£400 to mod my Jazz! UPDATED!

[ConnorHamilton]

*UPDATED - I DON'T MESS AROUND:p*

Mods for my MIM Fender Jazz 60's reissue!

So far it's the following:-

Pickups - Now think Dimarzio Model P or Will Power and Ultra jazz but gonna try the Pre first!!
Pickguard - Going to order one from Warmouth but they state they don't fit some MIMs so not sure!! Any advice??
Preamp - *BOUGHT* Audere JZ3 Preamp - been Jonesing for one for so long! Thanks 2x18!!
Tuners - hopefully should have the deal closed on a set of Black Hipshot HB2s next week with Chrkelly!!
Bridge - No plans to change!!

Thanks for everyone's help so far been fantastic and I've got more ideas for the future!

Got one last piece of the puzzle in the pipeline! Fingers crossed!!

Thanks in advance!

Connor

Edited May 27, 2011 by ConnorHamilton

[charic]

What kind of sound are you going for? Have you considered an acg pre?

Have you used the SD pickups already and liked them or are you guessing? Check wizard? Routing may not be necessary.

Only other thing ill add is I suggest you do one change at a time, oh and don't forget you'll need to route for the battery

[ConnorHamilton]

[quote name='charic' post='1246568' date='May 27 2011, 06:41 AM']What kind of sound are you going for? Have you considered an acg pre?

Have you used the SD pickups already and liked them or are you guessing? Check wizard? Routing may not be necessary.

Only other thing ill add is I suggest you do one change at a time, oh and don't forget you'll need to route for the battery [/quote]

I'm terrible at describing sounds! I'm mainly a slap player but also play a lot of rock and metal with friends so I'm looking for something that can give me a good clean, HiFi slap tone but with option to dirty it up!

I've used SD QPs before and liked them a lot! I'll definately look in Wizard Mate thanks!

The Audere preamps actually say there is usually no need to route as the designed to fit straight into a standard jazz cavity! I've used the ACG preamps on Alans own basses but the filter Pre isn't what I'm looking for a the moment!

And yes, I'll be doing one bit at a time! Preamp probably first!

Thanks,

Connor

[BassBod]

I'd try and avoid routing, and stick to a J/J set up (with old style DiMarzio humbuckers). I've always found SD QP's a bit over-blown. You also may not need a pre-amp onboard? There are loads of external preamps (Sadowsky, Aguilar etc) that can be added when you need it but also used with other basses.

[AttitudeCastle]

Dimarzio Model Js or Area Jazz pickups, and you won't need a pre-amp Awesome pickups! I love Dimarzios !

[charic]

[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246569' date='May 27 2011, 07:03 AM']I'm terrible at describing sounds! I'm mainly a slap player but also play a lot of rock and metal with friends so I'm looking for something that can give me a good clean, HiFi slap tone but with option to dirty it up!

I've used SD QPs before and liked them a lot! I'll definately look in Wizard Mate thanks!

The Audere preamps actually say there is usually no need to route as the designed to fit straight into a standard jazz cavity! I've used the ACG preamps on Alans own basses but the filter Pre isn't what I'm looking for a the moment!

And yes, I'll be doing one bit at a time! Preamp probably first!

Thanks,

Connor[/quote]


Might be a strange choice but what about a set of EMG's? Wizard will sort a sound if you can describe it though!

[ikay]

The Audere JZ3 and battery should just drop into the existing control cavity. Went into my JO4 no problem. Its a great pre, the eq frequencies are very well chosen to bring out the best in a jazz. I use the 'standard' z mode most of the time which is familiar jazz territory. Lo-z opens up a deeper and darker range of tones for when the occasion demands. I don't find a lot of use for hi-z mode.

You can buy over here from Bass Direct - [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Audere_JZ_Preamps_.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...Z_Preamps_.html[/url]. If you order direct from the US add about 25 percent for VAT and customs charges.

[waynepunkdude]

Essential if you're going to mod anything.


[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAMBRETTA-VESPA-SCOOTER-STADIUM-ORIGINAL-MIRRORS-1960-/230625028161?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item35b252a841#ht_500wt_1156"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAMBRETTA-VESPA-SCOO...1#ht_500wt_1156[/url]

[2x18]

PMed

[ConnorHamilton]

[quote name='BassBod' post='1246572' date='May 27 2011, 07:11 AM']I'd try and avoid routing, and stick to a J/J set up (with old style DiMarzio humbuckers). I've always found SD QP's a bit over-blown. You also may not need a pre-amp onboard? There are loads of external preamps (Sadowsky, Aguilar etc) that can be added when you need it but also used with other basses.[/quote]

Not looking for external mate, I hate pedals more than a kick in the nads. And I'm really happy with the EQ in my other basses.

