BC Rich Mockingbird tweaks

[Andyjr1515]

Hi

I always like to have a second smaller project on the go when I'm running a full build (and I only do full builds one at a time). There are many times when you are waiting for bits, stuff to set and dry, etc, and it's useful to have something to fill in the time gaps.

So as the time gap filler for gelfin's really exciting new build, I'm also running with some tweaks on our very own Stuart's (W1_Pro) wonderful BC Rich NJ Mockingbird.

You know when you pick up and instrument and just INSTANTLY go "WOW"?

Now, before picking this up out of its case, I would never have said that a Mockingbird would be my first pick of design appearance. But, goodness, this is a beautiful and beautifully made bass:



Just look at the neck transition:


The neck is simply wonderful - I WILL be taking profile measurements of this because if I could ever emulate it! The finish is silky organically smooth. The weight is just right. It's one of those basses where in my imagination [i]even I [/i]am sure I could play wonderfully well. And trust me...I don't play [b]any[/b] bass [b]at all[/b] well

Trouble is, and the reality is, it's pretty much unplayable at the moment.[list]
[*]The truss rod works OK, but the frets/fretboard are pretty much all over the place with high areas either side even when the neck has been straightened
[*]The saddles are at the very, very end of their travel:
[/list]


...and yet the strings are flat against the fretboard - so the bridge needs to be at least 4mm higher than this[list]
[*]This crack on the headstock was a worry:
[/list]


...on closer inspection, I'm pretty sure that is is just a crack from the trussod cover screw in the headstock plate and not the headstock itself. However, those logo transfers are VERY close to the surface and must be protected at all costs!
[list]
[*]The other cosmetic issue is an odd one. There is a line of filler, white or gone white, across the centre beam:
[/list]


...odd. There's a grain difference either side too and yet there is no evidence from the top or back that there is a splice of any sort. Anyway - it's on e the back and my advice is to leave well alone
[list]
[*]There is an enhancement too - fitting this excellently presented replacement electrics loom from Neal Moser:
[/list]


I'm very excited - Nic's (gelfin) intriguing new build and Stuart's (W1_Pro) wonderful upgrade. Bass tinkerer's bliss

Edited November 11, 2016 by Andyjr1515

[RhysP]

Wonderful instruments.
If you look at my avatar you will see the incredibly sexy neck transition carve of my own 1979 USA Mockingbird Standard bass.

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1478886385' post='3172500']
Wonderful instruments.
If you look at my avatar you will see the incredibly sexy neck transition carve of my own 1979 USA Mockingbird Standard bass.
[/quote]
Lovely job

[White Cloud]

Fantastic basses these, I owned a fabulous NJ Eagle back when I had black hair and a 6 pack in the 80'S

[KingBollock]

What are those pickups like?

I have been considering getting some for my Warlock for a couple of years, just because I like the look of the bars instead of poles or blanks.

I have read that the BC Rich own pickups aren't so good but I've never had a bass with decent enough pickups to compare (being £600 when they were new, and still being made, makes it by far my most expensive bass (though I bought it secondhand)). But having to get two sets is a bit of a pain in the pocket, especially as I've not actually heard them, and as I would also like to change the preamp. All really for the sake of tinkering.

I keep telling myself that I'll definitely do it if I ever get into another band...

[W1_Pro]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1478886385' post='3172500']
Wonderful instruments.
If you look at my avatar you will see the incredibly sexy neck transition carve of my own 1979 USA Mockingbird Standard bass.
[/quote]

Phwoar. A real US Mock. Always wanted one of those. Beautiful bass Rhys.

[W1_Pro]

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1478904564' post='3172680']
What are those pickups like?

I have been considering getting some for my Warlock for a couple of years, just because I like the look of the bars instead of poles or blanks.

I have read that the BC Rich own pickups aren't so good but I've never had a bass with decent enough pickups to compare (being £600 when they were new, and still being made, makes it by far my most expensive bass (though I bought it secondhand)). But having to get two sets is a bit of a pain in the pocket, especially as I've not actually heard them, and as I would also like to change the preamp. All really for the sake of tinkering.

