Jazz Bass Thoughts

So with the Xaviere J, I thought I'd really go to town on the Squier. Here are my thoughts.

The 50th Anniversary Jazz Bass did something interesting: they took all kinds of different features from the years and combined then into one bass. They threw originality out the window and created a "mash up" some key features from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.

That inspired me just now. Maybe I can do a mashup of my own, but instead riff on the features I always wanted but didn't have. There would have to be a base of stuff I like, though.

My 1987 MIM had EMGs, Badass II bridge, Schaller tuners & straplocks, neck pickup cover and a white pickguard. My 1964 was refinished Olympic white, had the same EMGs and Badass II, original reverse tuning machines, and a brass nut (and an ebony fingerboard with snowflake inlays--who did that????).

This Squier CV is a perfect bass to do this with, because I love the feel of the neck, and the body shape is great. Let's think this through:

1. Badass II bridge. I always liked mine and had it on the MIM and the '64. At my age, I honestly don't care so much about it--the standard bridges seem fine, but it was oh so important to me back then for the sustain. I do think it helps with slap tone a little.
2. EMGs. But let's be different this time. I loved the EMG J-sound, but looking back on my playing, I was a little "treble-heavy" and "crunchy." Let's inject some bottom end and do P/J for a change. I had two P/J basses back then: the Tune and the Jackson. I think the guys in my band liked the Tune best on gigs. It sounded fine for slap. Rather than put the P pickup where it is supposed to be, I think I'll put it right where the Jazz neck pickup is now; less routing, and I can hide it with the ashtray cover.
   
3. Let's go with a color other than white. And let's go with a non-tort pickguard. Lots of options there, but I keep coming back to Sonic Blue.
4. Let's go matching headplate. Being honest, I don't like the look of the Tru-Oil on the headplate (it's fantastic on the neck, though). Let's do that headplate in a matching color. That will be awesome.
5. Let's do 1962 stack pots. I always loved those, and when I wanted them before you couldn't get them. Now they're available. They appear expensive, but that's okay. We can do the build over time. They would add $100 to the cost. Hrmmmmm....
   
6. Let's do reverse tuners. I loved the tuners on my 1964. No reason to repeat the mistake of the Schallers from back in the late 80s.
7. The Badass II will keep me from putting the ashtray cover over the bridge (I'll need to fill the holes). The neck ashtray will hid the fact that it's not a J.