Episode 5: Jazz Bass - Assemble
I’ve spent an enjoyable afternoon assembling the Jazz today.
This was very much a ‘put it together to see if makes any sound’ type experience and I’m pleased to say that it does.
I didn’t bother doing the intonation or string heights, but I did adjust the pick-up height to the recommended distance.
Issues identified:
The screw holes in the body don’t line up with the bell plate holes. Well two of them do, but the other one is a bit off and it’s a bit too far to get it in even with a slight angle. I’m think I may have to fill that and re-drill before it goes away for the refinish.
The control cavity is very tight. My next purchase will be a Dremel as recommended previously. I’m going to take a couple of mm off both sides. I may do this first as I think the bell plate may line up with all three holes once done.
The G string doesn’t split the poles perfectly. I’m gonna wear that as I can’t doing anything about it and it’s debatable whether it an issue sonically anyway.
There a 6 holes in the body that are surplus to requirements. They are getting filled by Dave when it goes for painting.
On the upside, it’s amazingly quiet. Not a hint of an earthing issue. I replaced the bridge earthing wire with some newly acquired 22AWG and it works fine. I had a little worry for a second when I though the bridge pick-up wasn’t working until I realised the series/parallel switch was pointing the wrong way 🙄.
I’m considering drilling flush mounted strap locks into the body. I know they’re not for everyone, but I like them.
Nothing else to report for now I don’t think.