My first build diary JBA4 Jetblack

[Simon Barden]

The kit pickups work and make an OK, if not great sound. Think basic Squier bass level.

If mine, I would upgrade the pickups, but if I was going for a fairly standard Jazz Bass sound, I’d probably go for some Toneriders rather than pay more for SDs for the same sound. If you want something heavier or more powerful, then SD would be a good starting point.

But do please note that (and we’ve complained about it for ages) the kit pickups and subsequently the bridge pickup rout and scratchplate neck pickup hole, don’t confirm to the standard JB pickup shape. The semi-circular mounting lug positions are an annoying mm or so slightly out.

So to fit any replacement pickups you’ll want a new scratchplate and you’ll need to modify the bridge pickup rout to make the fixing lug cutouts a bit bigger. People have successfully done this using a Dremel with a drum sander bit.

Things may have changed as I’ve been out of the forum for a few months, so worth checking any recent Jazz Bass builds in case it’s mentioned.