Wazkelly Build diary for DIY closing down sale Ash J Bass

[wazkelly]

Hmmm, quality overkill perhaps where the part could be more expensive/valuable than the rest of the axe.

Don't get me wrong, always believe in using better quality parts wherever possible, but not prepared to spend plenty for negligible gain or functionality as that could be funds better spent on other things, such as another kit or other upgrades.

[Simon Barden]

Found the 5-string bridge and the hole diameter was 3.43mm, so no wonder that bottom B was tight! Bridge spacing is 64mm, 16mm between strings, which is actually slightly narrower than some (I had it in my head that it was wider). My bridge looks exactly like the Allparts economy 5-string bass bridge, which has a 64mm (2-17/32") spacing, so it probably is that one.

All the other fixed spacing bridges I can find are wider e.g. the Gotoh bridge is 68.8mm. Even the affordable adjustable ones will only squeeze down to just over 65mm (which should be acceptable). The Schaller top-loader will squeeze down to 64.3mm. But I'm not sure that I want a bridge that looks like the strings don't really fit.

So I'll have another look and see if I can't find something that's the correct size, otherwise I'll try drilling out the low B hole to 4 mm and see if that helps. Looking at the picture of my bass again, there's not a lot of scope to go for a wider spacing.

[wazkelly]

Drilling out the existing one may be the way to go but not a lot of fun as you will need to drill in reverse so that it doesn't bite and tear too much out or break the drill bit.

Fivers are wide enough and agree that you want things fairly compact if at all possible.

[andrewdosborne]

Thanks Waz, yes answers my query. Pretty much the same procedure for the Tonerider jazz pups in my JBA. I was hoping for a solution with no pup route mods for my next JB build... I might pick up some jazz pup routing templates and have a crack at modifying that way

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk

[wazkelly]

Thanks Waz, yes answers my query. Pretty much the same procedure for the Tonerider jazz pups in my JBA. I was hoping for a solution with no pup route mods for my next JB build... I might pick up some jazz pup routing templates and have a crack at modifying that way

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk

Gotta wonder why the aftermarket ones are made that way? Copyright perhaps? Right proper PIA as it requires a fair amount of delicate work to make them fit.

[wazkelly]

Gotta wonder why the aftermarket ones are made that way? Copyright perhaps? Right proper PIA as it requires a fair amount of delicate work to make them fit.

Edit: Should have mentioned that the Entwistle's covers can be popped off as they were the offending bit that wouldn't fit the standing routing.

[wazkelly]

Now it looks like a proper Jazz Bass



Apologies for the poor light as shot was taken indoors about an hour ago.

These 'Black' only block fret markers were bought on eBay and can be found via this link if anybody wants to get some. Plenty of Black Pearl out there but this was the only pure black I could find.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151897358...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Zandit75]

Now it looks like a proper Jazz Bass



Apologies for the poor light as shot was taken indoors about an hour ago.

These 'Black' only block fret markers were bought on eBay and can be found via this link if anybody wants to get some. Plenty of Black Pearl out there but this was the only pure black I could find.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151897358...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Nice work on the blocks Waz!
Is the vinyl very thick? How well do you think they will hold up?

[wazkelly]

Is the vinyl very thick? How well do you think they will hold up?

Hi Zandit, the vinyl is quite thin and should hold up ok however I am tempted to put a couple of coats of TO over them to make sure they remain permanent.

[wokkaboy]

Looks great Waz. Was it easy to get the stickers straight and centred?