Years ago, I bought an SX bass for about $100 because on Talkbass people said it was cheap and decent and good for mods. As I was contemplating doing the neck work on my kit build projects, I have ended up trying them on the SX first. To my surprise, it went from playing OK to feeling really good. So I did some more mods... Ultimately it had acquired a bone nut, Gotoh Res-o-lite tuners, Schaller straplocks, A Warmoth pickguard, and new control plate, some routing to accommodate a P-bass pups, a set of EMG Geezer Butler PJ pickups and wiring harness. At this point the only things un-changed or un-modded are the string tree and the bridge.
So, now I would like to get it to be lighter. It weighs in at about 4.5 kilos. I'd like to shave at a kilo off. So, I have acquired another paulownia body. I also have gotten some string ferrules to make it string-through and a high mass bridge to help it balance.
I am going to treat the body with as much wood hardener (PC Petrifier) as it will take. Once that's done, Ill see how it looks and whether it's worth trying some sort of a clear finish or a solid color. Depends on how it looks at that point.
I'd welcome suggestions about a color that would go with the pickguard and amber neck. I am not unhappy with the current black, but if I am doing it over.... Maybe a dark blue if it's clear or cream if it's solid?