Electronics upgrades for Fender Jazz Bass

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:34 am

Can anyone suggest what, where & which (besides Ebay) I can get Fender Jazz Bass upgraded electronics and knobs?

I was given a set of Fender NOISELESS pickups, and I have a really beat MIM bass that I wanted to make functional again.

The previous owner really screwed up the electronics. Looks like the soldering was done with a blow torch. Probably best just to start clean. When you turn the knobs, only the last 1/4 turn on all the knobs makes the slightest difference in the sound.

Also, can someone explain the difference between the 250K vs the 500K pots, and which caps I should use for that early 1960's Jazz sound? And can someone also explain what the deal is with the stacked knobs vs the standard 3 knob setup?

I see the complete plate & electronics on Ebay that sell from between $50.00-80.00 dollars. Seems steep for some pots & wiring.

I can do the soldering myself and I'm hoping to not spend too much $$$$. The bass only cost $125.00.

One last thing, looking to find Badass ll replacement saddles, are they even available? The previous owner cut the old ones off center...Like I said, a project for sure.

Thanks in advance!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 8:58 am

http://www.stewmac.com/

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/middle_bass.htm

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:06 pm

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/WKJVNT.JPG

Thanks Jeff,

Looks like this will do just fine. I appreciate it.

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 4:22 pm

Toni, if you don't mind doing some routing I would HIGHLY suggest Darkstar pickups. You will need 500k pots for this but you will not be disappointed with both the output and tone. Each individual pole piece is adjustable simply with a screwdriver. They are AWESOME pickups. If you're interested, go to the Dudepit and check out the Darkstar thread.....very worthwhile.

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Sun Aug 13, 2006 5:59 am

Scott,

Thanks for the information. Very cool indeed. Reasonable too! Great reading.

I just didn't want to put big money into this thing. It's only a knock around bass, something I really wouldn't be heartbroken if it vanished out of my car.

Sometimes, after playing, we would go out for dinner. Me being on the OCD side, would NEVER leave my bass sitting out in the car. I've heard TOO many horror stories. So, my bass would often be my dinner companion. On those occasional gigs, I just wanted a banger. I will keep them in mind though, for any future projects!

Thanks again.