I keep telling myself that I'll definitely do it if I ever get into another band...
[/quote]
When I got the bass it was pretty knackered. The electrics were shot- someone had seriously f***ked with the original- and it was all black and smingy. So I never actually got to listen to the pickups in any sort of serious way. From various remarks fellow BC'rs have made on here they do seem to be very well thought of though. I personally think you can't go wrong with a Dimarzio. Doubly so if it's P shaped....;0)

[W1_Pro]

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1478883584' post='3172454']
Hi

I always like to have a second smaller project on the go when I'm running a full build (and I only do full builds one at a time). There are many times when you are waiting for bits, stuff to set and dry, etc, and it's useful to have something to fill in the time gaps.

So as the time gap filler for gelfin's really exciting new build, I'm also running with some tweaks on our very own Stuart's (W1_Pro) wonderful BC Rich NJ Mockingbird.

You know when you pick up and instrument and just INSTANTLY go "WOW"?

Now, before picking this up out of its case, I would never have said that a Mockingbird would be my first pick of design appearance. But, goodness, this is a beautiful and beautifully made bass:



Just look at the neck transition:


The neck is simply wonderful - I WILL be taking profile measurements of this because if I could ever emulate it! The finish is silky organically smooth. The weight is just right. It's one of those basses where in my imagination [i]even I [/i]am sure I could play wonderfully well. And trust me...I don't play [b]any[/b] bass [b]at all[/b] well

Trouble is, and the reality is, it's pretty much unplayable at the moment.[list]
[*]The truss rod works OK, but the frets/fretboard are pretty much all over the place with high areas either side even when the neck has been straightened
[*]The saddles are at the very, very end of their travel:
[/list]


...and yet the strings are flat against the fretboard - so the bridge needs to be at least 4mm higher than this[list]
[*]This crack on the headstock was a worry:
[/list]


...on closer inspection, I'm pretty sure that is is just a crack from the trussod cover screw in the headstock plate and not the headstock itself. However, those logo transfers are VERY close to the surface and must be protected at all costs![list]
[*]The other cosmetic issue is an odd one. There is a line of filler, white or gone white, across the centre beam:
[/list]


...odd. There's a grain difference either side too and yet there is no evidence from the top or back that there is a splice of any sort. Anyway - it's on e the back and my advice is to leave well alone [list]
[*]There is an enhancement too - fitting this excellently presented replacement electrics loom from Neal Moser:
[/list]


I'm very excited - Nic's (gelfin) intriguing new build and Stuart's (W1_Pro) wonderful upgrade. Bass tinkerer's bliss
[/quote]
Here we go Andy.
All set for another triumph!

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='W1_Pro' timestamp='1478935671' post='3172779']

Here we go Andy.
All set for another triumph!
[/quote]
Hope so and fingers crossed !

I will be giving the bridge a look this morning. I've got a few ideas how it can be raised but it is doing it without it looking like a bit of a bodge that will take some thinking through. I think it will need raising around 8mm!

Although I describe this as a small project, it is going to be a fascinating one. If I can get the bass playing as good as it looks and feels, I will be well, well chuffed

[Andyjr1515]

OK - raising the bridge SHOULD be straightforward.

It's a Schaller 3D-4 that has a 3mm unterlegplatten (shim)


If I can work out how to order from Schaller, the great news is that they sell the shims at around 19 Euros a piece. Two should do it, raising the bridge by 6mm and allowing the saddles to be lowered about half of their present extensions.

