How To Improve A Fender P Bass

[@jessekitts3976]

The smile on Phil's face when he rolled the tone back warmed my heart. That was a face of true enjoyment.

[@oinkooink]

I think he was smiling at the hundreds and hundreds of dollars in 3rd party peripherals he threw at his Mexican bass.

[@ramencurry6672]

In my opinion, the bass did not need modifications. But of course your mileage may vary

[@LowEndLobster]

I audibly cheered when Phil took out those DiMarzio Sixties P pickups! WOOO!

[@charleswood123]

Phil wasn’t kidding, this channel is off to a real hot start in 2023

[@Gene_Cali]

This was like seeing old friends. I miss my P-Bass and it's good to see a Sharpen my Axe vid. Thank you Phil for bringing us 'the Thunder'. KYG Rocks! \m/

[@googleboy7]

Hi Phil, I owe you two thank yous. First, I watched your review of an EART Telecaster copy and bought one. That is one sweet guitar right of the box! I haven't had to do anything to it, other than play it. ;-)) The really impressive feature, as you said, is the fret work. I have had several brand name guitars over the years, since 1962. The EART's fret work is the best I've ever seen. Second, after watching your repair videos and those of others, I bought several other under $200 guitars and put the time into them to finish them and sometimes swap out/upgrade components that the manufacturer didn't do. What started out as decent guitars ended up being excellent instruments. And I've learned to work on them in the process. Plus I now have a nice tool kit of luthier tools and the skills to use them. Again, thank you so much for your reviews and training. May you be blessed as you have blessed others! Shalom/gw .

[@kicksareforribs5156]

Good to see you actually doing some bass stuff, you looked very happy doing it

[@redeyebloom]

I recently got one of these in capri orange. I added a black hipshot himass bridge and other black hardware. The tuners just came in today. 😁

[@rmmst49]

probably the best video i’ve seen on the channel. i can’t believe how much better it sounded especially given it had to go through youtube to my phone. I’d love to see more videos like this. Do a 335 style guitar next!

[@thedukeofno]

G&L has been improving the Fender P-bass for over 44 years...

[@Ryandgeorgi]

Feels like it's been forever since we got a bass video! The low end community thanks you. I think this might be the first pbass on your channel too. Appreciate it!

[@simpwood4973]

You never fail to amaze me with your bass playing

[@ASM881]

What a striking difference that made! I’m amazed. I need to do that to my P.

[@KershawsGoat]

I love these kinds of videos, Phil. As many others have said, it got me to start doing my own work on my gear and it's such a great feeling when you get done.

[@VincentVader]

The P Bass is THE only bass anyone needs. Change my mind.

[@ileutur6863]

That's like saying all guitarists just need an esquire

[@Fret-knot]

I'm mainly a guitar man, but I also have a Mexican P bass and I love it…. But now, I'm going to have to upgrade it. Damn. That sounded so sweet!

[@son0fsocal]

Wow! Night and day difference from the crummy fender pick ups and Dimarzio ..that Bass is now legit and ready for its first gig!

[@ricks.1092]

I don't play any musical instrument. But I love music. And I find this channel to be Awesome.

[@MrSparks54]

I made similar mods to my 2019 Aerodyne bass. I put in the Ray Ross bridge, Aguilar AG 4PJ-HC pickups and CTS Pots. I like flatwounds on this bass but I discovered you can't run 34" flats with the Ray Ross bridge because the cloth winds are too long. So I went with GHS Medium Scale 32" Precision flats with 35.5" wind which fit perfectly and sound awesome. What a difference better pickups and the new bridge makes. The sustain is noticeably better and there are no saddles on the Ray Ross bridge which means no breakover point to weaken the strings. Good stuff Phillip! Cheers from Utah.

[@fernbobbio]

That bridge and píckups are quite an upgrade. Looks and sounds killer now!

[@r1reign]

Love the upgrades, Phil!

