First Build - JBA-4

The only way is up.*

*also includes negative values for ‘up’.

I'm posting this just for my future reference.

I'm surprised by how quiet (in a great way) this bass is. There is no hum whatsoever at any volume. Maybe passive pickups simply don't produce hum, I don't know. Anyway, here's a photo of the shielding. I just used the shielding tape supplied by Pitbull. The only thing extra I did which is not in this photo is add a soldered wire began the bridge pick up cavity and control cavity.

Pickups are Toneriders.

Attachment 43564

Passive single coil pickups certainly do pick up hum, but shielding cavities can be pretty effective. As the Toneriders should have one pickup wired reverse wound/reverse polarity to the other, with both pickups on at matched volumes, the pickups become humbucking, so will generate a lot less hum than if just one pickup is in use.

But the pickups can only pick up hum that’s around, they don’t generate it themselves. So if you have an electrically quiet environment, there’s little or no noise to pick up. But don’t assume they will always be quite so quiet when playing in a different location.

Im new to this, have ordered a Jazz bass kit, I want it as black as I can get it. Looking at dyes and stains as mixed enhanced effect. The dye is to be applied firstly then stain over the top to get the full back color while keeping the grain visible. Unfortunately the stockist for the NGR (no grain raise) are out of stock for the jet black dye I was wanting. So now doing the rounds to see what else may be available. Love the grainy look on your bass body, ive ordered the ash just hope there isnt too many scares to try and hide when it arrives.

Hey.

I used Angelus dyes, which like NGR, are alcohol based so they won't raise the grain.

The Ash body will require grain filling. But if you use a black Timbermate, it will define the grain and create a flat base for you to apply dye over. I used a black acrylic spray as a burst over the purple dyed body, then acrylic Clearcoat. I posted my method at the beginning of this thread.

I look forward to seeing how yours comes out!

Hi Jetblack, best to start a build diary of your own to ask questions in, otherwise when you do, answers will be spread out all over the place and it becomes very confusing for everyone.

Although you'd normally grain fill Ash, if you want a really deep black body then you are best leaving it unfilled so the grain becomes more prominent. But obviously you won't be able to achieve a smooth glossy finish, more this sort of effect https://andertons-productimages.imgi...re-Black-4.jpg

Hey Mathew.
Thanks for the tips, I'm still waiting on the kit to arrive, just taking in all the suggestions, looks to be quite a few methods for coating these puppies. Black timber mate hmmm didn't know that was available, sounds like a plan. Cheers.

Hi Simon,
Yes, I just worked out the best way to go is get a build diary setup, cheers. That black in the picture is exactly what I'm looking for, wasn't too excited about smoothing the grain out too much and expecting a gloss finish, that one looks sensational would be very happy with a finish like that. As soon as my kit arrives I will start the build diary, thanks for the tips, appreciated. Cheers.

The Angelus dyes look to be very good, would you suggest spraying or is it just as good to use a brush/cloth wipe on process ???

Angelus dyes are really good. I struggled a little with mine, because the purple is prone to oxidising with second coats.

There are plenty of videos around of how to apply it. I just used a cloth to work it into the timer. But do have a look though the build diaries - there are many people who have achieved amazing results with dyes, but also many who sanded back and started again due to dye being applied unevenly.

But take your time and you'll be fine.

I'll be using Angelus dyes on my next build which I'll start on the weekend. I'm really excited to be getting into another project. I look forward to tracking your progress.