4003 neck pickup 1"->½" position

[mikko]

This issue is probably been discussed many times already, but I couldn't find old topics so here it comes again.
I'd like to move the neck pickup of my -03 4003 from 1" position to ½" position. I took a look under the pickguard and noticed that some wood must be removed to make room for the pickup. I know some of you guys have done this and I'd like to hear your comments. Does that make bass structurally weaker or are there any other issues why I shouldn't do that? I also would like to see some "under the bonnet" photos showing how much wood really need to go.

[jps]

You just need to take a minimal amount of wood away in the two corners nearest the neck, and not too deep, either. I did this on two basses, an '04 4003FL and an '08 4003, both patients are fine.

Here is a photo during surgery on the FL.

Toaster Cavity medium A 02.jpg

The one on the '08 4003 is smoother yet and not quite as deep as this one.

[coolhandjjl]

I did it to a 1993. The amount of removal was minimal, as mentioned. I believe all I used was a large brad tip drill bit and a small chisel. Safe to do on older models as the horns go way up the neck. On 2009 and newer, it could be a risky venture as the horns are now cut down much further closer to the bottom of the fretboard.

[jps]

Here is the toaster cavity on my '98 4001V63 for comparison.

[mikko]

Thanks for the information and photos. I ordered a new pickguard with ½” pickup placement. Interesting to hear how different pickup placement affect on sound.

[mikko]

Modification done. It looks so much better now (at least I think so). Does it change the sound? I don't hear any significant change, but I have only tried it at home with headphones on so far. First session at rehearsal studio will tell the truth.

[jps]

Modification done. It looks so much better now (at least I think so). Does it change the sound? I don't hear any significant change.....

To get the "sound" you also need either the FWI kit or the Dots kit*, to add to the fingerboard.

*With the Dots kit you need to remove the binding and round off the body. The binding on the neck, too.

[coolhandjjl]

To get the "sound" you also need either the FWI kit or the Dots kit*, to add to the fingerboard.

*With the Dots kit you need to remove the binding and round off the body. The binding on the neck, too.

I thought if you made the white binding checkerboarded with a sharpie, that would also create the "sound".

[surfinmars]

Who do you order the pickguard from?

[ken_j]

Pickguardian. http://www.pickguardian.com/pickguardian/

[aceonbass]

Pickguardian makes great stuff, but I'd have them replicate the older 4000 series guard shape, particularly in the control area. The guard shape since '97 has had a couple of weird humps along the bottom edge and larger radii on the front corners.