I finished upgrading my alder/satin maple precision a few weeks ago, having never modded a guitar in 16 years. It is now as good as the best precisions I've played, but I didn't cut any corners; I've had it 5 years and play it regularly, so it was worth the investment.
https://i.imgur.com/V90WDvY.jpgIt now has...
Hipshot USA Ultralite Tuners
Gotoh Japan 201B Bridge
Bourns USA Pots
Switchcraft USA Jack
Lindy Fralin USA Pickup (Standard Wind)
Graphtech Nut
Schaller Strap Locks
D'Addario 40-100 Half Rounds
I got lucky with the pickup, because one of the Basschat Mods had it in his '78 while the original was waiting to go back in. Seems punchier than I expected, but the pickup placement on my bass is slightly closer to the bridge than a traditional.
After doing all the shielding, soldering, drilling etc, the most satisfying part was setting up the bass again, which I've done to Fender specs.
I bought from Hobbycraft (scalpels/cutting board), Toolstation (weatherstripping) and had an Antex soldering iron based on Jonathan/Feline's recommendation and I used Weller lead solder. The copper shielding and PTFE tape mentioned here worked a treat as well.
Thanks to everyone that provided advice and if anyone is a complete novice, feel free to PM me about the bits and pieces I bought. Aside from some Oil Citys in the future, I think I'm done buying parts for my collection for now.
Comments
@Funkfingers good spot - must be at least 32 if not 30"
The bridge in the picture is the original, with the exact same measurements as the 201B and because it intonates perfectly, I did a like-for-like rather than go for a Hipshot Kickass etc. I've kept all the original parts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdL0XLNo47Y&t=22s