It has also allayed my other concern - why would it be SO far out? Simple. Although Stuart simply swopped a gold Schaller for the black one that was on it when he bought it, this itself was clearly a retro-fit:





And, reference Stuart's comments above, I had a peep under the control chamber cover:



...and quietly put it back on

[W1_Pro]

Ahhhhhh. Good to know I was totally wrong about the original bridge....
So after a bit of manly googling, I[i] think[/i] the original bridge -on the USA ones at any rate- and I'm happy to be corrected given my already abysmal strike rate, was a badass. I notice that hipshot do a badass replacement that looks ...erm...tall. Happy to look at one of those Andy, if you think there's any mileage in it.
The wiring is terrifying, eh? I have to say, thank god for Neal Moser!

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='W1_Pro' timestamp='1478949700' post='3172878']
Ahhhhhh. Good to know I was totally wrong about the original bridge....
So after a bit of manly googling, I[i] think[/i] the original bridge -on the USA ones at any rate- and I'm happy to be corrected given my already abysmal strike rate, was a badass. I notice that hipshot do a badass replacement that looks ...erm...tall. Happy to look at one of those Andy, if you think there's any mileage in it.
The wiring is terrifying, eh? I have to say, thank god for Neal Moser!
[/quote]
Great info, Stuart. I'll have a look. Certainly I'm getting nowhere yet ref spacers - the Schaller site keeps crashing (and I think only go through distributors in UK but those distributors don't seem to hold them!)

I'm sure we can get some spacers if necessary, but a Badass would be better

[allighatt0r]

Cor, I'd love a BC Rich, they're lovely basses.

[RhysP]

[quote name='W1_Pro' timestamp='1478935416' post='3172774']
Phwoar. A real US Mock. Always wanted one of those. Beautiful bass Rhys.
[/quote]

Cheers! Yes, it's a stunning bass, up there with the best basses I've owned.
There's more pictures of it, and others, in the BC Rich Porn thread if anyone is interested:

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/8544-bcrich-porn/

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1478950498' post='3172884']
Great info, Stuart. I'll have a look. Certainly I'm getting nowhere yet ref spacers - the Schaller site keeps crashing (and I think only go through distributors in UK but those distributors don't seem to hold them!)

I'm sure we can get some spacers if necessary, but a Badass would be better
[/quote]
Looked into this and the Hipshot equivalent doesn't get anywhere high enough. I think getting hold of the spacers is the key!

[RhysP]

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1478956590' post='3172947']
Looked into this and the Hipshot equivalent doesn't get anywhere high enough. I think getting hold of the spacers is the key!
[/quote]

My US Mock has an original Badass on it with the very thick bass plate. They didn't use Badass bridges exclusively but they did use them a lot.

I've got some very knowledgable friends both here & in the US who are vintage BC Rich collectors, do you want me to see if I can find out what the original bridge on this would have been?

[bartelby]

I'm, pretty much, GAS free as far as basses are concerned.
But I'd love a dual P Mockingbird...

[RhysP]

Been asking around the BC Rich collectors I know & I've found somebody in the USA who has an original bridge for one of these NJ Mocks that he's selling for $25 + shipping if you're interested. The base plate isn't massively thick but the saddles are really chunky & I think that's what makes up the height difference.
He's going to send me a photo of the bridge later on, I'll post it on here when I get it.

Edited November 12, 2016 by RhysP

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1478958131' post='3172963']
My US Mock has an original Badass on it with the very thick bass plate. They didn't use Badass bridges exclusively but they did use them a lot.

I've got some very knowledgable friends both here & in the US who are vintage BC Rich collectors, do you want me to see if I can find out what the original bridge on this would have been?
[/quote]
That's very interesting, RhysP ...the base plate answers the question!

...and yes - VERY interested in the bridge your contact has for sale! Very, very interested!

[RhysP]

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1478969229' post='3173054']
That's very interesting, RhysP ...the base plate answers the question!

