I have 2 PJ style basses in build, both fundamentally will be used for gigging - one a relic style (already have a thread on that) which is currently in the "lacquer curing" stage so not much happening.. the other is going to have a thin skin tru-oil coat and not much else.
So I'm now pondering control layout. I want to keep the jack socket on the top at the end of the guard, and I want to get a standard three hole guard. So - the question is, do I:
1. Drill an extra hole in-between the vol and tone controls for a smaller 'blend' control, using mini cts pots and wire a-la jazz bass
2. As above but locate the blend up from the volume nearer the P pickup
3. Have a micro dpdt on-on-on switch in between the vol and tone and have P, PJ or J selector
What do you all think? And
@ICBM - I might need a bit of wiring diagram help
Comments
Personally I'd definitely go for blendability, not a switch. P with a just-so smidgen of J? Lovely.
I like proper-sized knobs on a P, even if there's one too many of them. With nice even spacing. So my choice would be vol/blend/tone.
(Have you discounted stacked knobs, not to mention a series switch...?)
However, I am coming round to blend being the right answer, even if it's an extra knob near the pickup.
If you really do want three controls I would either fit the extra volume control in the properly-spaced place as in guitarfishbay's pic, even if it involves routing, or move the jack to the side like a Tele Bass.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The three-way selector switch is valid, provided that you use a bass in an either/or way.
A Fender Broadcaster-style blend control could work if the P pickup is always full on and it is the J pickup that gets blended.
Traditional three pot Jazz Bass wiring provides access to infinite blending possibilities. Sheer force of habit would lead me to take this option.
The problem is if the body cavity doesn't extend up far enough to fit the pot.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I do thrash about a bit when I'm using a pick, but I can't imagine the position of the one in guitarfishbay's pic would be a problem, although I haven't tried using one with it there at a gig.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Are you going for the usual large scratchplate too, or just a control cavity cover?
If the former, just start with a blank piece of scratchplate material and cut it to whatever shape you fancy, drilling holes wherever you need? Bit of a faff, but then you'd get exactly what you needed.
I will do either VVT or VBT with an extra hole nearer the strings/P pickup.
I will post photos. If I can be bothered to get a second plate and do custom holes then I may swap to that later.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Now, just need to pick VVT or VBT,