Jazz bass Mod becomes Build?

[fender3x]

Some years ago I got an SX Jazz bass for about $100 as a backup and a platform for experimenting with mods. Over time I replaced the pickups and electronics twice, cleaned up the fret ends, gave it a bone nut and proper setup. It's got a new tone control plate and pick guard, Schaller strap locks and Gotoh GB640 Res-o-lite tuners. It sounds and plays pretty well, although it may still need some fret leveling...



...But I'd really like it to be lighter..So I got it a paulownia body. Also got is a Sung-Il locking bridge.

It occurred to me that when I put it back together the only parts that will be OEM are the neck, neck-plate and string tree.... Which I think means it will no longer be a modded SX bass, but has become a build with some a few SX parts. That made me think about when the build began? I have had the new body for a while, but only recently started work on it. The pickups are a PJ combo (EMG Geezer Butlers), so I routed the neck pickup cavity to accommodate a split Precision pickup.



I'll add the Sung-Il bridge as well. At the moment I am planning to use the SX neck... But I have also asked Tim about whether he can get a Jazz Bass profile neck for me. Adam got me one that has become my favorite neck...that might be ideal if they are still available. In any case, will keep a diary of the build here ;-)

[Trevor Davies]

The paulownia body has quite a lot of character! I never realized it could have that much pattern. For my axe bass the paulownia had no pattern at all.

How heavy is the SX jazz at the moment?

[fender3x]

The bass now weighs about 4.5 kg (9.8 lbs). Not all that different than my G&L ASAT bass (similar looking to one of your Tele bass builds). By contrast, my semi hollows weigh around 7.6 and 6.9 lbs...and my paulownia Precicision is under 6.3 lbs. I am pretty sure that I'll play the Jazz more if I can get some weight off. As is, both the ASAT and the Jazz make my back twinge if I play them very long.

On the character of the wood, the three bodies I have are pretty well figured. Just dumb luck. I ordered them without seeing them. I also have the remains of a bunch of 1/4" thick small boards that my kids broke in Tai Kwon Do, and I have experimented a little with a finish. Will post later. I am not great at transparent finishes, but it seems a shame to use a solid color on nicely figured wood...unless I screw up a transparent finish first ;-)