Super cool - precision pickups work now too - so everything works.
Next step - proper grounding and install of output jack, and then that’s it (except for silver foild for pickguard and control plate).
1 Like
Ok, everything works now, thanks everybody. Much appreciated!!!
My guess is that it was broken cable somewhere, as I wired 100% the same , all soldering points looked good - but I changed all cables…
Next step, assembling everything properly and doing a basic setup.
And solve the d@mn bridge issue!
1 Like
First sound test: the DiMarzio DP126 sounds absolutely phantastic!
While the China pickup gets lost in the mix and is sometimes barely noticeable, the DP126 always wants to be heared.
Also the open E string sounds very clear and not muddy at all. Looking forward to Drop D tests!
Only the G string sounds completely different from all other strings. Tuning is ok, but it is very thin and metallic.
Haven’t setup yet, so that might be the issue!?
2 Likes
@Wombat-metal, @barney: you have the DP126, right? How do you set up pickup height?
There are two ways to set the pickup height: either with the screws to change height on for the entire pickup or individually per string using the hexagon socket screw.
As the pickups are quite high (especially the J pickup), I was thinking about setting them as low as possible and only adjust the hexagon screws.
Does that sound OK?
I just set it using the regular outside screws and ignored the adjustable individual pole pieces 
Same for my P Bass
5 Likes
Ah, that makes things easier. Still a pity to have an interesting feature and not use it - but I’m to tired from this modding adventure to dance the poles…
The Model P (the P pickup in the DP126 set) is my favorite aftermarket P pickup. I love punchy ceramic mids-heavy P pickups. No metallic tonal issues with mine regardless of height.
1 Like
I did what he did, though if I had to tweak one string I would use the pole pieces. I have done that before
1 Like
Current learnings from this little modding project
- Take your time and pause often to reset your mind – it will take longer than you think. You will make mistakes. Everything can be resolved by creative thinking though…
- Wear a mask and goggles when using a drill or a dremel
- If you are not comfortable soldering and/or don’t have endless patience – get EMG pickups.
- If something goes wrong with soldering/connecting (no sound/distortion) use continuity mode (resistance) on a multi meter for checkimg all soldering points, starting at the output jack. Test pickups directly by connecting them to the output jack using alligator clips.
- If you use copper foil to cover the cavities, use isolation tape on the pots to avoid a short cut.
- If you drill a new hole for the output jack, measure depth with the plug inserted
- Check for small differences with metric and imperial sizes. This is most relevant for new tuners. Use size information from different web sites as some manufaturers don’t understand metric units, ie 9/16" is not 14mm, but 14.3mm; 11/16" is not 17mm but 17.5mm.
- Always cover your bass when soldering, drilling or dremeling
- Be careful with chrome parts – they scratch more easily than you think. Chrome scratches are not easily recovered.
- If in doubt, ask BassBuzz forum members!
Best tools: dremel, counter sink, multi meter, alligator clips!
Now waiting for the foil for the pickguards and control plate.
Next week I will do the same with Ronin, but will install EMG GZRs…
2 Likes
Moral of the story: It would have been quicker and easier to just shoot it. 
8 Likes
LOL, yeah!
There were times I was ready to go full Kristi Noem on that bass.
Good thing we don’t have a 2nd amendment here, so I did not have a gun readily available. If you don’t have a gun, you can’t shoot anything/anybody. Things could be so simple ^^
Now my new bass can live a happy life with a happy owner. Sometimes you just need to take your time to improve things - no reason to shoot basses nor dogs
EDIT There are only two basses that I might prefer to my own bass: @Wombat-metal 's magnificent “Herbie the Love Bass” (love it!) and Reverend’s Avocado Bass (Dub King).
1 Like
3 Likes
True. But you did ask the question. 
1 Like
Yeah, true that!
But sometimes I just use a wording cause I like the sound of it … and to convey a deeper meaning and/or a silly joke (which is often the same thing)
give it time
2 Likes
The general advice I’d add to that is. For anyone using tools who doesn’t use tools for a living. Think more than one step ahead i.e. if I make a mistake, can I fix / recover from that error. If the answer is a no then be smart about your choices. Practice on a scrap piece before you drill, cut, chisel etc.
4 Likes
As someone that is tool inept, in this situation (as much as possible) I try to have either double or some sort of backup in case I oops the first one.
1 Like
That is a really great advise … that I totally ignored … and almost went catastrophically wrong!
1 Like
I am also basicallly tool inept - more of a thinker. But I strongly believe in “Mind over matter” … anything can be learned. It’s just a matter of patience and focus!
1 Like
Ok - full setup done. Always takes a little longer with a new bridge.
- solved the issue with the G string. Turns out that the bridge saddle intonation screw was completely loose. Stupid oversight from my sde.
- A well known issue of the Gotoh 404BO bridge got me too: the intonation screws and springs are too long, so I need to find other screws and springs.
Left: the original China bridge- Right: the new Gotoh bridge. All screws on max position 
2 Likes