...and yes - VERY interested in the bridge your contact has for sale! Very, very interested!
[/quote]

Here's the pictures of the bridge (on a rather lovely NJ Wave bass):

[URL=http://s86.photobucket.com/user/RhysP/media/NJ%20bass%20bridge%201_zps7lualads.jpg.html][IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/RhysP/NJ%20bass%20bridge%201_zps7lualads.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s86.photobucket.com/user/RhysP/media/NJ%20bass%20bridge%202_zpsjhjsjnvc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/RhysP/NJ%20bass%20bridge%202_zpsjhjsjnvc.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1478970257' post='3173063']
Here's the pictures of the bridge (on a rather lovely NJ Wave bass):

[url="http://s86.photobucket.com/user/RhysP/media/NJ%20bass%20bridge%201_zps7lualads.jpg.html"][/url]

[url="http://s86.photobucket.com/user/RhysP/media/NJ%20bass%20bridge%202_zpsjhjsjnvc.jpg.html"][/url]
[/quote]

Ah....I think Stuart will want to stick with gold...

Nice bridge, though and, as you say, very nice bass

[Andyjr1515]

Also I think it must have been a different design originally on the bass - Stuart's is three screws at the front and two at the back. This one is two at the front and three at the back.

Very grateful for the info, though. I now know that there is nothing wrong elsewhere.

I am also pretty certain I am going to be able to get hold of the spacers for the Schaller - and it seems a well put together piece of kit. I've checked on the Schaller site again and am pretty sure they won't sell direct to us in the UK but they do say their designated retail outlets (touchstone tonewoods) have access to their complete range. So, although the spares are showing out of stock, I think touchstone will be obliged to order them for me - I've dropped them an email. If the worst comes to the worst, Stuart would be able to order them direct from Schaller from Sri Lanka! (Just think how much more complicated this is all going to get post Brexit!!!!)

I therefore probably won't be following up the US bridge opportunity, RhysP, but I'm very grateful indeed for the info and research!

Edited November 12, 2016 by Andyjr1515

[RhysP]

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1478971753' post='3173076']
Also I think it must have been a different design originally on the bass - Stuart's is three screws at the front and two at the back. This one is two at the front and three at the back.

Very grateful for the info, though. I now know that there is nothing wrong elsewhere.

I am also pretty certain I am going to be able to get hold of the spacers for the Schaller - and it seems a well put together piece of kit. I've checked on the Schaller site again and am pretty sure they won't sell direct to us in the UK but they do say their designated retail outlets (touchstone tonewoods) have access to their complete range. So, although the spares are showing out of stock, I think touchstone will be obliged to order them for me - I've dropped them an email. If the worst comes to the worst, Stuart would be able to order them from Sri Lanka! (Just think how much more complicated this is all going to get post Brexit!!!!)

I therefore probably won't be following up the US bridge opportunity, RhysP, but I'm very grateful indeed for the info and research!
[/quote]

No problem.

Funnily enough the guy I was talking to replaced the original bridge on one of his NJ basses with a Schaller roller bridge & used spacers on it, so it should work OK.

[Andyjr1515]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1478971896' post='3173077']
No problem.

Funnily enough the guy I was talking to replaced the original bridge on one of his NJ basses with a Schaller roller bridge & used spacers on it, so it should work OK.
[/quote]
That's great info, Rhys I LOVE this forum

[Andyjr1515]

OK - Schaller, a company I already respected, has gone up to the very, very top of my list of "suppliers with great customer service as well as very good products."

Their website wouldn't take my order for the spacers this afternoon. They make it clear on their website that they actually do not take direct orders from UK and most other European countries but, instead, give a list of authorised wholesalers and retailers. So when I kept getting a server error at the point I confirmed my UK address for delivery of the order - although I thought it a bit odd it was a server error - I assumed the error was linked to the fact that the site would probably block me anyway.

Anyway, as Touchstone Tonewoods (their nominated UK retailer) didn't show them in stock and weren't open until Tuesday, I thought I'd drop an enquiry to Schaller's customer service email address. I did this late afternoon today.

I've just received an email back (it's Saturday evening) from a Dr Bünning.... the owner and Managing Director of Schaller.... apologising, asking for screen shots of the message I'm seeing and letting me know an alternative way of placing my order with them. Now that's what I call GREAT customer service

Edited November 12, 2016 by Andyjr1515