[quote name='AttitudeCastle' post='1246581' date='May 27 2011, 07:34 AM']Dimarzio Model Js or Area Jazz pickups, and you won't need a pre-amp Awesome pickups! I love Dimarzios ![/quote]

I'll look into those mate! If there good enough for Billy Sheehan!

Thanks.

[quote name='charic' post='1246608' date='May 27 2011, 08:10 AM']Might be a strange choice but what about a set of EMG's? Wizard will sort a sound if you can describe it though![/quote]

I've looked at EMG's mate especially since Victor uses them. I see the PJ Set and PJX set come with preamps. They any good?

[quote name='ikay' post='1246631' date='May 27 2011, 08:38 AM']The Audere JZ3 and battery should just drop into the existing control cavity. Went into my JO4 no problem. Its a great pre, the eq frequencies are very well chosen to bring out the best in a jazz. I use the 'standard' z mode most of the time which is familiar jazz territory. Lo-z opens up a deeper and darker range of tones for when the occasion demands. I don't find a lot of use for hi-z mode.

You can buy over here from Bass Direct - [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Audere_JZ_Preamps_.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...Z_Preamps_.html[/url]. If you order direct from the US add about 25 percent for VAT and customs charges.[/quote]

Yeah that sounds great mate and definately what I'm looking for! Its still about 15 quid more expensive to buy from Bass Direct with with taxes so will probably go direct

[Ou7shined]

Two words. Lindy Fralin.

[ThomBassmonkey]

[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246653' date='May 27 2011, 09:07 AM']Not looking for external mate, I hate pedals more than a kick in the nads. And I'm really happy with the EQ in my other basses.[/quote]

An external pre-amp isn't like a pedal other than looks. Apart from it being an extra thing to carry about, it's exactly like an internal pre-amp. It'd probably be about the same price and you won't need to route your bass out to fit it like you would a battery.

As for pickups, ever thought about delanos? They're quite expensive, they're amazing pickups though.

[markstuk]

The John East J-Retro preamp is also a "drop in"installation as well AFAIK..


[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246509' date='May 27 2011, 12:32 AM']Hey all,

Was going to save for a Lakland 4401 but have decided to fulfill an ambition of mine and mod my 2002 Fender Jazz 62 Reissue!

So far I'm think the following:-

Pickups - Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder P/J Set (will require routing) about £125
Pickguard - white tortoise shell (will hide the routing, hard to find a j guard with P hole Though!!) about £20
Preamp - Audere 3 band with Z mode or Glockenlang 2 band stacked (Not sure yet!) about £120
Tuners - I have no idea, would love some suggestions! Possibly a xtender if I can afford one! £No idea?!

I like the bridge on there but I'll hear suggestions!

The only thing I've changed on a bass before are strings so any suggestions/tips/advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Also anyone who has ordered from Audere, what kind of customs charges did you end up with?

Thanks in advance!

Connor[/quote]

[xilddx]

Keep the pups. Keep the bridge.

Get a J-Retro 01 : £195 minus Basschat discount

Get Hipshot Tuners & Bass Xtender (from the USA, much cheaper) : £120ish

Get your White Pearl PG : £30ish

[ConnorHamilton]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1246734' date='May 27 2011, 10:12 AM']Two words. Lindy Fralin.[/quote]

Really mate, that good? I'll look up some reviews! Any models in particular. Thanks for chiming in mate, I semi-recall a heft drinking session in Moffat! Haha

[quote name='ThomBassmonkey' post='1246864' date='May 27 2011, 11:46 AM']An external pre-amp isn't like a pedal other than looks. Apart from it being an extra thing to carry about, it's exactly like an internal pre-amp. It'd probably be about the same price and you won't need to route your bass out to fit it like you would a battery.

As for pickups, ever thought about delanos? They're quite expensive, they're amazing pickups though.[/quote]


Well the Audere pre I've been looking at requires no routing and will fit straight in my bass but thanks for the info. Maybe something I will look into in the future.

[quote name='markstuk' post='1246876' date='May 27 2011, 11:56 AM']The John East J-Retro preamp is also a "drop in"installation as well AFAIK..[/quote]

Yeah definately another one I've been looking at though considerably more expensive!




Cheers guys, the advice is invaluable!!

[ConnorHamilton]

[quote name='silddx' post='1246912' date='May 27 2011, 12:11 PM']Keep the pups. Keep the bridge.

Get a J-Retro 01 : £195 minus Basschat discount

Get Hipshot Tuners & Bass Xtender (from the USA, much cheaper) : £120ish

Get your White Pearl PG : £30ish[/quote]

Basschat discount? What's this?

Connor

[LawrenceH]

[shameless plug] I'm selling a J-Retro 01 that I got in a trade and never got round to fitting if anyone's interested [/shameless plug]

I must say I've never tried them myself, but I love the tone of other people's basses fitted with DiMarzios! When funds allow my 75RI is getting Model Js.

[bubinga5]

Ive got an Audere in my 62 and it is seriously good... i doubt you will need to change the pickups..the Audere is great with my Jap pickups..

