jonno1981

Thames water. I just wish there was another choice. 

Completely agree. 10 minutes of research before the act and it would be vaguely useful. I generally like the presenters but this one was pretty bad on the basics.

Understanding heritage of the brand, that these aren’t the first Far Eastern made basses, getting that the eq is boost only, not chambered, etc…  

it didn’t do much to really sell them. 

👋 Julien is a top bloke and very skilled in troubleshooting & all aspects of luthery (might have made up that word). He used to do the setup and tech work for bass gear in twyford and guitar works in Reading.  

I gigged one for years. Filled the room really well with a very loud drummer. I wasn’t ever delighted with the build quality of it but it sounded really good. It was a bit “wonky” with an irregular grill and the paint finish chipped off all the time. However, for the band I was in and the volume needed it really sounded ace. 

BB414 was the entry level bb in previous years. They pop up for bargainous prices. This was a Facebook marketplace find and I love it! 

Actually I’m sorted. Turns out my regular tech does custom scratch plates. Sorted!

This bb414 is the gift that keeps on giving. Now strung with ti flats and I can’t BELIEVE how awesome it sounds. Setup adjusted and it’s just killer!

Looking to convert my jazz to a pj, but will need a new scratchplate for the p pickup. 
 

I’d like it to be reverse mounted a la Yamaha bb or sandberg as I reckon it really makes a difference. 
 

Any recommendations? I doubt I’ll find one off the shelf. 

How long before hofner release period correct versions with a rounded back. I bet they’re creating the cnc templates already!
They’ll be a flood of owners of the current reissue selling their basses as they’re not vintage correct to Paul’s bass. 

I’m intrigued. If you get a sec, can you post a pic of the bass? Looks really cool!

Im equally glued and astonished. I get the feeling some of these are genuine never played, back of the cupboard guitars that are now worth x20 the going rate as they’re attached to the main man. 

2nd one is the best for me. 

Cool body shape. I can see elements of jazz master and thunderbird in there. 

I know someone who is involved in thegeargiveaway and it’s legit. Can’t speak for this one. 

1 hour ago, Maude said:

The X in the models number only means it has the pickguard and chrome control plate. It's a purely cosmetic change, ie the 1024 is the same as the 1024x just without pickguard and control plate. 

I much prefer the look of the X but others don't, horses for courses. 

 

How did I miss this! Thanks! Yes I prefer the x as well but not a massive factor for me. 

Fascinating replies thank you. Very helpful to hear the X isn’t much of an upgrade. 

I’m thinking about going up a few quality levels from my bb414. I really like the pj tone, passive electronics, basically the bb414 but up a few levels in materials/ feel. Guessing I’m looking at 424x, 1024 models. Have I got this right?

Budget up to 650+ whatever the bb414 is worth. Black model, upgraded bridge, good condition.  

All 25k pots. Thanks for checking. The level is workable now the pickups have been cranked back up. Cheers. 
Im toying with the idea of trying an artec 2e drop in but not sure how to wire it. The emgs have a signal and wire to battery but no earth output. 

3 hours ago, NancyJohnson said:

Is this the same one you used in Heights?

Hi Paul! Yep. 1st few years used a sadowsky metro. Wish I still had it - the one that got away……

used this for many years for at least last album stuff. Various always on external preamps. 

8 hours ago, Bassassin said:

Use a nylon/plastic scouring pad rather than wire wool. The good thing about thick poly finishes is that if you don't like the result dulling it down, it'll T-Cut back to the original gloss with a bit of elbow grease.

 

Just had a look at the JVX pickups out of curiosity, and it does look like you may be missing a thing or two!

 

https://www.emgpickups.com/jvxset.html

It’s the original wiring harness as supplied by emg. They’ve changed the kit over the years for sure and use more clip-on connectors at the pot end of the chain now.  

I just made a bit of a revelation. Foam under pickups had disintegrated and pickup screws were poking out as pickups had dropped down. Readjusted pickup heights with some new foam and it’s a different beast. Used 3mm reference pressing on last fret as advised by emg and pickups are much prouder than before and MUCH higher output. String resonance doesn’t seem to be suffering as a result. 
 

Will head to local hardware place when it opens and try with the wire wool trick. Thanks! 

Opened it up and it is soldered at the pots! 
 

Some possibilities for tinkering here. 

Ah thanks on 40th anniversary correction. 
 

Tried a couple of different new batteries and no dice. Same output. 
 

It’s an emg pre wired kit with clip style connectors which limits modding capabilities on existing wiring. 

Keeping their lawyers busy aren’t they!
 

I wonder how they’ll market passing these off as vintage inspired or something. Pretty blatant, but no different to many other manufacturers, or to their original j and p types. 

Hello hive mind. I’m considering making some changes to my jazz bass. 
 

it’s an all parts/mighty mite combo which work really well together. The setup is fantastic, lots of positive comments from other folks who’ve played it. 
 

Between myself/previous owners we’ve upgraded the hardware on it. It’s sporting gotoh tuners, badass bridge and emg jvx pickups - which is their vintage voiced set and strung with ti flats. 
 

I have two issues with it:

1. Body finish I find is too bright. I’d love to dull it down a bit. I’ve considered a relic but conscious that it’s poly and may become a hideous looking disaster. Thinking some light wet sanding to reduce thickness of clear coat might dull it down a bit. Could reduce risk by doing the back first I case I mess it up or find it falls off in chunks or something. 
 

2. Amplified tone. It’s quiet! Comparing to a cheapo but great Yamaha 414, it’s about 1/3rd the output. It’s really noticeable. Yes I’ve adjusted pick-up height up, changed the battery and looked for any adjustment on the pickups, nothing. It’s with the factory harness with pots/ jack etc. 

It’s been problematic in the studio. More gain is required and I have to use an external pre-amp which I just don’t need when using the bb. As a result the bb has become the go to. 
 

So thinking of solutions to #2, new pickups and possibly on broad pre amp seem the way to go. If I go pickups first (bound to cost £150+ for anything), plus another £45-65 for the loom, I’m in for £200+. If I still think I need the on board pre something like a j retro then it’s £150 ish on top. 
 

option 3 - stop thinking and buy a squire 40th anniversary (edit from 50th!!)for £300ish and keep the jazz as is! 
 

What would you do?