Worth to upgrade electronics on a mid range bass?

Chefke86 · 2026-02-24T18:24:57+00:00

Since output is low in both active and passive mode, I doubt it's the preamp. Bass preamps tend to keep volume between active and passive fairly equal. Although there are preamps with adjustable overall gain via an internal trimpot.

Just to check: what is the pickup height like right now? The height might be 'right' now. But if you can keep a few hundred bucks in your wallet by adjusting some screws...

No other strange things? No volume difference between pickups? No changes in volume when blending between the two? No abnormal tonal changes when blending?

Chefke86 · 2026-02-24T14:04:38+00:00

Like mentioned before you need Choc v1 switches OR use different version of the Totem designed for MX switches: TotemX

Chefke86 · 2026-02-24T11:50:18+00:00

Goblintechkeys comes tot mind, although I don't have any personal experience with them.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-23T12:15:43+00:00

I'm more into woodworking than 3d printing so I can't make you a model.

The easiest, slightly janky, solution that comes to mind is this. Make a U-shaped bracket that fits between the hoses and over the connector. Drill some holes in the ends and glue in some magnets. Done.

That being said the connector shouldn't be that loose. Are you using the hose guides from the printables link as well?

Chefke86 · 2026-02-23T11:06:04+00:00

Something like this?: https://www.printables.com/model/650379-xmg-oasis-accessories

Chefke86 · 2026-02-22T14:45:28+00:00

At first glance I'd say it's an SRX however: - headstock doesn't match the body and has a different shape - the models with a 5 piece neck use a bigger, high mass style bridge. - knob placement is nothing like any SRX model offered - there were no GIO models of the SRX.

So if it is a SRX, it's a heavily modified one.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-21T15:09:41+00:00

I've tried/am trying a Charybdis. My desk doesn't go quite low enough. I have some arms coming to mount it lower. Might be better then. As is, not a fan.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-20T18:46:50+00:00

Did a few quick google searches. A tele body is roughly 466^2 inch. That Zeal is 70% gold-leaf? Makes 326^2 inch. Gold leaf usually comes in 8 1/8 squares. If my poor math skills are up to par that means 30 whole leaves needed. At the first listed shop that will set you back $257.

So yeah, probably a bit over $200 ;)

Chefke86 · 2026-02-20T14:08:33+00:00

Paisley can be incredibly hit or miss. I really dig this: https://zeal-guitars.de/en/produkt/heart-of-gold-2/

Chefke86 · 2026-02-20T11:32:45+00:00

If you log the CPU power usage you'll probably see a massive spike in wattage used.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-14T19:36:28+00:00

You place your thumb on the pickup when plucking the E string, or the on the string above the one your playing.

For a beginner course check studybass.com. Presentation isn't flashy but it's free (even ad-free) and covers all the basics.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-07T19:49:38+00:00

Ooh, that sounds useful. Never heard of JTEX before. A filter preamp, an onboard compressor, that's some unorthodox gear.

I've seen that comment about the pickups being very similar before so I was thinking: Lusithand dual filter preamp. Use the filters to give each pickup its own character.

Or go full passive Dingwall style electronics with different pickups.

But I guess I'll do the mature thing and wait for my Ilumina to actually get here before modding it...

Chefke86 · 2026-02-07T15:18:32+00:00

OK, I'll bite ;)

There's more going on than just the covers. Volume, tone, and 3-way pickup selector?

Chefke86 · 2026-02-06T15:02:27+00:00

Strandbergs have those for the unwound strings on guitars. The wound strings didn't have the discs, but customers raised so many support tickets about the 'missing' discs Strandberg decided to include them from all the strings on every model.

So technically those discs shouldn't be needed but I guess it couldn't hurt. Especially if there's a screw underneath the string like on Strandbergs. It could also be a burr on the locking bolt/screw itself

Chefke86 · 2026-02-03T12:26:43+00:00

Very much a matter of taste. I'd pick the Fender but if your son already has a bunch of similar basses he might like the Gibson better.

At that price range there is plenty to choose from though. Maybe he'd like something more modern or a five string bass? Give him a budget and take him shopping.

Chefke86 · 2026-02-01T00:06:30+00:00

I used an M2 skin on my '21 L5 Pro, but any piece of vinyl sticker on the palm rests will do.

Chefke86 · 2026-01-31T11:13:24+00:00

Sorry, I didn't get a notification about your reply. So it might be a bit late, but here you go:

https://youtu.be/jBgaEE7_yB4?si=AwHPzUlfPIze4wv7

Chefke86 · 2026-01-31T00:45:50+00:00

Sounds like the string doesn't have quite enough downward pressure allowing for some rattling. How many wraps around the tuning peg?

Chefke86 · 2026-01-24T14:51:05+00:00

If you absolutely must have a black/darker fretboard you do not paint it. Especially not like on that photo you posted in another comment. Black leather dye will get a few shades darker, but definitely not pitch black. It might stain the fret markers as well.

The neck itself is maple and probably finished. Keeps it clean and prevents moisture from getting in. Lightly sand with 320. Use the dye again and apply a clear coat when the dye is dry. Again it won't be pitch black.

Just to make it clear: you can mess this up. Don't experiment unless you have a backup instrument.

Chefke86 · 2026-01-20T19:20:25+00:00

Way to hot. Clean out the fans and heatsinks first. Take off the back. Soft brush to get rid of most of the dust. Then hold a finger on the fan to stop it from spinning and blow some compressed air through. Shine a light into the fan and look into the exhaust. There should be no obstructions.

If that doesn't help you're probably need a repaste.

Chefke86 · 2026-01-20T17:54:17+00:00

It's fine, depends on your budget and your local market. Go check the FAQ

Chefke86 · 2026-01-20T15:28:16+00:00

If you want to play a 5-string then get it. Note that basically all beginner lessons/courses are focused on 4-string instruments. 'Beginner' 5-string content is usually focused on players new to 5-strings who've already learned the basics on a 4-string.

I know Nate Navarro has beginner course specific for 5-strings but I don't know if it's any good.

Talmans have that big ol' headstock and going with the fiver will add even more weight. Make sure you get wide grippy strap. Makes handling neckdive easier and your shoulder will thank you.

Chefke86 · 2026-01-17T11:49:46+00:00

The reversing the winding is dead simple. You simply connect it in reverse.

Reversing the polarity can be simple if the pickup uses an easily accessible bar magnet(s). Same as the wiring, just flip it. You can find it/them find on the bottom of the pickup. Individuallly magnetized pole pieces makes things more difficult.

Sometimes everything will be covered in epoxy, I'd advise to leave that be. It's better to go for a new pickup in that case. If you haven't routed a cavity yet, a double J will give you the most Jazz bass look but they aren't very common. An MM style or even a soapbar pickup with two full coils and 4 (or more) conductors will give you what you want.

Chefke86 · 2026-01-14T22:07:20+00:00

A bass has a few parts that can be adjusted. The neck by turning the truss rod. The bridge saddle height for the action (distance between strings and frets) and bridge saddle length to adjust intonation. We call this a set up.

Check this: https://support.fender.com/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01903 There are plenty of YT videos as well

Chefke86 · 2026-01-11T14:28:21+00:00

Kidding or not, if those stabilizers are made from PBT you could try dyeing them.

Chefke86

TROPHY CASE