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Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: Highlander on November 20, 2010, 12:48:59 PM

Title: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 20, 2010, 12:48:59 PM
I may have slipped over to the Dark-Side with this one... :vader: [edited to drop the pics in]

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120fretless2.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120fretless1.jpg)
Anyway, a Mightie-Mite ebonol and maple neck turned up earlier in the week, followed by some Roto flatties (45-105) and some black tuners... The neck has an almost mirror fin at the moment... I also dug out a pair of Fender US pups Scott sent over a few months back to fit to this beastie...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120fretless3.jpg)
The neck needed some side shims so I used some veneer to pack out the sides - something to note re shims - she had a piece of "scratch" used to shim up slightly...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120fretless5.jpg)
As I stripped the beastie down and I noticed the bridge on the Goat-Slayer being black and having the same screw positions... so...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120fretless4.jpg)
As I was working (this is what Carlo termed as "going commando" ;D) I thought, "hmm... the front of the neck looks awfully natural wood..." and I spotted a can of black paint on the shelf...

Oh yeah, reference note... the Squier's standard pup values are about 6k - the ones that Scott replaced (with SD's in his) are about 7k and more trad Jazz (neck being slightly smaller) ...

Shed content...? welllll... there's presently 2/3rds of my herd holed up in there at the mo... plus a surplus neck...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101120Limbo.jpg)  ;D
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: nofi on November 20, 2010, 08:21:10 PM
you are just beyond help, kenny. but fret not... ;D
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: OldManC on November 21, 2010, 12:25:01 AM
Excellent!
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: godofthunder on November 21, 2010, 05:58:45 AM
Looks like you have yourself set up pretty good out there!  The bass is looking good to !
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: dadagoboi on November 21, 2010, 10:40:45 AM
All your projects are looking great, Kenny!
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 21, 2010, 01:56:55 PM
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless2.jpg)
... black machines fitted... not sure what to do with the face of the head - logo or just leave geared up for night-vision only - the string guide I borrowed off the old neck until I can get a black one...

... then I nearly had a tragedy of Grecian proportions...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless1.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless3.jpg)
... one of the original screws sheared off just into the body - a bit of gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet put Plato in his place...

... used a temporary screw to secure until I can lay my hands on a new set...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless4.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless5.jpg)
Here's another dilema - do I refit the white scratch and go "Tux" or leave her "Black-Beauty"...?

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Jazz/20101121fretless9.jpg)
Anyway, all back together - a bit of set-up work and tested through the MAG... there is a slight hum but as I plan to dump the original pots that can be attended to when that is done...

Got a rehearsal tomorrow so that will be the iron test...
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Hornisse on November 21, 2010, 02:09:09 PM
You can put one of these on that bass.   :P

(http://i39.tinypic.com/4jold1.jpg)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 21, 2010, 02:13:19 PM
I'd need the Jizz in white... ;D

Forgot to add - she has a very dark tone...

(did I get away with that one...?)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: exiledarchangel on November 22, 2010, 01:23:30 AM
You still need to buy a black control plate, some black knobs, a black pickguard, a black nut, some black screws, a black neckplate and a flashlight.
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Pilgrim on November 22, 2010, 09:15:29 AM
Quote from: exiledarchangel on November 22, 2010, 01:23:30 AM
You still need to buy a black control plate, some black knobs, a black pickguard, a black nut, some black screws, a black neckplate and a flashlight.

And tape-wrapped strings for another tasteful black element.  They also give you a nice sound with a bit more "upright" element.

Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 22, 2010, 11:11:58 AM
I'm getting a black look from Jackie at the moment - she likes the silver and white...

I do intend to swop out the controls for old type black ones with probably a blend and a master volume, leaving the tone control in for balance (disconnected, of course... :vader:)

anyway... off to rehearsal... ;)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: exiledarchangel on November 23, 2010, 02:58:06 AM
Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on November 22, 2010, 11:11:58 AM
I do intend to swop out the controls for old type black ones with probably a blend and a master volume, leaving the tone control in for balance (disconnected, of course... :vader:)

Sorry Kenny, but as a president of the "never waste a hole" club, I can't let you do that. Seriously.

Put a 3-way switch on that tone pot hole, or even better, a rotary switch to choose neck, bridge, neck and bridge in parallel, neck and bridge in series, and something out of phase.
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Lightyear on November 23, 2010, 07:10:53 AM
Quote from: exiledarchangel on November 23, 2010, 02:58:06 AM
Sorry Kenny, but as a president of the "never waste a hole" club, I can't let you do that. Seriously......

