heavy customizing on a Music Man Sub 5, need insight on a few details

[MM_Charlie]

Any knowledgeable help on this will be VERY appreciated.. anyway, here goes ( keep in mind that not every question I'm going to ask is because Im actually going to do that, or get it done )

1. will adding a second humbucker to a MM Sub 5 compromise the integrity of the body itself ?

2. Can you fit a stingray 5 neck to a MM Sub 5 ?

3. Is it possible to buy just the electronics of a MM Bongo 5 and with enough customization fit them in a MM Sub 5..

4. Can you sand down the black finish on the neck of a MM Sub 5 and reveal some nice wood under it ?

5. Any one have some nice customization ideas for a MM Sub 5 ?

If I get around to actually doing some, or all of my inquiries about customizing, I will obviously solicite the help of a pro.

 

[bovinehost]

I'll answer what I can:

1. will adding a second humbucker to a MM Sub 5 compromise the integrity of the body itself?

No.

2. Can you fit a stingray 5 neck to a MM Sub 5?

I don't have a SUB 5, but I don't think so. Someone will know.


3. Is it possible to buy just the electronics of a MM Bongo 5 and with enough customization fit them in a MM Sub 5?

No.

4. Can you sand down the black finish on the neck of a MM Sub 5 and reveal some nice wood under it?

You can sand it and there will be wood underneath, but the question of 'nice' might be iffy.

5. Any one have some nice customization ideas for a MM Sub 5?

One of our members here, Ken Baker, has some experience. Maybe he'll check in and give you some insight.

Ken?

 

[MM_Charlie]

Thanks very very much . I hope Ken Baker drops by also and shares some of his insight

 

[fly]

hhhmmmmmmmmm.................interesting.


*sticks around*

 

[Ken Baker]

1. will adding a second humbucker to a MM Sub 5 compromise the integrity of the body itself ?

Nope. A second pickup can be added safely.

2. Can you fit a stingray 5 neck to a MM Sub 5 ?

Unknown, but I would wonder why. My SUB 5 neck is great as it is. If you dislike the gloss neck, some 0000 steel wool can work wonders.

3. Is it possible to buy just the electronics of a MM Bongo 5 and with enough customization fit them in a MM Sub 5..

No. Even if you could, it is highly unlikely the Bongo part would physically fit. If you want greater functionality than the stock preamp, look to Audere, John East, or Aguilar.

Want another sort of adventure? Take your SUB passive and add a series/parallel switch.

4. Can you sand down the black finish on the neck of a MM Sub 5 and reveal some nice wood under it ?

You can sand it down, but the underlying wood might not be optimal for a clear finish. Remember that the SUB basses, as truly great as they are, are "budget" basses made with less-than-pretty woods.

5. Any one have some nice customization ideas for a MM Sub 5 ?

See above. It was fun and totally worth the effort.

Ken...

 

[Ken Baker]

One of our members here, Ken Baker, has some experience. Maybe he'll check in and give you some insight.

Ken?

Thank you, M'Lord!

Ken...

 

[MM_Charlie]

Nope. A second pickup can be added safely.



Unknown, but I would wonder why. My SUB 5 neck is great as it is. If you dislike the gloss neck, some 0000 steel wool can work wonders.



No. Even if you could, it is highly unlikely the Bongo part would physically fit. If you want greater functionality than the stock preamp, look to Audere, John East, or Aguilar.

Want another sort of adventure? Take your SUB passive and add a series/parallel switch.



You can sand it down, but the underlying wood might not be optimal for a clear finish. Remember that the SUB basses, as truly great as they are, are "budget" basses made with less-than-pretty woods.



See above. It was fun and totally worth the effort.

Ken...

THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH for all of your insight, very appreciated