Will it blend? Vintage PJ: mod switch to blend?

[Standalone]

I love my Roadster. Bought it in London in the 1990’s and will always keep it. The actives went shortly after I got it, but the hot Dimarzio pickups really don’t seem to need any boosting and cutting. The solo bridge J doesn’t seem very useful unless I were to cover something with Stevie Wonder’s clavinet.

The switch is getting a little loose and I’ve been considering modifying the instrument to have a blend with center decent instead.

What should I expect as far as changes to the tone? Will the 100% Neck and 50/50 detent still be the same as the original Neck/both selector settings?

If I keep the original parts on hand will I be impacting the value and long-term value? Bass is in good shape other than a small chunk of headstock rash.

Any other recommendations for the preamp? I don’t need one, but if I can retain the passive switch, I’d consider one.

 

[scuzzy]

there will be a difference, as the potentiometer will introduce things a switch won't.

I believe you could probably get the switch out and bend the contacts back to where they are solid. I had a similar issue with a les paul switch and bending back the contacts completely remedied the problem.

that is a gorgeous bass. keeping for life is a good choice.

 

[Standalone]

Thanks. I definitely will keep it!

I wonder what the difference tends to be as far as how the potentiometer will impact the tone?

EDIT: as I typed this, I considered that it may be more appropriate to discuss this in another sub forum since it’s directly related to electronics. My apologies if I’m spamming the basses forum with wiring esoterica. Cheers.

 

[jaybones]

If you can get the switch out, why not replace it with another?

Bending the metal back will only further weaken it, as the metal will fatigue.

 

[charlie monroe]