[ConnorHamilton]

[quote name='LawrenceH' post='1246942' date='May 27 2011, 12:25 PM'][shameless plug] I'm selling a J-Retro 01 that I got in a trade and never got round to fitting if anyone's interested [/shameless plug]

I must say I've never tried them myself, but I love the tone of other people's basses fitted with DiMarzios! When funds allow my 75RI is getting Model Js.[/quote]

Yeah I've heard the Model J's are good but the Ultra J's are definately sounding like my kind of thing. They are officially on my radar!


[quote name='bubinga5' post='1246961' date='May 27 2011, 12:37 PM']Ive got an Audere in my 62 and it is seriously good... i doubt you will need to change the pickups..the Audere is great with my Jap pickups..[/quote]

Really mate!? That's great. I'm definately going for the preamp first to see how I get on before touching the pickups!

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246569' date='May 27 2011, 07:03 AM'].....[b]I'm mainly a slap player but also play a lot of rock and metal [/b]with friends so I'm looking for something that can give me a good clean, HiFi slap tone but with option to dirty it up! ....[/quote]
[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246916' date='May 27 2011, 12:12 PM']Really mate, that good? I'll look up some reviews! Any models in particular. Thanks for chiming in mate, I semi-recall a heft drinking session in Moffat! Haha...[/quote]
Ah ha the penny drops.

How's it going Connor. That was some night eh?

Yeah, Fralins are seriously good Jazz pups. I have a set in one of my homemades along with a Aguilar OBP-3 (wired for 18v) and man it brings a smile to my face every time I hear it live.
I have the single coil ones in my bass but I've heard good things about the split coil jobs and always fancied trying them, if only out of curiosity.

Having heard your playing style I'd easily recommend this combo to you. I think you'd probably get some joy out of a John East pre too.

[bubinga5]

[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246973' date='May 27 2011, 12:47 PM']Yeah I've heard the Model J's are good but the Ultra J's are definately sounding like my kind of thing. They are officially on my radar!




Really mate!? That's great. I'm definately going for the preamp first to see how I get on before touching the pickups![/quote]im sure the tone would be better with a pair of Lindy's or Barts..(would be my choice) but with with the japan pups it does sound superb.. its the way to go for a jazz pre amp..or J East but thats more expensive.. an audere with great pickups would sound superb!.. but for the extra 100-200 squid, its not that much difference..IMHO

[xilddx]

[quote name='ConnorHamilton' post='1246918' date='May 27 2011, 12:15 PM']Basschat discount? What's this?

Connor[/quote]
Call John East and ask his advice on what you need, he'll tell you you need a J-Retro 01 for a standard Jazz Bass. John is incredibly helpful and a real gent, so don't be afraid to call him. If you tell him you are a basschat member (and can demonstrate that), you get a discount, I forget what it is, either 5% or 10%. I only asked for that on the first one I ordered as I personally don't want to take advantage and I see it as an introductory offer.

The J-Retro 01 will transform your bass into a tone monster, but still has passive modes which still work with a dead battery and sound like your original bass without the preamp. And unless your pickups are complete sh*t, you won't need to change them.

I swear to you, you will ADORE the J-Retro, it's voiced beautifully. And it's virtually solderless as the pickup connections are screw terminals. Only the grounds needs to be soldered but you could probably get away with twisting the bare wires together securely and taping them.

I have a thread somewhere here with before and after comparison clips, gimme a sec. Here you go [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123987&hl=retro+comparison"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...etro+comparison[/url] 485 downloads of the clips, so that means 485 J-Retros sold

Trust me, you will love it

[xilddx]

[quote name='markstuk' post='1246876' date='May 27 2011, 11:56 AM']The John East J-Retro preamp is also a "drop in"installation as well AFAIK..[/quote]
Absolutely correct, No routing required on a normal Jazz control route. My Jap Jazz had a taper at the output jack end so I had to ream a millimetre or two in so the switch housing wou;ld go in, but most normal jazzes don't have a taper route.

[risingson]

Just personal preference here but from what I've played personally I have enjoyed Nordstrand's pickups, they're of a very high quality, and I also like Dimarzio Ultrajazz's as well although depending on whether you wanted to stick to a more 60's sounding Jazz you might be better off with some Lindy Fralins or maybe some Seymour Duncan Antiquitys... all of which are worth checking out anyway. I like Badass bridges and Hipshot hardware as well.

If I were to drop a preamp in my Jazz it would most likely Sadowsky's own preamp, but it's not for everyone. Again, Nordstrand do good preamps and there seems to be a lot of buzz round J-Retro, although of the one bass I played with one in I found it a little sterile. Again, just opinion.

[Heathy]

My Jazz has a J-Retro, a Badass bridge and a D-tuner. That's about £400 worth.

I also can't speak highly enough of the J-Retro - AND I didn't ask for the discount!