HB Beatbass alterations

[log]

The original controls weren't wired correctly, not that the Hofner design is any more desirable (to me). Made a new control panel (poorly) with crude hand tools. Removed bridge pickup, may make a cover, but as is, is semi acoustic at the moment. 500k volume and tone (push-pull, currently disconnected), .022 capacitor (what I had on hand). Orange amp knobs. I am aware the bridge is likely placed wrong, when I have $50 for decent strings, I will then start the laborious (I have ocd bad) task of mean intonation. These changes didn't result in the outcome I hoped for, but did seem to remove a lot of honkyness (best word) from this bass, that it has always had. I expected these pickups to be of a design similar to what I had seen online of disassembled epiphone viola bass pickups, but instead they are a ceramic firebird design. I would expect the covers to be brass, but I am not a metallurgist. I should have taken pictures of that, but it made a better cat toy.

[kodiakblair]

9 hours ago, log said:

I will then start the laborious (I have ocd bad) task of mean intonation

It's a floating bridge, there's little labour involved in sliding it into position. 

 

Stick a wee bit of that thin polystyrene packing cloth under the wooden base to avoid scratching the top 👍

[log]

I appreciate the tip. I should have been more clear. What I meant was that I need to attempt intonation. This was my first floating bridge. I have no problem sliding the bridge around when necessary, I was speaking to what I have read about this design, and only being able to get both top and bottom string properly intonated, moving bridge saddles around etc. , and eventually saying "good enough". 

[kodiakblair]

4 hours ago, log said:

I was speaking to what I have read about this design, and only being able to get both top and bottom string properly intonated,

9 from 10, those writing that kind of guff can just about manage slip-on shoes.

 

Place no faith in the set up skills of those who struggle with shoelaces 🤣

 

Just go ahead and set the intonation, remembering the bridge can sit at an angle; no law says it must remain 90 degrees to the strings 👍

[log]

2 hours ago, kodiakblair said:

9 from 10, those writing that kind of guff can just about manage slip-on shoes.

 

Place no faith in the set up skills of those who struggle with shoelaces 🤣

 

Just go ahead and set the intonation, remembering the bridge can sit at an angle; no law says it must remain 90 degrees to the strings 👍

Thank you! That part has been nagging at me, so I appreciate the positivity. I don't mind the angle, saddles zig-zag in their natural habitat.

[kodiakblair]

@log

 

That's the spirit my friend.

 

The internet is stacked with naysayers but that's no reason why we should listen to them 😀

 

If I may offer another tip, for when new strings funds allow. Before swapping them over, outline the current bridge position on the body with masking tape. It's unlikely the old position will be perfect but it will be close enough to avoid starting the process from scratch.    

 

Play in good health 👍