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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

1091.0. "Bullet Bass Info Needed" by FSTVAX::GALLO (Tom Gallo - Field Service Training) Mon Jan 23 1989 10:01

 
	Does any one have any experience with modifications to the
	Fender Bullet Bass? I would like to either replace the
	existing pickups with P-Bass style or perhaps add another
	pickup to it (J-Bass?). I know that this would require
	modifications to the body, so I'd like to hear some opinions
	before I actually decide what to do. I'd just as soon replace
	this bass, but my budget won't allow it :-(.


	Thanks,

	Tom Gallo
 
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1091.1Pickguards Hide All The UglinessAQUA::ROSTJazz isn't dead, it just smells funnyMon Jan 23 1989 10:5222
    
    Since a Bullet uses a large pickguard, you can do some pretty serious
    hackwork to fit in a new pickup and cover your incompetence up with
    the pickguard. 
    
    Putting a J-style pickup near the bridge is more critical since
    it's *not* covered by the pickguard.
    
    I suggest replacing the single pickup first then worrying about
    a second pickup.
    
    My recommendation would be an EMG Select P-bass replacement, they
    are pretty inexpensive but sound good.
    
    While you're inside the body, put copper shielding tape all underneath
    the pickguard and inside the control cavity.  Connect this to the
    ground of the output jack.
    
    Trimming of the pickguard to fit the new pickup should be pretty
    easy.
    
    
1091.2FSTTOO::GALLOTom Gallo - Field Service TrainingMon Jan 23 1989 11:239
    
    
    I'm pretty sure I would'nt want to do this work myself.  Any idea
    how much it'd cost me? Any recomendations about a competant repair
    person to do the work?
    
    
    tomg
    
1091.3RICKS::CALCAGNIMon Jan 23 1989 13:395
    well, you asked for opinions.  I once tried replacing the pickups
    in a Bullet with a Seymour Duncan vintage P-bass pickup.  I did not
    like the result and ended up putting the originals back in.
    
    /rick
1091.4Another plug for EMGNEWVAX::PHARMONTue Jan 24 1989 08:317
    I have a friend who changed the stock pickup in his Bullet bass
    to an EMG p-bass pickup and had an EMG j-bass pickup installed.
    The result sounds good to me.  He had all the work done at a 
    music store, but I don't know what they charged him (he lives
    in Ohio).
    
    Paul
1091.5SD 1/4 pounder good.JAWS::OPERChain ReactionThu Jan 26 1989 07:236
    
    	I didn't like the SD vintage pickups either - low output and
    	too noisey. I ended up with the Seymore Duncan Quarter-Pound
    	P-bass pickup. The pickup cost 57.75 with the tax.
    
    	Guy Novello
1091.6Make Mine EMGAQUA::ROSTJazz isn't dead, it just smells funnyThu Jan 26 1989 08:278
    
    Low output and too noisy?
    
    Hey, that's the *vintage* sound, dude....
    
    8^)  8^)  8^)  8^)
    
    
1091.7posted for JerryGOES11::G_HOUSEIt's NOT a TOOMAH!Tue Feb 16 1993 11:0120
Gentlemen,

I need some info on a bass guitar from the GUITAR rats ... Here's what it 
is:

-Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe
-Serial number E007878
-Made in USA
-1 pickup, but it's in 2 pieces ... 8^)
-maple neck
-hardshell case

What I need to know is ...
-what year is this thing (78?)
-what would be a reasonable price range ?  The guy's asking $200, but since 
it's got some road wear, I'm thinking $140-160 might be a bit more in line.

Send any info to AMPAKZ::ASAHI::JERRYWHITE

Thanks !