be a dangerous thing. So I replaced the stock PU on my Squier VM 50s with a Lindy Fralin double coil replacement. The stock PU sounded fine. The Fralin sounds a lot better, a fuller beefier growl but at the same time it still is firmly in the P Bass realm. There be enablers hereabouts.

 

[MattZilla]

I'm that guy! lol but then I paid a whopping $200 for mine and it sounds more like a guitar.
I'll side with the op, maybe just cos I don't have an extra 2K to toss off on a mod platform.

you get that ironed out yet?

 

[HolmeBass]

People can do whatever they like to their bass. Why they do it is not my concern.

Well, outside of basic intellectual curiosity, it’s not a concern of mine, either. But it can be interesting to hear why some changes are made.

 

[Bikeguy57]

Your money would be better spent on a night school english class.

 

[PullThePlug]

Custom resale value is garbage. Check Carvin for that.

Swapping gear on your bass is fun. It's like pedals. Some of us have a need for it.

Personally, I try to keep everything stock/unmodified because I know I can't commit to a purchase.

 

[neddyrow]

A. Don't yuck my yum

B. I like to modify to make the bass more my own. I never plan to sell my main instruments again (toys come and go) so I want my instruments to suit me and my needs.

C. It's fun!

 

[wheelsup247]

The answer Why is because it's a great bass with not so great electronics. I have a 2002 MIM Fender Jazz 5 that structurally, is one of the best basses I have ever owned (and I own currently play a Sadowsky and have owned Lakland USA, Lakland Korea, German Warwick, Pedulla, Fender USA). There's just something about that 2002 MIM Fender Jazz 5 that plays great and it is just solid and true. When I bought it, it had passive electronics which were kind of weak, which I have since changed to a J Retro preamp, and now am looking at new pickups. For those on this thread who have swapped out pickups on Fender Jazz 5's, I'd sure be interested in your recommendations in a PM.

 

[diegom]

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/26937-on-bass-leaving-well-enough-alone
On Bass: Leaving Well Enough Alone | Premier Guitar

Funny, I always manage to quote my fav guitar magazine...

I guess the OP is taking about what Victor mentioned: Changing something just because, or because it cannot be that good to begin with...
@JimmyM said it right "If I mod something, it needs it."

 

[red_rhino]

Don't recall asking for permission

I don't recall you asking for permission either. Now go back and unmod all those basses!

 

[Bass V]

you get that ironed out yet?

I thot I'd made some headway and then I picked it up the other day for a play and it was worse than ever lol but I found a setting on my Fender B-DEC amp which greatly improves things for the moment but all the renown versatility is shot as it's now a one trick pony. ultimately I'm still at a loss to figure this out but at least I've backed away from swapping in new PUs / wiring and am enjoying my new pony for once. it kinda works now and is different than all my other basses so that's pretty cool, but the jury is still out and very confused. thanx for asking, it's been a crazy ride!

 

[Rib 13]

I thot I'd made some headway and then I picked it up the other day for a play and it was worse than ever lol but I found a setting on my Fender B-DEC amp which greatly improves things for the moment but all the renown versatility is shot as it's now a one trick pony. ultimately I'm still at a loss to figure this out but at least I've backed away from swapping in new PUs / wiring and am enjoying my new pony for once. it kinda works now and is different than all my other basses so that's pretty cool, but the jury is still out and very confused. thanx for asking, it's been a crazy ride!

youve been wrestling with the G&L for awhile.........i also have read enough of your posts now (since last chatting with you) to finally understand what youre looking for ( I think, so correct me if Im wrong): Im gathering that you want booming bass low-end, all fundamental, just a basic tone (in some ways, you want an 808 kick drum)...........if it were me, and thats what I was looking for, i would opt for a bass with a pickup right at the neck - like some type of mudbucker, and would use tapewounds coupled with a LOT of power and 15s or 18s for cabs.....the bass would be point of origin and let the amp power carry it...in many ways, i think you want an EB-0, or something like that

 

[BASSKADET]

I changed the pup on my Fender Noir (MX). to Geezers. What a difference.

 

[TheDominoKid]

Have you ever remodeled a kitchen or a bathroom?

 

[jazzyvee]

I never had much success chopping and changing bits when i was a guitarist so i refuse to spend money on that kind of trial and error as a bassist. I just buy the bass that suits what i want and get to know it.

 

[JesterJoker010]

Why bother with worrying what other people do, as long as it doesn't harm anyone?

Also in case you otherwise like the design of whatever bass you buy, but am not 100% satisfied with the tone of it, why not just change the pickups and eventual the preamp, instead of bothering having a whole new custom bass made that would probably end up costing you more but look exactly the same, just with other pickups and preamp installed.

Makes perfect sense to me.

Also I am quite sure that it is more common to mod cheaper basses to your liking than more expensive basses as was your example.

 

[JimmyM]

I don't recall you asking for permission either. Now go back and unmod all those basses!

I actually can...they were non-invasive

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Because some like to and some don't.

 

[Bass V]

youve been wrestling with the G&L for awhile.........i also have read enough of your posts now (since last chatting with you) to finally understand what youre looking for ( I think, so correct me if Im wrong): Im gathering that you want booming bass low-end, all fundamental, just a basic tone (in some ways, you want an 808 kick drum)...........if it were me, and thats what I was looking for, i would opt for a bass with a pickup right at the neck - like some type of mudbucker, and would use tapewounds coupled with a LOT of power and 15s or 18s for cabs.....the bass would be point of origin and let the amp power carry it...in many ways, i think you want an EB-0, or something like that

lol you KNOW I want an EB-O! that's my dream bass and have the one (an old SG) I want (and can afford) in my sights if I can score it soon. but your analysis is spot on and fortunately I'm good with most of my other basses, the L2K being the black sheep along with my Fender Jazz Bass Power Special, it's the Jazz Bass of all time but that's it. I need mudbuckers on everything! lol