Squier Jazz Bass Upgrade

[Simon Barden]

Yes, I tried a few and hated them. Felt rather like most PRSs do to me.

[Hobastard]

I do Love a nice Jazz Bass.....

[andrewdosborne]

And, back again. 1.5 years on this bass is in my possession for some additional work. This time - fret dots. The standard plastic dots have become very dull and hard to see, almost grey in colour. So these will be replaced with some white MOP inlay dots.

I started on this a week or so back.



First job is to mark the centre of each dot with a bradawl. This will act as a guide for the drill bit used in next step.
Then, using a drill and a small bit (2.5mm or so) drill a hole through the centre of each dot. Go very carefully and slowly, you'll be able to feel when you've gone through the dot. Too far and you'll be into the truss rod!

This is what the dots look like drilled through



Then, using the back end of the drill bit stick it in the hole and wiggle around. If you are lucky the dot will come clean out, else carefully scrape out remnants with a small screw driver

Here's a video of me removing one of the dots.....

https://youtu.be/jtVwSnaG8_s

Once the dots were removed and holes cleaned up I blasted outwith some air. Holes are now ready for new dots....



with part 2 to follow.......

[wazkelly]

Welcome back Ponch.

I had been wondering where some of the long term regulars had been.

[andrewdosborne]

Welcome back Ponch.

I had been wondering where some of the long term regulars had been.

Cheers Waz I’ve been working through a maze of health issues and just recovering from a bout of shingles. More painful than modern pop music haha!


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[andrewdosborne]

Part 2....

Next step is to put some CA glue into each hole, just a few drops to level the base of the hole. Leave enough gap for the dot else you’ll need to re drill the hole!



Here is the glue I use. It’s quite liquid which helps and labeled ‘professional’ so must be good!



I’m leaving this for a few hours to cure before next steps.


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[wazkelly]

Good to hear you are getting better.

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[andrewdosborne]

Time to get the dots in

BTW these are 6mm dots, measure existing dots carefully before ordering them and get a few extras incase you drop one.....

Dots lined up and ready to go



Take a small file and round the back edges off a bit



Then a drop of CA glue into the dot hole. Push the dot in using the back of a centre punch. Dot should sit slightly proud of the fretboard and level as possible. You can see the difference in colour with MOP vs plastic dot here



Wipe any excess CA glue away quickly with a cloth

Repeat above. All in place! I’ll wait for the glue to cure before starting on the process of shaving the dots flush with fretboard using a blade






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[andrewdosborne]

Deleted post

[Bakersdozen]

Nice work there, very well executed!