[@vanshankguitars]

I installed that same Day Ross bridge on the last bass I made last year. I definitely will use them again!

[@steveeckert8396]

More Bass videos please. A lot of us guitarists have a bass in the house too. I watched alot of bass videos but hearing it from a trusted source make it so much better. One question did you play bass BEFORE you picked up a guitar? You killed it.😃

[@zacharyvalenter9637]

You are so sweet! I would let you make any modifications to my guitar any day. You are a good guy, Phil!

[@tomjones2348]

Bravo! Well done, written, edited, played. This answers many questions for me on how to upgrade my P bass sound.

[@nicolamontoro]

I always learn something from your videos. Great info😊

[@NoUploadJustComment]

I've missed the SMA series. Good to see you return to the mods.

[@nalukeko]

Here's a video I'd like to see: Shielding Paint before and after... With decent pickups, I've never had an issue without painted cavities. If the pickups squeal, no amount of shielding will help.

[@Snivic-music]

it is to create a faraday cage in the cavity, so your wires won't pick up outside interference, it doesn't change the sound at all.

[@OhhLoz]

@Timdoeswork Thats because shielding paint can be harder to ensure no gaps and to make sure there is continuity between all painted parts unless you use a multimeter to check. With the shielding tape (aslong as it has conductive adhesive) you can more certainly be sure there will be a connection everywhere as it can be overlapped in spots and is more tangible to the general person than paint. I only shielded my strat about a week ago and it definitely reduced some of the noise, I looked at paint but it seems like more hassle than its worth compared to tape.

[@larryvickrey111]

You have to use multiple coats over a couple days. Kind of a drag, but it works.

[@steveDC51]

Excuse me if I missed something but I don’t remember him saying it would change anything, it’s just protection if you find yourself playing where there is a “dirty” power supply.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Same.

[@tracyhightower9829]

I think you just sold me on that Ross Bridge. It brings out piano like clarity and harmonics that are rarely heard on electric basses.

[@bassman108]

I have the same bass in buttercream. First, the neck and fretboard are two different pieces of wood but no big deal there. I loved the original pickups but I did upgrade them to the EMG GBR because I had them. They are passive and sound amazing!. I have a high-mass bridge that would fit but I love the vintage look of the original bridge so I left it as is. So far I love this bass as much as my 2016 Fender American Standard P bass which I did upgrade to the same EMG GBR pickup. The white-on-white with maple fretboard looks great btw. FYI the EMG pickups are solderless for easy installation.

[@Chris.Wiley.]

I really want to try one of these bridges. Not cheap, but unique in the way it works.

[@b.t.c6419]

Great job! I was surprise though: No nut replacement? Not important with a bass?

[@jamesdeananderson1411]

Thank for the video, and good luck with your new brand. I recently started carving my own body and headstock style, and it's no picnic to make guitars. Still, endlessly fun.

[@scottreynolds5455]

Shaking my hoose! Chill man. 80 percent player, 20 percent equipment. Love it!

[@BluesSky]

Big tone upgrade, very noticeable. High mass bridges make a big difference, I like the Badass II on my Jazz bass but they’re no more now. Id describe the tone as being more piano like, three dimensional.

[@BrianSGuitars]

These how-to videos are the best!

[@matthewgierula5674]

Wow, that bridge and pickups change made a huge difference. Definitely going to do the same thing when I buy one again.

[@karlvoigt789]

Every time I watch Phil’s KYG videos, I concurrently make a shopping list. And I just got my first bass, so thanks again, Phil! Also on that shopping list is that seafoam Knaggs on the wall…

[@lancomedic]

Thanks for explaining about the first couple of frets on the G. I have that problem on my Jazz Bass.

[@gorlagOv]

Great to see an unlabeled sharpen my axe return.

[@thegeekdude67]

Really awesome upgrades! Completely altered the clarity of the sound. Dig your style, Phillip! 🎸👊😎

[@kellyb9432]

Dude, bass videos may not get the views but this is gold! Thanks Phil

[@douglasreindal284]

Definitely the right axe got sharpened, a mim pbass was the first Fender I bought and I love it today 20 years later (w/ Dimarzio pups in it too!)

