ColinH Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 I have a Squier tele bass, which is long on excellent thud, but short on tone. I'd like to get a 2nd pickup fitted, between its humbucker and the bridge. Has anyone done this, or similar with another bass? Any thoughts/advice welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 I have a 51 reissue bass with two Seymour Duncan pickups. It's a decent mod and gives a wider variety of sounds. It will be fine on a Squier but, in the case of my Fender, it's possibly devalued it. I think it would be less so on a Squier as the value is much less than a 51 RI Fender. However, the cost of having it done could be more than the Squier is worth, which is okay if you're planning to keep it. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfretrock Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 Do you know if the humbucker is series wired? A parallel wired mod might help, costs little if you can solder and is reversible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 [quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1500668688' post='3339573'] Do you know if the humbucker is series wired? A parallel wired mod might help, costs little if you can solder and is reversible. [/quote] Good call. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicbassman Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 I had a Jazz rear pickup and active electrics fitted into a [u]brand new[/u] Squier Precision in 1982. It was one of the very first Squiers made, when they were produced with a large Fender logo on the head. 35 years later, I still have that bass, now as my sole instrument, Whoever would have thought that one day these first issue basses would be highly sought after - but whilst this mod has certainly devalued it, I have had the pleasure of 35 years of the most playable, tonally versatile and sweet sounding four string I ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivansc Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 P/J adaptation here on my main bass, too. The perfect compromise for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 [quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1500668688' post='3339573'] Do you know if the humbucker is series wired? A parallel wired mod might help, costs little if you can solder and is reversible. [/quote] This would be my first plan. 2nd plan would be to replace the humbucker with a good vintage 51 style single coil or even a split P bass pickup. I wouldn't start chopping the bass about until I'd discounted either of those mods. In fact if I was unhappy at any point (including right now) I'd look to replace the bass with one I preferred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinH Posted July 23, 2017 Author Share Posted July 23, 2017 My thanks to all the above. Machinehead, I'm not too bothered about cost or affecting the value, as I won't be parting with this beauty! An SD does seem like a good option. Pfretrock, don't know about the wiring mode, but point noted; ta. Musicbassman, I have an '86 Squier Jazz, now with American Standard Fender pickups, and it's pretty damn good. For the Tele, all I need is a bit more top, and a Jazz p/u could well provide that. Chris b, I don't want to replace the humbucker, as the sound is so huge. Also most other (smaller) pickups would leave a gap...! I actually nearly traded this bass for a Bass Centre Profile, last week, but drew back, and realise now that [sigh] I could never let it go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 (edited) Only advise I have is to decide what you want pup wise and get some one who is clued Up what to do as can look sh*t if done badly I know this is obvious but so many people seem to mess such a simple job up Edited July 23, 2017 by Thunderbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6feet7 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I've had this done on several P style basses - stuck a J pickup between it and the bridge - but I've always had it done professionally and had it wired Volume, Blend, Tone with new pots etc. which added to the cost but was worth it in my opinion. I'd go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinH Posted July 25, 2017 Author Share Posted July 25, 2017 I hear what you say about getting a professional on the job; couldn't agree more. Thus far, I've contacted 2 reputable techs in my area (Southampton). One says he's semi-retired and booked-up for 3 months; the other hasn't bothered to respond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 If you want more tone how about a pre amp pedal? Probably better result and flexibility . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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