Bass Guitar repair and installation topics.
We last left off with routing the control cavity, and now it’s time to move on to routing the pickup cavity. Below: What we’ll be using. Two clamps, the body template, router and body block (in progress.) Below: The layout of pickup route drawn on body. While it is not necessary to draw in the … Read more
In this step we finish up (yes, really!) the routing of the control cavity – and this is where we see all three bits get into action. Below: Using the second bit (3/4-inch), adjusted for next pass. Below: Pass with 3/4-inch bit completed. Below: Adjustment made using same bit for next pass. Below: Pass completed. … Read more
In this build step, we continue on with the routing of the control cavity. Above: The photo shows that the first pass is now completed. Below: Setting up the router bit for the second pass. Below: Performing the second pass, using two 1/4-inch passes at this stage. Below: The two passes have been completed. Below: … Read more
In this build step, we start the routing of the control cavity. Below: Tools to be used. A drill, screw gun, router, 3 router bits, 1 chamfer bit, center punch and 4 pick guard screws. Note that the body is clamped to table. Below: A closer look at the bits to be used. While … Read more
Fretboards need to be cleaned every so often, and that’s just common sense. However, there is also something called “conditioning” a fretboard. Why would you condition a fretboard? The two main reasons to condition a fretboard is to: Keep color consistency Boards that aren’t conditioned fade, but not evenly since the player (you) prefers to … Read more
Cleaning P-Bass bass guitar electronics is an easy process when you know how to do it. The video below shows exactly how it’s done, and once you see how easy it is, you’ll be able to do it yourself. What helps more than anything else in lubricating and cleaning your P-Bass potentiometers is a contact … Read more
For bass of the week feature instruments here at BBG, you’ve seen a lot of custom inlay work. And while we would all like custom inlays that look absolutely perfect, there is always the option to buy a set of inlays instead. Two things make buying an inlay set a whole lot easier. First is … Read more
Jack Marshall sent us in this article of his bass modifications. Thanks, Jack! If you’d like to contribute your own tips-and-tricks or informational or modification article, send it on over to editor@bestbassgear.com. You can send over your article as a Word DOC/DOCX, LibreOffice ODT (free!) document, OpenOffice ODT (free!) document or exported document saved from … Read more
Whether you are installing a bass bridge on a new build or on an existing bass that already has a bridge installed, the method to handle the install is relatively the same. Step 1: Select the New Bridge Before selecting your new bridge you will need to determine a few details about your existing bridge. … Read more
A popular option for many bass guitar owners is to install a preamp, such as one made by John East, Glockenklang, Delano, Bartolini, Nordstrand or another manufacturer. In order for the preamp to work, you have to power it. And while there are many ways to power a bass guitar’s preamp system, here are 4 … Read more