Ah, yes and that club would be headquatered in Greece ;D  Imagine that! ;)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Pilgrim on November 23, 2010, 09:27:42 AM
Quote from: exiledarchangel on November 23, 2010, 02:58:06 AM
Sorry Kenny, but as a president of the "never waste a hole" club, I can't let you do that. Seriously.

Do you spend your off time waving red flags at bulls?  Just curious....  8)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: exiledarchangel on November 23, 2010, 10:15:54 AM
Hey guys you know I was just joking, don't you?
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: OldManC on November 23, 2010, 01:19:49 PM
Quote from: exiledarchangel on November 23, 2010, 10:15:54 AM
Hey guys you know I was just joking, don't you?

I'm sure they know but you can't expect anyone around this place to ignore an opening (no pun intended) like that!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Dave W on November 23, 2010, 01:25:59 PM
Yeah, we knew it was just a wise crack wisecrack.
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 23, 2010, 04:02:57 PM
Bulls...? Flags...? Moi...? Come on guys, you know me...

Opps, nearly missed one...

Hole...? (and the woodpecker said gawd bless my sowl...)

Anyone heard of Knossos...?  They had a BIG bull there... :mrgreen: (we don't have a Mr Red but green is an opposite ;))

(ah... I spun off the tangent again...)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: nofi on November 24, 2010, 06:48:43 AM
kenny, the fender jazz is the nicest thing to emerge from your shed. please know when to stop 'fixing' it.  ;D
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 24, 2010, 02:24:12 PM
Minor set-up tweaks and the pots is all I intend to do - I know a sweet ride when I feel it... ;)

Gigging this one this weekend...
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Pilgrim on November 24, 2010, 04:59:30 PM
Do you have those black tapewound strings on it yet?   ;)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Freuds_Cat on November 24, 2010, 09:56:12 PM
Nice job Ken, the white nut is spoiling it for me though.

You need one of these

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/Freuds_cat/Jazz/72jazz722.jpg)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 25, 2010, 12:10:26 PM
Quote from: Pilgrim on November 24, 2010, 04:59:30 PM
Do you have those black tapewound strings on it yet?   ;)

Only room for 4 strings at a time, Al... ;D

Bret, if I go for total stealth mode I'm going to have to play specially coated strings and image intensifiers... ;)

(mind you... I do go on about "feel" and "instinct"...) (do we have a ZENoticon...?)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Pilgrim on November 25, 2010, 01:36:11 PM
Maybe he'll get so much black on it that he has to add those LED lights to be able to see the neck at all!
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Freuds_Cat on November 25, 2010, 06:15:54 PM
Quote from: Pilgrim on November 25, 2010, 01:36:11 PM
Maybe he'll get so much black on it that he has to add those LED lights to be able to see the neck at all!

LOL  ;D
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: exiledarchangel on November 26, 2010, 12:58:19 AM
Thats why I suggested a flashlight! :D A headlight would fit best in this situation.
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Pilgrim on November 26, 2010, 07:59:51 AM
Quote from: exiledarchangel on November 26, 2010, 12:58:19 AM
Thats why I suggested a flashlight! :D A headlight would fit best in this situation.

Oh, yeah!  He could get one of those headband flashlight holders and add some sequins!

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/314ARf0m8sL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: exiledarchangel on November 26, 2010, 11:31:01 AM
WORST PUN EVER FOLLOWS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED







Hey Kenny, you could be the head of the band with one of those! Got it? Head-band. [autolol=on]
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on November 26, 2010, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: Pilgrim on November 25, 2010, 01:36:11 PM
Maybe he'll get so much black on it that he has to add those LED lights to be able to see the neck at all!

UV LED's, obviously...

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbnzK3312LHdObxEdlB-BC1DrQjy91NX5OG9o3pww7uVNQqSsWzw)

... and as for you my Exiled buddy... ;)

(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQT_2g5m8wzl6qy_q8C2FBEundhIwMKmWDZ-kJ6LNiMmJOb-nCOjA)

(I particularily liked the autolol=on  ;D)
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: drbassman on December 07, 2010, 05:58:22 PM
Wow Kenny, I wasn't paying any attention.  It turned out great.  I have a soft spot for the jazz shape, but most of them have sucky pups.  Yours turned out really sharp!
Title: Re: Jazz goes fretless - mini conversion project... (SHED content)
Post by: Highlander on December 08, 2010, 01:05:17 PM
Scott was kind enough to send over some spares when he upgraded his US Jazz - they sound great in this one - I'm thinking of "twinning" the original pups (which both had a nice sound) and fitting them to the Demetriou project in the bridge slot...

Carlos (Dadagoboi) commented that the Fenders make ideal platforms for projects - can't agree more...

Forgot to mention - presently has a bit more chrome as trialing the bridge I got from Dave...