RockinRelic

That's a fair assessment. No question it evolved into a custom instrument. It's still a great bass for the money, even if one only did the rudimentary things one does when acquiring a new instrument. In other words, adapt it to your tastes and needs. That may be as simple as changing the strings. Most players probably wouldn't wish or need to pump high-end components into it as I did. And they'd still have a mighty fine bass for the money. Or a solid foundation for a totally pro instrument. [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1402345165' post='2472524'] A nice looking bass. But, surely with the new pickups/electronics, the extra fretwork, the upgraded finish, a lot of this bass is now down to the work you've done, rather than the J&D original? The Barts cost more than the whole J&D bass. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/bartolini_baj9j1_pickupset.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...1_pickupset.htm[/url] They have more character (to my ears) than the Wilko pickups on the HB1975 jazz. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbb1975_na.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._hbb1975_na.htm[/url] Though, maybe that's an unfair comparison as they aren't in the same bass with the same EQ settings. I think what you'e done sounds like it's great. But, is it more like a custom bass now? [/quote]

I used the Small version of this fret dressing file to bring the ends to perfection: [url="http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/3-Corner_Fret_Dressing_Files.html"]http://www.stewmac.c...sing_Files.html[/url] Regarding comparison to the more expensive Fender Jazz Bass models, I've had many over the years, and now own the USA version of the Fender Dimension Jazz Bass. While the outsized variety of tonal variations are possible with the Dimension and its blizzard of controls, my J&D actually feels as good, maybe even better in my hands while playing. And sonically, the J&D did great out of the shipping box. But after installing the Bartolini pickups and the Gotoh bridge, I have a musical cannon to dispense rolling thunder of the highest order. Backstory: I was inspired to try the custom approach with the J&D after successfully remodeling a Fender Squire James Johnston Jazz Bass with Fender N3 Noiseless pickups, new tuning machine heads and strings, etc. I still have that one. If there's a lesson to be learned from my experience it's this: There are some hidden treasures in the guitar marketplace, and the thrifty musician can achieve high-end results with a little effort and a little expense.

Thanks very much for all good reviews. Yes, they are splits --- here's a link to all the info on the 9J1's: http://www.bartolini.net/product/9j1-ls/

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1402236944' post='2471212'] Looking good! How does it sound with the Barts fitted? [/quote] Thank you ! The Barts sound is huge. I installed the 9J1's.

As requested, here are some photos of my customized J&D surf green bass.

I live in the USA and bought one from a store in Germany last month -- purely for the surf green color. I couldn't find one anywhere in the states. It arrived within a few weeks, and it was in pretty good shape out of the box. First thing I did was turn the truss rod to correct the neck bow. I did mods on it, including Bartolini pickups and a Gotoh bridge. I also replaced the stock strings. My luthier (who can turn a log into a Stradivarius) worked on it and I did further work filing the fret ends smooth. I also painted the head stock to match the body. It now plays with the best of my other basses. I use it professionally in a surf band. I couldn't happier with the sound and joy of playing it. Amazing. Bottom line, the J&D bass is an amazing value for the money, and with a little work, it can be your main rig.