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Post subject: Suggestions for Modifications To P Bass
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:50 am
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hey guys. this is my first post

in future, i'll definitely buy a p bass. probably the American P Bass if i can afford it. then i'll make modifications. i was wondering what recommendations you guys have? here's what i was thinking.

Ernie Ball Round Wound Strings
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Pickups
BadAss Bridge

i havent done full research, so im not sure abt strings, and what kind of BadAss Bridge i need.

i would make such modifications because im looking for a relatively bright tone with a punch, suitable for old rock (like guns n' roses, AC/DC, scorpions) and old metal (like iron maiden). what do you guys think?

oh yeah. could someone tell me the tonal differences between the Seymour Duncan Vinatage pickup and the Seymour Duncan Quarter pound pickup? i have a Duncan Designed Vintage Pickup on my squier, and its giving me a nice tone too.

any information is very appreciated. thanks!

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Post subject: Re: Suggestions for Modifications To P Bass
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:21 pm
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jkambing wrote:

Ernie Ball Round Wound Strings


Rounds will give you the modern edgy tone that you're looking for. Great for rock, punk, slap/funk etc. They are the ones to go for if you want punch and brightness. Ernie Balls are good strings too.

FYI, the other main type of strings are flat rounds (or 'flatties') that give you a lovely warm, rounded tone. They're often used on fretless instruments but can be heard in many old RnB and soul records (James Jamerson used them all the time).

There are other types of strings but these are the two main types.

Quote:
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Pickups


No way in hell would I replace american Fender PUPs with anything but Fender vintage PUPs or something like Lindy Fralins. In my personal opinion of course. However Seymours are good for punch I've been told so if it were a mexican Fender or whatever I'd consider it.

Quote:
BadAss Bridge


Great for slap and gives long lasting sustain. Personally I prefer the original Fender bridge though. I think you'd need a Bad $@! II to fit your P bass w/o modification.


Quote:
i would make such modifications because im looking for a relatively bright tone with a punch, suitable for old rock (like guns n' roses, AC/DC, scorpions) and old metal (like iron maiden). what do you guys think?


Amps play a HUGE role in tone. I reckon you could get a great tone to suit your needs out of a stock fender P bass (of any country of origin) with the right amp and playing style.

Have fun experimenting with mods and your tone. :)


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:32 pm
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I wouldnt call strings a mod, but you should defaintly get a the bridge for the music your playing,


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:04 am
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thanks guys. especially ally. really helped alot.

cheers!

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I use my Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass to play:

Iron Maiden
Pre-1994 Guns N' Roses
Bon Scott-era AC/DC
Scorpions
Nirvana

Mr Cobain, Mr Scott, Rest In Peace. You're Not Forgotten.


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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 9:28 am
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Well strings aren't really mods, but if u want rocky edgy tone the i would go for rounds. But personally I believe that P-Basses should only be strung with flats (but thats why I have 3 P's... string em all differently!)

But in regards to pickup and bridge swaps, get the bass first and then decide. Perhaps you won't need to change anything!


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 2:39 pm
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BluesMan wrote:
But in regards to pickup and bridge swaps, get the bass first and then decide. Perhaps you won't need to change anything!


Right on. In fact, the best recommendation for "what should I do to my P-Bass?" is: "Nothing."


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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 3:06 pm
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well said Jim


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:17 am
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I like to slap a lot so I would definately agree with your selection of bridge.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:41 am
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Leo Quan - Bad $@! II for direct P-Bass replacement
DiMarzio over Seymour Duncan (not only sound, but look better) - Check out the Will Power (Billy Shehan - model) for your music - Maiden et.al.

They say that strings make the bass, but I've never folllowed that convention. Buy Cheap - Change Often - Rude String Motto.

- J Rude


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:57 am
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If It's an American standard you actually need the badass III. (for string through body bases)

but you might want to consider getting a Precision that already has a Badass mounted. one great bass is The Mike Dirnt Model. (get the Fender one not the cheeper squire). It's made in Mexico but it's a superior Artist series bass. the neck has the profile of a 1969 Precision bass and is has Custom Shop '59 pickups and a BADASS II bridge. the main difference is that the bass itself is styled after a 50's Precision or what was known as a Telecaster Bass in 1968...but believe me, this bass is 100% precision in terms of tone and feel. You won't be dissapointed and you'll save 2-300$ off the cost of the bass and you won't need to make any upgrades.

It comes in 3 cool colors. sunburst, vintage white (creamlike) and Black.

I would buy one for sure but I own a 1968 (cream color) tele bass and a 1969 tele bass (refinished to black with a badass II bridge and a Precision pick up) so I'm all good. But If I lost those basses I'd get the mike dirnt signature.

I've also tried the quarter pounder pick up before and I think it's not as good as the hype says...iut's louder but not as bright. the Fender custom shop '59 is better. The best Seimore duncan I ever head was an SPB-2 "hot vintage")


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Post subject: Ernie Ball strings
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:42 pm
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Ernie Ball strings are good and bright, played with them a long time then went with Rotosounds. It made a world of difference to me. Try different things, that is the fun of it but leave the PUP's alone.

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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:06 pm
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Strings make a hell of a difference in tone, as does the way you play the bass, let alone anything to do with electronics as far as I'm on concerned :)


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:22 pm
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Back to the OP, did you get a new bass yet? If I were to get a MIA P-bass, all I would do to it is get new strings, pickguard, and a set-up. That's all I would need.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:25 pm
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why pick guard?


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:40 pm
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Personal preference. To me, some body/pickguard combinations look better than others. I got a Highway One in Honey Blonde a couple months back that came with a white pickguard. I thought it looked goofy so I got a tortoise shell one for it. Everyone is different.


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