Fender modding questions

[MonoNoAware]

Hello awesomely awesome people of TalkBass!

While I've been playing for well over a decade now, I am utterly confused about the electronics part of things and I need your help (because where else would I go, come on). I'll try my best to explain the modifications I have in mind with photos and I'd be very grateful for any and all ideas.

The bass is a 1984 Fender MIJ Jazz Bass Special. I've acquired it secondhand, and it was already modded when I got it. Pups are Seymour Duncan Lightnin' Rods and the pots are all changed. I believe they did 1 master volume-2 pup volumes-blend.

Now I want to change the pups (because I'm done with actives) and decided to change a few more things to turn it into what I want from it.

For pickups, I'm thinking about a Quarter Pounder PJ set. I like that chonky sound, plus I like using distortion so I think they'll be a good fit. Any suggestions on that end?

Here's a list of what I want to turn the electronics into:

1 - Master volume
2 - Neck volume/tone (stacked pot)
3 - Bridge volume/tone (stacked pot)
4 - Blend

My question here is: could anyone recommend decent pots? I've tried reading about it but got very confused in the sense of numbers and how they work (250K-500K and linear/log stuff), so I'm leaving myself in your more than capable hands.

Also, I want to change the tuning pegs to a D-tuner set and the bridge into something... that looks better? I'd be eternally grateful if you could recommend compatible (all black to keep the aesthetic together) options. Photos below for visual reference.

I'm a long time follower of these pages and finally I have a proper question to ask, hehe. Thank you all in advance. This mod will take some time (I'll get the orders around August) but I'll post updates for sure!

Extra info: I'll most likely order everything from the USA so European providers may not work very well for me.

 

[ColdEye]

For bridges, checkout hipshot:

Bass Bridges

If you want to stick with the classic fender style I am sure there are a bunch of those in that style in black.

These are decent quality stacked pots:

Potentiometer - Fender, dual Audio, concentric solid shaft | Antique Electronic Supply

That website has a good selection for your other wiring needs too, and the prices are good.

May I ask why a MV with Blend?

 

[FRoss6788]

Hipshot all the way for your hardware. The B style bridge is very nice.

 

[MonoNoAware]

May I ask why a MV with Blend?

No specific reason actually, it kinda felt natural that way. I'm definitely open to different layout suggestions.

Thanks a lot for the links by the way, much appreciated. Is there an all-black knob for that dual pot that you know of?

Hipshot all the way for your hardware. The B style bridge is very nice.

Oh yes, that one immediately caught my eye. That is the most likely option at the moment.

 

[Killing Floor]

Can never go wrong with Fralin pickups.

That bridge is icky.

 

[ColdEye]

No specific reason actually, it kinda felt natural that way. I'm definitely open to different layout suggestions.

Thanks a lot for the links by the way, much appreciated. Is there an all-black knob for that dual pot that you know of?



Oh yes, that one immediately caught my eye. That is the most likely option at the moment.

That seems like a lot of volume controls. How about adding a 3 way switch pickup selector? Also do check the size for the holes, because the dual pot linked above is the same as the CTS dual pot. I forgot if those and the other dual pots would need different hole sizes. Yes there are all black knobs for those. Check out the Goto Cosmo Black dual knobs, it says there what would fit.

 

[MonoNoAware]

That seems like a lot of volume controls. How about adding a 3 way switch pickup selector? Also do check the size for the holes, because the dual pot linked above is the same as the CTS dual pot. I forgot if those and the other dual pots would need different hole sizes. Yes there are all black knobs for those. Check out the Goto Cosmo Black dual knobs, it says there what would fit.

A 3-way switch is actually the stock option for this model, but it didn't "feel right" since I'm used to not having one. Once the battery's out the cavity's got a decent size so I'll keep researching for different wiring options. Thanks for the size warning btw, I'll definitely measure first.

Can never go wrong with Fralin pickups.

That bridge is icky.

How are they with distorted tones? Any sound examples I should look into?

Also yes, especially with the lighting the bridge looks horrible. Sadly between the ridiculously high customs taxes and even more ridiculously high profit margins in Turkiye, the market is kinda dead and it's next to impossible to find decent replacement parts. You wouldn't believe how many of my musician friends are also working 9 to 5 and saving money for months just to replace something on their instruments or buy new equipment.

 

[Killing Floor]

A 3-way switch is actually the stock option for this model, but it didn't "feel right" since I'm used to not having one. Once the battery's out the cavity's got a decent size so I'll keep researching for different wiring options. Thanks for the size warning btw, I'll definitely measure first.



How are they with distorted tones? Any sound examples I should look into?

Also yes, especially with the lighting the bridge looks horrible. Sadly between the ridiculously high customs taxes and even more ridiculously high profit margins in Turkiye, the market is kinda dead and it's next to impossible to find decent replacement parts. You wouldn't believe how many of my musician friends are also working 9 to 5 and saving money for months just to replace something on their instruments or buy new equipment.

Adam Clayton has used them in his Lakland and Fender basses. Fralin never does endorsements so when you see guys like Sting using them they’ve had to buy it themselves.