Jazz Bass Fretless Self Build

[jamie_k11]

Hi Guys,

Im currently doing a self build fretless jazz.

I have the Body & Neck sorted. Currently on the search for pickups. Choosing between Suhr, Lindy Frailin or the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II's.

However at this moment in time im a bit stuck on the whole electrics side of things. I.E - Control Plate, knobs and pots. I dont fully understand how they work which is one fo the reasons im doing a self build. Just to understand the whole workings of a bass.

I think I have my heart on making it Passive. If so what pots and knobs would I need to go for. I want to make the jack input under the bass and not on the control plate. So I have 4 holes to 'mess around with'.

I'm feeling 2 volume 2 tones knobs and pots. But what do i need. I'm confused with this whole '250 - 500k' thing!!

Hope people can throw some suggestions and info my way.

Thank you

[paul_5]

Generally if you've got single coils (lower output) pickups then 250KΩ pots will do. Higher output pickups (active and overwound pickups) will need more resistance to stop the flow of signal to the output jack - so you'd use 500KΩ.

This will depend on the output of your pickups - they can range anywhere from 6/7KΩ to a massive 10KΩ, so you'll need to get a multimeter across the two wires to check what you've got. Of course, the manufacturers you've mentioned all quote these sorts of figures on their websites.

You might find the following article useful too...

http://www.axesrus.com/images/BASS1.jpg

[jamie_k11]

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1360671875' post='1974232']
Generally if you've got single coils (lower output) pickups then 250KΩ pots will do. Higher output pickups (active and overwound pickups) will need more resistance to stop the flow of signal to the output jack - so you'd use 500KΩ.

This will depend on the output of your pickups - they can range anywhere from 6/7KΩ to a massive 10KΩ, so you'll need to get a multimeter across the two wires to check what you've got. Of course, the manufacturers you've mentioned all quote these sorts of figures on their websites.

You might find the following article useful too...

[url="http://www.axesrus.com/images/BASS1.jpg"]http://www.axesrus.c...mages/BASS1.jpg[/url]
[/quote]


That so makes sense! Thank you very much! As I only have the body and neck completely done atm, do you think the next phase is to get the pickups sorted and then worry about the electronics to fit with those pickups?

[Shabbs]

Alternatively, you can go with one of these diagrams depending on the sound you're looking for, vintage etc

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/bass-guitar-service-diagrams/

[jamie_k11]

[quote name='Shabbs' timestamp='1360673640' post='1974276']
Alternatively, you can go with one of these diagrams depending on the sound you're looking for, vintage etc

[url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/bass-guitar-service-diagrams/"]http://www.fender.co...rvice-diagrams/[/url]
[/quote]

Yeah thanks mate Those diagrams have helped me to understand the wiring with the pots etc. What pickups would you gents reccommend for fretless jazz?

[Rumple]

You could try Wizard

http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk/shop.asp?category=Bass

A UK company with a good reputation, you can even order custom wound pups if that's your thing.

[jamie_k11]

[quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1360754045' post='1975782']
You could try Wizard

http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk/shop.asp?category=Bass


A UK company with a good reputation, you can even order custom wound pups if that's your thing.
[/quote]

Not a bad idea!! Ill check them out thanks bro!

[jamie_k11]

Here's a picture of the Body from Warmoth. Slight strange question guys!! If you look at the bridge. 5 holes are drilled.
Does this mean its specifically for a 5 string, or can I still put a 4 string bridge on and have it as a 4. Or will the neck slot be to wide now?

Very chuffed with the body however, really love the grain in the flame maple! Having a 3 tone sunburst put on it come pay day! ;D

[Rumple]

I think that's pretty normal to have 5 mounting screws for the bridge, although some if not all Fenders have 3 screws.

[yepmop]

My MIM Jazz has 5 screws for the bridge

[jamie_k11]

Ahh okay so it should be fine then I'm sure.

Thanks guys

[lettsguitars]

[quote name='jamie_k11' timestamp='1360871754' post='1977780']
Here's a picture of the Body from Warmoth. Slight strange question guys!! If you look at the bridge. 5 holes are drilled.
Does this mean its specifically for a 5 string, or can I still put a 4 string bridge on and have it as a 4. Or will the neck slot be to wide now?

Very chuffed with the body however, really love the grain in the flame maple! Having a 3 tone sunburst put on it come pay day! ;D
[/quote]Yea, the neck 'pocket' is for a 4 string. The 5 holes have no relation to the strings. They are there for fixing a specific type of bridge, ie; one with 5 screws.

[Dolando]

Looks great. I still want a flame maple jazz bass, but id leave it natural. Should finish my warmoth swamp ash/zebra wood jazz V build first though. Got a build diary if you fancy a look.