I was given a beat up asian fender j-bass knock-off. as i have to watch the cash & can't a fford a working bass right now, i decided i'd fix this one up.
the pick-ups in it were actually rusty & corroded, the wiring was all badly soldered & it was just a mess. i've stripped it down & sanded the body.
here is the problem: i'm going to install some slightly used Squire pick-ups (got a pair for $25) but sometime in the past someone has routed out the bridge pick-up for a humbucker.
(btw, here is a pic as it looked when i got it, can anyone id the pickups or even the manufacturer? it has no i.d. except 2 bits of japaneese writing http://www.xz550.com/art_files/VisionBass.jpg )
so i need to fill the bridge hole so the squire pick-up fits cleanly. i was thinking to either veneer a new maple top, (but would that raise the bridge up enough to make it unajustable?)
-or-
fit the bridge hole with a maple "cover" (rout down the thickness of the new maple cover, glue it in & fill the seam around it, leaving the cavity for the pick-up)
the frets are low, but that is a project for later.
i've already replaced the broken plastic nut with a bone one.
if i veneer will i have action problems? (but it'll look cleaner, & i could stain & sunburst)
or if i fill, then i'll HAVE to paint it...
this is my first stringed instument, it's just a learner, but i'd like it to look decent (i'll settle for ppl not laughing.. )
and play acceptably. i'll get a fine Bass when i can afford it.
i've been long winded, but thanks!
--Lucky