[@CS-xi9dz]

wow! I was suprised how much of difference even through laptop speakers. I've got the same bass but in tidepool color. definitely this is on my list of upgrades.

[@palm444]

The Maximum Guitar Works knobs a pretty nice. I have them on one of my guitars.

[@Baci302]

I could definitely hear a sustain and tone difference. Great mods!

[@scottnelle]

Wow! Never seen the Ray Ross bridge. That looks super cool. Killer upgrades!

[@GuitarInformer]

what a difference in sound, I don't know how I feel about those initial windings being part of the scale length with that bridge however

[@PintsofGuinness]

Came here to say this. Probably feels weird to play back by the bridge. Certainly looks weird.

[@a.krawion1872]

Hello! Could you please make a new updated "Who makes who" video?

[@DathSwian]

I'm definitely going to try that bridge and those pickups.

[@jamesgibson3242]

That's a very cool bridge. I never heard of that bridge before. Thanks Phil for showing us that. I may buy one.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Great vid!

[@tobiasryan8378]

Wow, amazing transformation in sound. Now I want a bass to mod!

[@timmcdonald9877]

The 2023 version of Sharpen My Ax!!! Phillip, I would love for you to make more vids like this, I would like to send you a guitar to feature as well. Great video!!

[@mattrudybass]

Good stuff. So glad it was for a bass too! I've never seen that bridge before, but I love it. Setting intonation looks like a snap.

[@michaellarson6569]

Just found your channel, I love this video. Please keep making videos upgrading different guitsrs and basses.

[@richarddwyermusic]

Love the mods. Great video.

[@frank241973]

Another great video, really enjoy watching this series of videos,,but I'm just curious Phil, why doesn't Fender offer a bass with these modification's,,, maybe you should start a series " this how you should build it"",the modification's don't feel there were that expensive..

[@georgeflowers3730]

Thanks for the video Phil! This video confirms a conclusion I've arrived at after years of messing around with many guitars. Before, I thought a 2K-3K dollar guitar would be better. But now, I know that all you have to do is to find a good guitar around $600-$1,000 in price, swap the pickups for the ones you like, change some electronics if you need to. It will be a $300-$500 investment, and you will have a guitar you'll love without paying those top dollars.

[@pops71]

What a makeover! Great job and your upgrade choices were outstanding, especially the Maximum Guitar Works knobs, awesome! I have some myself and I would never use anything else.

[@edruiz1202]

Awesome video!!! Wished I lived in Arizona to send you my basses and guitars for setups!

[@mikepj1025]

Never watched a video about a bass before. This was cool. Definately sounded bolder.

[@ACoustaDC]

Just a hunch but I bet John keeps those fantastic mods.... good video Phill

[@Jf72-j9r]

Very cool bass! Nice work you did on it Phil.

[@steveg.3022]

Very cool ! All the upgrades were well selected.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Man, I could watch guitar-nerd stuff like this all day. Oh wait, I already do lol!

[@NeuroApathy]

That sustain is awesome

[@robertyboberty]

I have a Dimarzio Split P in mine. Absolutely monstrous

[@aidantalbot9495]

Thanks for some bass content, nice job

[@VintageRadius]

Well, Phil, everyone is going to start sending you their new guitars!

[@russellnoland3355]

Digging the bass grooves

[@seanhoward5562]

Tone was definitely better. How about the output? Was there any noticeable volume change with the pickups?

[@wrenchhead6840]

Those puretone jacks are absolutely amazing…. I put them in ALL my guitars….

[@athomas6870]

One thing that I believe would make videos like this even better, is if you included approximate costs of the various component upgrades as well as an end total.

