I'm thinking of getting an access panel cut in my Casady bass so I can do some of my own repairs. Would a guitar tech be competent to do this or would this be a job for a luthier? What might be the down side? I'm not concerned with resale value because it's a (good quality) factory second and one of the older ones. Thanks in advance.
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Jack Casady Bass Access Panel Question
- Thread starter Billoney
- Start date
I would think a luthier. Most techs don't go cutting into acoustic instruments.
Hope such a mod doesn't affect the tone too much.
Hope such a mod doesn't affect the tone too much.
Thanks. I hadn't considered that. I like the tone and am not about to sacrifice it.
What repairs do you want to make that would require an access panel?
You have access to the pickup.
You have access to the control pots and output jack through the F hole.
That is how they installed those items after the body was complete.
If you don't know how to get at them.. ask a luthier, it will be cheaper than asking one to cut a semi-hollow body and fabricate an access panel
You have access to the pickup.
You have access to the control pots and output jack through the F hole.
That is how they installed those items after the body was complete.
If you don't know how to get at them.. ask a luthier, it will be cheaper than asking one to cut a semi-hollow body and fabricate an access panel
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Mainly the output jack. I lack the tools and dexterity to work through the F hole. If I ever get another hollowbody it'll be a Lakland. I like the tone, but mainly for the access panel. Thanks for your feedback.
Basvarken
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There's a few tricks that make re-installing a jack output easy. You really don't need to cut any holes.
Use a wire to guide the output jack to the hole.
Here's a video that I found
Use a wire to guide the output jack to the hole.
Here's a video that I found
I have a local store with a great tech. He's far better than I am at this stuffand worth the money. I have two custom built semi hollows with access panels with great acoustics, but they were designed from the beginning to have panels.
Actually, this is response is totally unhelpful. My bad.
Never mind me.
Actually, this is response is totally unhelpful. My bad.
Never mind me.
Sometimes it seems so important to say something but nothing comes out. Had the tech replace the Casady jack with a Switchcraft because the stock jack sucked.
Damn, did it again.
Pay for the repairs as needed— cheaper than a mod.
To answer this question, cutting an access hole and adding its attendant cover will not affect the tone of the JC bass. It is a semi-hollow bass with a solid center block running down the middle length of it. If you want the access, cut with confidence regarding tone.
Not a bad idea, all it would take is some very careful drill and jigsaw work. Would make one of my projects that I need to get back to substantially easier.
There have been semi-hollow bodied basses/guitars for 50 years that have had successful repairs/replacement parts installed without the need to use a jigsaw on back of the body.
If the work is beyond the ability of the owner of the instrument, then asking another person to step in and do the work is the right idea.
Sure, not disagreeing with that either, I have the tools for doing the work without cutting. But the idea of designing and building a semi with a well integrated access panel is still interesting.
My old 4005WB is a true hollowbody bass (no center block, just an X brace); it has an access hole hidden behind the pickguard, an excellent idea, IME.
I would refer all repairs to a tech.
I just had my Jackbass repaired: New output jack, tighten volume and tone pots, complete set up and a new set of strings. $165.00 tax included.
For $165.00, it's like brand new. This is the first money I put into this bass in 16 years.
It's so worth it to have someone who really knows what they're doing repair something for you.
Mike
I just had my Jackbass repaired: New output jack, tighten volume and tone pots, complete set up and a new set of strings. $165.00 tax included.
For $165.00, it's like brand new. This is the first money I put into this bass in 16 years.
It's so worth it to have someone who really knows what they're doing repair something for you.
Mike