Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a non-descript bass guitar that I sort of inherited, (if you know what I mean) from a friend of mine. It is built on a modified Fender P-bass pattern. The neck has 22 frets, instead of 20.

The problems are; 1. the neck pickup has died, and 2. the neck has a bow in it that can't be completely straightened. So I was thinking that I'd have the thing rebuilt, since it was free in the first place. It appears that I'd spend about the same money on a new mid level bass as I would rebuilding this one.

I checked Warmoth for replacement necks. They don't have 22 fret J-bass, or P-bass necks. And they specify that their standard necks won't fit a 22 fret instrument.

The bass carries the brand "Aria Pro-II the CAT Bass." I just want something for home studio work, and the local blues jam, and getting together and jamming with its former owner.

Whaddayathink?
JimK

Sounds like a project to me. How playable is it with its neck issues? Does it have the split pickups or the long ones? I'm thinking you could maybe swap the good pickup to the neck position, get the action as good as it can be (try tape strings, maybe) and just very cheaply get it going as a simple boomy little helper-droid. To really cherry it out would be a considerable act of sentiment for me. In the real world I would just get it working and enjoy it, as cheaply as possible, maybe a little creative fretwork if necessary But that's me, Jim, YMMV.

It's playable up to about the 14th fret. The most important thing would be to replace the neck pickup. It's the split kind. So I think it would be easier just to see if I could find a Seymour/Duncan or some other after market pickup and drop it in the old cavity.

JimK

Sounds like a plan. Replacement p'ups are cheap and remember that Macca's old Hofner was unplayable above the 12th fret. As long as the money frets are good, I wouldn't worry about spending a lot on it. Shoot, it looks like fun. Go for it!

Done! Gee, ain't I easy?

JimK