[@thomascordery7951]

Interesting that that bridge uses the ball end stops essentially as the saddle, rather than with a typical top string mount bridge. I'm a little disturbed that the different windings at the ball end then become part of the speaking length of the string and whether that disturbs either the tone or the intonation in the upper registers of the neck. What's the expected advantage of that arrangement? This is just like my MIM P bass, only a different colour. The only changes I've made is to add a Fender tailpiece cover into which I can slip some felt or weatherstripping, and swap out the strings for La Bella Deep Talking Bass flats. This was because I bought this bass specifically to set up for Jameson / Dunn tones. No other changes at this point, though those pickups do look intriguing.

[@presentrlb]

Very nice. I just got the same bass recently, except in buttercream. I'd love to see you have a second go at this bass, using mine. :)

[@mbcarlson]

Cool video, Phil! I’ve never seen one of those saddle-less bridges. Very interesting.

[@Phatsultan]

Haha I feel like you got stitched up with a bass when you weren’t expecting one. Really interesting video though with different content. I love hearing you play bass.

[@picksalot1]

Nice bass, good upgrades. I've got an old Yamaha BB200 Bass, a garage sale special. The neck seems to be half way between a Precision and a Jazz Bass. I had to fix up its many problems, now it's got crazy long sustain - I can pluck a note, go and take a shower, come back and the string is still ringing (hyperbole). 😉 Some foams are conductive, so when using foam to keep wires in place, it might be a good idea to test it so there are no accidental shorts.

[@recoilrob4765]

Did you end up adjusting the truss rod or did you leave the neck relief as is?

[@misteress3840]

Great playing, Phil! Love to hear more!

[@achimdg6335]

I'm always amazed that most people use cables with the wrong jacks. Straight jacks are only for Strat-style outputs, on all other outputs only an angled jack is the right one. Then you have the cable between the strap and the strap button on the bottom of the guitar or bass. And it does not matter if the output is on the side of the body, or on top of the body! BTW, then you also don't break the wood on an SG.

[@flama644]

Goddamn he can slap!!! I knew you said you played bass but youre really good!!

[@judih.8754]

Phil, basses rule! I love these mods. They seem ideal for my Yamaha.

[@garyarmstrong9542]

I'm getting a Partscaster built with leftover Strat parts. MIM mixed with an MJT closet clean body. Eventually, I'd like to improve or change the neck and pickups. Ideas...do a video on a similar guitar perhaps?! Be watching out Phillip! Cheers!

[@gtr1952]

That was really interesting! You could hear the diff with the new pups and bridge! The jack is really cool too. It seems like they all loosen up with a little use, but those look like they grab and hold really well!! Thanks!! 8) --gary

[@mikedamisch]

Sharpen my axe are my favorite videos of yours.

[@nvp323]

Thinking of picking up a Player II P Bass and doing some similar mods if you're interested in doing a round 2!

[@ciggy_]

Haha someone finally figured out how to make Phil play bass on the channel

[@Ferpero]

those DiMarzios gave the bass life and a nice punch.wish we can heard it with more gain and some distortion.

[@minervameza2686]

Love it when you play bass!

[@samlelowitch]

Why is sustain so important? Do you ever actually use three tied whole notes when performing? A white P-Bass with a b/w/b pickguard and a maple fingerboard looks great.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Love my Player Series P Bass! May have to look into those pickups though 🤔

[@hypocycloidiaspora]

Thanks for the great hot rodding ideas!

[@JoeKrol]

Is shielding paint better or as good as copper tape?

[@andrewleedaviescomic]

Loved this one

[@The-11]

I like the new intro Phil !

[@robotusa88]

Love Dimarzios!

[@r.l.rachel740]

Simple & informative. Very, very nice. Thx……

[@clicks59]

I love my 1975 p-bass. I bought it new in January of 1976. At that time, was about $325.00 out the door with a Fender hard shell case. Did I pay too much?

[@jacquesguitars]

Is it my amplification here at home? Or do I hear some unhappy distorted sounds, like @17:00? Also some ‘before and after’ sounds would have been informative.