It’s actually very easy (less the mixer piece). Very intuitive and some great design/thought out into it. The mixer sort out will be for another day, it’s a bit deeper and I’m not ready to sort it yet anyway.
I noticed I’m turning it into a cheap Nate Mendel signature replica/lookalike/ripoff, so I might swap out the pickup for a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder at some point. However, I’m really liking the tone of the stock pickup, so I’m keeping that as-is for now.
By the way, while taking the thing apart, I found this round cavity beneath the pickguard, about halfway between the electronics cavity and the bottom horn:
My guess is they use the same CNC program as for other basses. That looks like the position for a pickup selection switch if that were a PJ model. That’s where Fender puts it
yes, it’s used on some production lines to move the bodies from one machine to another. maybe it’s not well said but you get the idea : it’s a pure technical thing related to the manufacturing process.
also it’s a way to identify a Fender MIM body (also true for Fender guitars) : it will have this round hole where a MIA won’t.
I have a Sterling By Music Man Ray 4 - and its my first bass, and the one I am using to complete the beginner to badass course. I noticed that when I play, I sometimes lose placement of the pickup due to it being further back on the body than I would like.
picked up this little neat thumb rest from the folks at Zero Mod - just installed it trying it out in a few minutes
I like the HiMass of the bridges I have had so far. Just easier to setup with it. A high mass bridge definitely alters tone, but I can’t say if it’s any better or worse. It’s kind of a sidegrade to me tonewise.
Thanks @terb, this seems to be the most common explanation. Either that, or it can be used to hide your stash from the cops, or your mojo gets accumulated in there over the years
A Gotoh 201B-4 bridge in black, to replace the Wilkinson bridge on my stream. Nothing wrong with the Wilkinson, other than it’s chrome and doesn’t fit the planned aesthetic.
I need to drill two more holes, but don’t own a drill so need to figure that out. Sounds really good though, and the bridge feels really solid in the three screws.
Which were in super tight. I had to use a ton of pressure to get them out, resulting in a circular scratch when the bridge went spinning. Oh well. Adds character
Time to get a drill with torque adjustment. Doesn’t have to be anything terribly expensive. Especially with all these projects, its essential. If you are worried about not drilling a straight hole just cut a small block of wood, drill through that first as a guide and then place it over the spot you want to drill. Make sure you mark off the drill bit (piece of tape will do) so you don’t go too deep.
Awesome build so far. I was contemplating getting a HB because of what you have done, maybe the tele bass model, but I am not sure yet.
I just had another not so great experience with a Warwick purchase and I am thinking of giving it up and just stick to what I have. May also sell off some basses because maintaining the lot is getting a bit tedious.